154BH Bumper Beef

[vandevsr]

I've been warned that adding 4 bikes to the rear bumper adds grief. I've read enough in the forums to not need the reminders about tube bumpers twisting, losing tongue weight, etc.. I just want to share what I've learned from my experience.

I bought a PrincessAuto tube bumper receiver. Knowing it would (and actually watching it) twist, I've welded a 36" piece of two inch square steel. And little bits.

See the pics. The underside view shows where I bolted it to the cross member (that needs some adjusting yet).

After that was done I slipped in my bike carrier (holds four). And I had someone bounce on it while watching underneath. Here's what I learnt. There's no twisting of the tube bumper. Yay! 2-inch steal was overkill.

Then I was thinking maybe I have to add strength by attaching to another cross member (the one nearest the bumper). But no. The weak point now (watching everything bend) is actually the frame rails rear of the axle. From the leaf spring pivots to the back, the entire frame bends down (sags) under weight. And the cross member nearest the bumper sags with the bumper. I wouldn't gain much by attaching there too. So, I'm going to need to regularly inspect the frame rails at the rear for cracks.

Regarding clearance: It's lower than it needs to be. Not as close to the ground as the axle. I needed to make sure a full black-water tank wouldn't touch. You can't see on the picture but it's just as low as the little angle pieces welded to the bumper.

[nbhybrid]

Originally Posted by vandevsr

The weak point now (watching everything bend) is actually the frame rails rear of the axle. From the leaf spring pivots to the back, the entire frame bends down (sags) under weight. And the cross member nearest the bumper sags with the bumper. I wouldn't gain much by attaching there too. So, I'm going to need to regularly inspect the frame rails at the rear for cracks.

and you are OK with this just to haul bikes?

what is it doing to the shell of the trailer if the frame is flexing that much?

I would have just gotten an over propane tank holder or just put them on the TV

Good luck