Adding bumper hitch to Axis 24.1

[Rysiek]

I use my 2" hitch to carry bikes but now I would like to add 2 kayaks. I need to attach additional rv bumper hitch. Unfortunately all of these are designed for 4"x4" trailer bumpers. Thor Axis 24.1 has 9"x4" bumper. Did anyone was able to find/use rv bumper hitch like that? I do not like the idea of drilling the holes in my existing bumper in order to use 4"x4" bumper hitch. Could I just simply replace the 5" bolts with longer 10" bolts? Would you have any other suggestions?

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by Rysiek

I use my 2" hitch to carry bikes but now I would like to add 2 kayaks. I need to attach additional rv bumper hitch. Unfortunately all of these are designed for 4"x4" trailer bumpers. Thor Axis 24.1 has 9"x4" bumper. Did anyone was able to find/use rv bumper hitch like that? I do not like the idea of drilling the holes in my existing bumper in order to use 4"x4" bumper hitch. Could I just simply replace the 5" bolts with longer 10" bolts? Would you have any other suggestions?

I'm a little confused by what you are trying to accomplish. Are you trying to carry both bikes and kayaks at the same time? What will the setup look like if you are successful? (I'm asking because I have an idea but it might not work in your situation.)_

[JamieGeek]

Search around here someone put a front hitch on an Axis (or Vegas).

[Bob Denman]

Wasn't this just discussed in another thread?

[Long & Winding road]

I would add one of those slide in hitch adapters that turn it into TWO 2inch receiver. That way you can slide your bikes into the bottom one and Kayaks into the top one. You can also add a one foot extender to the bottom slide in if you need more room.

I purchased a hitch extention for my bikes at Harbor Frt for only $14 with 20% off coupon.

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-7007...%2C214&sr=8-14

https://www.amazon.com/Heininger-600...-1-spons&psc=1

[Bob Denman]

Something like this?

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Adapt.../RM-077-8.html

[Long & Winding road]

Yeah, that one is pricey but I bet the weight limit is higher than the cheap ones.

IMO if you only want 2 bikes and 1 or 2 kayaks you only looking at 100# (or maybe a little more) max so I would pick the cheapest one that looks sturdy. So like $25 - $40 should cover it.

If your going to tow a car/boat as well get the best one with the highest weight limit.

[petefoss]

I was looking at a hitch Y to put a bike rack and still tow my cargo trailer. But the tounge on the trailer is so short the trailer would hit the bikes. I may look at a 4 x4 bumper attach bike rack if that would put the bikes closer to the RV.

[Long & Winding road]

Did you see the 7 to 11 inch extentions? I put a link to one on Amazon above but I just purchased one for my bikes at Harbor Frt (11 inch extention for like $14 with coupon).

[JamieGeek]

Yup someone did add a front hitch:
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/f27...tml#post144211

[petefoss]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

Did you see the 7 to 11 inch extentions? I put a link to one on Amazon above but I just purchased one for my bikes at Harbor Frt (11 inch extention for like $14 with coupon).

I did but the Y adds about a foot already and I really didn't want to add an extension to that too. But it is something to consider if I can't mount the bike rack I already have to the bumper box tube. The trailer is very light less than 1500 pounds.

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by petefoss

I did but the Y adds about a foot already and I really didn't want to add an extension to that too. But it is something to consider if I can't mount the bike rack I already have to the bumper box tube. The trailer is very light less than 1500 pounds.

Yeah, your right about that. Might be too long.

Let us know what you figure out. I thought about a Kayak down the road as well and I like to have at least one bike with me on most trips.

[petefoss]

One of these for the bike rack with an extension for the trailer might be enough clearance for the cargo trailer nose.

https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-RV-Ap.../dp/B00174ZHGU

[Bob Denman]

How about those inflatable kayaks?
Would they be a viable option?

[petefoss]

Very much so Bob. But I already have a pair of Otters that have served us well for 30 years.

[Bob Denman]

Faithful companions...

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by petefoss

One of these for the bike rack with an extension for the trailer might be enough clearance for the cargo trailer nose.

https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-RV-Ap.../dp/B00174ZHGU

That looks like it would work for him! Plus I like the fact the weight will be pushing down on top of the bumper.

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by petefoss

Very much so Bob. But I already have a pair of Otters that have served us well for 30 years.

30 years! wow. Are they chiseled out of wood?

How heavy are they?

[petefoss]

Nope they are polypropylene I think. 26 lbs as I remember for 10.5 foot long???

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by petefoss

Very much so Bob. But I already have a pair of Otters that have served us well for 30 years.

Hey, Pete. We have the Sea Eagle Razorlite inflatable kayaks. They are simply incredible. One of the reasons we chose inflatables was because of our travels between Michigan and Georgia/Florida, and our desire to NOT have them on the exterior of the car for those trips. We take them everywhere in our car, and now, in our Vegas 24.1. They are currently in the main rear storage compartment, where they and all their related accessories take up maybe 50% of that area. They are not like any of the old inflatables, but much more like a hardshell in performance. If you have any questions about them, please feel free to send me a PM.