|
|
Post by mrpresident on Jul 16, 2012 14:43:15 GMT -5
I wish that KZ would stand up and come forward with a "fix" for the Sportsmen 14RB Bumper Problem. It appears to be weak and no one can seem to get an answer as to how much weight it can hold. I have 2 bike and I wish to attach them to the bumper.
I wish there was information coming from KZ as to how the bumpers could be fortified (bars welding across to the frame?) so that customers can get the full pleasure from their otherwise "excellent" KZ travel trailers.
Sporstmen are super fine trailers and I love mine.
|
|
|
|
Post by mamacast on Jul 17, 2012 8:10:38 GMT -5
We ran into another gentleman a few weeks ago that had welded a trailer hitch under his rig in order to tow his fishing boat. I know it sounds like a big task and nothing KZ would do but it would allow you to put a bike rack on the back of the trailer. Wish I'd taken pictures. If anyone else has added a tow hitch can you post?
|
|
|
|
Post by joecamper on Jul 17, 2012 12:53:57 GMT -5
Seek and ye shall receive. When we ordered our Durango, we had the dealer include a receiver hitch, installed by the local muffler shop. It has a tow rating of 5K, but we never intended to actually tow anything. We wanted to attach my wife's mobility scooter's lift and the scooter itself. Turns out the lift is not up to the rigors of up and down action from the 5th wheel when traveling. But I imagine it would work great for bikes.  Man, I so dislike photobucket! Here's picture:  |
|
|
|
Post by spadoctor on Jul 25, 2012 7:30:53 GMT -5
No TT or fifthwheel (with a few exceptions) is designed to have things like bike racks or hitches mounted on it no matter the brand so don't bash KZ
|
|
|
|
Post by mrpresident on Aug 2, 2012 11:23:50 GMT -5
Turns out, I answered my own question. Some Sportsmen models have an option to add a bike rack to their bumpers and some don't. If there is no option and you add one the bumper will flex during travel and break. Also, if you add one you will void your warranty.
Here is how I found out, as KZ can tell you nothing. Call the maker of the KZ Sportsmen frames: Lippert Components at 1-574-537-8900.
Now, if you are like me and you have totally remodelled your 14RB Sportsmen then the warranty is already voided and you can do as you please (be responsible). I will be adding a hitch receiver tube from the 2nd cross member to the first cross member and then to the bumper (welded). I will also beef up the first cross member with 1/4 triangular iron. Cross members are the bars that go from the right to the left frame bars. If done correctly, I expect to have a spare tire and a bike rack on my bumper. If you do the same be aware of your warranty issues and if you are not a mechanic, get it done professionally.
|
|
|
|
Post by R. Hughes on Jul 18, 2017 14:28:11 GMT -5
I lost one of two bikes being carried on an Allen 2-bike, rack mounted via a Class III hitch bolted to the frame of a 2015 CampLite 21BHS. The shank of the rack broke on three sides at the point the shank entered the receiver portion of the hitch. Trailer manufacturers and the manufacturers of bike racks are not clear about the point/specific location of risk in using bike rakes with TTs; ie., does the weakness lie in the construction of the rack itself; the bumper to which it may sometimes be mounted (in my case it was mounted on a class III hitch), or to the bike itself. In any event most are placing stickers on their racks indicating they are not to the used on TTs or Fifth Wheel vehicles. So carry at your own risk.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Jul 18, 2017 20:17:31 GMT -5
Some people carry bikes on the king pin hitch on 5th wheels, some in the back of their pickup beds an some I've seen have bike racks on the top of their cars, I even saw bikes on the ladders hooked to TT ... I believe if you want to reinforce you bumper take it to a good weld shop an tell them what you want, it will more than likely will coast you more than what two good bikes are worth, but it will be safe and that's what it's all about safety on the HWY  Safe travels Chuck and Hildi out and about |
|
|
|
Post by andy16 on Mar 16, 2018 14:42:04 GMT -5
This is an industry-wide issue, and there are very few simple solutions. I have tried a rear bumper hitch with 3 bikes on my KZ-16 and it worked fine on a 2000 mile trip. However, the front to rear balance was offset too much so that my steering was exceptionally light. I do not use a WD hitch and pull with an Xterra. I have since gone to "folding" bikes, very light, and easily stow-able inside. Of course, folding bikes are not for everyone, but it is just one of many "trade-offs" in a experience defined by quite a bit by convenience, balance and weight.
|
|
|
|
Post by lynnmor on Mar 16, 2018 18:58:45 GMT -5
I have since gone to "folding" bikes, very light, and easily stow-able inside. Of course, folding bikes are not for everyone, but it is just one of many "trade-offs" in a experience defined by quite a bit by convenience, balance and weight. Good for you, I have mentioned this on other forums but few will come to the realization that it is the sensible way. I have used folders and still might take them along with the full size bikes, I'm not to proud to use 20" wheels. |
|
|
|
Post by rvdude on Mar 17, 2018 11:00:04 GMT -5
Here's a newer option made by Lippert: Lippert 429756 Jack-It Double Bike Carrier. Look them up on the internet. They mount on the tongue of travel trailers, not 5th wheels, and store the bikes above the propane bottles. A guy had one installed at the rally last year and it was pretty neat.
|
|
