Welding a Custom Receiver Hitch on a Jayco Travel Trailer to Carry a Bike Rack

Updated 09/29/2009 | Published 09/28/2009

Question:

I need to fabricate a custom hitch receiver to fit on my Jayco travel trailer so I can use my hitch-mounted bike rack. I plan to use some 2.5 square tube and 1/2 thick steel plate to fabricate the cross member that will bolt to the trailer frame. Can I weld the 2 hitch receiver p/n V75242 to the A36 steel plate?

asked by: Larry M

Expert Reply:

The Combo Bar 6 inch with 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver, item # E-9 is designed as a fabrication part to build your own receiver hitch. Welding, by an experienced Welder is recommended for this part. I cannot make welding recommendations for these parts as there are too many variables involved such as types of steel used, welding material used, welding equipment and settings on the welding equipment, not to mention safety concerns.

We do carry RV Hitches (see link) that are adjustable to trailer frames and are available in many sizes.

You will also need to be sure that your bike rack is designed to withstand the increased forces that will be placed on it when installed behind a trailer. The ride at the rear of travel trailers is significantly rougher than behind a vehicle. Only certain single-arm hitch bike racks designed by Swagman have been approved for use behind trailers, such as the Standard 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4 inch & 2 inch Trailer Hitches - Swagman Original, part # S64400.

expert reply by: Robert G