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Old 07-23-2017, 07:47 PM   #1
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Bike rack on Sunset Trail Super Lite

We just got our new 2017 Sunset Trail Super Lite 289QB. We love it so far. I would like to carry bikes on a rack on the back bumper. Is this possible? Is the bumper capable of the weight of 4 bikes? I was thinking of getting a 2" receiver adapter, mounting to the bumper and using a hitch type bike rack in it. The bumper is hollow with the sewer hose stored in it. Has anyone done this on an aluminum framed TT? I really appreciate seeing how you set this up.

We are towing with an Escalade, so there is no bed to carry them in...

Thanks for your help.
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Old 07-23-2017, 08:32 PM   #2
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I have the same trailer and have thought of doing the same. But take a nice close look at the engineering of the bumper. It's only tack welded in like 4 spots to the frame. I would imagine it would hold the weight sitting still but bouncing around on the hwy at 65mph is a whole different story especially 4 bikes.

There are braces sold to stiffen up the support system which requires drilling or you could have someone beef up the welds.

Good luck with your 289.
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Old 07-23-2017, 08:43 PM   #3
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Here's a video and link for bumper supports. http://www.crossroadsowners.com/foru...ort-13127.html

Purchase; https://www.amazon.com/4SQUARE-Safet.../dp/B00JASCNEE
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Old 07-23-2017, 09:17 PM   #4
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Personally I would not mount anything to the rear bumper except the rack for the grill the way it comes from the factory. I would suggest the bumper support brackets or what I did is had a welding shop fabricate a receiver hitch that is mounted right to the frame. Then there is no question on whether it is strong enough. Also I installed the "Hide A Spare" spare tire holder made by BAL that mounts under your unit to the frame rails and that gets the spare tire off the bumper and out of the way of the bikes that are back there.
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Old 07-24-2017, 08:52 AM   #5
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I have the same issue, I need to carry 4-5 bikes. I did a quite a bit of digging into this I would recommend not attaching bikes to back of any ultralight trailer regardless of the aftermarket brackets (sorry Mark). Just my risk-adverse opinion here..

You have to consider the physics of carrying bikes on the rack. When those bikes start rocking back and forth, side to side (and they will) it will produce more leveraged stress on the bumper than just the dry weight of the bike+rack+hitch and add in your existing tire mount. Just not good.
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Old 07-24-2017, 09:10 AM   #6
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If you are going to do it ...add eye screws to the corner of the trailer and snug up bikes with rachet straps...see pic.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg rearbikerack004_zps940a6663.jpg (100.0 KB, 34 views)
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Old 07-24-2017, 09:42 AM   #7
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We have a 17' 331BH, the spare tie is on our bumper, we use a 3 bike rack made for the spare tire. We've made quite a few trips with no issues with the bike rack on the spare tire.


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Old 07-24-2017, 12:14 PM   #8
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bike rack support

Hi folks, I'm the one that bought and installed the bumper strut supports. I just want you to know it was a breeze to install them. Now the company claims my bumper will support up to 400 lbs of weight. All of the stress is off the weak welds and redirected to the beefy strut supports. I already bought a 30 lbs 4 capacity bike rack and put 2 bikes on it and it doesn't even budge the bumper.
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Old 07-24-2017, 05:11 PM   #9
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Thanks for all the responses, I appreciate the input. I realize every TT is different.

I called the dealer where I bought it, they said to never attach anything more than the spare tire to my bumper - even with braces or supports. They said the ONLY way to use a bike rack is to have a welding shop install a rear tow hitch/receiver. I understand they are going to be overly careful with their recommendations. The recommended shop charges $425 to make the hitch and weld it to the camper. Not sure if I want to invest that much into hauling kids bikes, I'll have to think it over...

I appreciate your input. If I go forward, I will be sure to update the group. Thanks.
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Old 07-24-2017, 06:58 PM   #10
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In my opinion, even with the after market brackets to beef up the welds its still a VERY flimsy metal bumper between the welds. I know it sounds expensive to have one welded on, but to me it would be cheap insurance, what if it broke bumper & caused an accident.
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Old 07-24-2017, 07:34 PM   #11
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I dispute you claim of a flimsy bumper. It is boxed shaped and the metal is of sufficient thickness not to flex or bend. I stand on it (all 245 lbs) and feel no flex when bouncing on it. In my opinion, with the added brackets I feel totally confident that it will support the bike rack and bikes with no problem. Had racks on all my TT and 5ers and never saw a crack or had an issue. Lucky, no, it will support the bikes and racks with the bracket added.
BTW, they used to place the tire and holder on the bumper.
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Old 07-24-2017, 09:09 PM   #12
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The welds failed on my bumper with just the spare tire mounted on it, factory installed. Fortunately I noticed it before it came completely off.
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Old 07-26-2017, 08:24 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley View Post
If you are going to do it ...add eye screws to the corner of the trailer and snug up bikes with rachet straps...see pic.
How did you add those eye screws? Just looking for specifics...

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Old 07-26-2017, 08:42 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmerz View Post
How did you add those eye screws? Just looking for specifics...

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Very simple ...think I used 5/16 x2" eyes. Drill a hole a bit smaller thru the rubber trim on the corner piece. That is where the screw the trailer together. Screw eyes slowly in, backing of an keep going a few times to let them self tap.
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Old 07-26-2017, 08:54 PM   #15
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Thanks!
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Old 07-26-2017, 09:54 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley View Post
Very simple ...think I used 5/16 x2" eyes. Drill a hole a bit smaller thru the rubber trim on the corner piece. That is where the screw the trailer together. Screw eyes slowly in, backing of an keep going a few times to let them self tap.

Add sealer to threads! Add sealer to hole drilled into trailer. Add sealer around shaft of Eye Blot below/behind plastic strip
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Old 07-27-2017, 11:38 AM   #17
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I forgot to say add sealant....
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Old 09-14-2017, 07:35 PM   #18
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bike rack

I took spare off, stored in bed of truck. Put adapter on bumper for hitch.
Have been carrying 2 bikes, so far, so good. I will check bumper welds.
Like the hook idea.
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Old 09-14-2017, 08:09 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blingo View Post
I took spare off, stored in bed of truck. Put adapter on bumper for hitch.
Have been carrying 2 bikes, so far, so good. I will check bumper welds.
Like the hook idea.

What Rv do you have?

Putting it into your signature will help with future questions
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Old 09-15-2017, 07:52 PM   #20
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bike rack

I have sunset 260RB. Checked bumper. No weight except bike rack. It helps
that bikes sit on rack, do not hang. It is very stable. I figured ok because
spare and holder for it are heavy. Took it out west and up into Canada last fall
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