Bolt On Hitch

[sgtglenn]

Good evening. I am wanting to purchase a bolt on hitch for our new Jayco Eagle HT 26.5RLS. There are basically two options; 1). Adjustable bolt on hitch that fits the outer frame or a simple bolt on to the 4" square tube bumper.

I anticipate possibly putting a cargo carrier to store a cooler and/or bicycle rack.

Any opinions?

Thanks

David

[Tim L]

Frame mounted. Bumper is to hold sewer dump hose, and that's it!

[Rustic Eagle]

David,

Welcome to JOF

I agree with 'Tim L', always mount FW, TT, etc., receiver hitches to the frame.

The square bumper has about a 100lb maximum rating......., and that's under static conditions with the weight placed directly on top of the bumper.

Bob

[Flapper]

Ours came with the factory installed bolt-on. I would NEVER install something to the rear bumper. Seen too many bumpers in the process of coming off of RV's at campgrounds.

And don't forget, a 3000 lb rated hitch means you can usually only have about 300# of tongue weight, which limits what you can put on a rear rack.

BTW - having just gone through the research, there are very, very few bike carriers that are rated for RV use. Most explicitly warn that they should never be used on trailers. Swagman (which I bought) is the most frequently named, and they only have 3 RV rated models. There's a lot more movement due to the length of trailer behind the wheels, that most racks (or bumpers) just can't handle! And pay attention to where the receiver end of the hitch will end up. Mine was set in, which means I needed an extension tube on the bike rack, so it would clear the bumper/not hit the rear of the 5th! And that leads to clamps to tighten things up, so you don't have all the parts bouncing off each other as you go down the road.....

[troutboy365]

Thanks for the tip. I was planning to get a cargo carrier for the generator when I get to camp and thought about using it for bikes on the way up.

I had planned to just get the bolt on receiver hitch but now I better change plans. Good advice.

[sgtglenn]

All replies are appreciated and I was quite concerned about the "bumper mounted models" myself.

David