Bike Rack on rear bumper

[SNUBBY357]

We just purchased a new Palimino Solair. It has the standard 4 inch square rear bumper which is welded directly to the frame. I emailed the mfg about bolting a bike rack to the bumper and they said not to do it and that it would voild the warranty. Sounds like liability BS to me.

How many of you have mounted bike racks or accessories on your bumpers and how has it worked out?
Thanks for your help.

[Cajunman]

I have a palomino puma and bolted the bike rack with 4 bicycles. After the first trip (15 miles from the house) the bumper twisted and kinked. The rack was leaning by the time I got to campground.
Solution: used a cutting torch and cut the factory bumper off and fabricated a new one out of heavy steal and welded to to the frame.

[okcnewbie]

Nothing would stop me from putting a couple hundred pounds on the bumper. Can't imagine it would be a problem.
There might be another solution though. I already had a Saris hitch mount bike rack for my road bicycles. We went with the dual receiver from WalMart. I can carry the bikes and we can still tow the car or boat if we want.

edit.....oops looks like the bumper on your rig might not be very strong.

[Jugghead]

Unfortunatly there is bad voodo with bike racks on the rear bumpers of a TT. Every bike rack I've seen has in writting not to mount on a TT. There's some kind of harmonic vibration that does bad things to the bike rack. I lost 4 bikes on the highway in some place i will not mention because I still have nightmares that I might have wasted a car behind me. No Idea where those bikes are. I have seen a system for mounting bikes on the tonge area. This I haven't done but some day maybe.

[Cumminsfan]

I made my own bike rack out of 1-1/2" tubing. I made some receiver brackets that I bolted to the bumper and frame. It's rock solid. I also put some Hollywood front fork holders on it as well as welded an upright post for each bike. I have a rubber strap that holds the bikes cross tube to the upright post. I've been using it for close to 10,000 miles and two seasons of camping. Zero issues.
I have a solid heavy duty frame built by Northwood under our 5'er. I know what good welds are and what is required for support. I don't think I would do the same on certain TT/5'ers. I would have to inspect how it was built and make any necessary improvements if needed.

IMO the main thing that needs to be addressed is how solid the bikes are on the rack. You really need to make or purchase a high quality rack. You don't want your bike wiggling around back there. My rack is basically the same as the tilt down versions only it is removable.

Cajunman is doing the right thing in making sure his bumper is solid. Nice job.

[RGene7001]

I had welding points of the bumper reinforced + supported the receiver tube with heavy metal rods connected to the frame from below. Feels very solid.