Bumper rack

[Rebshots1953]

We have a 2019 29RKS. We want to add a bumper rack to carry some bulky, but not terribly heavy things (camp chairs and plastic table). Realistically, how much weight can the bumper hitch carry ? Or should I have the frame rebuilt?

[chuckster57]

I personally wouldn't use the rear bumper to carry much more than the sewer hose, and if the factory put the spare tire carrier on it, that's about the limit.

Your better off having a receiver welded to the frame.

[Rebshots1953]

Thanks. It came with a receiver already in place-just don’t know the weight limit. Our spare is in the nose.

[chuckster57]

The receiver should have a weight rating on it. If not then I would figure 150-200 pounds.

[JRTJH]

According to the 2019 Keystone Cougar Brochure https://www.keystonerv.com/media/9148921/cougar_east_brochure_dec19_web.pdf in the "verbiage" Keystone refers to the receiver as "A 2" receiver" but further down in the brochure, in the "features and options chart" in the Half Ton Fifth Wheel chart (second column) under the "Half Ton FW Anniversary Package" they list it as "2 inch accessory hitch with 300 pound capacity"

That said, there's a BIG difference in a 300 pound "static load" (which is probably the way it was tested) and a 300 pound "dynamic load" that's 24-36 inches behind the pin in the receiver tube as it bounces down the highway at 65MPH, with 100 pounds of "something" bouncing up and down, putting tremendous forces on the "rotation point at the end of the receiver tube. That situation would probably "kill or severly damage" any "overly optimistic dynamic load rating"..... So, I'd be concerned with putting more than about 100 pounds on a "cargo carrier stuck in the receiver".....

[Rebshots1953]

I think between the two chairs and the small plastic table we should be less than 100 lbs. Long term we are going to have the hitch and frame beefed up. I’m thinking for this trip, chairs can go in the backseat of the truck 😀 Thanks for everyone’s input.
Reb

[dutchmensport]

I think between the two chairs and the small plastic table we should be less than 100 lbs....
Reb

Don't forget to add the actual weight of the carrier. I had one I used on my previous TT and it weighed about 45 pounds all by itself.

The above poster gave you good advise from the web site and the 300 pound limit sounds about right.

My current 5er has a receiver hitch and it has a 300 pound rating also.

Look under the trailer at the hitch frame, laying on your back. There should be a label attached to the frame that looks like this. Considering Keystone uses the same products on virtually everything, I have a good feeling yours is identical to mine ... 300 pounds:

Look for the attached tag under neighth the frame:

https://i.imgur.com/WS0uBo2.jpg

[flybouy]

Try out this calculator, I think it is eye opening for the impact of weight over distance for an application like the bumper hitch.
https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/mass-moment-of-inertia

[DocWMB]

After following a couple folks with things being hauled on a bumper rack, I removed the rack from my 5er and won't be hauling anything back there. The force applied to things back there by the lever-arm created from axle to bumper doesn't leave me feeling confident that I'd arrive at my destination with any cargo carried back there intact.

[Chrispl36]

After reading the posts I do not believe mounting an onan generator off the back receiver. Is a smart idea. Does anyone one have an alternative to mounting a generator?

[JRTJH]

After reading the posts I do not believe mounting an onan generator off the back receiver. Is a smart idea. Does anyone one have an alternative to mounting a generator?

Here's one alternative: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stromberg-Carlson-CC-255-RV-Trailer-Tray-Tongue-Cargo-Carrying-System/167121682?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=10130&&adid=22222222227070915251&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=182350518901&wl4=pla-350087736917&wl5=9017633&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=117089545&wl11=online&wl12=167121682&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiAhbeCBhBcEiwAkv2cY1Ldxwkex0IWHfHNSgkc 3mPURJiOchAbgcA5G2xcxE04bAI7XU5_sRoCEcIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[hornet28]

^^^^That's a nice way to store something, but useless on a 5th wheel

[JRTJH]

^^^^That's a nice way to store something, but useless on a 5th wheel

The response was directed to Chrispl36. He has a 2018 29RLD Cougar which is a travel trailer..... I don't believe anyone suggested that rack be used on a fifth wheel.

