adding a hitch/

[Free range]

Been thinking about adding an hitch underneath the rear of our AS. to slide in a bike rack that I already have.
Our As is a 21' sovereign with tandem axles so there is not much overhang past the axles so Im not worried about sway as I have read in other posts.

When I look underneath from the rear I see 2 U channel pieces on the frame on either side so I thought I could nicely bolt on a Universal RV hitch on there.

I read in other post not to do it and others that have one mounted underneath their trailer and have no issues.


https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camp...ite/82201.html

[BayouBiker]

You have to be careful accepting opinions as fact. Instead a few simple statics calculations will tell you if the proposed mount location is sturdy enough to hold the static load and resultant torque plus expected dynamic loads when you hit a bump and get an impulse response.

So tell me about the u channels, size, extended length from major frame connection, what else the channels are supporting. How many bikes, how long from the proposed hitch receiver will the rack be. Hitch fastening mechanism. Pictures tell a thousand words.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

How heavy are the bikes + hitch parts + bike rack + add on's ?

Bob

[Free range]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

How heavy are the bikes + hitch parts + bike rack + add on's ?

Bob

the bike rack Is about 30 lbs and 2 hybrid bikes which are also about 30lb each
all in all maybe a 100lb.

[BayouBiker]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

How heavy are the bikes + hitch parts + bike rack + add on's ?

Bob

Was that an echo I heard?

[Protagonist]

Beware of reduced ground clearance with an under-bumper hitch receiver. Airstream trailers are built low to the ground compared to other travel trailer brands, and you don't have a whole lot of ground clearance to start with. Smacking the pavement with your bike rack would transmit an impact load through the hitch receiver to the frame.

Of course, you may not have a problem if your trailer towing is mostly in flat terrain or on gentle slopes without sudden changes in slope. And with no deep potholes or ruts.

Not saying that you WILL have a problem, just that you MIGHT have one. It's just another data point to factor in so that you can make an informed decision whether to go ahead.

[batman]

Be careful mounting thing on the rear of the AS. As stated low ground clearance and rear-end separation are things to be aware of.

There are options for carrying bikes or other gear. A receiver on the front of the tow vehicle works great for bikes racks and cargo carriers. A roof rack for the bikes works as well. If you have a pick up truck, racks inside the bed are the best.

-Dennis