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Bolt on 2" receiver - Event Date: 18 Feb 2017

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offgrid View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote offgrid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Bolt on 2" receiver
    Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 4:55pm
If you add that much weight at the rear you risk bending the frame back at the axle attachment point. That is the weakest point on an rpod frame, because when you go over a bump or hit a pothole the weight on the rear and the torque from the torsion axle are additive and place a lot of bending force at that location. So there is a very good reason for FR to void the warranty if you do that.

Here's the second reason that adding all that weight at the rear is unadvisable. You need to keep at least 10-11% of the total trailer weight on the tongue at all times. Otherwise you can get sway. It's going to be difficult to keep the weight on the tongue high enough.

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jato View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote jato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 4:32pm
Welding additional gussets and reinforcing will be a necessity for this to work successfully.  Best go to a welding shop that will guarantee their work.  As has been previously stated FR will void any warranty you may have once this modification has been performed.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Dahuntsr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 4:07pm
I want put a cargo rack on the back of my 2017 177 that I bought last summer to carry a 3500 watt generator, 2-5 gallon gas cans, spare propane tank and the spare tire. I tried a 1 1/4 to 2 inch receiver adapter, but it sags low and bounces. I decided to look I into replacing the 1 1/4 inch receiver with a 2 inch.

A link to any pictures of your 2 inch receiver setup would be helpful.
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Pod People View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Pod People Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2017 at 2:25pm
We also added a 2" receiver and added additional 2"x2" cross member.  we added triangle gussets above and below the new 2" receiver.  It has worked well in several cross country trips.  another important aspect of stopping the motion of the bikes and racks is to stop the front to back and side to side motion.  We use a hitch quietener and also 2 nylon cam straps to each corner of the pod.  there are pictures in our mod page.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote voisj Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2017 at 10:46am
Tobinism,
I would like to see Pictures, Like toolmanJohn said, The rear main cross member is so small and thin. And just welded on the ends, How did you beef it up? Not that I would Hang a ton of weight off the back, But they hung the spare there so it can't be to bad.
rgds John
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Tobinism Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 8:18pm
Well I finished the hitch install. After removing the stock receiver I wouldn't trust it even with just the spare tire back there. New hitch is bolted to the frame with 5- 1/2" bolts on each side. It is very robust added approx 50 lbs to the overall weight with the upgrade. I can't figure out how to attach pictures to this on my phone but I can attach some later for whoever is interested.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote ToolmanJohn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 7:34pm
 You will need to have a welder make a much more robust attachment for a 2 inch receiver. 

The standard cross member at the rear of the frame is not extraordinarily strong. I would recommend 2 new larger cross members and a long square piece of 2 inch receiver tube welded to both. And it should be gusseted at the rearmost cross member for additional strength . 

If you decide to do it, go for overkill and make it strong. You don't want to lose the bikes, and you do not want to be responsible for a crash either if the carrier came of due to poor welds or design.

My solution for a 2 bike carrier was to buy a 1upUSA adaptable bike carrier. I can use it in the standard 1-1/4" receiver. I installed to D-Ring tie downs next to the rear window on each side. I made sure the carriage bolts penetrating through the fiberglass and wall are watertight and use large fender washers to distribute the load. I use the D-rings to run a strap around the bike frame closest to the R-Pod, and cinch it a bit so the bike rack cannot bounce. The receiver takes all the weight and the strap just prevents it from bouncing. No worries about the weld breaking. I inspect on each Journey. 4 years on and no issues.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Tobinism Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 2017 at 8:41pm
Sorry, still 4 bikes on the back ranging in weights from 27-36lbs.
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Leo B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 2017 at 8:30pm
Good advice!
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Post Options Post Options   Quote furpod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 2017 at 8:22pm
Since it's only 2 bikes.. why not use the FR approved 2 bike carrier and avoid finding out about cancelled warranties..
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