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Boxite · 02-13-2018, 05:59 PM

You might consider a front-mounted receiver hitch on your SUV and put the bikes up front.

SilverHouseDreams · 02-18-2018, 11:47 AM

You could put the bikes *inside* the trailer while traveling...and then lock them to the a-frame when at the CG? I know, crazy idea that we carry stuff inside a massive primarily empty box :P

Silvr_Bullet · 02-19-2018, 04:31 AM

Folding bike. This has worked for me in my 16’ Sport have them a dozen years, now they start at about $635.00. They fold n’ fit in a nylon bag weigh approximately 30 lbs one stored under dinette and one on bed, no worry about theft and clean because they are in storage bags. They are full size bikes very sturdy.

Link
https://www.montaguebikes.com/produc...ooper-express/

fubar201 · 02-19-2018, 05:17 PM

I was told by several people that it will *not* support a bike rack. Looking at tongue racks as we speak.

Johnnyooo · 02-19-2018, 09:06 PM

I would definitely install a bumper...I had one put on by the dealer, although after seeing it installed, I could have done it myself...It is a bolt on, and some cutting of the banana wrap...caulking is also necessary where it passes thru the banana wrap. The bumper is cheaper than any damage to the body that would occur if you hit without the bumper..

waninae39 · 04-03-2018, 08:54 AM

the bumper is no longer listed on their site

any other suppliers

Boxite · 04-03-2018, 10:04 AM

Call a dealer.

Silvr_Bullet · 04-03-2018, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waninae39

the bumper is no longer listed on their site

any other suppliers

Colonial Airstream ordered one for my 16’ Sport for me that they will install for me, I guess they ordered it from Airsteam.

Belbein · 04-04-2018, 11:26 AM

Bumpers have not been on the website since I bought mine a few years ago. What kind of idiot makes a vehicle without a bumper?

Airstream told me they didn't make them or sell them and that I couldn't do it. My dealer was able to get a bumper, and added it after market after much gnashing of teeth. The dealer will of course do anything for money, including selling me a hitch that was not right for my vehicle. (I'll post some comments on that later.)

The problem with the bumper is that the trailer is so low to the ground that the bumper--being the far end of the fulcrum-- scrapes on the slightest uneveness. So think of the bumper as a piece of sacrifial metal that's going to have to be replaced after you scrape it and back into things a few times. On the other hand, it gives you space to store your dump hose. Given all the other things that are going to have to be replaced sooner or later ...

You cannot put a bike rack on the bumper--it's too flimsy. And you can't put a receiver back there to put on one of those trailer-hitch bike racks because ditto.

waninae39 · 04-04-2018, 02:30 PM

i have the 3" raise kit installed. I helped alot with hills , valleys and backing up.
I want a bumper to spare any costly damage without one.
plus i want to store the sewer hose there

Silvr_Bullet · 04-04-2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waninae39

i have the 3" raise kit installed. I helped alot with hills , valleys and backing up.

I want a bumper to spare any costly damage without one.

plus i want to store the sewer hose there

Can you fill me in on particulars for the lift kit? That may be something for me to consider. Thanks. I think if one is reasonably careful back up it’s not a huge problem with the rear bumper bottoming out. I am having bumper installed in a few weeks.

waninae39 · 04-04-2018, 08:20 PM

here is the lift kit post

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f295...rt-109420.html

The one needed for the spiort sell with two axle lifts. thus sport buyers only need 1/2 the kit i.e only one axle

thus after you buy the kit, you can sell the other half to anyone who only has one axle

attached is the dexter manual for the kit install

Boxite · 04-05-2018, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belbein

Bumpers have not been on the website since I bought mine a few years ago. What kind of idiot makes a vehicle without a bumper?

Airstream told me they didn't make them or sell them and that I couldn't do it. My dealer was able to get a bumper, and added it after market after much gnashing of teeth. The dealer will of course do anything for money, including selling me a hitch that was not right for my vehicle. (I'll post some comments on that later.)

The problem with the bumper is that the trailer is so low to the ground that the bumper--being the far end of the fulcrum-- scrapes on the slightest uneveness. So think of the bumper as a piece of sacrifial metal that's going to have to be replaced after you scrape it and back into things a few times. On the other hand, it gives you space to store your dump hose. Given all the other things that are going to have to be replaced sooner or later ...

You cannot put a bike rack on the bumper--it's too flimsy. And you can't put a receiver back there to put on one of those trailer-hitch bike racks because ditto.

This post seems really odd to me. I got mine from the website and it was less than "a few years ago". I have never dragged or scraped it on anything and I take my Sport "off road" when boondocking to some pretty rugged places. A bike rack or hitching anything to the rear of an Airstream is asking for problems. Lots of videos of overturned Airstreams with bikes and stuff on the back. Too much weight too far back. The bumper had nothing to do with it.

Belbein · 04-05-2018, 03:03 PM

Sorry it seems odd. Seems odd to me that your bumper has never drags. Maybe I should stop doing Airstream- cross.

Boxite · 04-06-2018, 01:38 AM

The bumper was never an issue for me but the sewer-valves have been. Just choosing a refueling stop involves the crown of the roadway versus driveway-rise considerations. When boondocking I've had to place rocks in ditches to run the wheels over to prevent the sewer-valves from hitting the roadway.
I finally installed the 3" lift kit and it has taken care of most issues... but on opening-day of turkey season I had to use the rocks-in-the-ditch routine on one creek-crossing. (Lift-Kit = BEST mod to make after the bumper!)

Johnnyooo · 04-06-2018, 06:45 AM

I had a bumper installed in 2017 by the Airstream dealer, on my 2016 Bambi 16' ...I've boondocked and had no problems with scraping the bumper... Airstream does sell a bike rack that goes on the bumper....There are skid plates that Airstream has installed, but I have yet to scrape those....I agree with your thought of selling an RV that does not have a bumper... It was the first thing I had the dealer put on, along with segment protection on the front.... The thin 3M film protection is not enough to stop stones ...

Silvr_Bullet · 04-06-2018, 07:18 AM

I agree makes little sense to not build in price of bumper and stone guards into price, maybe it’s a weight issue. I personally rather have some added protection.

waninae39 · 04-06-2018, 10:45 AM

i ordered my bumper from CANAM london, ON
3-4 week delivery from factory

C$1063 + 100 shipping

Barnyard · 04-17-2018, 06:11 PM

I was told adding number to new Bambi would void warranty. Suggestion was to wait till warranty was expired.

Skybear46 · 04-18-2018, 05:27 AM

Who told you the warranty would be void? Makes no sense to me. The bumper I had installed was manufactured by Airstream and shipped to my local dealer although I had the installation performed by a qualified technician(with far more experience than the dealer) along with solar panels, an electric tongue jack, and equalizer hitch.