Bumper Hitch Updates?

[CentralMichBo]

Now that everyone has a few weeks of travel and camping under their belts, those of you that have put on bumper hitches for a bike rack, have you had any problems. I have to do something soon. Thanks!

Jim

[campinfool]

We put the recommended hitch on the bumper and have about 1,200 miles on so far and have had no issues hauling two bikes. Before installing I weighed everything and it comes in at 88 lbs.

Jim

[CentralMichBo]

Thanks Jim! My set up is coming in at about 94 pounds so sounds like I'll go that way.

[Bamaman]

Our bike racks never carry that kind of weight. Of course my daughter's bicycles are state of the art, with aluminum frames and carbon fiber and titanium parts. She had someone's road bike over here the other day, and it was all carbon fiber--and $5,000.

[Eaglehead]

I wonder if GD would warranty a rear bumper if it broke off because of hauling bicycles even though they recommend using one. Seems to me you would get in a pi--ing contest over how much the bikes weighed and if it ever did happen the bikes would more than likely be destroyed in the process. I have 2 local dealers that both say the same thing, " I would never haul 2 bikes on a sewer tube, there is just too much weight being cantilevered to be safe" They always recommend bolting or welding a receiver hitch to the frame but that voids the warranty ------- what to do.

[Bamaman]

I'd just put it on the bumper and go about your day. Should hold up just fine.

Worse come to worse, have additional bracing welded to the five'er's frame and the bumper.

[dloase]

I installed one on my bumber both on my GD and on my Sandpiper prior. I never had any problems with weight or anything else. Just make sure they are secured well and you should be fine.

[gordofuchs]

The question to be asked, is how long is the frame warranty, and what does it cover. It could be that the warranty is insignificant anyways.

[Eaglehead]

Great question, I'm going to call Lippert today and find out. Thanks,

[campinfool]

From what I found on the GD website the frame warranty is 1 year. In fact there are very few items that have anything longer than one year. I am just going to stay with the bumper hitch and if I notice any issues starting I will then mount a hitch to the frame. So far I am happy.