Bike Rack

[dchrist1733]

I have one of the earlier Solitudes which has a 1 1/4 hitch receiver on the back of it. I was wondering if it was safe to put a bike rack on there to carry two mountain bikes. They probably weight about 40lbs each if that. There is a lot of contreversey on this subject and I would just like clarification. I was told not to use any adapters which I can see why that would be. Is it safe to carry two bikes and would it effect the warranty on the frame. Many bike racks even though they are 1 1/4 inch hitch size say not to use with travel trailers. I was wondering why they say this. I also heard from one of the people in the forum that they do not put hitch receivers on the back of these trailers anymore. Is there a reason for this? I would appreciate any clarification you can give me. I just do not want to damage my lovely Solitude in any way. It is really difficult to get one answer on this subject. Places who sell bike racks will tell you anything will work and that is why I am asking you because you built this RV.

 

[GDRV Service]

Yes, the rear hitch is no longer offered on the Solitude 369RL. I apologize as I don't know specifically why its no longer offered; however, we listen closely to our customers and sometimes make changes due to that feedback. Early-build units like yours which have a rear hitch installed by Grand Design RV can be used with a bicycle rack. Please make sure the bicycle rack you purchase matches the rear hitch ratings, and has sufficient clearance so the bicycles and/or bicycle rack does not hit or cause damage to the RV rear wall while the RV is stationary or traveling. Note: the limited warranty and structural warranty would not apply to an aftermarket add-on. Hope this helps! ~Janice

 

[titrtyca]

GDRV,

In your post you indicated that the Bike rack weight rating is to match the bumber weight rating. I have not taken delivery of our Reflection yet, but I am curious to know if the bumber weight rating for that unit will be provided upon delivery?. I Know that Lippert Industries makes a rack or tray that your competitor uses. Such as the Couger by Kestone. I was wonering if this sliding rack could be installed after the Fifth wheel is deliverd.

Thank You

 

[GDRV Service]

Sorry for the misunderstanding - in my previous post I referred to the rear hitch weight rating, not the bumper weight rating. These are two separate components on your a RV, each with their own weight rating. We installed a Class III rear hitch (total max. weight limit of 250 lbs.) on those early-build Solitudes which was intended by us for use with a bicycle carrier.

Note: If you have further questions about your the rear hitch, the frame or bumper we recommend contacting Lippert Service and Warranty directly at (574)-537-8900 or via email at [email protected].

Hope this helps! ~ Janice

**Update**
Edits in red made for better clarity. ~ Janice

 

[titrtyca]

Was the Class III hitch welded or bolted on? and what was it attached to? The square bumper tube or the "C" channel the bumber is welded to? Lippert as was suggested earlier is not much help, as I am try to determine if their sliding or folding trays or platform could be added a Reflection FW.

 

[GDRV Service]

@titrtyca,

We recommend installing a bumper mount bicycle carrier (with a maximum total weight capacity of 100 lbs.) on a Reflection.

Hope this helps

~ Janice

 

[titrtyca]

Can you direct me to where I can maybe get one?

Thanks

 

[GDRV Service]

I'm not as familiar with bicycle racks specifically made for RV bumpers as your dealer would be - or does anyone on the forum have any suggestions?

~ Janice

 

[dchrist1733]

Swagman makes bike racks that fit on the RV bumper. If you google bike racks for RV's you usually come up with quite a few and they will tell you where dealers are located depending on which rack you decide on. That is how I did it. I still have not decided which one I want though.

 

[GDRV Service]

Great suggestion @dchrist1733!

~ Janice

 

[titrtyca]

Thank you, dchrist1733

 

[clc530]

What is the bumper weight limited for 369RL because we just bought to Bicycles we will use a bumper mount for the Bikes.
Thanks
Charles

 

[GDRV Service]

Hi @clc530! The maximum rear bumper weight rating for your specific Solitude 369RL (#334) is 150 lbs. Thanks! ~ Janice

I do need to add to please make sure the aftermarket bicycle rack you purchase has sufficient clearance so the bicycles and/or bicycle rack does not hit or cause damage to the RV rear wall while the RV is stationary or traveling. Please be aware installing an aftermarket add-on part (i.e., a "modification") could affect your warranty as the aftermarket parts, installation and any potential damage caused by the modification is not covered by either of our limited product warranties. Please contact your dealer or our Warranty Dept. (our phone number in my signature, below) if you have further questions. Hope this helps! ~ Janice

 

[cuttinchief]

Most campers of this price point have a 500lb rack if they do not have a rear cap? Any reason why they are not standard? Seems that the frame is plenty sturdy for one? Thanks

 

[cgoodnight]

Swagman 2 bicycle carriers "should not be mounted on the bumper of a travel trailer or fifth wheel. The combined weight of the carrier and the bicycles exceeds the capacity of the bumper."

If you mount one of their carriers on your rv, their warranty is void.

There are carriers that allow you to hang 2 bikes on your ladder. We have not yet decided what to do with our bikes on our Reflection 337.

Robert

 

[GDRV Service]

Hi @cuttinchief,

Which of our products do you own? Please PM your 17-digit VIN and contact information to me so I know which of our GM's to forward your questions to. Thanks in advance!

Best regards,
~ Janice

 

[dchrist1733]

Just a word of caution about a bike rack that goes on the ladder of the RV. I put one of those on my previous trailer and it caused the bolts to loosen that held the ladder to the RV. When I had the roof maintence done the dealer suggested I use a different bike rack to prevent any damage to my ladder.

 

[Justaguy]

Hi Robert,

Did you or anyone else find a solution to this conundrum? It seems to me that 100lb limit is cutting it awful close.

 

[GDRV Service]

Hi Robert,

Did you or anyone else find a solution to this conundrum? It seems to me that 100lb limit is cutting it awful close.

Hi Dean and Cindy (@Justaguy),

See attached picture of an approved bike rack that mounts to the rear bumper. This is a 2-bike configuration with a combined weight under 100 lb. loaded.

Best regards,
~ Janice

 

[Campins4us]

What is the name of that bike rack?