I am looking for a 2 bike rack that will mount to the rear storage bumper of my 1989 32' Excella. Can anyone recomend one and how to mount? Has anyone had any problems with mounting/trailering this way?
I am looking for a 2 bike rack that will mount to the rear storage bumper of my 1989 32' Excella. Can anyone recomend one and how to mount? Has anyone had any problems with mounting/trailering this way?
There have been hundreds of previous posts that say, DON'T, DON'T, DON'T.
If you insist, be prepared to spend considerable money to correct the untimate rear end separtion, that "will happen."
Hello GJ Excella. Yes it's been done and tolerated by some units. I see pictures of rear bumper cargo extensions or bike mounts with some regularity. There is much more advice saying not to do this. Longer trailers have greater frame length without any more structural strength. The 60-80 pounds on the rear bumper and the physics principle of moment arms causes a significant amplification of forces when going over road bumps. Longer trailers like yours are more subject to frame failure & the infamous rear end separation. Carrying bikes seems convenient. Repairing rear end separation is a major $$$ undertaking. Like Dirty Harry asked, "Do I feel lucky?" Can you figure out a different way to carry bikes? Yakima or Thule rack on the tow vehicle?
I agree, it's not designed for that kind of application. I think that is why they spend the extra time to mount the spare under the A frame up front.
I like to haul bikes too, and I found that when possible, a roof carrier works great. I bought a Yakima King Cobra system and have been very pleased with it. I can haul up to 4 bikes with the standard width bars.
I am looking for a 2 bike rack that will mount to the rear storage bumper of my 1989 32' Excella. Can anyone recomend one and how to mount? Has anyone had any problems with mounting/trailering this way?
Well, I guess I'll have to add some "spice" to this thread just to prove the world is not flat and not everyone thinks the same way.
Anyway, for an alternative you might want to check out the solution my dealer Can-am RV provided. No guarantees of course, so you'll have to make up your own mind.
__________________
2007 28' Int CCD.
2011 F 250 Big Honking Diesel
DTV 5lnb on a tripod.
Wilson wired repeater with YAG.
Two big screens
15dB Backfire WiFi antenna and WaveMagnum
Centramatics.
Hawkshead Tire Monitors.
If you look at this http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...s-30184-3.html
post 36 & 38
You will see how I attached my bike rack. The limiting factor on the Airstream bumper is the fact that the aluminum will not support a rotational load but will support the vertical load.
I used straps to tranfer the rotational load to the windo sill. This rack has worked well 50,000 miles or better and cost about $39.00 for the basic rac at Wal Mart.
__________________ WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6 2004 Excursion 4x4 1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
Wally may have not gotten the memo, but rear end seperation is an issue and putting extra weight on the bumper can lead and contribute to body seperation which Andy is right, isn't an easy or cheap fix...but hey, it's your RV, do what you want.
Here is an idea, someone contact the factory and see what they tell you.
the moment-arm-physics-theory, is so badly quoted, that those who do and can explain it have given up trying.
This misses the point IMHHAEO. Our members can be asked to understand such a concept in hitch discussions. Ask any boot how the sarge made them squat against a wall and hold a field manual, olive drab, 1 each, at arm's length. Feel the burn? Now start bouncing it. That's a moment arm in action.
I felt the same as you for many years but I had so much pressure from customers that wanted to carry bikes on the back we figured out a way to do it without causing problems. The entire bike carrier weighs 12 pounds and it carries the bikes very close to the back of the trailer. It is supported by the frame and the body so there is no bounce or rotational stress on the end of the frame.
The carrier is made of high strength lightweight steel and we adapt it to fasten to Zip Dee awning brakets. I 5 years we have not had any problems.
2008 28' International CCD
San Marcos
, California
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 5
Bike Rack Rear Bumper
I see that you live in Ontario, Canada.
We are on a one-year trip around the U.S. Currently, we are in Palm Beach,
Florida and would really love to get a bike rack! We do not have an option for one on our tow vehicle(Ford F250 Diesel) with a sheet metal cover on the pick-up, also have an equalizer hitch.
Do you think if we showed your photos, we could trust a steel-fabricator or a U-Haul dealer to build us one?
We are brand-new to Airstream...just bought a 28" International-CCD in January 2008. Unfortunately, neither of us is mechanical at all.
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