RV Bumper Receiver Adapter

Mikeyonline · 03-25-2014, 03:03 PM

Wondering if anything has used one of these or has experience with them

Bumper Receiver

Happened to find it by accident, not looking at purchasing it, just wondering other thoughts. Can't believe that it would be stable enough to carry bikes on, I have a swagmann bike carrier and it must weigh a good 30 pound with no bikes on it.

Looking it put a hitch on my TT that I got off an old 5th with to carry a Hitch cargo Carrier to put my grill on for traveling. Don't think that Receiver would do it.

Caleb · 03-25-2014, 04:39 PM

I bought one and installed it on my x213 and used the bike rack that we use in the receiver of our SUV. First time we used it, I stopped at the gas station to check out the bikes after 90 miles. The bumper was twisted and the bikes were almost gone!!! I figured it must have been bouncing. I returned it after the trip. I wish it would have worked.... But no dice!

Tex1961 · 03-25-2014, 04:59 PM

I'm just afraid that I will make a sharp turn and take out one of my bikes or dent my TT.

tinlizzie23 · 03-25-2014, 05:27 PM

Today's RV rear bumpers generally are not much more than decoration. They are made out of very thin metal, and will not stand much torque or stress, regardless of the type of carrier mount you put on them. I would suggest that you consider a mount welded to the frame for any weight exceeding 15 pounds. JMHO

Tail_gunner · 03-25-2014, 05:46 PM

Don't do it!!!!!

A few years back I was a parts guy at the local RV dealer. A customer came in and bought a Bumper Receiver off the shelf. He had previously bought a Starcraft TT and put the bumper receiver on his 'sewer hose' rear bumper. He then put a bike rack on it and (IIRC) hung at least 3 bicycles on it.

He went on a trip and half way there, took a break. To his horror, the rear bumper had twisted like a cork-screw. Two bikes were gone and the last one had been dragging on the pavement for many miles.

Needless to say he was pissed. He tried to get my employer to foot the bill for all the damages as well as the loss of his bikes. Since he had not consulted anyone in the store, no one was able to caution him against doing what he did. The service department even tried to get Starcraft to pay for the repairs under warranty. We did get a replacement bumper for him at cost and welded it on and painted it for free.

The 'sewer hose' rear bumper was of metal so thin it had little if any structural strength. Starcraft later came out with a service bulletin saying they would not pay for any warranty repairs to the rear bumper for damages due to 'non-factory items installed on it'.

**norty1** · 03-25-2014, 06:59 PM

I bought that same one years ago and quickly found it to be a potential problem the first time my buddy followed me with my 2 bikes attached.

dmax_83 · 03-25-2014, 07:57 PM

I have one that came with my swagman rv bike rack, have never used it since I have a hitch welded to the frame. I'd let it go pretty cheap if you're interested, but I can't say that I would suggest hanging much weight off of it.

Seann45 · 03-28-2014, 10:26 AM

Here is what happens with them on your bumper.. I had a cargo carrier and 2 25 gallon blue boys on there.. less than 75 lbs total weight.. yep that is my little finger in the crack..

rugerguy · 03-28-2014, 11:10 AM

I realize that we are talking 2 different type of trailers here but my Eagle had a factory spare tire mount on the rear bumper so I built a similar reciver and mounted to carry 2 aluminum framed bikes which weigh less than the tire and carrier,I've only been out twice since then but I don't see a problem yet.

3'senough · 03-28-2014, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rugerguy

I realize that we are talking 2 different type of trailers here but my Eagle had a factory spare tire mount on the rear bumper so I built a similar reciver and mounted to carry 2 aluminum framed bikes which weigh less than the tire and carrier,I've only been out twice since then but I don't see a problem yet.

I have seen them fail on the highway and flagged people down as well as seen them picking up the remnants of the bikes that use to be there. You won't see a problem as it will happen in an area you cannot see from your drivers seat until it is too late. You could have a weld shop reinforce it with some plates at the welds which would significantly improve your bumper.

Remember the sceen in RV when the shopping cart was being dragged under the rear and sparks were flying. That was a family's bikes that I saw doing the same sparking on the highway being dragged by a twisted bumper.

Grumpy · 03-28-2014, 01:00 PM

A fellow pulled into the CG at TYBEE ISLAND last spring with a JAYCO TT/FW (don't remember which) minus the rear bumper, it was in the tow vehicle along with the bikes, which by the way were damaged as well. He had a welder come to the CG and he could not even make any repairs so everyhing rode home in the tow vehicle. The owners' manual clearly states do not add anything other than the factory spare to the bumper.

msturtz · 03-30-2014, 06:34 PM

I paid $250 to add a frame mounted 2" receiver on the rear of my JayFlight 29 BHS. I would not trust a sewer hose bumper to hold anything but the factory spare tire.

Dean M · 10-18-2015, 11:15 AM

Bringing this one back from the dead to see if anyone has done any mods? I have an 213x and I noticed there are 2 holes (one in each) on the frame rails from the factory. I was thinking of having something made up to accommodate a cargo rack or box. I was thinking maybe a receiver on both sides with pins and using the existing frame holes to bolt on some type of mounting bracket. Any thoughts?

You may also like: