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Hitch Cargo Carrier |
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Larry 
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Joined: 22 Jan 2010 Location: Fairfield, CA Status: Offline Points: 344 |
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 Topic: Hitch Cargo CarrierPosted: 27 Jan 2011 at 12:39am |
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I am contemplating moving the pod’s spare tire from the rear to the front tongue, which I know some here have already done, but I am considering putting a cargo carrier with hitch receiver on the back of the pod to carry some extra items when I go camping, especially on long trips. I understand that the main concern is not to put too much weight on that rear hitch. The cargo carrier with receiver that I have been looking at only weighs 36 lbs empty, and while it has a 500 lb capacity I don’t plan on carrying more than 50 to 100 lbs in the carrier at any one time. Some here have mentioned that they have put a bicycle rack on the rear of their pod; depending on whether it is one or two bikes that can be 20 to 50 lbs. I don’t know if the rear hitch on the pod is a Class II, III or IV? And I don't know how much weight that rear hitch can take? I've looked online for the R-Pod 171 specs but could not find any info about it. I am also curious about what others think about putting a hitch cargo carrier on the rear of the pod? Here is a link to what I’m thinking about buying; the 48” folding carrier w/rails and a 48” cargo carry bag; about $170.00 total for the 3-items. http://www.discountramps.com/folding-cargo-carrier.htm
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kmcmurph
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Joined: 12 May 2010 Location: Kansas Status: Offline Points: 287 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 12:53am |
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The rear "hitch" is a class 2. I put it in quotes, because there is much there in the way of material or construction on mine. I think what you want is to do is ok, but watch the welds and metal after a bit to see if there is any weakening or cracking of welds. Let us know how you make out.
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Karl, Kerri and the hounds:: 5.4L '04 Expedition:: 2010 177
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wbillar
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Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 143 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 8:13am |
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Representatives from the factory told us (at last years rally), the hitch is rated for the spare tire or two bicycles. |
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Bill
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HuronSailor
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Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Location: Owosso MI Status: Offline Points: 860 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 9:22am |
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Proceed with caution, my friend. We have a Thule 4 bike rack and two aluminum frame bikes we normally carry in our rear receiver, and although it's within the weight limits prescribed by FR, it just doesn't feel that sturdy.
Mostly it's when the pod gets to bouncing I grit my teeth. I've often wished there was a way to strap the bike rack back to the pod at the top to minimize the lever action. Well, there's always a way, I just don't want to tear the whole back end of the pod apart to do it.
We really haven't had any problems with the setup as is, though.
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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: My Albums :: OurPod Blog ::
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Larry
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Joined: 22 Jan 2010 Location: Fairfield, CA Status: Offline Points: 344 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 12:43pm |
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Thank you all for your feedback. I am planning on getting a hitch extension adapter that will change the rear hitch receiver from a class II to a Class III or IV; there is a link at the bottom of the page to let you know what I’m talking about. Still I know that will not change the amount of weight I can put on that rear hitch, although I‘m confident that if I stay within 100 lbs I‘ll be ok. As it is right now my spare tire in the rear is kind of wobbly and I want to move that tire regardless whether I get a cargo carrier or not. The receiver for the spare tire does not have a snug fit. I did call FR, after I posted this topic here yesterday, and I asked about the rear hitch and all they told me was that the rear hitch on the r-pod should never be used for towing. The person who I spoke with did not discourage me from installing a cargo carrier as long as I stayed within a 300 lb limit; which is the normal maximum tongue weight for a class II hitch. There is nothing in the warranty or literature about the r-pod’s rear hitch and how it can be used. I wish I had something in writing. 4-bikes sounds like a lot of weight and I understand about the dangling effect when the pod gets to bouncing even with 2-bikes. If nothing more it’ll be cause for me to slow down when I’m towing. I’m also missing a stabilizer jack on the left rear of my pod; it came to me brand new from Couch RV in Ohio with only 3-stablizer jacks; two in front and one in back. Putting that forth jack in place will help the weight distribution when the pod is parked. Nonetheless, I definitely will proceed with caution. http://www.discountramps.com/cargoImages/receiver-adapter-3.jpg
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Butterfly_Lee
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Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Status: Offline Points: 1131 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 12:56pm |
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I'm NO ENGINEER or anything like that, but I've thought of and discuss with others putting a cargo hitch on the back of Podterfly. I think to be successful the Cargo Carrier should be attach in three places. The in the middle by the present hitch, and on each side attached to the square tube frame (for lack of a better term). Maybe adding to additional recievers to the frame (so that you can take it off) or just welding & extending the frame tubing to support the cargo carrier or just add a |___| (brace that fits into the frame (not must of a diagram but two pieces of metal into the frame (and secured) and one running length wise like a bumper.
I think the biggest problem is the sway and bounce from the single hitch with the bicycles.
Personally I like to put the anitgravity chairs (bagged of course) and a foldup tricycle, not real heavy, but with the extra support it shouldn't be a problem. I personally would like to have something like this for my long trips as well.
There's my two cents.
Lee
 These are just my thoughts, be careful and cautious with what ever you do.
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Still a work in progress, lots of pictures.
http://podterfly.blogspot.com/ |
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Outbound
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Joined: 25 Jul 2009 Location: Oshawa, ON Status: Offline Points: 750 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 2:05pm |
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DON'T DO IT!
Find another way to carry your things that doesn't involve cantilevering weight out the back of your trailer. A spare tire, with its weight held close to the trailer is one thing; 200 pounds held 2-4 feet out from the rear is quite another altogether.
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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray
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Outbound
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Joined: 25 Jul 2009 Location: Oshawa, ON Status: Offline Points: 750 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 2:12pm |
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For those looking for a bicycle-carrying solution, Top Pop rails may be worth a second look. The bicycles are carried on the tongue, over the propane tank using a very sturdy mount.
 Or, if you're like me and only need to carry a single bicycle, you can easily install a rail on the tongue:  |
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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray
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Ratdog
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Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Location: Central Florida Status: Offline Points: 1175 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 3:28pm |
I agree with Outbound. I don't believe that mount can safely handle a load like that in a static situation let alone the live load caused by the sway and bounce of the trailer in motion.
To be safe, I'd look for another solution.
-- Steve
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Steve, Anne, and Paige the Rat Terrier 2013 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD 2011 RP-177 (aka: The Circus Wagon) |
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R&T's Pod
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Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Location: Landis, NC Status: Offline Points: 424 |
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Posted: 27 Jan 2011 at 3:50pm |
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Patrick at etrailer helped me with this issue a few weeks ago. I believe it will work for me because with my tow vehicle is an F-150 with tow package, therefore I do not use either sway bars or a WDH. I was trying to avoid a front mounted reciever and bike rack. Along with a bike carrier. When I do get this set up, I'll be sure to post a picture and let everyone know how it works for me.
Patrick at etrailer is also know as etrailer on this forum.
Rob
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Outbound wrote: