Bike Rack Back Bumper 13QBB

[oleo]

[attachment id="492" thumbnail="1"] [attachment id="495" thumbnail="1"]  

Here is our back bumper bike rack setup on our 13QBB.  This setup works for us.  It may work on other Camplites depending on the individual situation.

Note: We were inspired by charliem's post earlier this year (Bike Rack for 21RBS), thanks!  We waited to post this until after using it successfully during our 2014 camping season.  

-We had a second 2" x 4" beam welded to the original bumper, ending up with a strong 4" x 4". It is welded parallel to the original bumper both top and bottom in several locations.  It is also welded perpendicular and vertical to both rails.  The welds are not ground smooth to keep weld strength.  

-Added a Curt Manufacturing RV Bumper Hitch, model# E-100.  The 2" receiver part is installed above the bumper.

-Bike rack is Hollywood Sportrider SE2, model HR1450, 2 bike hitch rack.  We have no experience with the 4 bike hitch rack.

It is easy to load and secure the bikes for travel.  No problems at all with hundreds of miles traveled.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Magoo,

VERY nice job. Not being a welder I didn't know what issues would come up when trying to do this afterwards. You've shown that [/font][font size="3"]the enhanced bumper can be had [/font][font size="3"]even if it was not ordered at time of purchase. That will help several folks on this forum.

I'd be interested in your experience finding and dealing with the welding shop. Did you have to find a special shop to deal with the aluminum? What issues were brought up, or was it just a routine Sunday afternoon job. I assume you had to remove the tail lights and wiring and reinstall them afterwards. I'm also interested in the cost if you wouldn't mind telling me.

Good job. You'll be happy with it. I am.

[/font]

[oleo]

Charlie,
Thanks, I hope it helps others.  
We tried to find someone local to weld aluminum.  We did find shops that would do it, yet we are located close enough to the factory.  We knew they would have the materials and expertise.  We asked if it could be done there.  The factory welded the bumper for us and we ended up purchasing other items while we were there.  The amount was bundled to a single dollar amount, sorry we cannot break it down further.  We didn't have to remove the taillights or wiring, yet it is a very good precaution to take.  Caution was taken to protect the rest of the bumper and shell of the QBB from the welding process.  We also unhitched the QBB from our tv.  
It seems straight forward, just need someone with the right equipment and expertise.  We started with our local hitch shop and they had several recommendations who could weld the aluminum.
 

[charliem]

[quote timestamp="1417227673" source="/post/5334/thread" author="@oleo"]Charlie,

We did find shops that would do it, yet we are located close enough to the factory.  We knew they would have the materials and expertise.  We asked if it could be done there.  The factory welded the bumper for us
 [/quote][font size="3"]Well, no wonder it looks so good. Still, it should be encouraging that the factory was willing to do it to a assembled trailer. [/font][font size="3"]Thanks for the info.

[/font][font size="3"]That said, did the factory have any comments or reaction to your request and proposed usage? Anyone say "Hey, that's a good idea. We ought to offer that" ??


[/font]

[spot1]

Charlie,

We did find shops that would do it, yet we are located close enough to the factory.  We knew they would have the materials and expertise.  We asked if it could be done there.  The factory welded the bumper for us
 

[font size="3"]Well, no wonder it looks so good. Still, it should be encouraging that the factory was willing to do it to a assembled trailer. [/font][font size="3"]Thanks for the info.

[/font][font size="3"]That said, did the factory have any comments or reaction to your request and proposed usage? Anyone say "Hey, that's a good idea. We ought to offer that" ??


[/font]

Nice looking mod & idea. 

We carry our bikes inside the camper on a home built bike rack, only problem once bikes are in the camper it's difficult to get into the camper while traveling until the bikes are removed.

[drdave]

Here's my redneck solution, not as elegant as welding another aluminum tube and not a strong I am sure, but I do believe it will significantly reduce the torque on the bumper tube.   Total cost was $11 for the load rings and an existing cargo strap so the price was right....

[admin]

This is exactly what I was thinking about doing to my QS. I figured with the 2" receiver you could have the flexibility of adding a rear deck/rack, or bike rack, ect. I just like the idea of a receiver more than a permanent deck.

-Sean