Starcraft RV Owners Forum

thanks!

My dealer told me standard procedure would be to weld the square tube where u want it, but YES, REINFORCE the bumper properly. I dont know if he uses a kit, or what parts, but since i'm under warranty, i'm having the dealer do the job. Make sure he checks to see that you didn't leave the waste hose tucked in there b 4 welding

moallen wrote:Just my 2 cents...

Yep...sometimes worth more than 2 cents....as in "spend a penny in time and save 9"

It's easy to misinterpret those rear bumper weight ratings. When they say 100 lbs, they are assuming straight down on the bumper like a spare tire. The problem is most anything you attach to the bumper ends up sticking out farther like a bolt on receiver. By the time I put my bike rack in the receiver, the weight was more like 16" out from the bumper. Taking leverage into account, a 50 lb bike becomes more like 200 lbs of twisting force on the bumper. Fortunately, I noticed one of the upper welds where the 4" tube attaches to the frame had cracked before it broke. I thought about having extra supports welded on but decided to start carrying my bike in the back of the truck. In any case, extra support should take into account the leverage/twisting effect of hanging something off the bumper. Just my 2 cents...

msmith wrote:I have a 2016 24rls it says my rear bumper Max is 100lbs

msmith...thanks. Where did you find that info. I have looked but can't find anything...not in owners manual or sticker on bumper.

I have a 2016 24rls it says my rear bumper Max is 100lbs

jcarlilesiu wrote:I would be nervous after all the horror stories I have heard.

Somebody makes a bumper reinforcement kit. Looks really easy to install. I'll try to find it and post it here.

thanks for replying. I have a local welding shop who can easily reinforce the bumper to frame...did that on my last travel trailer. Just thinking that with less than 120lbs might not need to reinforce it. I think I will contact jayco and see what they say (I can guess).

I would be nervous after all the horror stories I have heard.

Somebody makes a bumper reinforcement kit. Looks really easy to install. I'll try to find it and post it here.