Can I Use the Curt Dual Receiver to Tow a 16 Foot Aluminum Fishing Boat and a Bike Rack

Question:

I would like to tow both my 16 Aluminum Fishing boat and either a bike rack or a cargo carrier. Is that possible?

asked by: Rob D

Expert Reply:

The Curt Dual 2 Inch Receiver, item # D-192, can be used to tow a trailer and carry a bike rack or cargo carrier. The top receiver is not to be used for towing, so your ball mount must be placed in the lower receiver for towing the boat. You then need to consider the capacity of the lowest rated item in your system. The tongue weight capacity for the # D-192 is 350 pounds and the towing capacity is 3500 pounds.

Check the towing weight ratings on your hitch and vehicle to be sure they will not be exceeded and make sure that the total weight of the bikes, bike rack, draw bar and boat are not over the capacity for any of the components. You will also need to make sure the tongue weight is not over the capacity of the lowest rated item. Your tongue weight will include the tongue weight of the boat trailer, the ball mount, the bike rack and the bikes placed on it.

We do have a couple of dual purpose ball mounts that will do what you need also. The question is if they are the appropriate size drop.

You could use part # D210 from Curt. This ball mount has a capacity, 750/7,500 pounds, but it has a 2-1/4 inch drop, and the tongue weight capacity of the receiver portion is limited to 350 lb.

If you write back with the size ball mount you have and what the tongue weight of the trailer is, I can help you narrow down to see if either one of these will work.