Bikes on Back?

Anybody put a hitch receiver on the back of their Elkmont?

All I want is a small 1.25" hitch receiver for a 2 bike rack.

Have seen 2" bolt on receivers for 4" bumper bars but nothing for the Elkmonts 2" bumper.

Hanging that weight off the bumper will not be a problem for the trailer, as I've still more than 300# below GAWR. And it would be beneficial to remove some weight from the tongue and truck as I'm exceeding it's GVWR somewhat.

[mjlaupp]

Call the factory and ask about the optional bike rack receiver.

Originally Posted by mjlaupp

Call the factory and ask about the optional bike rack receiver.

Thanks, I didn't realize they offered one. Have sent Parts an email.

Originally Posted by brulaz

Thanks, I didn't realize they offered one. Have sent Parts an email.

You would be better off to call them. I have never been able to get anyone there to answer an email.

I got my Elkmont from Custom RV in Anaheim, CA. The trailer that I bought did not have a rear receiver for mounting a bike rack, so at my request, they installed one after the fact. It has a 2" receiver. The irony is that almost one year later, I still have not used it, so I can't comment on any pro's and con's other than it hasn't fallen off!

Thanks bigbit, that's pretty substantial. Doesn't look like it just bolts onto the bumper bar, but to the frame via it's own crossbar. Maybe a bit over-kill for my two bikes but who knows ...

Originally Posted by [email protected]

You would be better off to call them. I have never been able to get anyone there to answer an email.

Or respond to a message on the answering machine. So I called until I actually got Eddy (the parts guy) on the phone.

And he said yes, the 2" hitch receiver is available for ~$250 + shipping. And it can be bolted onto the frame although they weld it on at the factory.

I'll either wait until we pass through on our way to Florida this fall and have the factory do it. Or ask a local shop to fabricate something similar.

Just discovered and ordered the:
Curt 19101 RV Bumper Hitch - for 2" Square Channel Bumpers

It bolts onto the Elkmont's 2" rear bumper bar. Will require a little cutting and fitting of the plastic and metal storage compartment back there. But generally should work fine for the bikes on the back of the Elkmont. Wouldn't ever use it for towing anything. Will post pics once I get and install it.

It's a lot cheaper and probably lighter than the factory hitch. Also is a 2" receiver; there don't seem to be any 1.25" bolt-on receivers. But we can live with that.

The Swagman I linked to above, and purchased, comes with a 2" adapter and is really solid when bolted into my TV's 2"
receiver. And, by the way, that Swagman is nice and solid and very easy to mount/dismount bikes.

EDIT: Cancelled the order. See below.

Hi Brulaz,
Brand new here!
I have not been able to find the GVWR of the Elkmont, or the interior height.
All spec lists so far are very incomplete.
Do you know of a source for complete specs?
I do know that there is a nifty adapter made from 2in to 1.25in receivers.
Here is a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufactu...299736&sr=8-10
Thanks,
PK

GVWR of our 24' Elkmont is 4230#.
GAWR is 3616#.

The factory specified dry weight, is pretty much useless. We tend to run 3700-4000# GVW and, with the WDH, 3200-3500# GAW. WithOUT the WDH, I usually have about 620# on the tongue.

The Swagman bike rack we purchased (see earlier post) comes with a 2" to 1.25" adapter so we're good there.

We're picking up the Hidden Hitch today and hope to get it on this week.

One more thing:
Because of the distance between the Elkmont's frame runners (54" outer), we had to go with the wider (upto 72") Hidden Hitch. As a result, the hitch's nominal tongue weight capacity dropped from 500# (for the 51" wide Curt hitch) to 350#. But since I'll not be using the full 72" width, just 54" of it, I suspect the tongue weight capacity of the mounted hitch will be closer to 500#.

And my bike rack and 2 bikes weigh about 100#. So I'm really not worried about this thing ripping off.