Weight capacity of "bike rack ready"

[sturski]

Does anyone know the weight capacity of the bike rack ready option on the Escape 19? I'm thinking of using it to carry a small Subaru generator ~ 45 lbs. I've searched the forums, it certainly isn't an original idea; but I'm not finding anyone that actually does it.

[rbryan4]

I've read where some members have used the receiver to mount Allen 3 bike racks. When fully loaded they are much more than 45 lbs, so mounting a small generator there shouldn't be a problem. Standard 2" receiver.

[dave macrae]

I thought the weight rating was 200 lbs for that option

[jamie beers]

Originally Posted by sturski

Does anyone know the weight capacity of the bike rack ready option on the Escape 19? I'm thinking of using it to carry a small Subaru generator ~ 45 lbs. I've searched the forums, it certainly isn't an original idea; but I'm not finding anyone that actually does it.

mine has a sticker saying receiver capacity 150 lbs.

[cpaharley2008]

#150 on mine also, but you can request optional $$$ extra reinforcement for up to 500# if my memory serves me correct!!

[dave macrae]

sorry was going off memory, I guess I was wrong.

[rbryan4]

So then sturski, as long as the gen and the platform it sits on are under 150 lbs, you should be good to go, right?

[Brian B-P]

Although not a problem at the size being considered, I'll note that how far the load extends from the hitch is also a factor. The further out it is, the less weight can be supported before overloading the structure. For an example, the hitch on my van is rated for 350 pounds of trailer weight on a ball, or 250 pounds on a platform centred something like 18 inches beyond the hitch.

For both structure and vehicle dynamics, the generator would really be better on the bumper rather than behind it... but of course the spare is already there and the hitch is available so the hitch is the practical choice.

[gbaglo]

I carry my generator in the trailer or in the tow vehicle.
My point being, that I can keep it where it will be secure and out of the way when not running.
And, when it is running, I try to move it so that the exhaust ( and noise ) isn't aimed at my neighbours.
If it is locked down on the trailer, you don't have those options.

[sturski]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

So then sturski, as long as the gen and the platform it sits on are under 150 lbs, you should be good to go, right?

I'm going to add it to my order and give it a try. I'll look for the smallest carrier that will fit.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I carry my generator in the trailer or in the tow vehicle.
My point being, that I can keep it where it will be secure and out of the way when not running.
And, when it is running, I try to move it so that the exhaust ( and noise ) isn't aimed at my neighbours.
If it is locked down on the trailer, you don't have those options.

I'm not necessarily looking to run it there, just transport it. The bed of the truck is generally occupied by my avatar and I'd really like to minimize the amount of stuff I move in and out of the trailer when we set up. I'm going with solar and 2x6v batteries. I'm hoping not to use the generator; but my wife uses a portable oxygen concentrator and I need to have a plan B for power.

I understand the theft issue. The Subaru replaced a Honda 2000 that was stolen. I'll need to lock it down.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by sturski

I understand the theft issue. The Subaru replaced a Honda 2000 that was stolen. I'll need to lock it down.

Man, if there's anything I hate more than a thief, I don't know what it is.

[kstock11]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I carry my generator in the trailer or in the tow vehicle.
My point being, that I can keep it where it will be secure and out of the way when not running.
And, when it is running, I try to move it so that the exhaust ( and noise ) isn't aimed at my neighbours.
If it is locked down on the trailer, you don't have those options.

It's good to see that you are considerate with your generator! I've never felt that it was right for people to have generators running on the opposite side from where they sit. My goal in specing out our Escape was so that I can camp in the "generator free" sections of my favorite campgrounds. (Great Smoky Mtn's Nat'l Park)

[gbaglo]

I found my cargo carrier at etrailer.com, but I don't see it there now.
It was hard to find one that wasn't way bigger than I needed and didn't weigh a lot all by itself. I already had the aluminum box ( was supposed to keep camera equipment safe in the trunk of the company car ).
I pounded a wedge ( supposed to be used to attach axe head to handle ) into the receiver to take some of the slack out.
Keep in mind, that you may want to access the spare. I now have it set up so I can remove the box from the carrier.

[civi]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I carry my generator in the trailer or in the tow vehicle.
My point being, that I can keep it where it will be secure and out of the way when not running.
And, when it is running, I try to move it so that the exhaust ( and noise ) isn't aimed at my neighbours.
If it is locked down on the trailer, you don't have those options.

Hi, that is what i think is the best thing to do, but i worry about gas fumes. I am thinking the new ones today are compact, quite, and are tight so gas fumes do not get out when in storage/transport. I would carry an empty extra small gas container and fill it just before i arrive on sight and what ever I do not use put in TV tank when i leave so it is empty all the time. I can tie it on the trailer anywhere and it will be just an empty container. That will be my 2nd year plan, 1st year will be hook ups till I know what I am doing. Thanks Carl

[gbaglo]

I've had no smell from gas in the Honda tank when stored in the trailer or tow. I keep a small gas can ( can you call plastic a can? ) in the storage box at the back of the trailer. Every time I open that box, I smell gas, but it's not so air-tight that I'm worried. I unscrew the gas can cap and release pressure and close it up again.
So, storage of extra fuel would be my only concern.
I used to keep it strapped to the top of the battery box on the rear bumper until somebody helped themselves to my gas and threw the cap away so the can was of no use.

[Donna D.]

Pardon me if all of you know this, but have you seen the Honda generator lock plate by Orbital Machine? They're the ones making the Casita & Scamp rear hitch receivers, the bolt on shock absorber kits, etc. Don't let the URL throw you: Generator security mount systems If I had a Honda generator, I would buy one of these kits. YMMV

[sokol]

The bike rack is rated at 100 lbs. ETI used to offer one at 300 lbs but discontinued it because it was a safety issue. People were loading it and causing a hitch weight problem that was dangerous. The hitch can handle 45 lb, or 90 lb but you don't want to exceed that.

[Donna D.]

The rear receiver hitch on Ten Forward has decal that says 150# weight limit.... this is a trailer that's six weeks old!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by dave macrae

sorry was going off memory, I guess I was wrong.

I had thought so too. Could be it changed. Still, I have had no issue with a rack and two bikes, totally just over 100 lbs. One does have to watch the tongue weight though, as a lot comes off of it when weight is added to the back. We usually shift any loose items right to the front when the rack is in use.

[Dave&Kathie]

Ours is rated for 150lbs. Asked for an upgrade but, as some have stated, ETI will no longer provide that option due to safety issues. Gotta keep that trailer balanced and the hitch weight where it should be!