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