Question about rear 1.25" hitch

Thanks!... didn’t realize it can only hold 150lbs... really appreciate the feedback

It’s less a matter of what the bumper will take than it is what hanging weight back there will to do your tongue weight, frame load, and axle weight. The rear of the trailer is not a good place to put heavy stuff.

Thank you all for this most helpful advice!

We have used a rear bike rack on the back of 2 different R Pods with success. However, we did NOT use the stock 1 ¼” receiver.  We made 5 very important changes that added a lot of safety and rigidity to the system. THE IDEA IS TO MINIMIZE ANY MOVEMENT WITHIN THE SYSTEM AND OFFER ADDITIONAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTH.

1-We added a 2” receiver with triangular reinforcement gussets to the bottom of the existing receiver

2-we added an additional 2”x2” frame member that is welded from side to side to the original frame channels..  The rear of the 2” receiver is also welded to this new frame member as well as the original 1 ¼” receiver.

3-We use a hitch tightener to stop any slop or movement between the bottom shank of the bike rack and the 2” receiver

4-we use 2 cam lock straps that are attached from the top of the bike rack to eye bolts that are drilled into each rear corner of the R Pod frame (they are red in this picture).  These straps are ratcheted tight to stop any additional movement of the bikes/bike rack.  We also use only 2 bikes and we have the bike rack welded to the shortest shank possible to avoid too much cantilever.  The total bike rack and 2 bikes weigh 74 pounds.

5-We moved the spare tire to the front, welded on the A frame as earlier suggested to offset the rear weight and insure adequate tongue weight.

 

I would not use the rear 1 ¼” receiver for a bike rack without substantial modifications. Any of these modifications will probably void your warranty.  We used a professional welder for all fabrications. I am not advocating this use-I am just illustrating what we did. Make your own decisions. 

Vann

Another reason for the rear weight restriction is that hanging weight on the rear of the trailer reduces tongue weight. Think of the trailer as a teeter totter rotating around the tire contact patch. Low tongue weight is dangerous because it makes the trailer sway prone. If you do add that weight back there, relocate the spare to the front of the trailer for balance and check your actual tongue weight with the trailer loaded for travel. You want to be above 10% of total trailer weight under all loading conditions.  172's tend to be loaded heavy aft anyway because the big storage area and fresh water tank are in the rear.