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 >
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