Hello everyone / few questions

[ribzz43]

Hi Everyone,

I purchased a 2010 Jayco Jay Feather 23B Hybrid last July 2012. Love IT!!

I have two questions?

I was wondering if you can attach a bike rack to the back bumper without damaging it?

My second question is, should I cover my camper or not cover it in the winter? I live in the Northeast.

Thanks

Kevin

[Doug]

Personally, I would cover it if stored outside.
If you don't want to spend $400 on a full cover, I've used a tarp that entends over the sides about 18" all the way around.
I use bungy cords to secure it and the air gets through to keep moisture from building up.
I think it protects your roof a little from the elements.
I have gone to cold storage for $65/month with my new TT.

As far as the bike rack, the bumpers are not that strong so you have to be careful.
You might see if Jayco sells one for your unit. Maybe 2 bikes would be fine, 100lbs total.

There was a thread recently on a hitch that bolted to the frame, then you install a bike rack.
That is probably a safer and more secure bet.

Best regards,
Doug

[OnTheGo]

Hi ribzz43, and welcome. Here is a link you can use to get an owner's manual for your 23B: http://www.jayco.com/pages/products/owners-manual/

It's probably going to recommend that you don't attach the bike rack to the rear bumper, and that you do cover your TT. That question usually generates quite a few responses. Mine is parked outdoors in Ohio uncovered. I think they do better over the long run if they are properly covered. Leaving mine uncovered has not caused me any problems. Keeping up with exterior maintenance will help a great deal also.

We have a 17z, which is smaller than yours, and our bikes travel inside the TT. We're careful taking them in-an-out that we don't scratch the woodwork. Try a "search" in the threads for attaching bike racks. You'll find some useful, and very creative, ideas.

[tinlizzie23]

I would agree that bolting or welding a hitch with a receiver to your frame would be a lot better than trying to attach the bike rack to the bumper. Most rear bumpers I have seen on RVs are very thin metal, good mostly for storing your sewer hose, and not designed for the constant stress and weight bearing that would occur with a bike rack and bikes. The other alternative would be to reinforce or replace the existing bumper with heavier square tubing, and weld on gussets and bracing to stiffen the attachment to the frame. A metal fabrication shop that installs hitches would be able to provide you with appropriate advice on your particular trailer, along with the cost. JMHO

[ribzz43]

Thank You everyone for your comments. The bumper does seem to be very weak. I found a few full covers online for $ 179.00

ribzz43

[pm1stnau]

Welcome to the JOF, ribzz43. I may be able to shed a little light to your question regarding the rear bumper/bike rack issue. We have an X19H (a small hybrid) and last summer I did sime research as to what my options were for transporting bikes. I came across a bumper adapter that bolts to the rear bumper of any 4" square RV bumper, then your attachment plugs into that. It was designed for RV's and was supposed to be a good solution for us folks that didn't want anything permanent on our TT's, and could be used for bike racks, grills, etc. So I bought one, attached it to the bumper of the Jayco EXACTLY as the instructions read, put a 4-bike rack into it, put 3 bikes into the receiver and went camping. Upon arrival at the CG, I noticed that the bumper was "tilted." Not good!! Upon further review, the bumper had actually torn; the steel was tearing--the welds were holding up just fine. On the way home from the CG, the 3 bikes were inside the TT, and I was less than happy. I called the RV dealer that recommended this attachment, and they said it wasn't their problem. I called the manufacturer of the adapter (Swagman) and sent them pictures of the damage and a warranty claim form. The manager at Swagman told me--in writing--that that adapter is specifically NOT for Jayco's. Another call to the Jayco dealer where I bought the TT from and that recommended that adapter finally agreed to replace the bumper. While the TT was in the shop, they welded 2 more reinforcement beams from the bumper to the frame, and said that problem would never happen again, and that we will be able to use the adapter again. We haven't used it again since then, and it sure seems strong since they reinforced it. We'll see!! CW has the adapter that I'm referring to if you want to get a better idea of what I'm referring to. Bottom line: IMHO, don't attach a bike rack to the rear bumper of your TT unless you get work done to it first!! Hope this helps, and Happy Camping!!!

[2edgesword]

I live in the NE also and cover my TT. My preferences is to keep as much dust, dirt, leaves, bird droppings, tree sap and other stuff off the TT.

[Wolverine]

Ry-guy who is a regular contributor on JOF gave me this advice and this is what I have followed to the letter.

I talked about this with my uncle who has owned several TT's since the mid 70's. All of his units looked basically brand new due to some exterior maintenance he does twice a year and did not cover for the winter. In the spring/fall he washes the complete exterior using the Armour All wash and wax, uses a wax on the front of the unit to help with bug removal in the fall, washes the roof with the Thetford rubber roof cleaner, wash the awning with the Thetford awning cleaner and finally uses the 303 aerospace protectant to UV protect the exterior. I followed his process this fall along with winterizing. I also sprayed the dinette cushions and curtains with a UV protectant. I did buy an A/C cover to put on for the winter, didn't want it full of snow. I as well covered the wheels with a piece of plywood that were facing south to keep them from the sun. Now it's parked beside the house awaiting spring. Also dropped in a couple of mouse traps which I am really hoping will not to be used! Ryan