Add Class lll receiver to pup?

[VaporTrails]

Specifically a Niagara (or other high wall). If it were just me I'd be happy with an Evolution or RT, but the DW and two DD's would make one of those feel like a sardine can. The highwall campers are great for the family but I need to carry a dirt bike on the trailer as the truck bed carries the quad, gas, genset, etc. I'm wondering if a bike carrier can be put into a class lll reciever mounted on a big pup. Any thoughts? (BTW, I don't want the 36RT) Many thanks!

[abbear]

Sounds like what you really want is a toyhauler/traveltrailer combo.  You can't really hang a dirt bike off the back of a popup.  Besides weight and balance issues there are structural issues.

[Steve-o-bud]

Specifically a Niagara (or other high wall). If it were just me I'd be happy with an Evolution or RT, but the DW and two DD's would make one of those feel like a sardine can. The highwall campers are great for the family but I need to carry a dirt bike on the trailer as the truck bed carries the quad, gas, genset, etc. I'm wondering if a bike carrier can be put into a class lll reciever mounted on a big pup. Any thoughts? (BTW, I don't want the 36RT) Many thanks!

How much weight are you talking about?
 
I would be leary about throwing the balance of your trailer off. Coleman's are very prone to sway if they are not loaded with the proper percentage of tongue weight.

[tlhdoc]

When you say dirt bike I am guessing you are talking about a motorcycle.  So my answer is based on that.
 
The frame of the PU isn't that sturdy and for every pound you put on the back of the camper, you are taking weight off of the tongue.  Fleetwood used to offer a receiver or something (can't remember what) on the back of the high wall trailers to carry bikes, but they don't any more.  There must be a reason why.  Will the motorcycle fit IN the PU?  
 
If it is a bicycle then just put it inside the trailer to haul it.

[VaporTrails]

A toyhauler is not an option, unfortunately. The TT we bought a few years ago just won't make it into the places I want to go. Neither will a toyhauler. As it is now, we base camp and ride/drive to the "outback" (so to speak). We've been thinking of getting a popup (but bigger than our first one before the TT) to get back into those places. Mostly tree lined trails with tall, tapering sides. Most are not too rough, just too narrow for a TT.

Although I don't really want to spend 20k on a Starcraft RT36, it may be the only option... Thanks for replying.

[VaporTrails]

Suzuki DR-650 approx. 350lbs.

I didn't think about the sway issue. Thanks.

[VaporTrails]

Yup, Suzuki DR-650. I guess I really knew it was a bad idea to add hundreds of pounds to the back of a pup, but I was hoping someone would pipe in with some good news. Thanks for replying.

[Recumbentman]

Yup, Suzuki DR-650. I guess I really knew it was a bad idea to add hundreds of pounds to the back of a pup, but I was hoping someone would pipe in with some good news. Thanks for replying.

How about installing a reciever to the front of your TV

[VaporTrails]

How about installing a reciever to the front of your TV

Not a bad idea. I think the bike is too tall, though and It'd block my view...

[wynot]

Not a bad idea. I think the bike is too tall, though and It'd block my view...

My receiver hitch on the front of my Tahoe sits a lot lower than the one in the rear.  There were two mounting heights for it, I chose the lower one because of visibility.  It probably sits a good 3-4 inches lower than the rear receiver - whatever height it is, I can't use my normal drawbar and get the trailer tongue wheel down.
 
The downside I would see to having about 400 lbs on the front end would be similar to driving with a snowplow hung off the front end - a lot of weight out front.

[VaporTrails]

The handlebars are around 4 feet tall. I'll have to go take some measurements. I can see a front receiver digging into a hill or steep drive...

[Recumbentman]

Thinking outside the box........... How about mounting the quad and dirt bike in a vertical  position in the back of the truck?

[VaporTrails]

Quad could be done. In fact, it's done all the time by folks that carry two quads. Pain in the neck to do though. I don't think it would work with the motorcycle.

I may go take a look at the Starcraft Dealer this weekend. I've already seen the Evolution and I like it (for just me). Too small for a family of girls, though.

[zamboni]

Thinking REALLY outside the box...

What about... the roof of the PUP?

Seriously, they can support 400 lbs.  If you were ambitious, you could put a front vertical support on the hitch area, and one on the back of the camper (not on the bumper - would have to be tied into the frame).  Then, a long metal track that stretches across the roof, at roof height.  Some weight on the roof, some transferred onto the front & back of the frame.

Center the bike over the wheels of the camper.  I've seen a PUP with a jetski on top like this (not a waverunner - those are like 800+ lbs).

Only drawback:  You seriously diminish the cargo capacity of your camper.  I've heard of people beefing up their suspension by adding another leaf to their springs.  Advantage here would also give you more ground clearance.  However, be careful not to overload the axle/wheels.

Don't forget to remove the bike when you raise the lid

[tlhdoc]

What about... the roof of the PUP?
 
Seriously, they can support 400 lbs.

Not a Coleman/Fleetwood.  They are rated for 300 pounds on the roof when closed.