Community Forums

dudleydo9 · 01-07-2014, 04:57 AM

Has anyone mounted a receiver on a 2008 Montana Big Sky for a bike carrier?
After almost losing our ladder and bikes during our latest trip to FL, I think it's time I abandon the ladder-mounted rack for something more secure.
The Big Sky has a molded back (and no bumper) so it posses special problems. I received a quote from a local welder of $350+ but I'm a born DIY-er, so I willing to give it a try. Is there a ready made hitch that available to bolt/weld on out there?

J Birder · 01-07-2014, 06:51 AM

Are you certain that the frame can handle it? It might be safer and easier to install a ready made hitch on the front of your truck.

Joel

JohnT · 01-07-2014, 08:23 AM

I would dig out the 2008 brochure to see if a frame hitch was offered and at what weight limit. If so, then you should be good to buy a hitch from a hitch dealer that you could retrofit to the frame.

caissiel · 01-07-2014, 08:38 AM

You will not find a premade hitch that will be better then a welder with experience can install.
Don't low ball on the price.
A good 2in receiver would be my min size with similar strength cross bars. 2 off might be best.
A well installed hitch will reinforce you trailer rear frame.

RVluvin · 01-07-2014, 09:37 AM

Harbor Freight sell a receiver that mounts to the step area in the center of a pickup's rear bumper. I welded that receiver to the top of my pin box and used a bike rack in front of the 5er. I had a long bed pick up, so space need in making turns was not a problem. I had a concern that the heat from the welding would weaken the pin box, but was never an issue. This receiver would also be good for a cargo carrier.

I had also welded my own receiver hitch on the back of this 5er for a second bike rack I carried. Like yours, it had a fiberglass cap without a rear bumper. Using some scrap square tubing, I fabricated a hitch and welded it to the frame of the 5er. It worked fine for the bike rack. When I sold this 5er, I explained to the buyer that this was for a bike rack only and not for a trailer. In hind sight, I'm now whishing I had removed that hitch just to prevent someone from trying to pull a trailer with it.

Unless your a certified welder, I would recommend purchasing and adjustable trailer hitch that you can bolt to your frame. rvlifestyles.com sells one for $229. Part #94-0077 Range RV, in Hesperia CA.

Best of luck!

450Donn · 01-07-2014, 09:57 AM

We did it on our Cedar Creek. Fabricated a rear carrier that is bolted to the frame. I took a lot of measurements to ensure that the receiver came out just under the bottom of the body. I also added two heavy duty pads for the rear stabilizers to bolt to.

mhs4771 · 01-07-2014, 12:12 PM

I believe Hidden Hitch makes a bolt on receiver hitch, but probably not as strong and a well made hitch welded to the frame. There are options out there.