Weld On Versus Bolt On Hitch Receiver for Use with Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers on RVs

Updated 08/10/2009 | Published 08/08/2009

Question:

Im looking into adding a frame mounted hitch receiver at the back of my travel trailer. This is for the purpose of attaching a bike rack or a small storage box that uses a receiver mount. Id rather something stronger than the type that bolts onto the trailer bumper. Is this model the only option? What in your opinion is the better installation method: weld or bolt? Im willing to go either way but would like to understand pro and con of each.

asked by: ev c

Expert Reply:

In my opinion you are going in the right direction with a frame mounted receiver. The only advantage to a weld on application is that, if welded properly, the attachment point, weld, will be stronger than the hitch or trailer frame steel and one of those two would have to fail before the weld would break.

Bolt on installations are easier to install and are rated for the same capacities as most of the weld on models, and many of the hitches offer both options. For bike racks and cargo carriers I would not hesitate to go with a bolt on model and as long as you stay within your trailer, hitch and bike rack or cargo carrier capacity you will have no trouble.

When selecting a bike rack be sure to select one of the racks that are designed to be installed behind travel trailers since the ride is much rougher than directly attached to the vehicle hitch. A couple of those models that we carry are the Swagman Original, part # S64152-2, 3 bike rack,and the Swagman Original, part number # S64400, 4 bike rack. You will also want to support the bike rack or cargo carrier with a tie down strap to the trailers frame or bumper because of the rough ride behind the trailer.

expert reply by: Robert G