Solid 1.25" bike carrier on rear of Monty

[dpam]

We have a 2010 - Montana 3150RL with a 1.25" hitch receiver that is bolted on the trailer frame. I noticed the hitch somewhat twisted when it had weight on it, so I took the bolts out and took the hitch to a welder and he welded a second metal bar (same material as original) with approx 6 inch pieces of the same metal welded between the two bars, which created in a sense a ladder. The cost of the material and welder was $80.00. I bolted the hitch back on to the trailer frame and now there is not any movement at all. I have a cargo carrier that I paid $50.00 for at Walmart with a 2" draw bar. I bought a 2" to 1.25" adapter which is solid metal and had the same welder weld the adapter to the 2" draw bar, which eliminates movement.
I bought 2- bike fork carrier/platforms and bolted them to the cargo carrier. We take the tires off our bikes and place them into the fork carriers and strap down the back of the bikes and have no movement at all. Everything is extremely solid. Total cost =

cargo carrier - $50.00 (already had it)
customize the 1.25" hitch receiver $80.00
2" to 1.25" adapter $15.00
2 - bike fork carrier/platforms $30.00

Total cost for the hitch customization and solid bike carrier is $175.00. A lot less expensive than getting a 2" receiver and buying a bike carrier.

[DQDick]

Sounds like a great idea. Do you have any pictures?

[dpam]

We are heading to the British Columbia west coast next week. Once I have the carrier and bikes loaded on the back of the Montana I'll take pictures, and hopefully I'll be able to post them in to a new reply.

[Ozz]

Sounds great, any weak spot in the carrier will give out..don't ask how I know that
Sounds like you planned it well.

[CBTraveler]

I'd also like to see a few pictures. I've seen quotes for $500 to add a hitch (2") to the back of out trailer and I'm reluctant to spend that much

[worknomore]

Did the same exact thing to mine (sans the carrier). Also use a 1.25" - 2" adapter for my bike rack. Drilled & tapped a hole thru the top of the adapter for a 1/4-20 bolt & lock nut to take the play outta the bike rack. 8K miles & no problems. You can look at at the rally, Dick...

[sailer]

I did the same thing at the rally last year. I stoped at pull rite to have my hitch checked and talked to them about the hitch on the 5th wheel; The guy said go and get it and we will fix it , made a ladder out of it ,,,cost $0 He just said have a good day
sailer