Hitch on Trailer

[Pearl54FC]

We want to install a 2" receiver on the back of our 2014 30' FC. Question? Where and what would it be welded to??? (for a bike rack)

[GMFL]

Bad idea. I wanted to do the same thing. Problem is that it will cause she'll separation and 2" receiver is not strong enough to handle all the bouncing that will occur behind the axles There are lots of post on this subject here on the forum

[AWCHIEF]

Is that still a documented problem with modern built Airstreams? Seems it did effect the older models.

[ShinyPete]

Pearl-

We went with the specially-designed Fiamma bike rack mounted directly above the Airstream rear bumper, and close to the shell. It has Airstream-spec'd arms that also attach to the rear shell/ribs to keep it snug and not bounce or sag with the bike weight. We have our bikes everywhere we go, they load/unload very easily once you get everything adjusted, don't really get all that dirty, and the rack sort of blends in with the coach. I do prefer the rear of the coach without it (aesthetically speaking), but for practicality, it rocks.

I don't know the Airstream answer to the oft-asked "can I put a hitch on the rear bumper of my Airstream", but from the responses on AF, I'm betting it's a no. 80 lbs or more of hitch, bike rack, and bikes hanging 2' back from the bumper definitely could work on the rear end integrity given how these coaches are built. The other thing I really wonder is if you have a rear hitch what's to prevent someone (maybe not you but the next owner?) from putting a cargo rack on it and loading 300 lbs of junk for their trip? Certainly that will not be good for the rear end of the coach...........

Hope this helps.

[Pearl54FC]

Thank you!
I was thinking the hitch because I didn't like the idea of a permanent rack like the Fiamma. We have bumper storage where we keep the tank equipment and I wanted to take the rack off occasionally. BUT, I've decided to go with the Fiamma to avoid any rear end issues. Thanks for all responses!!!

[FCStreamer]

https://www.strombergcarlson.com/car...-model-cc-275/

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Is that still a documented problem with modern built Airstreams? Seems it did effect the older models.

It is still an issue. Has to do with the relatively light weight steel frame that Airstream uses since the semi-monocoque (i.e., unibody) construction allows for a lighter frame. Most "white box" trailers use a very beefy rail-style steel frame because the "sticks & bricks" style framing above the floor offers very little structural rigidity to the entire assembly. One result of the rail frame is the ability to add a hitch for a bike rack of generator and sometime even to tow a small boat trailer (if legal in the respective jurisdiction.)

[KSA63]

We have an Arvika bike rack mounted to the rear of our FC-28, Can-Am in London Ontario installed it using a method that was engineered by them. The installation uses short pieces of Zip-Dee awning aluminum support rods drilled and fitted so that the rack is easily removed when not required.
Kevin

[dkottum]

We have the Airstream Fiamma rack and it works perfectly and is very convenient. Put the bikes back there and forget about them, they become part of the assembly.

However if we had the rear storage compartment/exterior hatch on our Airstream, I would buy the rack mentioned above from Can-Am. It can be removed easily, but more importantly can be dropped down (even with the bikes on it) for storage access.

[Pearl54FC]

Can you post a photo? Will Can-Am ship a rack as we live in CO. Easily installed? Or custom to each rig? Thank you!

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Pearl54FC

Can you post a photo? Will Can-Am ship a rack as we live in CO. Easily installed? Or custom to each rig? Thank you!

CanAm has a website with all the information and they will ship anywhere:

http://www.canamrv.ca/

[KSA63]

Originally Posted by Pearl54FC

Can you post a photo? Will Can-Am ship a rack as we live in CO. Easily installed? Or custom to each rig? Thank you!

I will try to take a picture and post it here, but I believe there is a great picture of the Arvika rack somewhere on these forums that someone else posted.

Try this link to Garfield's Post ... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ml#post1114289

The rack can be removed by taking out the clips on the attachment points. If you remove the top two you can tip the rack back and rest it on a support. This allows you to gain access to the rear storage or to clear the window area for your emergency exit.
Kevin

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . I'm going to call Can-Am too. my FC28 has rear storage & I use the bumper for stinky slinky parts storage, so that Fiamma is not my favorite solution. A friend has a late model AS that an AS dealer put a rear receiver on that I think is affixed to the frame rails. . . just sayin'. . . regards, Craig

[Pearl54FC]

I saw the photo of the Arvilka on a previous post but it's installed over the propane tanks. I called the Airstream plant and Chris Burch says one of the Fiamma racks made for Airstream allows access to rear compartment and bumper storage so I ordered it. I will post if it indeed works!

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by RamblinManGa

A friend has a late model AS that an AS dealer put a rear receiver on that I think is affixed to the frame rails. . . just sayin'. . . regards, Craig

AS dealers are far from immune to doing stupid things as are all RV dealers.

To be clear, a hitch mounted to the rear of an Airstream for a bike rack will probably not cause immediate problems. It will likely take many years of use for a problem to develop. It all depends on how long you plan to keep your trailer and whether or not you care about the "next guy." This is why you will hear stories of plenty of owners of newer AS' who have "successfully" installed and used a rear mounted bike rack. Let's hear from these people five and ten years down the road and see what they think.

Having said this, I'm sure that we will shortly hear from an AS owner out there who has been using a rear mount bike rack for the past 75 years on his Airstream with no ill effect.

[AWCHIEF]

LMAO, playing the guilt card.

[Pearl54FC]

The Fiamma is NOT a hitch mounted bike rack. One model is designed for Airstream. There is a U Tube video made at the AS Plant that details the installation of a Fiamma.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Pearl54FC

The Fiamma is NOT a hitch mounted bike rack. One model is designed for Airstream. There is a U Tube video made at the AS Plant that details the installation of a Fiamma.

Agreed, I don't think anyone accused the Fiamma of being hitch mounted. It relies on both the body and frame of the Airstream for support and as such does not place undue strain on the frame alone.