Can one add a hitch on the back for a hitch mounted bike rake

VentureOut

I have a hitch mounted bike rake and wonder if anyone has had a hitch mounted to the back of a Tab 400.

VictoriaP

No. NuCamp has said it cannot be safely done.

rh5555

I have thought about this too.  A few years ago at the Seattle motor home show I got a frame specialist to look at the back of a TAB400 to see if a rear hitch could be added. He thought it could, provided the tongue weight on the hitch wasn't too great.  I never got around to talking hard numbers - our TAB was under warranty then.  I can understand that NuCamp wouldn't condone this sort of mod, but I think it is doable.  I'm really interested for someone else to take the plunge!

ChanW

If you can find it, someone here pointed out how much 'bucking' there is at the very back of the trailer. The suspension on the Tab is pretty basic (ie: no damping devices / shock absorbers), so when it 'bucks', it's amplified at the very back.

I believe in North Carolina you can legally ride in the trailer on the highway. Go there and  try it! (I did) You'll understand. OMG, I didn't last a ½ mile! I was sure my DW had finally found a way to dispose of me.

kottum

Ideally, to keep your trailer stable when towing, weight should be concentrated near the trailer axle with at least 10% of trailer weight on the tongue.  Weight placed further from the axle at the rear of the trailer, will be amplified by its distance from the trailers pivot point, its axle.  Or from the combined rig's pivot point, the hitch ball.  Neither is good for stability if for example you must swerve or brake to avoid a roadway object or animal crossing the road.

Another consideration is linear air flow, a great asset of the T@b teardrop shape.  For the most efficient air flow, the truck and trailer surfaces should remain smooth as possible.  Less wind loads, an easier trailer to tow and improved fuel economy.

keningalls

We take up to 4 bikes when we camp. An alternative is to buy a double hitch receiver. On the bottom hitch you attach the trailer on the top hitch you install a standard hitch type bike carrier. Simple and easy and all the weight is handled by the vehicle not the trailer, the bikes ride solid between the trailer and the vehicle.