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jmpgino · 06-27-2014, 03:27 PM

Hello from a new Airstream owner.

I have a 20 ft Flying Cloud, I was told that the frame of an Airstream would not hold a Motorbike but my Scooter only weighs in at just under 200 lbs, looking under the back of the Airstream the frame that extends to the bumper, is no lightweight in thickness. A huge Harley will weigh in the 1000 lb plus area, so I can understand why they can not be added onto the back of an Airstream but this scooter is light.
I had thought that I could put a hitch on the front of my Tahoe but on reading around, some Police in some States are inclined to give warnings and tickets for a bike on the front of a truck.
I am a rather good welder and see no reason that a hitch could not be welded between the two ends of the frame that would support a small scooter and it's carrying rack.
So my question is, is there anyone reading this post that has some knowledge on this idea of mine.
Cheers in advance,
James.

**Stefrobrts** · 06-27-2014, 03:59 PM

Anything hung off the back end will have it's effect on the frame magnified as it bounces up and down going down the road because it is so far back from the axle. 200lbs is a lot of weight! I had a vintage Bambi that had a spare tire and a tool box mounted on the rear frame, and it was enough weight to cause rear separation between the shell and the body - I could look under the kitchen cabinet and see daylight coming through.

I think you would be better off to figure a way to mount it to the tongue or carry it in the truck. I wouldn't put anything on the back bumper.

aquinob · 06-27-2014, 04:21 PM

Sorry, but not a good idea to hang anything off the rear bumper. Anything aft of the rear wheels is unsupported weight. Take the 200 lbs and the distance from the rearmost axle and multiply them together to get an idea of the amount of torque you will be putting on the frame every time you go over a bump. (200lbs X 10' = 2000 ft/lbs) as an example.

SmokelessJoe · 06-27-2014, 04:51 PM

James, good advice from Stephanie and Bob.

rodsterinfl · 06-27-2014, 05:14 PM

There are a couple options. I do not have a Vespa but a Honda PCX150 that I ride everywhere. It weighs 268lbs or so. If it is a 50 CC you may be able to put in on a mat inside the door, see width. The truck bed is another option and one I use.

dznf0g · 06-27-2014, 05:30 PM

My Yamaha Riva 125cc goes in the truck bed. Wouldn't even consider anywhere on or in the AS.

rodsterinfl · 06-27-2014, 05:50 PM

If I still had my little Vino I would put it in there, ride it up and down the isle- yeah!

oh, I would need a slide out model I guess for that!

bakes · 06-27-2014, 05:52 PM

This is a good example of what not to do.

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AWCHIEF · 06-27-2014, 05:53 PM

If a certain individual can make people believe that a vehicle with a 2000lb max tow rating can safely tow 10k lbs why can an Airstream not be modified to carry a 200lb scooter?

SmokelessJoe · 06-28-2014, 09:51 AM

Michael,

Because we are not talking about the same thing. Andrew T can explain that for you!

**Stefrobrts** · 06-28-2014, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bakes

This is a good example of what not to do.

Maybe I'm just not creative enough, but I cannot imagine any reason you would want a ball welded to the back of your trailer.

**DKB_SATX** · 06-28-2014, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquinob

Sorry, but not a good idea to hang anything off the rear bumper. Anything aft of the rear wheels is unsupported weight. Take the 200 lbs and the distance from the rearmost axle and multiply them together to get an idea of the amount of torque you will be putting on the frame every time you go over a bump. (200lbs X 10' = 2000 ft/lbs) as an example.

I would add a slight correction. The torque you describe is what the scooter would be putting on the system CONSTANTLY. The force would be much higher going over a bump.

xrvr · 06-28-2014, 04:56 PM

Airstream frames are not designers for that. My Avion would have no problem except really shifting weight off the tongue. Jim

overlander63 · 06-28-2014, 07:10 PM

So exactly how does telling everybody how a completely different trailer has no problem doing something have anything whatsoever to do with whether or not the trailer being discussed can?

idroba · 06-28-2014, 07:23 PM

My 2014 20' FC has a 5" deep frame, full box, and I assume the OP's 2011 is the same. My 1974 Argosy 20' has a 4" deep box frame. Yet I have seen a newer 19' with a tiny C channel 3" frame.

I know that some Airstreams have very marginal frames such as the 19' mention above, but the 20' with a 5" frame may really be strong enough to accommodate 200# on the back.

Without engineering calculations, I don't think you can make any blanket statements that the strength of a 20' with a 5" frame would be a real overload.

The Ice Man · 07-25-2014, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmpgino

Hello from a new Airstream owner.

I had thought that I could put a hitch on the front of my Tahoe but on reading around, some Police in some States are inclined to give warnings and tickets for a bike on the front of a truck.

James.

This is my solution, but now I'm concerned which states I need to stay away from. (We've all seen the pictures of Wally with the bike on the front!) Where do I find out where I can't go?

Foiled Again · 07-25-2014, 01:59 PM

Of course getting an Eddie Bauer would be another reasonably priced alternative - well an alternative at any rate...

Seriously - weigh the trailer with a full load of normal camping supplies - then if you have 200lbs leeway, put the scooter inside in the Aisle - directly over the axle(s) or in the bed of the tow vehicle.

agree 200 lbs on the rear bumper has got to be bad for the frame.!