Quote:
Originally Posted by Treebzl
Hi all, I want to put a storage platform on the rear bumper of an Outback 330RL rig but cannot find the maximum weight capacity of the bumper. Any idea where I can find this data? Thanks! Tim
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The answer I got from Forest River on my first trailer was that the bumper is only designed to carry whatever accessories came on the TT from the factory. I feel like that's good advice, so basically if you remove the spare from the bumper, you can carry up to the weight of the spare and bracket that came with your trailer. They also specifically said DO NOT bolt a hitch receiver or any platform wider than about a foot from the bumper or you're just asking for trouble. Anything from failed bumpers to separating wall panels due to a bent frame.
Figuring that is very conservative advice, but not getting too crazy, I've always used a carrier that mounts ON the bumper like the spare, carry only the spare in the carrier OR only cargo that weighs roughly the same (40-50lbs), and ratchet strap everything as close to the box as possible. Never had an issue, and that bumper looked super flimsy (and got very rusty) compared to the new one. I'll do the same for my new trailer.
Do not create leverage on that bumper with a bolt-on receiver and hitch rack. Notice almost all the fail pics have that setup, or were hanging bikes and stuff way out the back.