Rear Hitch Response from FR R.Pod

From: Kristin Griffin [mailto:kgriffin@forestriverinc.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 2:22 PM
To: John and Kris
Cc: Lionel Garza
Subject: RE: QUESTION: 2012 182G HITCH

Hi there John,

Congratulations on your new r.pod!!  Yes – that 182G is for SURE a show stopper!!  Not to mention so much fun to show off!

In regards to your receiver hitch question:

I’m going to copy Lionel on this email – I know the answer to this question – I get asked it all of the time.  I just want him on this – in the case that the answer I give to you is different now than I was last informed.

The short answer John is the weight of the Bike Rack and 2 bicycles – or the spare tire.

It gets a little tricky John when dealing with bumpers/receivers & adding or modifying any part of them after the manufacturer.  The best explanation I can give you is this…

Any weight that is added, while in “parked/still” position – will weight exactly what it weighs – let’s say a 70lb combination of carrier & 2 bikes.  When in motion however, as the momentum of that 70lbs bounces up & down – it actually causes that 70lbs to at the very least double to a 140lbs of weight that is on the bumper.  Once you change the projection of the weight/object/area on the bumper, for instance a rack that extends 12” – 18” beyond the bumper – those numbers can triple or quadruple.

I hope that makes sense.  I wish I had a better answer for you but that’s the best I can give you.   

We here at rpod say there is a 125lb weight rating – however – keep in mind that is the MAX weight rating and actually means a total “still” weight of approx 62lbs.

Any alterations or modifications to the bumper/hitch in excess of the bike carrier or spare tire will void your warranty of the entire frame.

Thank you for contacting me on this – it’s a very important question!!

Kristin Griffin
Forest River Inc.
Surveyor/r.pod Division #37
WC Surveyor/r.pod Division #47
574/642.3119 x 213
574/970.6891 (FAX)
kgriffin@forestriverinc.com