New Airstream Rear Bumper

[delwilli]

Airstream has recently released a rear bumper for the Sport 22 (p/n 688149). I am considering purchasing one specifically to be used with their Fiamma bike rack (p/n 209397). I talked to the Airstream factory today and technical support said it would work. I also called my local Airstream dealer and they called the factory and said Airstream did not recommend it (for whatever reason).

Does anyone have any additional knowledge on this?

My alternative would be to go to the Arvika Rack that mount on the tongue but I like the looks of the Airstream setup better

Thanks!

[Bruce B]

I would simply call the factory again and ask for clarification. Maybe a call to their service center afterword for a price? We met a couple who had the factory add a rear bumper to their 22 and they had a fiamma rack. Sorry I can't remember who or where.
Bruce

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[Gene]

delwilli, you must have talked to a different person than the dealer did. This shows people at Airstream are not talking to one another, an all too frequent problem there (even though they're all within walking distance of one another).

I would call customer relations and tell your story to them and ask them if someone capable can check this question out and get back to you with a rational answer.

Gene

[delwilli]

Since I posted I have talked to two people at Airstream. Karen in parts said that Airstream did not recommend the bike rack being attached to the bumper (no reason stated). Dan in customer support said that there was no problem. I then called Colonial Airstream and talked to them. They said that one of the main reasons Airstream came out with the bumper for the Sport 22 was so that the bike rack could be attached and there would be no problem in doing so. That makes sense as the rear bumper is pretty much the same compared to ones on the bigger models. I have decided to go ahead and order the bumper and bike rack and will give a update later

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . Wasn't that bike rack recently recalled or something ? As they say, thinking outside the box, I met a fellow a couple of years ago who had attached a 1956 Oldsmobile front bumper to the rear of his 23 footer. I thought it was VERY cool looking, sorry I can't find the picture I took.....regards, Craig

[delwilli]

I think the recall had something to do with adding a sticker that said something about limited access from the rear emergency window when the rack was installed

[delwilli]

Latest update:

No problem in fitting the bumper but it is too narrow in width to accommodate the Fiamma bike rack. The rack needs a minimum of 59" and the Sport bumper is around 54"

Cancelled my order and then ordered the Arvika rack that mounts on the tongue

[Gene]

Dennis, probably the best choice since there have been questions whether the bumper is strong enough to support the rack and bikes; some bikes are pretty heavy. I presume the newer rack bolts to the body somewhere, but that means more places for water to get inside.

Gene

[tallen5]

I'm curious how much the bumper was and if it can be installed by a mechanically inclined owner.

[Belbein]

Poor Karen; she's gotten the full court press. I called AS about ten days ago and they sent me to her. She said that currently (then) there was no bumper and no bikerack, but AS was in the process of preparing a bumper and bikerack kit. I called the dealer and told him; I said to Karen that since my trailer wasn't delivered yet, couldn't they just hold it for a little while and install my bumper at the factory. No, no, no, can't do that. So I called my dealer and asked him to call AS and talk them into it, since I didn't want to have to drag the trailer back to the dealer in 3 months or whatever and have it done. Dealer talked to the AS district sales guy and called back to say: There is no such thing. I told him I was very specific in my question, and Karen was very specific in her answer that this product existed. So the dealer called the district guy back, who called AS, then called my dealer, who called me. It turns out that there is a bumper (and I will have it installed) but there is no bikerack that they recommend because blah blah blah.

The cost is around $800 (give or take 20%) maybe installed--we'll see.

Since the bumper (as I understand it) has to be welded to the frame, I guess you could install it if you know how to weld. Which, if you do, could you drop by with your welding kit? I have some other stuff ...

[tallen5]

I can weld, but not aluminum )-:

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[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by delwilli

I think the recall had something to do with adding a sticker that said something about limited access from the rear emergency window when the rack was installed

The recall about the bike rack, if you wish, was not a recall.

The sticker warned you that the rear window could not be opened for an emergency exit, because of a bike being in the way.

So the recall, is really more of a warning.

Andy

[HrLola]

Thanks delwilli. Had no idea that a bumper for the 22ft. even existed. Ordered one, got it and as soon as the boss has time, he'll install it. Never could figure out why it didn't come with one in the first place.

[HrLola]

We paid $375. But that was just for the chrome section. Husband wants to custom build the rest himself.

[TK21]

I am a welder and have the same idea Would the two shid plates hold the weight? Thanks