Recommended RV Bumper Safety Struts For A Trailer With An I-Beam Frame

Updated 07/11/2024 | Published 05/16/2023

Products Featured in This Question

24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs

(1172)

$291.31

Mount-n-Lock SafetyStruts Universal Bumper Brackets - 4" to 4-1/2" - Qty 2

(256)

$87.95

Question:

I am looking to purchase and install your 24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs Item # e99049. My 2015 Flagstaff MicroLite 25KS has a 92 long 4 x 4 bumper. The I-beam frame flanges are 2.38 wide, with a total height of 5.18. The top flanges are flush with the bumper. I have measured and sketched to determine I can flush mount the safety struts if I remove 1.37 inches of one lower flange of each I-beam. Would this be stronger than using the standoffs? Also, the I-beams are 10.5 inches from the ends of the bumper. I know its not much difference in distance, but it seems the safety struts would off load the torsion on welds in the bumper if the struts were mounted on the inside of the I-beams, closer to the loading. I have a 2-page PDF for review if you deem this necessary. Thank you so much for your advice on this. Blessings! Hugh

asked by: Hugh S

Expert Reply:

If the height of the I-beams is less than 6" as you say then you would have to have to swap out the regular safety struts for the Mount-n-Lock SafetyStruts Universal RV Bumper Support Brackets # MO34VR, which include spacers to place the brackets far enough out to clear the flange lip. You would not want to trim the flange of your trailer frame beams.

You can place the supports on the inside or the outside of the frame beams as the difference between the two sides really isn't going to be noticeable. It really just comes down to what works for your setup since a lot of the time there tends to be other things in the way.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Kenneth M.

7/11/2024

My I-beam is 6 inches from top of flange to bottom of flange, my inside is 5 3/4 inches between top flange and bottom flange. Would I use universal safety strut or with stand off (I'm guessing) or another model for safety strut to be mounted flush between top and bottom I-beam flanges? Thanks

Kevin C.

7/11/2024

@KennethM With I-beams you'll definitely need the standoff spacers included with the universal mount # MO34VR. I am curious to see exactly how your bumper is attached to ensure that the mounts can actually fit. Could you send me some pictures?