21RBS Bike Rack

[doulman]

Enclosed are photos of a receiver hitch that I designed and fabricated to accommodate my aluminum bike rack to reduce the torsional stress at the welds between the CL RBS bumper/frame. Recently a friend's CL BHS rear bumper equipped with a clamp on bumper bike rack completely severed during a road trip. (not a good event) I recently completed a 10,000 mile road trip with no issues.

Note that the 2 1/2" aluminum square tubing forward extension from the bumper and attachment to a frame member dramatically reduces the torsional stress on the bumper/frame welds.

NOTE: This receiver hitch is not designed for any loads other than a receiver hitch bike rack!

[drdave]

I have a bolt-on hitch on my bumper, but have not had the opportunity to try my bikes or cargo on it yet.  I realize it's aluminum, but I am seriously disappointed if I can't trust a bike rack on it.  I think I may wise of me try to find a a way to beef up the hitch with some brackets or other support tied to the rear frame member that runs parallel to the bumper on the trailer before using the hitch mount.   I'll post pictures of whatever I come up with.   Your bike rack mound looks very sturdy.   I'd be grateful if you could post some pictures underneath to show how it's connected to the frame.    I think this is something LL should think about offering as an add-on option at the factory or design as a bumper bold-on with some brackets that can be bolted to the frame for added support as a dealer install or owner install after the fact.   This has to be a common issue.   I'd imagine there is at least a 10-20% of owners wanting to carry bikes on the bumper?