Can a Cargo Carrier be Used on a Bumper Mount Hitch to Carry Generators on an RV

Published 08/03/2015

Question:

Was thinking of mounting this on my Surveyor travel trailer bumper. The manufacturer says bumper can support a bike carrier. If I use a bolt on receiver on the bumper how far will the carrier be away from the bumper. My intentions are to use carrier only for 2 2000 watt Yamaha generators and maybe a lawn chair or 2. Thank you

asked by: Gayle B

Expert Reply:

If you plan on carrying generators I would not use a bumper mounted hitch. The fact that the bumper is rated for a bike carrier says to me that you don't want to put anything else on it. A loaded bike carrier isn't all that heavy. But a cargo carrier with generators on it can create a lot of stress. A frame mounted hitch should be used. I included a link to the frame mount RV hitches we carry.

Regarding how far out the basket would be on a bumper mounted hitch it depends on the hitch. Many of them, the ones that clamp around the bumper with u-bolts, have the pin hole about in the middle of the bumper. The Curt carrier measures 6 inches from the center of the pin hole to the nearest edge of the carrier. So 6 minus half the width of the bumper.

If you go with a frame mounted hitch you will probably need a carrier with a longer shank to clear the bumper. Pro Series carrier # 63153 measure 12-3/4 inches from the center of the pin hole to the nearest part of the carrier.

expert reply by: Michael H