Recommendations for Carrying 4 Bikes on Rear of Flagstaff MicroLite XLT

Updated 05/15/2013 | Published 05/10/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Traveler XC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches or RV Bumpers - Frame Mount

(321)

$248.35

Curt RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(824)

$133.57

Question:

What are the load and torque load x distance of load from the bumper limitations for a standard 4inch bumper. I have gone to my trailer dealer and a hitch specialty shop and they both told me NOT to hang the rack from the bumper using a 2inch square receiver as the bumper and the mounting of it to the trailer frame is inadequate for that purpose. The dealer suggested that they can build a specialty hitch welded/mounted to the frame for $500. This is a long way off from the cost of eg. a Curt bumper mounted receiver of $80 or less. Reading the reviews and seeing the pictures there does not seem to be a problem. Bumpers pulled off trailers bikes, racks, spare tires and sewer hoses all over the highway and law suits from others who hit/drove over the debris??? Any advise about these concerns? Thanks. I own a 2010 Flagstaff MicroLite XLT 18foot trailer

asked by: Bill G

Expert Reply:

Your concern about the potential liability caused by objects coming off the rear of an RV is a valid one.

To determine the carrying capacity of your RV bumper, the RV manufacturer will be your best resource, as I do not have engineering information about bumper capacities on any one given RV. Once the capacity of the bumper is known, you can then make a decision about how much weight you can carry and which rack you should use.

The strength of the bumper will depend on its construction and how it is connected to the RV. Generally speaking, a continuously welded steel bumper will be the strongest.

When choosing a bike rack, it is also important to use a rack that is designed specifically for use on the rear of an RV. The distance between the rear axle and back bumper of an RV is greater than that of a passenger vehicle, so any accessory installed in a receiver will be subjected to a greater amount of jarring and bouncing than if it were installed on a passenger vehicle.

If you determine that your bumper has the necessary capacity, I would recommend a receiver like the Curt # E-100 and a bike rack like the Swagman XP 4-Bike RV model, part # S46940. This non-folding rack is specifically designed for use on RVs.

As long as the bumper capacity can handle the weight of the rack and the bikes, and the weight of the bikes plus the rack do not exceed the capacity of the receiver used, everything will work just fine for you.

If your RV dealers cautions were because of the construction of the bumper, and you can independently confirm through the RV manufacturer that the bumper has insufficient capacity for carrying 4 bikes, having something fabricated like the dealer suggested might be your best bet.