Travel Trailer Bumper Rating

[tkhattabaugh]

I have a Gulf Stream Innsbruck and wondered if there was a maximum weight rating for the 4" square bumper?  I need to add 350 lbs to it and didn't know if that would overload it or be unsafe.  I'd add a counterweight up front to offset the balance.  I've seen receiver hitches that bolt to these 4" square bumpers, but I don't know if this is safe.  Anyone know the specs on something like this other than just an opinion?  Thanks

[RV Roamer]

You might call Gulfstream and ask, but my guess is they will either not quote a number or will give a ridiculously low one.  I have zero knowledge of the construction of yours, but generally speaking those square tube steel bumpers are not made to support much weight, nor are they mounted to withstand additional upward or downward torque.

My advice would be to get a welding shop to fabricate a mount that ties back into the trailer frame, either to reinforce the bumper mounts or entirely in lieu of using the bumper.

[rbell]

I agree with Gary about those 4" bumpers. I've not seen one I trust. The bikes bouncing on the rear puts a lot of stress on things. The dealer I got my trailer from made me a hitch receiver that bolts to the frame that is simple and works very well. The other thing I do is use bungee cords and pull the bikes toward the ladder keeping a bit of tension on them so it minimizes the bouncing. I think I have a picture somewhere of that hitch.

I found them. One shows how it's bolted on. The 1" Sq. tubing is a very heavy wall. The round rod keeps it from twisting from the bounce. Once welded just hold it up with a jack, drill the holes & put bolts in.

[Jim Dick]

Having worked for an RV dealership part time for 13 years I would not trust a 4" bumper to hold a 350lb load! It does not take much force to dent one of them. I can not quote what load they might take but I'm sure it's much less than 350lbs. If one tightens a bicycle mount too much it will start to bend the metal!

[donn]

Are you asking about that 4 inch square sewer hose carrier?   That is Not, and can never be called a bumper.  IT IS A SEWER HOSE CARRIER!  It is made of roughly 16 gage sheet metal and welded to the frame ends in maybe two places.  It is definitely not intended to carry anything like you are contemplating.  If you want to carry that much load, design and build or have a qualified welder/fitter design and built a true rear bumper for you or better yet, install a receiver hitch to the trailer and then you will have something that will do the job.

[tkhattabaugh]

Thanks folks.  I've had an RV specialist stop by and look at my trailer.  He's fabricated receiver hitches like I need for others with success.  He makes some sort of "H" frame with steel and welds it to the frame of the trailer.  I'll post some pictures when I get it finished. 

[Jim Dick]

Thanks folks.  I've had an RV specialist stop by and look at my trailer.  He's fabricated receiver hitches like I need for others with success.  He makes some sort of "H" frame with steel and welds it to the frame of the trailer.  I'll post some pictures when I get it finished. 

Just be sure you are not overloading the axles by placing a 350lb load on the rear. That load will equate to more than the actual weight at the axle.

[tkhattabaugh]

Just be sure you are not overloading the axles by placing a 350lb load on the rear. That load will equate to more than the actual weight at the axle.

Thank you Jim for the advice.  I've had an RV specialist (RV Pro is the name of the company) take a look at it to determine whether it was safe or not.  They have done this modification for others with success.  I'm thinking about also taking it to a friend of mine who is a mechanical engineer that owns a metal fabrication shop for a second opinion.

[Jim Dick]

Thank you Jim for the advice.  I've had an RV specialist (RV Pro is the name of the company) take a look at it to determine whether it was safe or not.  They have done this modification for others with success.  I'm thinking about also taking it to a friend of mine who is a mechanical engineer that owns a metal fabrication shop for a second opinion.

If you go to the Blue Ox website they have a formula for finding the load on the axle. It's designed for motor coaches but should work fine for a trailer. Then you will know exactly how much load the 350lbs actually puts on it. You probably will have to place your "stuff" more forward in the trailer. A second opinion is never a bad idea.:-)

[Throrope]

We bought our 02 Prowler from Media Camping in Media PA.  The place isn't much to look at, but the service can't be matched and the same people are there now.

They didn't let us leave the lot without sway control.

We asked Ed to weld a hitch receiver box to the bumper.  He wouldn't.  Instead he got a hitch platform for a Ford (?) that worked well for past requests and the guy running the service shop personally welded it to the frame.  Its rock solid and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Please pay close attention to the racks you use.  The back of the trailer does much more bouncing than the back of the car and your goods are out of sight.  Our Yakima big horn bike rack was not up to the challenge and left us with scraped frames and ripped seats.