Quote:
Originally Posted by BobbyWhitit
Hello-
I would like to add a hitch receiver to the bumper/back of my Flying Cloud, so that I may put a bike rack to carry 2 bikes. Does anyone have any advice or experience with this kind of thing?
Thank you in advance.
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NO DON'T
If you do, you will create rear end separation.
Moment arm is the enemy.
Measure the distance from the rear axle to the bumper plus about 6 inches.
Then how much weight is the bikes, and mounting hardware?
Multiply the distance in feet times the weight.
As an example 8 feet and 100 pounds. That weight would be 800 pounds, sitting still.
Then when you hit a bump, that weight multiplies 2, 3, 4, even 5 times or more.
Now, you can see the momentary bumper weight that you will have, which will rip the frame away from the shell.
No, beefing up the frame doesn't help, it makes it worse.
Most owners do not understand that the shell supports the frame, PERIOD.
That's why they call it "monocoque" construction, which means the shell is "load bearing".
Carry the bikes in the trailer or in a truck if that's what you use for a TV.
Andy