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07-23-2017, 07:47 PM
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#1
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SD
Posts: 27
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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.
Marty
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07-23-2017, 08:32 PM
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#2
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Maryland
Posts: 79
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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.
__________________
Starcraft Autumn Ridge 328BHU
CR Sunset Trail 289qb (**traded)
Ram 2500 Mega Cab Cummins
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07-23-2017, 08:43 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,723
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__________________
Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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07-23-2017, 09:17 PM
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#4
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Wi
Posts: 527
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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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Scott & Julie
Northern Wisconsin
2021 Cruiser Air 27MK
2021 Ford F-250 XLT Premium
6.2L, 6 3/4 ft bed, FX4. Tow pkg.
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07-24-2017, 08:52 AM
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#5
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: United states of america
Posts: 1,570
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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.
__________________
2017 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.7 King Ranch Crew
Sold the 2016 Crossroads Sunset Trail Grand Reserve 32BH
2020 Grand Design Momentum 320G
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07-24-2017, 09:10 AM
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#6
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Belle River , Ontario
Posts: 1,753
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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.
__________________
It was a rainy few days at Algonquin Prov park...tarps kept us dry.
Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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07-24-2017, 09:42 AM
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#7
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New Camper
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Florida
Posts: 4
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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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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07-24-2017, 12:14 PM
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#8
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: michigan
Posts: 59
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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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07-24-2017, 05:11 PM
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#9
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SD
Posts: 27
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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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07-24-2017, 06:58 PM
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#10
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Gone Traveling
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,392
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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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07-24-2017, 07:34 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,723
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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.
__________________
Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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07-24-2017, 09:09 PM
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#12
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 750
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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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Russ
Forney,TX
2010 Cruiser CTX CT29RLX
2009 F-150XLT
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07-26-2017, 08:24 PM
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#13
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley
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.
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How did you add those eye screws? Just looking for specifics...
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
__________________
2014 Ram Big Horn CC 1500 tow package, 3.92 gears.
2016 Crossroads ST270BH (June 18, 2015)
(2015: 7 nights camping, 425 miles) (lost track and became too lazy to update!)
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07-26-2017, 08:42 PM
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#14
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Belle River , Ontario
Posts: 1,753
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmerz
How did you add those eye screws? Just looking for specifics...
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
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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.
__________________
It was a rainy few days at Algonquin Prov park...tarps kept us dry.
Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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07-26-2017, 08:54 PM
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#15
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 116
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Thanks!
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07-26-2017, 09:54 PM
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#16
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NW Indiana
Posts: 151
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley
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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Add sealer to threads! Add sealer to hole drilled into trailer. Add sealer around shaft of Eye Blot below/behind plastic strip
__________________
Sunset Trail SF32RL
2nd Misstress
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07-27-2017, 11:38 AM
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#17
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Belle River , Ontario
Posts: 1,753
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I forgot to say add sealant....
__________________
It was a rainy few days at Algonquin Prov park...tarps kept us dry.
Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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09-14-2017, 07:35 PM
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#18
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: TN
Posts: 31
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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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09-14-2017, 08:09 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,723
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blingo
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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What Rv do you have?
Putting it into your signature will help with future questions
__________________
Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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09-15-2017, 07:52 PM
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#20
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: TN
Posts: 31
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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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