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Old 10-06-2010, 04:02 PM   #1
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2010 25' FB Flying Cloud
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Hitch Receiver on the bumper of Flying Cloud

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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Old 10-06-2010, 04:20 PM   #2
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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.
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
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Old 10-06-2010, 05:26 PM   #3
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Hello Bobbywhitit,

You will here stories of success and failures when it comes to bike racks on the rear bumper.

The general consensus is that its a No No".

Here is some reading material that may help you decide.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f209...highlight=bike
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...highlight=bike
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...highlight=bike
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f477...highlight=bike
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...highlight=bike
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...highlight=bike

Regards,

Kevin
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Old 10-06-2010, 05:55 PM   #4
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I will bet..BIG BET...that it is tried anyway. (its just a tiny little bike...what could that hurt?)
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Old 10-07-2010, 01:33 PM   #5
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Thank you for the help. Not gonna do it
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Old 10-07-2010, 04:10 PM   #6
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Thank you for the help. Not gonna do it
Contact denco unit WBCCI. A couple of members have added hitch receivers for bikes
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Old 10-07-2010, 05:12 PM   #7
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Sad, but true, these are the results of well-meaning, everyday folks like you and me, putting bikes on our bumpers. These are the only ones that we were able to get photos of, as the rest either sank into the ground entirely or exploded into teeny tiny pieces. They still find little bits of aluminum here and there.
I wouldn't set a half-empty beer on my bumper after seeing this.

Good luck to you, and welcome to the forums!

Rich the Viking
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Old 10-07-2010, 06:48 PM   #8
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If ya look around the area where the Axles are mounted you should readily see that the frame thats there is not a C channel of box tube. Its a thin rail with no flange. Yeah ya see them people with the SOB's with bikes and Motorcycles and stuff hangin off the back See how high they are off the ground. Most are on springs and 6 in C channel.
Keep in mind ITS YOURS ,do what ya want too. But when the outside skin starts to buckle at the rear of the wheel wells,REMEMBER we told ya not too.
I know your gonna try it ,it human nature. Save yourself alot of expensive repair and DON'T.
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