ThomB87 Posted May 18, 2019 Posted May 18, 2019 We currently own a 2016 17' Casita. We really enjoy it but have gotten the Oliver Bug after seeing one. Trip to factory and tour scheduled for late next week. I see the hitch receiver from Oliver is a 1.25". That surprises me for the rear of an RV. Really want to use my existing 1up bike rack. 1up is one of the best bike racks on the marker and RV/Trailer rated. Did a search and saw someone had a receiver made for them in Utah. Wondering if anyone has modified the Oliver rear bumper to take a 2 inch bike rack? Thanks Bill Thomas Bill Thomas 2019 Elite II Hull # 534 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500
John E Davies Posted May 18, 2019 Posted May 18, 2019 Welcome to the forum. In spite of being a 2"x7" tempered aircraft aluminum beam, the rear bumper is actually non-structural, it can't support a heavy vertical load. It is fine for whacking into a tree. It has two small hinges at the bottom to allow it to rotate down for access to the stinky (waste hose) compartment. The frame mounted Ollie factory bike rack is the only current off-the-shelf solution. The little receiver is there to limit how much stuff you can hang off it, the load limit is 100 pounds of rack and bikes. You could replace the receiver with a 2" one but you would be on your own and have no rack warranty. There were a couple of previous versions and some of us have built racks of similar materials. For bikes it is essential to guy the trays forward to the frame to eliminate as much sway as possible. The rear of the trailer is a fairly violent place to carry stuff, with lots of vertical motion. Look here: ... http://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/how-to-move-the-factory-cargo-tray-to-a-rear-rack/ John Davies Spokane WA 1 SOLD 07/23 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.
Newshoes Posted May 18, 2019 Posted May 18, 2019 There is a 1.25" male to 2" female "conversion receiver" google it. Around $25. May be the interim answer to your concern. 1 2019 Legacy Elite #431; 2019. TV 2019 GMC Canyon Denali, crew cab, 4X4, Long bed, Duramax Diesel.
Trainman Posted May 19, 2019 Posted May 19, 2019 We did order the bike rack on our new Elite II, at the price they sell them for I should have made my own like John did, but wife wanted the bikes to go with us and time just wasn't there to make one. It looks to me (haven't picked up trailer yet, July delivery) like you can just replace the hitch receiver with a 2" one, they just bolt on with U bolts, etrailer sell them in short lengths, 6"/8" which would just bolt on and replace the 1 1/4" one. I'm sure the reason Oliver is using the 1 1/4" receiver is to control the weight load on the rear, many with a 2" receiver would overload the rear, try to pull another trailer, whatever owner would think they could get by with, just my 2 cents worth. The 2" to 1 1/4" adapter bar should work, it just moves the weight farther out on the rear which is not to my liking. John also said that the factory mount 1 1/4" would work just fine, adding tie down straps would tighten up the bikes and all should be ok, so I will check it out when I get the trailer, plus I have a bike rack with the adapter for both sizes. trainman 1 2019 RAM 1500, 5.7 Hemi, 4X4, Crew Cab, 5'7" bed, Towing Package, 3.92 Gears. Oliver was sold.
ThomB87 Posted May 19, 2019 Author Posted May 19, 2019 Thanks for the replies. Yes understand the forces at the back of the trailer. One of the reasons I have a 1up to protect my bikes. It is substantial and uses a expansion fitting instead of a pin. I would be concerned about any 1.25. For that reason I would be reluctant to go with a converter. Was hoping there was an easy mod. I am not that mechanical. Bill Thomas 2019 Elite II Hull # 534 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500
ThomB87 Posted May 19, 2019 Author Posted May 19, 2019 The receiver is just held on by u bolts? Checked the pictures and sure looks like it. I would prefer welding. I am not sure I could build my own. But will check on etrailer thanks for the suggestion, Bill Thomas 2019 Elite II Hull # 534 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500
John E Davies Posted May 19, 2019 Posted May 19, 2019 The receiver is just held on by u bolts? Checked the pictures and sure looks like it. I would prefer welding. I am not sure I could build my own. But will check on etrailer thanks for the suggestion, The Oliver rack and receiver is completely custom, they make them from aluminum in-house (or maybe subcontract it). I don’t think you will find an aftermarket steel one that will just bolt on. Have you considered asking the factory if they could make you a 2” one out of aluminum, with the understanding that it might void the warranty on the rack? If not, a local custom fabrication or machine shop could easily build you something if you unbolt the 1.5” receiver and take it to them. Steel is acceptable for a replacement as long as you are careful to put some insulating material between the steel and aluminum parts to prevent dissimilar metal corrosion. Plus it will rust where the bike support enters, and that can be unsightly if the stain runs down onto the rack and bumper... I think Oliver bolts the receiver down because if it wears out that would be way easier to replace than a welded on part. The ubolts appear to be the same ones that they use to secure the cargo tray to the tongue. John Davies Spokane WA 1 SOLD 07/23 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.
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