New x19h owner question

[Barnaclepete]

Hi we just bought this and pick it up next week. I had a couple questions.

-is it safe to put bike rack hitch on rear 4" bumper. (I have mig and can weld bumper to frame if needed)

-heater doesn't sit flush w wood all away around is this common? About 1/4 inch sticking out. There were 5 other jayco htt models there and they were all like that?

-who runs dual battery? Would one battery and 100w solar panel from amazon be a better option?

-I have bikes, surfboard and kayaks I'm trying to fit so any clever ideas would be appreciated. I can fit most in my Ram.

Thank you.

[Allamuchy Joe]

I would not recommend the bike rack on the bumper, especially unmodified. These bumpers are flimsy at best. There was a whole discussion on this in a different thread on this forum.

If you decide to weld the frame of your trailer, you may be voiding any warranty by Jayco. You may want to check that before you do it.

[Barnaclepete]

Great point. Thanks.
So how do most folks carry bikes (I have 4), in their tow vehicle?

[Allamuchy Joe]

Originally Posted by Barnaclepete

Great point. Thanks.
So how do most folks carry bikes (I have 4), in their tow vehicle?

You can carry them on the roof using a Thule or Yakima rack. Also, we carry ours in the bed of our pickup. There are also special racks for the trailer tongue like this one on etrailer.

[chuckworkb]

A bike hitch on the front of the trailer is a interesting idea. I never thought of that before. You just have to remember that everything you add to the front adds to the tongue weight, 4 bikes and the rack might be more weight then you think. The one in the picture looks like you need to bring along a ladder to get the bikes on and off.

[joezaw]

Here is how we do it. I can get up to 5 bikes loaded. Currently 2 adult bikes, 1 kids bike and a tag-a-long.

[Barnaclepete]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like ill have to keep it all in my truck bed. Was just trying to see if there was a better way. Beach camping w 4 bikes, 2 surfboards and a 12' kayak should be a hoot. I should be able to get the boards in the trailer, prob will need a ladder rack on truck for the kayak as I don't want to drill in trailer roof.