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AC09

Yuma

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Posted: 03/30/12 02:05pm

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Anyone know of a bike rack that can hold 3 or 4 bikes that connects to the rear bumper? I have no use for a reciever hitch at this point so I don't want to spend that kind of $$ just to take the bikes with us.

Thanks, JB

CloudDriver

New Jersey Shore

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Posted: 03/30/12 02:18pm

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If you have the common square RV rear bumper it is very unlikely that it is strong enough to hold a bike rack. Your RV manufacturer is the best source for that info.

2003 Winnebago Minnie 24F - Ford E-450

mpfireman

Cook County Il

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Posted: 03/30/12 02:24pm

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It all depends upon your bumpers construction. Some unit really do not want you to attach anything to them, others like our fiver, installed the spare tire to it when new, thus i figured if it held the tire, it should hold our bikes. So we located the tire in another location, We now chain it to the TV hitch, thus we carry only 2 bikes back their, but will put the grand kids bikes inside our unit when they go camping with us.
I made the hitch as I could not find a proper one for our 2 bikes. We have put about 10 thousand miles on our fiver since the rack was installed 3 years ago, and the bikes are still with us today.

1998.5 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Cummins
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ScottG

Bothell Wa.

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Posted: 03/30/12 02:32pm

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My TT held the spare tire just fine but the 3 bikes tore it loose (spare had been removed). Bike racks create a lot of twisting force on the bumper.
I rebuilt the bumper with a much thicker part but mostly what you'll want to do is reinforce it so it cant rotate.
The best advice I have for you is to have a welder install some 2x2 angle iron to reinforce the bottom of the bumper. You can see it in this pic where it spans both the bottom of the frame and the bottom of the bumper - the end is cut off at an angle for a clean look. You could bolt this piece in place but welding is always better.

Scott, Grace and Wesly
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ArcticDodge

Sammamish, WA

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Posted: 03/30/12 02:41pm

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There are several bumper mounted racks available. The attachement on the bumper is plenty sufficient to hold up four bikes. How long your bumper will stay attached to the frame is the problem. Time and time again, it's the bumper metal that literally rips apart along the weld. I've seen it twice and saved one family alot of grief as their bumper was 3/4's of way ripped.

A spare tire mount is common but it creates a very small force since is very close with very little leverage. Bikes hang way out there creating mulitple times the force from the long arm lever.

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jay5er

Livonia Michigan

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Posted: 03/30/12 03:57pm

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JB, Do yourself a big favor and get a classII receiver, it will save you money in the long run.

AC09

Yuma

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Posted: 03/30/12 05:06pm

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jay5er wrote:

JB, Do yourself a big favor and get a classII receiver, it will save you money in the long run.

Ya, I am seriously considering this seeing as how it look as though the bumper mount would be questionable.

Will a classII be enough to tow a small boat? I would like to get one sometime in the future.

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gmc851

Weymouth MA

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Posted: 03/30/12 06:50pm

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Get some moving blankets and put the bikes inside. Much cheaper

I could be wrong, your mileage may vary

Doug & Jan
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rattleNsmoke

Western Conn.

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Posted: 03/30/12 07:11pm

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I had a 4 bike carrier attached to the jayco TT for 10+ yrs with NO issues. I have it for sale since my fiver has no bumper.
Mike

2010 Cedar Creek 34SATS (The Beast) & 20k Curt Q20 roller slider hitch
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and a wifey with tons of patience....

nylyon

Putnam County, NY

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Posted: 03/30/12 07:45pm

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gmc851 wrote:

Get some moving blankets and put the bikes inside. Much cheaper

x2

I tried and tried, but putting them inside has been the best option for us as well, we have a system now of blankets, pillows, and styrofoam to keep them in their place and protect the camper. It is nice to know that everything is safe and secure while traveling down the road.

Karl, Liz, 3-kids and Stout the wonder dog

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2003 F-250 FX4 6.0 Powerstroke