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Topic ClosedClass 2 hitch/ Bike rack re-enforcment
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Bboudens View Drop Down
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Joined: 30 Sep 2016
Location: Calgary AB
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Class 2 hitch/ Bike rack re-enforcment
    Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 2:02pm
Hello All. I'm thinking of re-enforcing the rear hitch on the back of the trailer. I'm an avid cycling enthusiast and one of the main reasons for purchasing the rpod was this hitch at the back. The authorized bike rack will not cut it for me. I'm thinking of something that carries 4 bikes and a total combined weight of 200 lbs. Has anyone done something similar or uses a different bike rack? Does anyone have a way for me to contact Forest River to see if they have any recommendations or reasons why I shouldn't beef it up? Any thoughts?        
Keep your stick on the ice
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 6:45pm
My first thought is that modification will probably void some parts, if not all of any warranty you may have. If that is important to you then you probably have some time to consult somebody truly qualified to guarantee such a modification. Good luck! 
Cliff & Raelynn
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Sep 2016 at 7:24pm
Someone here a while ago reinforced the rear hitch to do that.  Others have had custom racks build above the tongue.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Oct 2016 at 12:27am
Ya, this is what is great about this forum. the reinforcement is not a huge priority and will probably wait until the warranty is done anyway. I'm just trying to find out what others have done. Any body use a Thule rack on the back? Any issues? cause for the time being two bikes is fine.    
Keep your stick on the ice
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Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
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Posts: 1088 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 2:46pm
We reinforced the original rear hitch. We added welded triangle gussets ,  1.5 inch square cross member to the frame and a 2 inch receiver. Look at the mods pictures on our page  we carry 2 bikes and have had no problems,
Vann

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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Joined: 03 Oct 2016
Location: Deep Run NC
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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2016 at 8:00am
Hi group, We are picking up our 180 today.  We would like to carry two bikes on the back with a carrier that will fit in the 1 1/4" receiver.  The bikes total about 75 pounds.  Should I be concerned about placing that much weight on the spare tire receiver?  Would I have any warranty issues because of this?
Donnie & Tina Hill
2016 R-Pod 180 "STAR POD" sold
2018 Ford F-150 STX
2013 Ford F-150 Eco-Boost
2020 R-Pod 192 “STAR POD 2”
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2016 at 8:45am
The hitch has a weight sticker on it, ours says 125 pounds max, FR also requires you use their bike rack, which holds only two bikes. Pretty sure the FR recommended rack is a Swagman Titan 2. Or something very similar.
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Posts: 17 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 8:54am
I have the recommended bike rack that FR requires.  It isn't the best rack I have ever seen but it carries two bikes ok with a little work aligning them so they don't rub.  Just did 7K miles with it and 2 bikes no problems.  I thought I would try it because it is inexpensive and would say it is acceptable for us.  

Cheers, Dave
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Joined: 03 Oct 2016
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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 9:00am
Thanks all for your comments!
Donnie & Tina Hill
2016 R-Pod 180 "STAR POD" sold
2018 Ford F-150 STX
2013 Ford F-150 Eco-Boost
2020 R-Pod 192 “STAR POD 2”
2020 Coachmen Apex 265RBSS
Deep Run, NC
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