Rear bumper support
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,348
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Rear bumper support
Anyone have any good ideas about reinforcing the rear bumper (standard 4" square) that are common on trailers today?
My wife and I would like to bring our bicycles with us when we go out and about. Although, we are not interested in the front hitch bike rack that you see from time to time, I don't want to put them on the front of the truck either due to visibility concerns.
I have thought about bike racks that mount to the frame and then reach out past the bumper, but not sure if that is the right answer. I have seen them on E-Trailer and the like.
I have thought about taking the trailer to a welding shop and having them weld steel straps that cross the bumper and reach into the frame, kind of like a cantilever effect.
I just found this product and think that it should be considered.
Open to experiences and ideas that someone may have come up with that I have not yet thought of. Thanks
My wife and I would like to bring our bicycles with us when we go out and about. Although, we are not interested in the front hitch bike rack that you see from time to time, I don't want to put them on the front of the truck either due to visibility concerns.
I have thought about bike racks that mount to the frame and then reach out past the bumper, but not sure if that is the right answer. I have seen them on E-Trailer and the like.
I have thought about taking the trailer to a welding shop and having them weld steel straps that cross the bumper and reach into the frame, kind of like a cantilever effect.
I just found this product and think that it should be considered.
Open to experiences and ideas that someone may have come up with that I have not yet thought of. Thanks
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,348
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
The welds are the typical ones on the rear of the bumper which is toward the camper. There are welds in the vertical seams and one across the top.
I am going to look around a bit more but these look promising.
I am going to look around a bit more but these look promising.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
Some angle and self tapping screws does a similar thing. I had a friend who had installed the safety struts and the welds ended up breaking on the bumper, Saved the bikes. Reworded the bumper and left the struts on just Incase. It’s good insurance and the price isn’t bad for a bolt on solution.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Where did you mount the spare tire to, under the camper with a BAL system or retractable cable?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Just relocating that 70 to 100 lbs of moment arm stress will help your existing rear bumper.
Bal spare carrier
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
We ordered the bumper supports and have not yet decided on what to do about the bike rack or the spare tire. We feel the extra support will be good for the bumper regardless of if we leave the tire there or install a bike rack. We use the bumper as a step up to get to the first ladder rung, so the supports should provide a long life for the factory welds.
Not sure about putting the spare tire under the trailer because we like to be off the beaten path and get away from the concrete and asphalt as much as possible. Our favorite place to camp so far is up in the NC mountains up a forestry service road and ground clearance is a must.
Not sure about putting the spare tire under the trailer because we like to be off the beaten path and get away from the concrete and asphalt as much as possible. Our favorite place to camp so far is up in the NC mountains up a forestry service road and ground clearance is a must.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
I’ll snap a picture of my spare when I get home. I have mine fairly close to the axel for similar reasons.
I worry way more about tail drag than I do about hitting my spare tire as it currently mounted in some of my limited off-road boondocking on section lines.
I worry way more about tail drag than I do about hitting my spare tire as it currently mounted in some of my limited off-road boondocking on section lines.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
I tried to take a few pics from different angles.
Pass front looking rear. See how the stairs are almost lower than my spare?
Between jacks looking back.
From Pass side I mounted between my fresh drain and low points. I have the pull out on the passenger side so I don’t have to take as much risk on a highway.
Removal is super easy. Just simply unscrew the ****( it has a cotter key) and grab both hoops and pull. Since the other end is mounted you only have to handle 1/2 the weight. Remove tire and replace with bad tire and your done.
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