I've got a double tube rear bumper on my Sportsman 500 and wondered if anyone has seen any bumper-mounted racks or carriers that would fit? I would like to free up my rack space by carrying my 2 gallon gas can and/or some of my lighter camping gear (sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, etc) on a rack that could mount on the bumper.

If no such thing exists do you see any problem with carrying gear in this fashion? I was thinking I could just make my own light-weight rack that would mount onto the bumper with u-bolts. I figure they make drop baskets that carry gear behind the factory rack, but I'm just concerned that something like this would make the machine prone to wheelies or rear flips. Anyone have experience with hauling gear this way?

 

Weld a receiver with a step up onto your bumper then use one of those aluminum bike haulers like you put on a car or pickup. Might make things tippie when your climbing steep hills and it's loaded though.

 

That was my first thought since I already have a hitch carrier for my Rodeo. The problem is the auto carriers are 60" wide and that means I'd have 6 inches sticking out on both sides of me and I wouldn't clear the trees on those trails made for <50" vehicles. They make a similar carrier for ATVs that are narrower, but they're like $80 (plus whatever the hitch receiver would cost) and I was trying to do this a little cheaper than that. Not to mention the auto carrier is heavier than what I would probably even be using it to carry.

 

Go to a junk yard and buy the receiver, most will almost give it to you if you take it off. Weld your own carrier up using aluminum, then you'll have your light weight and whatever size you like.

 

check out my pics... my rear rack box held a stereo, 2 - 2.5 gallon gas cans . a spare tire, & had a storage area for a tow strap & set of jumper cables, as well as a fully stocked tool box, with a 1st aid kit, & fire extiguisher... I even hare scramble raced with it on...

... so I think you'd be fine, after you get used to driving it...