2006 Mountaineer 319BHS rear sliding bike rack

[red3171]

Has anyone reinforced/modifed the rear slide out bumper/bicycle rack (rated to 200lbs per Keystone) in order to carry a 250 lb dirt bike? A friend has a 2005 Keystone Cougar 281 with the same slide out bike rack, and his was almost dragging on the ground due to bent "L" brackets that allowed the tray to fall to the ground while carrying 4 bicycles. I told him to use bolts instead of the pins so the "L" bracket cannot bend outward, which worked. I'd like to carry one dirt bike, but obviously I would have to do some strengthening to the assembly. I was just wondering if someone has done it.

Thanks,
Red

[slewis]

Yep, we did! I wish I could give you specifics but when DH gets back I will ask him how they did it. I know that they (DH and mech. eng. son)reinforced the frame and made rails for DH's scooter. It has worked fine for this purpose. We aren't using the tray itself tho. The scooter weighs more than 250 lbs. I'll check with him and try to give you more info by PM.
Sandy

[red3171]

Thanks Sandy.

Red

[Lawman]

If you are still under warranty I'd be very cautious doing any kind of mod involving increasing the weight above the factory limit.

[red3171]

Lawman,
It's almost out of warranty.

Thanks,
Red