[travelin texans]

^^^^That's a nice way to store something, but useless on a 5th wheel

A good welder could possibly fabricate something mounted to the hitch on a 5th wheel for a generator if needed. Anything's possible!

[wiredgeorge]

After reading the posts I do not believe mounting an onan generator off the back receiver. Is a smart idea. Does anyone one have an alternative to mounting a generator?

Chrispl36, go up to the User CP tab and click on it and then click on the signature button. Put a signature on your posts with your camper year, make and model and same for your tow vehicle to give you questions some context. Someone posted a picture of a rack for generator on a bumper bull but if you have a fifth wheel this isn't a solution. Many folks don't like to play "20 Questions" if someone asks a question with no context.

[wiredgeorge]

A good welder could possibly fabricate something mounted to the hitch on a 5th wheel for a generator if needed. Anything's possible!

Problem with a generator mounted on the rear is that unless enclosed in a purpose made box like on a toy hauler, most want to have 5' clear distance when operating and if you are operating a generator you would likely have to remove it from the carrier you suggested and keep it covered in weather. I bought a generator to take with us when camping and never have as one capable of powering the 30A camper I own weighs too darn much for me to store then handle easily.

[Camping family]

We have a 2019 29RKS. We want to add a bumper rack to carry some bulky, but not terribly heavy things (camp chairs and plastic table). Realistically, how much weight can the bumper hitch carry ? Or should I have the frame rebuilt?

I have a 2020 29rks 5th wheel the rear receiver on mine is rated 300 pounds and yes I made sure that was correct.

[gearhead]

Put a front receiver hitch on the truck. Get a cargo carrier, watch your oil and water temps.

[Chrispl36]

Here's one alternative: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stromberg-Carlson-CC-255-RV-Trailer-Tray-Tongue-Cargo-Carrying-System/167121682?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=10130&&adid=22222222227070915251&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=182350518901&wl4=pla-350087736917&wl5=9017633&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=117089545&wl11=online&wl12=167121682&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiAhbeCBhBcEiwAkv2cY1Ldxwkex0IWHfHNSgkc 3mPURJiOchAbgcA5G2xcxE04bAI7XU5_sRoCEcIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I reviewed a lot of posts and decided to take the risk of mounting my generator on the receiver. The total weight is only 150 lbs half the weight rating.

[sourdough]

I reviewed a lot of posts and decided to take the risk of mounting my generator on the receiver. The total weight is only 150 lbs half the weight rating.


Not trying to be ugly but that's a nice generator to go flying down the highway. Did you just put that rack in the receiver and then just let it wiggle and flop? I didn't see any signs of additional supports.

[travelin texans]

I think I'd get the offset hitch insert & raise it at least to the top of the bumper or risk dragging it at every fuel stop.
40014
I also agree with Danny, add a couple straps to stabilize it flopping back & forth.

[flybouy]

Do us a favor and post a picture back to this thread WHEN it seperates or twists the bumper. Good luck.

[jasin1]

don’t know what the fuss is all about…couple of straps..good to go :lol:..maybe attach the straps to the air conditioner

[Chrispl36]

It doesnt move much. I used the rattle hitch clamps on the pin connection.

[Chrispl36]

I think I'd get the offset hitch insert & raise it at least to the top of the bumper or risk dragging it at every fuel stop.
40014
I also agree with Danny, add a couple straps to stabilize it flopping back & forth.
I did go back with that offest and rattle clamps on both receiver coneections . One step further i offset the spare tire and moved the rack as close to the bumper as possible. Had to drill new holes in the racks receiver.

[Chrispl36]

Not trying to be ugly but that's a nice generator to go flying down the highway. Did you just put that rack in the receiver and then just let it wiggle and flop? I didn't see any signs of additional supports.
It doesnt move much. I used the rattle hitch clamps on the pin connection.