2014 jayflight 22FB rear tube bumper???

[seaswirl]

has anyone modified the rear tube bumper?? I read that we shouldn't use it as a bumper, I want to be able to put a hitch on the rear to carry a cargo rack or a bike rack. has anyone made a hitch?? any info would be greatful

 

[oldmanAZ]

The problem is that trailer rear bumpers are not very strong and the bumper attachment to the trailer frame is not strong either. They are both much too weak to attach a 'hitch' for towing anything.

There are racks that bolt to the bumper for bicycles etc. and some of those resemble a 'hitch.' The bumper may be able to support something light, but often they are overloaded. Then the item on the carrier, the carrier, and the bumper end up falling off. Usually it is only discovered long after everything has fallen off. I can only imagine the panic for the driver following the trailer when this occurs, or worse if the items are hit in the roadway.

As far as I know, travel trailer manufacturers warn you NOT to use the rear bumper for carrying ANYTHING.

 

[Hattie]

Today was towing our TT down a straight highway (3-4 lanes each way) @ 55mph behind a Class-C that was carrying two bikes on a back-bumper mounted rack. Although well-secured, they were bouncing up-and-down very significantly - reinforced for us that carrying our bikes in the truck bed is a much smarter way to go.

 

[seaswirl]

yes I can see the rear bumper isn't very strong, that's why im posting this thread, im trying to find out if there are any mods, replacing, or strengthening the bumper. thanks, I deffinately wouldn't put anything on it the way it is, I don't even like the spare tire being on it now, LOL

 

[Seann45]

Been there done that ... it does not matter what you do that rear bumper will not hold up for more than 2 years with something hung on it.. best thing you can do is have a custom frame mounted hitch added

 

[klpoppe]

My dealer reinforced the bumper by welding 4" angle iron on the bottom and front side of the bumper and also welded it to the frame rail. It runs the entire length between the frame rails. They then installed a bolt on receiver to accept a bike rack. Seems to be extremely sturdy. I have used it 1 season so far with up to 3 bikes and have not seen any flex or twist of the bumper. Time will tell whether or not it will last.

I would not have installed the rack without the extra reinforcement.

 

[William-JAY]

Local hitch shop welded 2 inch square tube from frame to frame welded the 2" receiver to it and the bumper. It only costed about $250. I just use it for a rv rated bike rack from e trailer. Com

 

[mhuntington]

a simple rv hitch receiver would do the trick. You must also consider warranty issues if you happen to break something or your bumper fails. I just have the dealer install the hitch that way the warranty holds up.

 

[jaycojls]

I just bought this hitch:
http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-T...xBfvHpyQvy3P_zwsOapVclBiwrXuGnO9i0aAgxU8P8HAQ

This should be more than enough for a bike rack.

 

[norty1]

I just bought this hitch:
Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide Curt Specialty Trailer Hitches 13703

This should be more than enough for a bike rack.

I had that same hitch installed on my last fiver. They welded the sliding bracket after it was in place. I was very happy with its performance.
It is attached to the frame, not the bumper.

 

[jaycojls]

Correct on attaching to the frame. Everyone was telling him not to use a bumper mount but not letting him know about frame mount options too.

 

[RedHorse1]

I think most of our bumpers are not designed to carry any kind of load. I seem to recall that may be spelled out in the warranty.

 

[spoon059]

Starting with 2015 they offered cargo receiver hitches as an option on some models. If your trailer model has that option, you might be able to buy one from jayco and have it installed. I doubt there is too much difference in frames from 14 to 15.

 

[Tugboat95]

Mine explicitly says do not put anything on the bumper except the factory spare tire rack. However I see no reason why one can't be welded and reinforced to the frame itself. I will probably get around to doing it this summer. I would actually like a little more weight behind my single axle. My tongue weight is a tad high for my liking.