MoInEd
Well-known member
Getting ready for the camping season with our new trailer I spent the last few days building a bike rack to carry 4 bikes. The idea is borrowed from the one by Lippert components but I custom made it to fit our trailer. The only changes I made to the trailer was:
- stiffen the connection between the 2x4 tube and the bumper (added a 1/4" plate on top).
- Stiffen the connection between the 2x4 tube and the I-beam: they were welded together at two connection points along the length of the tube but I added a snug fit hardwood 1.75"x3.75" filler into the tube and then added two 5/8" thick bolts through the tube/I-beam. So even if the welds fail, the bolts hold the two.
I added the spare tire and then stood at the tip of the rack and made small jumps, feels very solid.
Have to paint it.
- stiffen the connection between the 2x4 tube and the bumper (added a 1/4" plate on top).
- Stiffen the connection between the 2x4 tube and the I-beam: they were welded together at two connection points along the length of the tube but I added a snug fit hardwood 1.75"x3.75" filler into the tube and then added two 5/8" thick bolts through the tube/I-beam. So even if the welds fail, the bolts hold the two.
I added the spare tire and then stood at the tip of the rack and made small jumps, feels very solid.
Have to paint it.