hauling 2 bikes

Imfrugal24/7 · 03-09-2018, 06:33 PM

I would like to know if a receiver hitch can be attached to the rear of my trail manor and if so are there any that bolt on, trail manor factory placed holes, set for a specific hitch or is it going to need to be welded in place.

I have seen the work folks have gone to to mount over the propane tanks and that a bit much.

My goal is to attach my 250cc apx 300lbs .

Let me know

Thank you

Craigrrr · 03-09-2018, 10:27 PM

You can use something like this " https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0007VDR..._t1_B0033WNJV4 "

and bolt it on and weld it on, cut out the original section of the TM bumper as it is so thin anyway and mount this in between the steel frame on each side...NOTE***** I am not saying this is the specific one for your TM, but an adjustable hitch mount is what I used for mine.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 03-10-2018, 07:26 AM

I’m not sure th factory has issued any weight rating for the rear bumper, but the consensus here has been that anything exceeding the weight of a bicycle or two (ie 100 lbs combined weight of rack, hitch, and bikes) is not recommended. A 300-lb motorbike, especially when the moment arm of the rack will increase that number — most definitely not.

Dave

Larryjb · 03-10-2018, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

I’m not sure th factory has issued any weight rating for the rear bumper, but the consensus here has been that anything exceeding the weight of a bicycle or two (ie 100 lbs combined weight of rack, hitch, and bikes) is not recommended. A 300-lb motorbike, especially when the moment arm of the rack will increase that number — most definitely not.

Dave

I assume this is a spec for mounting a receiver on the rear bumper itself. It appears that Craig mounted his receiver directly to the TM frame. I assume that would significantly increase the weight rating.

**inghamm** · 03-10-2018, 04:46 PM

I think ShrimpBurrito is right. The 100lb spec is for the hitch receiver that TM put on the trailers, mounted to the frame. I bought mine from a TM owner that didn't want it any more. You can probably order one from the factory. But 300lb is going to be too much. I would think that would dynamically change the towing characteristics as well, with that much weight that far back.

tentcamper · 03-10-2018, 05:41 PM

300 lbs hanging behind the rear bumper is going to take around 200 lbs off the tongue weight. I would think if the tongue drops below 11-12% of the trailer weight there will be sway issues. The trailer is a big lever with the forum at the axle.

I have always thought the weight limit issue of 100 lbs by TM for the bike rack was a weight and balance thing and not a mechanical limit of the frame/hitch???

See the youtube trailer sway youtube sway

Larryjb · 03-11-2018, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tentcamper

300 lbs hanging behind the rear bumper is going to take around 200 lbs off the tongue weight. I would think if the tongue drops below 11-12% of the trailer weight there will be sway issues. The trailer is a big lever with the forum at the axle.

I have always thought the weight limit issue of 100 lbs by TM for the bike rack was a weight and balance thing and not a mechanical limit of the frame/hitch???

See the youtube trailer sway youtube sway

I assume this may be true for an unloaded trailer based on dry weight. Filled propane bottles alone would return another 20-50 lbs. If you load the trailer right, you could maintain decent tongue weight.

Craigrrr · 03-11-2018, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

I assume this is a spec for mounting a receiver on the rear bumper itself. It appears that Craig mounted his receiver directly to the TM frame. I assume that would significantly increase the weight rating.

That would be correct, mine is mounted directly to the TM frame and the thin oem "bumper " cut out. I had a cargo carrier in the receiver I installed hauled at least 250-275 pounds of generator , cooler, and extra 10 gallons of fuel and strapped on those fold up camp chairs. I had no sway problem what so ever. Not sure if a cycle would cause any sway or not on my set up, as I have not tried that yet. They do make a cycle carrier that goes into the receiver that just lifts the front end of the bike up and it rolls along on it's rear tire. might be an option...

heycookieman · 04-22-2019, 03:21 PM

Ok I'm new here and just bought a 2619. We had a popup and needed to carry two bikes so this is what we have and it works great. You need to buy an extension mount. www.swagman.net/product/traveler-xcs2/ I hope this helps

Larryjb · 04-22-2019, 03:41 PM

I had thought about that option too. I vetoed that one because I would no longer be able to open the rear window of my truck, and the bikes would likely be in my way when unhitching the trailer.

I'm planning to carry 4 bikes on the rear of my trailer. Two of the bikes are modern and quite light. The rack can swing down so I could still open the trailer without removing all the bikes. Also, the trailer by nature is more tongue heavy than most. Careful packing will add weight to the tongue so you should be just fine.