Cargo carrier?

[rubberduckie]

Have a 28 ft. travel trailer. Thinking of installing some type of Reese hitch on the rear bumper so I can slide in some type of cargo carrier. I will use the carrier to haul portable generator and fuel cans. Anyone have ideas or suggestions?

Thanks

[toolster]

I installed one on my 5th wheel by using 2- 3 inch angle straight off the I beams,
in my case I had to shape them around the body, but even that was no big deal
and inexpensive for a decent welder/fabricator. If you use a a reese hitch you have to deal with the rocking side to side.

[lynnmor]

Originally Posted by rubberduckie

Have a 28 ft. travel trailer. Thinking of installing some type of Reese hitch on the rear bumper so I can slide in some type of cargo carrier. I will use the carrier to haul portable generator and fuel cans. Anyone have ideas or suggestions?

Thanks

My suggestion is don't do it. Search this and other forums about problems with hanging weight on bumpers.

[Bumps]

Is there room to put a cargo box on the roof? We glued a Thule box to the roof with Dicor (where our batwing used to be) and store the things we only use once or twice a year up there. From the ground it looks like an roof top air conditioner (we have basement air). Another idea for you. \ken

[RVGuy1966]

The rear bumper has a weight rating and if you go beyond the specs and hit a number of bumps you WILL separate the bumper from the frame. I have the same issue and would love to bring my genny with me but even though I could theoretically do it I am cautious of the bumps. I would suggest saving your money if you need too and getting a small Honda genny rated just enough to run your ac on the lowest setting for those times you really need it or need to charge batteries, etc. and put it in the bathroom tub while traveling and you can still use the cargo carrier like I do but don't put over 100 lbs on it.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by toolster

I installed one on my 5th wheel by using 2- 3 inch angle straight off the I beams,
in my case I had to shape them around the body, but even that was no big deal
and inexpensive for a decent welder/fabricator. If you use a a reese hitch you have to deal with the rocking side to side.

^^^^ This ^^^^, assuming your frame is strong enough.

Like others have said, attaching anything to your bumper is dicey.

And beware that any weight hanging off the rear will reduce your tongue weight.

[chaps2018]

Originally Posted by lynnmor

My suggestion is don't do it. Search this and other forums about problems with hanging weight on bumpers.

x2. Many of us have tried going down this path. I went to a hitch place (ie, well known welder/fabricator shop in Houston). They would do it to haul my jetski but would not do it to hold a tray (ie, boat is a constant downward force on the bumper whereas a tray or bike carrier is an oscillating load with the bumps).

Lots of stories of folks who pull off for gas and find their bikes either missing or distroyed on the rack after the bumper separated from the frame.

Just thinking about a generator or cans of gas falling off at hwy speeds....

[2500HD]

I just finished making a platform across the back of my trailer for the generator or cooler. My trailer has an I beam frame so I welded square tube to the flat part of the I beam about 3 feet up the frame. I don't intend to put more than 200lbs worth of stuff on it, but IT WILL NOT BREAK. The square tube will bend or the trailer frame will buckle before the platform comes off.

If I had a pic I would post it here. I suppose this wouldn't be possible on an ultra light trailer will a questionable frame.

[timetogo]

Do it yourself or have a competent shop add steel as needed to support the receiver. Not that difficult to make it strong enough for what you want. Do not use the bumper.

[Superslif]

every tt bumper is different. My 05' the bumper was paper thin. I end up taking the spare tire bracket off that was mounted to the back wall of the tt and add a "L" shaped bracket with a 2" receiver at the end for a bike carrier. Worked great for 6-7 years. My 2013 tt the bumper is a 4" square one welded to a extension of the "I" beam frame. Was thinking about adding some 4" "U" bolts to attach a bike rack. But since I bought a truck I just put the bikes in the bed.

Pic of the bike rack mounted to the back of my 2005 tt'

It might appear it is resting on the bumper, but all the weight is supported to the "L" bracket and to the back wall of the trailer.

[rubberduckie]

I want to store the generator and fuel can on it. Don’t want the smell of fuel or leaking fuel in the camper.

[09 harley]

On my Nash trailer there is a substantial rear bumper. It is almost 1/8 steel plate 4" square. It's then covered with aluminum diamond plate. Maybe some trailers have cheap rear bumpers, I don't know.
Go to Camping World or almost any trailer supply and get a 2" bolt on receiver. They are sturdy and will easily support a rack to hold your limited weight. Adding weight to the rear bumper does decrease the tongue weight so move a heavier item to a front storage bin and the problem is solved. You can shim on the sides of the shank that goes into the receiver to eliminate the side to side and vertical motion or simply use a J hook receiver pin to accomplish the same thing.
This is not rocket science and your trailer won't suddenly flip over or collapse on its' axles.

[Cajunman]

The weight of 4 bicycles twisted the thin bumper of my TT. I replaced my bumper with a heavy duty one I fabricated and welded on. Added extra 2" receivers on each side to accept a future cargo carrier (plan to build myself).

[rubberduckie]

Nice work Cajunman