How Much on the Rear Bumper?

[Scoutr2]

Thought I'd start a new thread here, rather than hijack another . . .

I paid my dealer $60 to mount a bumper hitch to hold a bike rack. They said I could safely put two bicycles on a bike rack, but no more weight than that. My frame is accessible and hitch-ready, if I want to add one for a tray.

But a discussion in another thread makes me wonder if I can safely attach two bikes and a bike rack back there. (My spare tire is mounted below the trailer.)

Anyone have any thoughts on, and/or experience with this?

[arkhillbilly]

My book says 100lbs., but have read of people dragging bikes, etc., several miles, due to that weight extending out, and the constant bounce of the rear of trailer.

[TWP723]

Do you have a ladder in the back? If so, they sell a 2 bike bike rack that attaches to it. Just wonderin'...

[Scoutr2]

Yes I do have a roof ladder. And it is rated at 350#. But the owner's manual says not to attach anything to it. And the dealer sold me the bumper hitch and installed it for free. This is puzzling.

[TWP723]

Swagman makes a decent one. A friend of mine has one on his rv and it works pretty well. His bikes are pretty light weight.

www.swagman.net Also check Amazon for Swagman racks! Good luck!

[clubhouse]

Camping buddy carries bikes the way you mention. Has done it for 2 years, probably 6 trips (2000 miles) with no issues. On our last trip together, last week, you could start to see a little twist in the bumper developing. He is now concerned and considering welding a proper receiver to the frame, but the bumper has not failed.

With bikes the issue is dynamic force from the natural trailer bounce when towing. A static 100lbs is totally different than the dynamic force from (2) 25 lb bikes plus (1) 20 lb bike rack hanging from the bumper.

I opted for the frame to frame welded receiver. It cost ~$300 if I recall correctly. I have done it to both my current TT and previous. Neither have had any issues hauling 4 bikes.

I think it's just a gamble. If you are willing to take it with the bumper mounted receiver just keep a close eye on it. I would use straps to try to minimize as much bouncing as possible.

The roads you travel will have a lot of affect too. If you typically travel smooth well surfaced lanes you will be much better off than rougher roads.

As I previously said, I didn't want to take the gamble but many do. Some will have issues, others don't. I hope you are successful, but at the same time I would research what it would take to have a receiver fabricated and welded too. It might be affordable enough for you to not take the gamble, that is what I found. Ours was done at a local hitch and muffler shop.

[DocBrown]

Have you considered a front mount hitch for the truck? 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Front Mount Hitch | etrailer.com

[Dirkdaddy]

Also depends on how heavy your bikes are. Clunkers 40+lbs are going to be a strain. The rear bumper is pretty lightly made. I'd get a receiver that also attached to the frame somehow, or put bikes inside (mine are $$).