Mod or Replace rear bumper on 22MLE to support 2 ebikes?

[FlyStar]

Agree it can get dirty back there. After I pull the batteries I wrap the opening with neoprene to keep water and dirt out of the battery compartment. Batteries weigh 8 pounds each, so I remove them to lighten the load a bit.

[BasicDude]

@NBTX64

There is a company called Mount-N-Lock that makes replacement RV bumpers that are thicker and stronger than the manufacturers provided thin-wall type, with various mounting attachments for other components. May be worth your looksie...

[traveldawg]

@NBTX64

There is a company called Mount-N-Lock that makes replacement RV bumpers that are thicker and stronger than the manufacturers provided thin-wall type, with various mounting attachments for other components. May be worth your looksie...

I used those on my rear bumper before I got eBikes. That's when I cut the bumper off and installed a receiver.

I just realized the OPs rig is a trailer. I don't know of any bike rack that is approved for a trailer. There are some that are OK on 5th wheels or motorhomes. One has to dig around a bit in the specs to see which are approved.

[FlyStar]

The swagman eSpec is rated for trailers.

[traveldawg]

The swagman eSpec is rated for trailers.

ah ha - good to know. Thanks.

Here is a receiver that might work if it can be bolted to the RV's frame.

[TREVTRAVELER]

I have a 2021 MLE XLS and go back and forth about adding a bike rack for 2 e-bikes. I have an RV rated Swagman, but still nervous about adding the bikes. Anyone have solid info about this? GD's Owner's Manual says no bikes, but I see others who seem to have successfully used racks. I have considered front mount on trailer or truck, but too heavy for trailer mounting and too high for front of truck.

[Ynot4me2]

We have 2 light bikes on a RV Swagman on the original bumper. We have 2 Safety Struts and the bikes are also tied back diagonally back to the frame. I know it's a no no but after 10,000km we've never had an issue. We also keep an eye on them via the camera. Each bike and rack is tied back to the frame should anything happen, they'll stay with the trailer. But for E-Bikes I would without a doubt, have a hitch welded to the frame. Avoid using the original bumper. EBikes are heavy.

[TREVTRAVELER]

We have 2 light bikes on a RV Swagman on the original bumper. We have 2 Safety Struts and the bikes are also tied back diagonally back to the frame. I know it's a no no but after 10,000km we've never had an issue. We also keep an eye on them via the camera. Each bike and rack is tied back to the frame should anything happen, they'll stay with the trailer. But for E-Bikes I would without a doubt, have a hitch welded to the frame. Avoid using the original bumper. EBikes are heavy.

Thanks for the response. It's encouraging me to move forward.