8 replies to this topic

[Dutchman]

Has anyone succesfully re-inforced the Casita rear bumper (the 4x4 type) preparatory to carrying one or two bikes on the back? I'd like to see a photo of a good welding job.  I have been asking some local welders and I am getting mixed answers.
Gracias,
Ed

[brain]

Hi Dutchman,

I had my bumper reinforced with some welding for a new spare tire carrier. My welder added a 1/4 inch thick piece long enough to fit snugly into the two L pieces that attach at the bumper. He spot welded the piece to the bumper and most importantly to the L pieces. I touched up the welds with some black spray paint.

[Bobinyelm]

While I cannot see what was done in the photos, I would think that if a piece of angle iron stock were laid across the rear frame rails and welded to both of them and to the bumper (short beads), then steel strapping were wrapped around the three remaining sides of the bumper (where the carrier would mount) and continuously welded to the angle stock (essentially taking the bumper out of the picture as a structural member) that you wouldn't have a very strong base for such use.

Bob

[Out There]

Dutchman

I've been trying for some time now to label, resize and upload a few photos, so here goes.
    
                  


This entire masterpiece      was prefabricated and then bolted onto the Casita frame via 1/2" bolts to the two outside channels and the two inside angle irons (four 1/2" bolts) comprising the frame under the trailer.  These four pieces (2 channels and 2 angles) are what the bumper is mounted to.
I took a 3" piece of angle the width of the rear frame (length between the two channels on either side of the trailer), I think it was approximately 52 or so inches.  Welded four pieces of 1 1/2" pipe (approx. 4" long) between the three inch angle and a piece of two inch angle the same length.  I then bolted (four 1/2" bolts) the cargo basket to the 2" piece of angle.

I instructed Casita not to install the spare tire mount when I ordered my trailer.  I added a spare tire mount to this fabricated assembly.  Since these photos were taken I have also added a 1 1/4" piece of flatbar on both ends of the cargo basket that entend from the rear of the basket (under) to the three inch angle for extra support.  I also fabricated a new license plate mount onto the rear of the cargo basket, complete with light (I'm just funny like that).      And I attached a 4" piece of schedule 20 PVC under the basket to carry a sewer hose.

As you may be able to see in some of the photos, I had to slice a piece out of the three inch piece of angle because it was too close to the fiberglass body.  This was a tight fit and required numerous re-do's!  I would surmise that fewer hours were logged in the construction of the space shuttle!  

I've travelled approximately 1500 miles so far carrying one bicycle and a few other miscellaneous light items in the basket.

Hope this helps a little.

PS: Patent Pending  

[cdsmith]

What do you do about obscuring the tag with stuff on the carrier?

[Us burros]

What do you do about obscuring the tag with stuff on the carrier?

And the tail lights?

[Out There]

I remounted the license plate (with light) and added the higher lights (brake, running, turn signal).  Not bad for a rookie huh?  


The entire assembly can be removed with four bolts for other alterations or if you decide to travel without it.

[Dutchman]

Awesome rig, OutThere.  Your masterpiece would solve another issue i.e.  when I checked in an RV park in Apache Junction AZ a year or so ago, I was asked how long my trailer was. I replied "17 ft".  The office manager, nose in the air, said: "Oh, I AM sorry, our minimum length is 19ft."  She wouldn't let me in.  Would now    Would not want to now, with that attitude

Thanks for the pix.  Not quite having those skills, I'll aim for something a tad easier.

[Out There]

Dutchman

Thanks for the compliment.  If I can ever get myself west of the Mississippi I'll try to look you up and show this rig to you.  And maybe you can pass on some full-timing advice just in case I get the nerve to go for it.

Really enjoy your posts.  Hope all is going well in your neck of the woods, errrrr, desert.