Hitch mounted on AS rear?

[carver 1]

Has anyone mounted a hitch receiver on the rear of their AS to be able to accommodate a bike rack? The bike rack specifically made for the AS is neat, but really expensive. I already have a bike rack that I use on my P/U all the time and I could easily slide it into a rear receiver.

Thanks,

[overlander63]

NEVER. EVER. Either buy the factory bike rack, or leave the bikes at home.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by carver 1

Has anyone mounted a hitch receiver on the rear of their AS to be able to accommodate a bike rack? The bike rack specifically made for the AS is neat, but really expensive. I already have a bike rack that I use on my P/U all the time and I could easily slide it into a rear receiver.

Thanks,

Never, ever, do what you propose.

To do so, will cause rear end separation, in part because of the moment arm you created.

Andy

[carver 1]

Overlander,

Thanks for your pleasant and understanding reply to my query. Someday I too may achieve your forum standing. Then again, why would I want to?

[urnmor]

There has been a lot written about putting a hitch on the rear of the AS. Most if not all negative. As a result I bit the bullet and purchased the bike rack. You can save a few dollars by putting it on yourself, however, I chosed to have it dealer installed.

[dkottum]

Airstreams have a history of the shell separating from the frame at the rear. For this reason I bit the bullet and bought the Airstream rack, which is supported not only by the frame but also by the shell structure. It's well-made, easy to use, holds the bikes firmly. I had another rack from Fiamma on the back of our VW camper and carried bikes on it all over the country with no problems. This one is working as well.

[carver 1]

Thanks to all who responded to my question and explained to me why I should go with the AS Fianna rack. I guess I should have put the rack on Santa's list. There's always next year. Wait, birthday's coming up. Thanks again...

Cheers,

[AWCHIEF]

My Bambi II had the spare tire mounted on the back with a 2 inch hitch mount for bikes or whatever when I bought it. I have never used a bike rack on the hitch mount. It seems very well designed with a brace that runs forward and is welded to the frame forward of the bumper and also welded to the bumper. As of now I do not see any damage or issues with it. No leaks or sagging in the rear. If it was up to me I would not have mounted the tire on the rear. There is plenty of room to mount it in front behind the propane bottles. So there is no reason for anyone to criticize me about the placement on the rear.

[SteveSueMac]

Carver - you're getting great advice from everyone. Sometimes, it's passionate advice to make sure the message comes across. It's all good.

I would also suggest searching for Lynn Currie (hope that's spelled correctly) as she did a phenomenal job with basic front fork clamps inside her trailer. Search for "bike fork" and you'll eventually see something from Lynn and pictures of her solution. I haven't done it yet but will this spring.

Good luck!

[louaxtjr]

There is also a bike rack allowing them to be carried above your propane tanks. Not as convenient, and it may not work on all AS/tow vehicle combinations, but might be worth considering. One brand is called Arvika.

Good discussion here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...ck-104626.html

[deauxrite]

Hey Carver, I notice that you drive a Pickup..I mounted a hitch receiver on the front of my truck and now my bikes ride in the front of the pickup. They get a bit of road grime and bugs, but they ride just fine up there.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by carver 1

Overlander,

Thanks for your pleasant and understanding reply to my query. Someday I too may achieve your forum standing. Then again, why would I want to?

Why indeed would you want to?

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f514...ack-91722.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...ack-82988.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...bi-100796.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f497...al-100528.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f336...ack-90041.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ack-93715.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...ck-109406.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ck-100494.html

[RickDavis]

I have added a hitch on the back, and also an additional cross brace on my 61 Tradewind with no problems. I carried bikes for several years and now carry an aluminum box which carries light weight but bulky items like empty water jugs and blue tanks.
I have not had any problems however it is a fairly short trailer and the frames were stouter back then than they are on some of the newer models
Conventional wisdom is don't do it.

[xrvr]

Opening a can of worms here. Can anyone produce a picture of damage to a 2000 or newer AS from a rear hitch.? Jim

[jkinglet]

Had this type 3 hitch professionally installed by a hitch/welding shop in AZ as part of the deal when we bought our '09 20' FC. Use the Stowaway carrier (waterproof..Thule, Yakima not) for barbecue stuff, hoses and other accessories we don't want to carry inside the trailer or the back of our short-bed F-150. Super convenient since we mostly back-in at campgrounds. Been to Alaska and back with it and over some difficult terrain in north central Washington State. Never a glitch. Easy access to the water hatch and small rear storage compartment. Tail lights, turn signals and now license plate holder added.