Trailer-Mounted Hitch to Allow Use of Hitch Cargo Carrier for Transporting Generator
Question:
To whom it may concern: We have recently acquired an old Cummins Onan RV generator that we would like to retrofit for our Tango Towlite trailer. We cannot find any information on what our 4 inch rear bumper will hold, as weight capacity on the generator with fuel is about 350lbs, we have looked at the 4 x 4 Inch Bumper 350 lbs TW 3500 lbs GTW Bolt-On 2 Inch Hitch Curt hitch that clamps over the bumper, but we need to answer that question first, would you have any idea if this will hold our cargo rack with generator? Thank you in advance.
asked by: Michelle M
Expert Reply:
You can get a sense of the weight carrying capacity of your RV bumper by checking to see how it was installed. 4 x 4 size bumpers can be either spot welded or continuously welded along their entire length. Naturally, a continuously welded steel bumper will have a higher weight capacity than one that is spot welded. If the bumper is only spot welded then it will surely not have the capacity for a 350-lb generator plus the weight of the cargo carrier necessary to support it in a hitch.
Such hitch-mount cargo carriers can themselves weigh a good bit, like # 63153 from Reese, which weighs about 62-lbs.
I checked the Pacific Coachworks website for specs on the Towlite 24IKS, as just one example of this trailer series since I do not know which one you have, and no bumper details are provided, although I do note that this particular trailer has an aluminum frame.
I suggest you contact them with your trailer's VIN in case they actually do have detailed records about the bumper capacity on your particular trailer. If it turns out that your bumper does not have the required capacity for the combined weight of the generator and your chosen hitch carrier then you may need to install a frame-mounted hitch like # C13702 which offers a 500lb tongue weight capacity.
Products Referenced in This Question
Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 18" to 51" Wide
- RV and Camper Hitch
- Frame Mount Hitch
- 18 - 51 Inch Wide Frame
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Bolt-On
- Weld-On
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 24 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Recommended RV Trailer Hitch Receiver For A Grand Design Imagine 2250RK
- Shop: Fireside Outdoor Portable Fire Pit with Heat Shield
- Shop: Ultra-Fab 2" Motor Home Trailer Hitch Receiver for 4" x 4" Bumpers - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 18" to 51" Wide
- Shop: Camco Portable Campfire Ring
- Shop: Fireside Outdoor Portable Fire Pit with Full Coverage Grill Grate and Heat Shield
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 1999 Isuzu NPR
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Q&A: Replacement LED Top Command Clearance Light With SAE-AP2-16 On Lens For 2018 Sunseeker Motorhome
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: equalizer
- Video: Curt RV Bumper Trailer Hitch Receiver Review
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Search Results: door latch
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Extreme Duty Rear Air Helper Springs Installation - 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 250
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop