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Old 12-09-2012, 12:58 AM   #1
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221 rbsl 2013

Hello everyone, I am a new owner of a Dutchman, Kodiak 2013 221 RBSL.
We purchased it in September of this year in Levis, Quebec. We like it so far, a few little things that had to be dealt with but overall ok.
I have a question to others that have this unit (I think the unit is pretty well the same build for the past couple of years, only the year has been changed)
I would like to put a bike carrier on the rear of this unit carrying two bikes, the bike hitch would be the type that simply bolts on to the bumper similar to the spare tire that is on there now (See below link). I would move the spare tire away from the center and arrange the proposed hitch to accomodate the bike hitch.
I am wondering if others have done this and is the bumper sufficiently strong & sturdy enough to support this?
I have pictures of the bumper that I have included as attachments.
This link shows the proposed hitch: RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver - Clamp-On Swagman Specialty Trailer Hitches S64025
I did read on this hitch site that the main concern is that the welding of the bumper to the supports & the supports to the frame should be "Continuous Welding" not "Spot Welding" and mine does seem to be "Continuous Welding" .
Recognizing the amount of upward & downward movement and strain that one will get with this attachment, has anyone out there done this and was it successfully done and do they feel safe with the bikes there or did they instead carry the hitch right to the frame and weld it there?
Going to the frame in these units is not really easy due to the underbelly being totally enclosed but can be done (Don't want to do this if I can feel comfortable with a bolt on hitch)
Appreciate any input on this, Thanks....Ernie
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Old 12-09-2012, 05:29 PM   #2
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I have done this...if u want to see the pics use the search function at the top of the page.... then type "bike rack" and go to the bike rack post. Lots of good stuff and discussion. If that doesn' t work...let me know and I will repost the pics.

Take all

Coops
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Old 12-09-2012, 05:32 PM   #3
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Sorry should say take care..me bad.

Coops
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Old 12-10-2012, 12:45 PM   #4
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OK...from everything that I have read about bike bolt on hitches.....is don't do it! Most rear bumpers are only rated for 100 pounds, with the spare, hitch & bikes...you will be well over that!

DH did weld a receiver onto the frame and we then purchased a bike hitch to slide into the receiver (which is now sitting in the home garage, as we purchased a toy hauler this past fall).

Also from your #3 photo, it sure does not look like a continuous weld...but I may be missing something!

Good luck with your project!
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Old 12-10-2012, 02:16 PM   #5
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Hitchs Back of TT & Front of TV

Nana & Poppy
Thanks for the reply. I will take your advise into consideration. I may look into a frame attachment when I get back in Canada. What I use now is a hitch called "Bodiak" it attaches to the Hooks on the underside of the front bumper. Works OK BUT the "Hollywood" Bike Hitch that fits into the Receiver has the Bikes quite low...ok, but also it gets kinda tiresome looking out thru the bikes when driving and we have did that from Eastern Canada to Sebring, Florida...2100 Miles!
A Camera at the back of the unit would be great to watch the bikes, I recently purchased a Garmin "DEZL" GPS and it has a port that allows a backup camera so that would be nice to have.....more $$$!
Here is a picture of the Bodiak Hitch.
BTW I love this site where one can post photos right on the thread, never saw any other Forum that allows that usually one has to go to a site like Flicker or post in the Files Section.....hope I don't wear out my welcome by doing this.
.....Ernie
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Old 12-10-2012, 02:18 PM   #6
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Thanks Cooper, Photos are great, appreciate your reply, still on the fence!
....Ernie
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Old 12-10-2012, 05:36 PM   #7
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CanuckTraveller...there is a bike rack that mounts at the front of the TT. It mounts right over the propane tanks. Sorry unable to find the link to the site. The rack is made in Canada .

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Old 12-11-2012, 03:27 AM   #8
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Coops, Yes there is and I saw it at Jonathon Dickinson State Park two years ago on a Quebec Trailer, thanks for reminding me of this. I think I got where the owner bought it....now if I can find it....
Think it was kinda expensive like maybe $300+ but not real sure, will do some digging into it, thanks again
....Ernie
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Old 12-11-2012, 01:03 PM   #9
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http://arvikaca.whc.ca/index.php?pag...emid=4&lang=en

here you go!
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Old 12-11-2012, 01:06 PM   #10
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TT A Frame Mounted Bike Rack With Pic's T-310SR - Sunline Coach Owner's Club

here is a post on a home built one - John B is an engineer and made this one!
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Old 12-11-2012, 01:17 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nana & Poppy View Post
TT A Frame Mounted Bike Rack With Pic's T-310SR - Sunline Coach Owner's Club

here is a post on a home built one - John B is an engineer and made this one!
Thanks guys, will look into these.
...Ernie
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Old 12-11-2012, 06:33 PM   #12
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Thanks Nanny & Poppy...good stuff.
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Old 12-11-2012, 09:57 PM   #13
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Welcome!
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Old 12-12-2012, 05:52 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nana & Poppy View Post
TT A Frame Mounted Bike Rack With Pic's T-310SR - Sunline Coach Owner's Club

here is a post on a home built one - John B is an engineer and made this one!
I like this idea It uses up a lot of wasted space & doesn't get in the way of anything. Nice !!
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