3750FL rear hitch add-on

[captbanjo]

Since I am finally buying the truck I've been planning to buy for almost 2 years, I no longer want to put our bicycles on top of the truck roof. I have a 2013 3750FL and it did not come with a bicycle hitch in the rear.

I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion as to whether it is feasible to have a welder add one to the frame so that we can put our bicycles on the back of our Montana?

[jcurtis934]

Usually those that wish to carry bicycles on the rear of a montana are new to rv'ing or have never seen the rear bounce of our rigs. If you have a welder put on a hitch with double two inch receivers separated by three or four feet, you will have a super stable hitch system for a platform that holds whatever you would want to carry. I don't feel there is any bicycle hitch made that can take the twisting and bouncing forces back there. John

[DQDick]

The only issue is whether or not it voids the warranty on your frame. An issue that has never really been decided one way or the other.

[hybridhauler]

I was behind 2 RV's (SOB) the other day that had bikes strapped to a carrier on the back. I honestly dont see how in they world they stayed in place. The rack and bikes were bouncing like crazy.
The next time you get behind a RV with bikes attached to a carrier, watch and see how much they bounce around.You will be surprised.

[captbanjo]

Do you carry bikes too?

quote:Originally posted by hybridhauler

I was behind 2 RV's (SOB) the other day that had bikes strapped to a carrier on the back. I honestly dont see how in they world they stayed in place. The rack and bikes were bouncing like crazy.
The next time you get behind a RV with bikes attached to a carrier, watch and see how much they bounce around.You will be surprised.

[hybridhauler]

In the past, when the kids were still at home, we carried bikes but do not bring them along any more. We have talked about it recently and have been looking at the folding bicycles that take up less space. These can easily be tucked away in front of the fifth wheel hitch in the truck when we are on the road.

[bncinwv]

Yes it can be done and has been by many. Warranty issue on a 2013 model is not a factor. Our 3750 had the 1 1/4" receiver and we carried two bikes regularly. It did take some ratchet straps attached to frame members (with some protective sleeves made for dock line to protect the fiberglass) to minimize bounce, but we never had a problem with them. I even had the rear view camera where I could see them at all times. With a two inch receiver, you still may have to do some strapping but the system will work.
Bingo

[chris199]

Had Pete's RV install a hitch for bikes on 3791RD. service manager assured me it was very secure...they know what they are doing and their Keystone rep has seen how they do it. Right or wrong, I trusted them. They sell a great number of Montana's.

Have carried 2 bikes regularly. Like Bingo, have used the observation camera and follower to confirm little/if any, movement.

You do have to be sure to get a carrier that is certified/approved to use on an RV. Most major manufacturers exclude use on RV's. We found the Stowaway. It is easy to load bikes with the swinging feature. There's no lifting and the risk of damage to rear wall of RV getting bikes on inside portion of carrier is eliminated. Carrier has hitch accessory to tighten carrier to hitch to prevent bouncing.

https://www.stowaway2.com/hitch-bike-rack

[jlb27537]

Wayne, Your fresh water tank is in the rear. Do not weld a hitch on.

I had a shop build me a 2" receiver hitch. 2" square tube, 1/4" wall with 3"x4" angle on the tube ends. 2 bolts in each end. 2 cross tubes are 60" across and 27" front to back distance between them. The center stinger is stock 36". Hitch has 8 grade 5 bolts holding to frame rails.

Asked for a hitch rated for 5K with 500 lbs pin weight. So far, not a wiggle. Presently have a 3K trailer with 3-400 lbs of pin attached to it. On a 2500 mile trip. Probably have over 10K miles towing something behind the 5th.

Link is to a group of hitch pics.
http://s143.photobucket.com/user/jlb...?sort=3&page=1

Jim

[captbanjo]

Thanks all. We, we decided to go with folding bikes. New topic material I suppose.....

[Samiterry]

quote:Originally posted by jlb27537

Wayne, Your fresh water tank is in the rear. Do not weld a hitch on.

I had a shop build me a 2" receiver hitch. 2" square tube, 1/4" wall with 3"x4" angle on the tube ends. 2 bolts in each end. 2 cross tubes are 60" across and 27" front to back distance between them. The center stinger is stock 36". Hitch has 8 grade 5 bolts holding to frame rails.

Asked for a hitch rated for 5K with 500 lbs pin weight. So far, not a wiggle. Presently have a 3K trailer with 3-400 lbs of pin attached to it. On a 2500 mile trip. Probably have over 10K miles towing something behind the 5th.

Link is to a group of hitch pics.
http://s143.photobucket.com/user/jlb...?sort=3&page=1

Jim

Interesting, I don't know what 2013 3750FL you have, but on our 2013 3750FL, the fresh water tank is in the front !

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by Samiterry

Interesting, I don't know what 2013 3750FL you have, but on our 2013 3750FL, the fresh water tank is in the front !

Sorry, I thought all fresh water tanks were in the rear. Still, bolt it on.