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Weight rating for rear bumpers

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  • Weight rating for rear bumpers

    I have a 2020 28 MKS, it came with the rear spare tire mount (I removed it , no need where camper goes my truck will lead the way) Looking to replace with Bike rack reciver (2"). I cannot find the rathings in the manual nor are there any decals on bumper.

  • #2
    Originally posted by PhilSav44 View Post
    I have a 2020 28 MKS, it came with the rear spare tire mount (I removed it , no need where camper goes my truck will lead the way) Looking to replace with Bike rack reciver (2"). I cannot find the rathings in the manual nor are there any decals on bumper.
    Welcome.

    I do not believe that I have ever seen a weight rating on the bumpers of any of my previous TT's, not to say that it was not available. Be cautious when mounting a bike rack to the "bumper". The bumper is pretty thin material and may not take the bouncing of a bike rack while traveling. I actually seen a member of our group sitting a long side the road with there rack laying on the ground and there bumper almost completely off of the frame.

    Brian
    Brian & Michelle
    2018 Reflection 29RS
    2022 Chevy 3500HD

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    • #3
      When the Reflection line first started back in 2013-2014, they came equipped with square tube bumpers which I believe are the same model used on your 28MKS. This question was asked back then and the answer from GDRV was 100 pounds. Even so, make sure that the bike rack you're planning on using is rated for use on the back of a trailer. If you read the fine print, many bike racks state that the warranty is void if used on an RV. I believe eTrailer.com may have some RV rated racks.

      Jim
      Jim and Ginnie
      2024 Solitude 310GK
      GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
      GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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      • #4
        If you search this and other forums, you'll find hundreds of threads on this topic. The answer is simple: a bike rack with bikes should never be mounted to a square tube RV bumper. Period. The torsional and G forces caused by the bikes on a lever (the arm of the bike rack) will fatigue and break the welds on either end of the bumper. There are many photos on the internet of bikes (or cargo on bumper-mount racks) being dragged down the road (if one side stays attached) or being run over by following vehicles. I've seen it myself as recently as this past January. Have a hitch receiver welded to the frame and get an RV approved bike rack like the Swagman.

        Rob
        Rob & Laura
        U.S. Army Retired (Rob)
        2012 F350 DRW CC Lariat PS 6.7, PullRite OE 18K
        2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS and disc brakes, solar, BB LiFePO4, DP windows
        (Previously in a 2016 Reflection 337RLS)
        Full time since 08/2015

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        • #5
          Thanks for all the feedback. Kinda glad i took the spare tire off the back.
          my take away is don't install unless you can frame mount whats needed.

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          • #6
            Below is a very nice tongue mounted bike rack for travel trailers. Nothing so far for fifth wheels other than having a hitch welding to the frame at the back. Back when I was looking into this I also checked with Thule who makes my bike rack and the model I have was not approved for mounting to a camper.
            There are however bike racks made and approved for the back of RV's as long as the hitch is strong enough to handle those forces.

            Jim

            https://www.amazon.com/Lippert-Compo...-1&tag=mh0b-20
            Last edited by Guest; 06-13-2020, 09:45 PM.

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