Trailer hitch on rear bumper?

[WaltzingMatilda]

My FF doesn't have a bumper.
Is this normal?



I bought a 2012 139X in September and didn't really consider the lack of a bumper when I was shopping for a trailer. I was more concerned about the interior, features, overall condition, and a small size to fit available parking space.

It's been sitting out front since October (COVID shutdowns have delayed using it) but I'm reading how other people use theirs, and saw this photo (below) on another FF owner page (Facebook). This one is on a 189FBR



Is it normal to not have a bumper?
Has anyone installed a bumper on theirs, and/or hitch for a cargo carrier?

If so: how has the added cargo space and weight impacted the use of the trailer?
Has it been a safe way to carry larger items, bikes, etc. that you don't want to put inside?

Thanks for your feedback.

[Eagle]

Certainly not an 'expert' on this subject or the 139 since my unit (toy hauler) have no rear bumper.

Two quick thoughts to share:
1. Any weight added to the rear will decrease the tongue weight & lack of tongue weight will impact towing stability for sway.
2. Consideration must be given to the strength of the factory frame - ie will it support additional weight? Perhaps the frame would require 'fish plating' to withstand the additional load. A good frame straightening/welding shop should be able to advise on this.

One more thing: The factory did not include a rear bumper nor a rear hitch because the design/engineering specs did not favor incorporating the features.

Others may have additional information to consider.

[profdant139]

The 139 does not have a bumper, and the frame members are not very beefy. Be very careful about trying to attach anything to the back end. You will need a competent welder who can strap on the necessary reinforcements.

Adding weight on the back will mess with the handling, so be very careful about that. You have to preseve tongue weight or else the trailer will sway. A sway bar will help, but it is much better to have a well balanced trailer.

And anything on the back will cut down on your ground clearance -- when you go over a ditch, the back dips very low. That is called the "escape angle," and ground clearance is a precious commodity, especially in places like Baja.

[Eagle]

Prof is correct ..when traversing 'off road' and/or on less frequently traveled area the distant forward and behind the axle(s) is an important consideration as explained here:
https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/...e-angles-.html

[profdant139]

Actually, after reading Eagle's link, I realized that I used "escape angle" when I should have said "departure angle." The article explains all of this better than I can.

[Pep]

See my post on 9/02-2019 with pictures of a front bike rack and a rear bumper with a rack for my wife's trike. Did not detect any change in towing since I think the weights offset.

[Pep]

Forgot to mention this is on a 189 FBS.

[Caroline]

Mine did not have a bumper either and I wanted to be able to haul my bike so I had one added with a hitch receiver on it for my bike rack. I would also like to somehow haul a kayak in a vertical position on the back.
When they mounted the bumper they had to remove and relocate the rear stabilizers.

Originally Posted by WaltzingMatilda

My FF doesn't have a bumper.
Is this normal?



I bought a 2012 139X in September and didn't really consider the lack of a bumper when I was shopping for a trailer. I was more concerned about the interior, features, overall condition, and a small size to fit available parking space.

It's been sitting out front since October (COVID shutdowns have delayed using it) but I'm reading how other people use theirs, and saw this photo (below) on another FF owner page (Facebook). This one is on a 189FBR



Is it normal to not have a bumper?
Has anyone installed a bumper on theirs, and/or hitch for a cargo carrier?

If so: how has the added cargo space and weight impacted the use of the trailer?
Has it been a safe way to carry larger items, bikes, etc. that you don't want to put inside?

Thanks for your feedback.

[JimboFunFinder]

I agree with all of the prior comments. From my experience the rear 'bumper' is generally just a piece of thin-wall 4 inch square steel tube poorly welded to the end of the frame for the purpose of storing the flexible sewage hose. It is best to place any additional weight in the front near the batteries and propane tank(s).

[Agnitio]

My 189FDS didn’t have a bumper, but most bumpers are nothing more that a sewer hose storage tube.

I installed a (curt?) hitch the frame for our bike rack.
There should be a photo in my profile

[LINERGUY]

I welded 2inch heavy tube in place with hitch welded on. then bolted plates to frame. I had to move axle forward on boat to lighten boat hitch weight. only goes on known roads to lake, works well.