Receiver Hitch on the back of an Airstream

[nitzo]

Are any of you using these? Can it even be done? I like the idea off being able to use a bike rack or even one of those rectangular metal cargo carriers on the back of the camper. I've never had one but it seems like it would be real practical. I know ya'll are thinking "Oh man, there goes the neighborhood". LOL.

[Wayne&Sam]

It's considered a big no-no due to structural issues.

I once spoke with an Airstream development guy and he said it could support a certain amount of weight (I forget the number) but they worry that people would overload it. I wondered why they didn't make a specific receiver, of some odd shape or size, and offer attachments that were within the capacity limits. I guess some people would find a way around the limits.

[waninae39]

IMHO, NO

mostly likely to cause unstable conditions while driving

[B. Cole]

I call these Airstream frames "Bedframes"
Heavy duty is not a word associated with any Airstream frame.You don't want to stress them anymore than stock does.
Also, you don't want to add weight behind axles , especially modified from stock like that.Thats a leading cause of dangerous trailer sway.

[azflycaster]

I would not do it.

[nitzo]

Enough said.... This is why I love forums. In the old days, I would have put a hitch on, I would have used it, I'm sure overloaded it and probably messed something up. In one hour, from op to now, it's all figured out for me. I love it, the worlds a great place. I do appreciate the help, thanks all.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by nitzo

Are any of you using these? Can it even be done? I like the idea off being able to use a bike rack or even one of those rectangular metal cargo carriers on the back of the camper. I've never had one but it seems like it would be real practical. I know ya'll are thinking "Oh man, there goes the neighborhood". LOL.

Agree; not recommended...For bikes, the Fiama works best, IMHO. A rear "aftermarket" hitch added to the rear typically also will have "slop" in the receiver so a "cargo" carrier or bike rack can/will wiggle and sway as you go down the road.

[jeffmc306]

Nitzo, while I wouldn’t do this, the couple from Keep Your Daydream did install a hitch and rear bike rack on their 30’ Airstream and so far, haven’t had any problems with it. Check out their video here - the hitch fabrication and installation starts around 6:43

Like I said, not for me but this was a well done job.

[SeaLevel]

As mentioned, some folks have done it without any problems. I have not, but here is one solution.

https://torkliftcentral.com/airstrea...ry-hitch-x8000

[Shiny16]

WOW! 450 pounds! That’s awesome. I can put my two bikes, Honda eu2000 and still have room for a decent size Yeti.
And it remains discreet?

[SeaLevel]

Originally Posted by Shiny16

WOW! 450 pounds! That’s awesome. I can put my two bikes, Honda eu2000 and still have room for a decent size Yeti.
And it remains discreet?

Yeah! Please let us know when you're on the road so we can stay away.

[Prettygood]

Against the consensus, I did have a very trusted welding shop install a rear hitch receiver. I had them weld directly to the frame, not just the metal plates that the bumper would normally attach to. (22’ Sport, no bumper stock). The receiver holds a bike rack when needed, and 3 smaller bikes (2 teenager sized, one true kid size).

Does it increase sway potential? Yes. I forward load the trailer when taking bikes, have a great anti-sway hitch, and drive at or below 60 mph. It isn’t the most ideal option, but was my only option if I wanted to take bikes for a family of 5.

Super convenient, inexpensive to install, and well worth the increased flexibility. I manage risks, not always completely avoid them.

[Shiny16]

Originally Posted by SeaLevel

Yeah! Please let us know when you're on the road so we can stay away.

What are ya scared of? I mean it is “Engineered to meet stringent national SAE J684 towing safety standards for front hitches”.

[Shiny16]

“Made exclusively to fit Airstream trailers”

I’m pretty confident it will fit.

[Shiny16]

I’m also ordering these.
https://www.sandbagstore.com/economy-sandbags.html

This way for every pound of bicycle/generator ect. I’ll add a pound of sand and store them under the dinette. They can do double duty for seating around the campfire at night.

[B. Cole]

Originally Posted by Prettygood

Against the consensus, I did have a very trusted welding shop install a rear hitch receiver. I had them weld directly to the frame, not just the metal plates that the bumper would normally attach to. (22’ Sport, no bumper stock). The receiver holds a bike rack when needed, and 3 smaller bikes (2 teenager sized, one true kid size).

Does it increase sway potential? Yes. I forward load the trailer when taking bikes, have a great anti-sway hitch, and drive at or below 60 mph. It isn’t the most ideal option, but was my only option if I wanted to take bikes for a family of 5.

Super convenient, inexpensive to install, and well worth the increased flexibility. I manage risks, not always completely avoid them.

If you roll the rig, 5 bikes might not be needed on future runs.
Old ex multi million mile accident free Semi driver.Ive never seen any "potential " combination vehicle carnage like that.
I probably don't know what I'm talking about....

[RRHJR]

I put one on my 19ft Bambi. “Homemade “ but well done to frame. Usually carry a 70lb tandem ebike. No problems. No sway. No complaints.

[Shiny16]

So many times people post about what a great welding job they had done to install a receiver type bike rack. How it’s welded to the frame so it must be strong. I kinda think the quality of the welding job only lessens the chance that the rack does not fall off and doesn’t address the real issue. Almost every post I have read on this subject mentions the use of a bike rack that the manufacturer specifically warns against using for this application. I guess Airstream and Yakima are in some kind of conspiracy.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by SeaLevel

As mentioned, some folks have done it without any problems. I have not, but here is one solution.

https://torkliftcentral.com/airstrea...ry-hitch-x8000

I have reached out to Torklift with questions and I have asked for them to provide research, test data, design info on their design of this hitch.
Personally I would not install this and believe their clams to be pie in the sky.
Have they tested the hitch on an Airstream trailer?
Different length trailers?
Hopefully they will get back with me.

[Shiny16]

Originally Posted by GMFL

I have reached out to Torklift with questions and I have asked for them to provide research, test data, design info on their design of this hitch.
Personally I would not install this and believe their clams to be pie in the sky.
Have they tested the hitch on an Airstream trailer?
Different length trailers?
Hopefully they will get back with me.

No worries. If it doesn’t work your covered by the “legendary lifetime warranty “!