Cardinal RV Club

I have a 36-2 BH LE 2007 model and we are currently on a trip. During which I purchased a "Swagman" 2" receiver mount to attach a bike rack to the bumper. Instructions stated not to exceed 300 lbs. W/ 3 bikes and rack installed we took off north to VA. In NC I noticed that the rear bumper had dropped slightly from the frame mounting bolts. Poor design on FR's part to say the least. Now several days later while driving the square tube bumper began to tear apart around the welds dragging the bikes on the ground.
Has anyone else had problems with the bumper ?? Where do you mount bikes?
I know the weight was well within the guide ?? Forrest River says that the bumper will handle the weight, and is designed to do so??
Whats ya'll's opinion. Scrap the stock bumper and have a good one fabricated

Hi Mark

This is what I have:

I mount two trail bikes on the rack. Initially I thought the receive might buckle the bumper when I clammed it on but it seems quite strong. I've used this setup for two years now with no problems.

Do you have the same bumper?

Rob

We ordered our 34qs with the optional receiver hitch which is welded to the frame so that we can use a bike carrier and hitch mounted spare tire carrier. I would suggest that you try to find a welding shop that can weld a 2 " receiver (hitch) to your frame. Much more stable and no chance of you ripping off your bumper.

Rob

Your picture shows exactly what my bumper used to look like.
Exact same set up and almost the same bike carrier (2 adult bikes and 1 kids bike)
The bumper just peeled open where the welds attach the forward runners and rolled down from there.
I like rosey"s idea of a FRAME mounted receiver.

We have a frame mounted reciever also and give it two thumbs up. We use ours to tote our generators to the races. It's a solid way to go, but you just have to find someone that can do the welding.

We had a 2" receiver hitch welded to our 362BH in Manassas, VA. We carry 4 bikes with a Swagman hitch.

If it's an 07 model and still under warranty, (even if it's not) get it documented with FR as soon as possible. That could easily be called a manufacturer defect. Contact Chad Green or R. Batts (rbatts@forestriverinc.com) at Forest River Warranty Dept. The metal should not just “peel” away at all. With it happening at a welded joint really shows poor craftsmanship, synonymous with Forest Fiver Products in the last 2-3 years. I have the 38 foot trailer and the rear bumper guards just touched the ground and they folded like tooth picks. Good luck on that one! Take pics of the area that failed, not the bike rack mount. Also try to get FR to reimburse you for the damage of the bikes. Go to a local welding shop and see if they can make you something that resembles a real bumper with proper mounting, get FR to pay for that too. Hope that’s some help. Not just what kind of bike rack I have. LOL[/i]