Rear Cargo Capacity - Bikes, Generators, etc.

[JamuJoe]

I've read all of the admonitions against mounting anything on the rear frame/bumper, yet desire a secure 'permanent' external carrier for my Yamaha 2400i generator. Low and behold, I note that Airstream now offers a bike rack by Fiamma that is entirely supported by the carriage frame at the rear bumper, with stabilizing struts attached to the vertical framing beside the rear window. Stated capacity is 75 lbs (not including the weight of the bike rack itself). This carrier is designed for the International – from 2001 Model Year to present, Flying Cloud – from 2009 Model Year to present, and Safari from 1997 model year to present. Apparently, these models have a heftier carriage frame that can carry this load. This opens up the possibility of a well-designed aluminum generator carrier with similar capacity.

https://store.airstream.com/popup_ex....php?peiID=125

[Jammer]

1) The broad admonition against heavy loads rear of the rear bumper comes primarily from Andy Rogozinski at Inland RV, and is based on service experience, not structural analysis.

2) Service experience tends to suggest that any Airstream driven long enough under real-world highway conditions will eventually have some rivet failures, even with proper maintenance and without extra loads.

3) Unusually harsh road surfaces, extra loads, and stiff tow vehicle rear suspension speed up the inevitable.

4) Typically two bikes will weigh around 40 pounds. Typically a 2000 watt inverter-generator weighs 50 pounds.

YMMV. There are forum members who have bumper and tongue mounted generator carriers. Ask them in 15 years how it worked out.

[purman]

Two bikes typically weigh considerably more than 40 pounds unless they are racing road bikes. More like 60-80 pounds. My friend has an 05 Safari and with nothing put on the back already has a little sag in the rear. Unless you want to do something with the frame I wouldn't add the weight.

[Judypetrick]

So. I then assume that it is not possible or advisable to carry generators on the bsck of a 2012 airstream sport Bambi? It does not have a bumper. It would require modification to add an extension to the frame and put generstors into a caged box. Guess, I could try to find water tight bottles, and seal them for gas storage, and try to mask the smell of generators with gas I them. The issue is that I do not have an open truck bed. The tow vehicle is a land rover. Any other suggestions?

[Bluto]

I know your looking for something for the back of the stream but I found this product that might work for you. Not sure if it's workable for Airstreams though. You may want to call the manufacture to see if it will work on the Airstream , if you are interested in the product.

Heres the link I found. Trailer Tray - Trailer Tongue Cargo Carrying System

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by Judypetrick

So. I then assume that it is not possible or advisable to carry generators on the bsck of a 2012 airstream sport Bambi? It does not have a bumper. It would require modification to add an extension to the frame and put generstors into a caged box. Guess, I could try to find water tight bottles, and seal them for gas storage, and try to mask the smell of generators with gas I them. The issue is that I do not have an open truck bed. The tow vehicle is a land rover. Any other suggestions?

I use a couple of these to store gas and they do not leak in any position and there are no fumes. They are heavy duty and can take a beating and lots of use. http://rotopax.com/

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Judypetrick

Any other suggestions?

You can mount a Jerry can on the rear of the Land Rover for gas, as has been done forever. A large plastic tote with a snap lid for the generator, which you could store on the floor of the trailer when traveling, would minimize gasoline fumes.

[richinny]

gasoline should be stored in an APPROVED container. fumes from a leaking can, if ignited by a spark (or een static) will give you a bad headache. some folks have found plastic storage bins for their generators that seal very well.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...tor-44248.html

the main frame of airstreams is not made to carry weight extened on the trailer frame.

[DKB_SATX]

If smell and not space is your primary concern, you can get a generator that's modified to run on propane.