Community Forums

Zac808 · 04-07-2016, 06:26 PM

I want to attach a hitch receiver around the rear bumper so that I can install a bike rack. I have read a lot of threads about the 4" tube twisting away from the supports. I was thinking about welding a tab across the top and bottom of the tube and supports to beef it up. Thoughts? Pics would be helpful for any ideas that have worked for you.

Thanks.

MnTom · 04-07-2016, 06:37 PM

I put tabs something like what you are thinking on mine. I have my spare mounted on it and it started to break away like you have been hearing. If I were going to install a receiver I would think about getting a long enough tube and actually going right through the center of the bumper (welded both sides) and tie that into the frame.

clifford j · 04-08-2016, 06:54 AM

I think attaching the receiver to the frame is sturdy and important. I would put the receiver under the bumper with a saddle strap over the top of the 4" bumper and have the receiver extend to the frame. Thin wall 4" bumpers aren't very strong.

CLIFF

Tightwadted · 04-08-2016, 07:08 AM

I am on my 3rd fifth wheel and have built a receiver for all three, used to pull a boat, hang cargo carrier, bikes, etc. Like Clifford said, use a square tube(inside 2" x2") extend it forward from existing bumper to a tube running perpendicular to the frame and then attach it under bumper. I welded my hitches together, and bolted them to the camper with grade 8 1/2" bolts. never had any problem.

NavyDiver198 · 04-08-2016, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tightwadted

I am on my 3rd fifth wheel and have built a receiver for all three, used to pull a boat, hang cargo carrier, bikes, etc. Like Clifford said, use a square tube(inside 2" x2") extend it forward from existing bumper to a tube running perpendicular to the frame and then attach it under bumper. I welded my hitches together, and bolted them to the camper with grade 8 1/2" bolts. never had any problem.

Hi Tightwadted. Any chance you have pictures. I have Cougar 29RLI and was told not to put a trailer hitch on the bumper. I am looking at attaching a tray of sometype so I can put a Transfer on it.

powderman · 04-08-2016, 06:45 PM

When I did mine, I welded a 2" by 3" rectangular tube between the frame and then welded the receiver to that with it up against the bottom of the bumper and welding to it there also. Solid as a rock.

caissiel · 04-08-2016, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tightwadted

I am on my 3rd fifth wheel and have built a receiver for all three, used to pull a boat, hang cargo carrier, bikes, etc. Like Clifford said, use a square tube(inside 2" x2") extend it forward from existing bumper to a tube running perpendicular to the frame and then attach it under bumper. I welded my hitches together, and bolted them to the camper with grade 8 1/2" bolts. never had any problem.

That is the best way to do it as it removes any twisting moments on the bumper and creates just straight down pull. Done that on all my units.

Zac808 · 04-09-2016, 07:42 AM

I am going to try some angle iron in the corners. I dont have enough room in the top for a tab.

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Cumminsfan · 04-09-2016, 09:56 AM

I made a bike rack that attaches with two receivers that I bolted and welded onto the bumper. I added the welds for security only. It's been on the back for 3+ seasons and over 10,000 miles. It's bike specific, but you get the idea. Nice thing is it's like a bike rack in that you can remove it.
The right side is clamped where the frame and bumper meet. My bumper is very solid and is not like that cheap Lippert stuff. It's an in house built frame from Northwood MFG.

Tightwadted · 04-13-2016, 08:12 AM

Hello NavyDiver: I've been away from computer for a few days, sorry it took so long to respond. Here are pix of my hitch.

NavyDiver198 · 04-13-2016, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tightwadted

Hello NavyDiver: I've been away from computer for a few days, sorry it took so long to respond. Here are pix of my hitch.

Awesome, thanks very much. Now that all the snow is gone up here, maybe I can get a chance to look at the frame under mine.

Bob1340 · 04-13-2016, 10:00 PM

Just about all trailers are different. But good ideas here. The sheet metal bumpers are still pretty standard. If you intend to weld something to the frame 12"-18"-24" away from the sheet metal bumper but hang it off the bumper you may want to add a piece of flat iron to the bumper itself to keep it from cracking.