Tips for Lowering Weight So that Bike Rack and Bikes Stay Under Bumper Capacity

Updated 06/26/2015 | Published 06/25/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman RV 4-Bike RV Bumper Mount Rack

(66)

$266.27

Swagman Around the Spare Deluxe 2 Bike Rack for RV Bumpers

(141)

$183.87

Question:

Looking for a solution which will meet the rear bumper wt carrying capacity for a 369RL Solitude by Grand Design to carry two bikes. Contacted Lippert today and they indicated the capacity of the rear bumper is only 110 pounds or the warranty would be voided. Weighed our bikes and the two of them weigh about 70 lbs and our bike rack is another 32 lbs. When you add in the receiver hitch from Curt we are at 112 and then add the sewer hose we are at 122. Any ideas? The only thing I can think of is to replace the bike rack we have, heavy duty for 4 bikes, with a lighter weight version. I looked at one you had but it seemed really light weight to hold our bikes to AK and Back.

asked by: Randy F

Expert Reply:

So basically you have to find a way to shed 12 lbs so that you don't void the warranty of the bumper.

If you won't be using the hitch you could remove it temporarily and the take the seats off of the bikes and that would put you right at 110 lbs. If you aren't using both of the uprights on the bike rack you could remove one to save some weight as well.

Another option that would save you almost the exact amount of weight you would need would be to go with the # S80501 as it only weighs 19 lbs and can carry 2 bikes on a 4 inch square bumper. See attached review video.

expert reply by: Jameson C