Bikes on Back?

Originally Posted by mjlaupp

Call the factory and ask about the optional bike rack receiver.

Thanks, I didn't realize they offered one. Have sent Parts an email.

Originally Posted by brulaz

Thanks, I didn't realize they offered one. Have sent Parts an email.

You would be better off to call them. I have never been able to get anyone there to answer an email.

I got my Elkmont from Custom RV in Anaheim, CA. The trailer that I bought did not have a rear receiver for mounting a bike rack, so at my request, they installed one after the fact. It has a 2" receiver. The irony is that almost one year later, I still have not used it, so I can't comment on any pro's and con's other than it hasn't fallen off!

Thanks bigbit, that's pretty substantial. Doesn't look like it just bolts onto the bumper bar, but to the frame via it's own crossbar. Maybe a bit over-kill for my two bikes but who knows ...

My son added an after market 2 inch receiver to his Subaru WRX wagon. The hitch failed (cracked). The bike rack was 3 inch so he had to use a reducer.

Having said that, his bikes weigh 46 pounds each. Yours are probably a lot lighter.

I strongly encourage you to make sure that the bikes are cabled to the frame. That way if the fall off for any reason you will drag them behind you instead of leaving it in on the road for someone else to drive over. You probably need a security cable/lock anyway. That could probably be used.

Have someone follow you and observe how much movement is occurring to the bikes. You might want to use ropes or bungee cords to reduce the motion if it is excessive.

Why not consider carrying your bikes on the front of your TV? They are always in sight so you know how they are riding and you don't need to worry about backing them in to something. As a bonus, if you install a front receiver on your TV you have an option for tight manuvering of the TM. - camp2canoe

Originally Posted by camp2canoe

Why not consider carrying your bikes on the front of your TV? They are always in sight so you know how they are riding and you don't need to worry about backing them in to something. As a bonus, if you install a front receiver on your TV you have an option for tight manuvering of the TM. - camp2canoe

Unfortunately, my Taco already exceeds its GVWR. The Elkmont does not.

And typically the Taco's Front Axle GAW already meets or exceeds its GAWR (with the WDH), but the Elkmont's GAW is ~300# less than its GAWR.

So I'm trying to move weight off the Taco and onto the Elkmont. I can't move the kayaks, but the bikes and other junk in the bed seem possible.

Originally Posted by [email protected]

You would be better off to call them. I have never been able to get anyone there to answer an email.

Or respond to a message on the answering machine. So I called until I actually got Eddy (the parts guy) on the phone.

And he said yes, the 2" hitch receiver is available for ~$250 + shipping. And it can be bolted onto the frame although they weld it on at the factory.

I'll either wait until we pass through on our way to Florida this fall and have the factory do it. Or ask a local shop to fabricate something similar.

Just discovered and ordered the:
Curt 19101 RV Bumper Hitch - for 2" Square Channel Bumpers

It bolts onto the Elkmont's 2" rear bumper bar. Will require a little cutting and fitting of the plastic and metal storage compartment back there. But generally should work fine for the bikes on the back of the Elkmont. Wouldn't ever use it for towing anything. Will post pics once I get and install it.

It's a lot cheaper and probably lighter than the factory hitch. Also is a 2" receiver; there don't seem to be any 1.25" bolt-on receivers. But we can live with that.

The Swagman I linked to above, and purchased, comes with a 2" adapter and is really solid when bolted into my TV's 2"
receiver. And, by the way, that Swagman is nice and solid and very easy to mount/dismount bikes.

EDIT: Cancelled the order. See below.

[mjlaupp]

Originally Posted by brulaz

Just discovered and ordered the:
Curt 19101 RV Bumper Hitch - for 2" Square Channel Bumpers

It bolts onto the Elkmont's 2" rear bumper bar. Will require a little cutting and fitting of the plastic and metal storage compartment back there. But generally should work fine for the bikes on the back of the Elkmont. Wouldn't ever use it for towing anything. Will post pics once I get and install it.

It's a lot cheaper and probably lighter than the factory hitch. Also is a 2" receiver; there don't seem to be any 1.25" bolt-on receivers. But we can live with that.

The Swagman I linked to above, and purchased, comes with a 2" adapter and is really solid when bolted into my TV's 2" receiver. And, by the way, that Swagman is nice and solid and very easy to mount/dismount bikes.

Read this before you hang your bikes on a bumper hitch.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/75...-be-aware.html