Can I add a bike rack to bumper of TT?

[4Camping]

I have just acquired a 2002 Trail-Cruiser 19ft TT. I want to add a bumper bike rack. See link below. The problem is my bumper is a C-Channel and most bumper bike racks require a 4 inch square bumper. My solution was to bolt a 4x4 to the bumper and then add the rack. I am just concerned about the added weight to the bumper. Can this TT and bumper handle this type of rack?

http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/shopnew/product.php?pro...16168&cat=274&page=1

[4Camping]

I have just acquired a 2002 Trail-Cruiser 19ft TT. I want to add a bumper bike rack. See link below. The problem is my bumper is a C-Channel and most bumper bike racks require a 4 inch square bumper. My solution was to bolt a 4x4 to the bumper and then add the rack. I am just concerned about the added weight to the bumper. Can this TT and bumper handle this type of rack?

http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/shopnew/product.php?pro...16168&cat=274&page=1

[Seon]

If the channel bumper is affixed to the trailer frame is solid, you shouldn't have a problem.
For piece of mind, mount a bag of cement on the rack and tow your trailer a couple of miles over a rough country road. Have you spouse follow in another vehicle to view the "action" on the bike carrier.

[RustyJC]

First of all, welcome to iRV2.com. We're glad you've joined us.

I honestly don't know how anyone could give you an absolute yes-or-no answer to your question with the information provided. At the end of the day, if you decide to try it, keep a close eye on the bumper, its supports, the welds between the bumper and bumper supports and the bumper supports and the chassis, etc. Some people have used bike racks with no problems while others have experienced structural failures due to the cyclical cantilevered load hanging off the bumper.

Rusty

[Superslif]

I had the same problem when I bought my Aerolite Cub. What I did was remove the spare tire plus part of its bracket. Then with 2" tubular steel stock welded a "L" shaped bracket. The up & down section is about 26" tall, enough to bolt into the holes that held the bracket for the old spare tire bracket. At the bottom of the 26" upright I welded at a 90 degree angle weld another section that is 2" receiver stock. This section sticks out about 6 inches and rests on top of the bumper, but doesn't really put any weight onto the bumper. The bike rack I had from my old pop-up was one of those "hitch over" types. So all I have to do is slide the bike rack into the receiver and put the pin in to hold it in place. I'll post a few pictures in my next post. It may take a day for the pictures to be approved.

[Superslif]

I have known a few other campers who attached bike racks to the "C" shaped bumpers. Without reinforcing the bumper first. The "C" shaped bumper just twists too much. Going down the road they bounce around a lot. I would never even think about doing that to mine with a 3 bike rack. Here are a few pictures of mine http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=729