Effect on Hitch Tongue Weight Rating from Use of Hitch Adapter with Motorcycle Carrier
Question:
How much does a hitch extension increase the vertical weight of a motorcycle carrier relative to the hitch? Is there some sort of equation to calculate the variance in weight to the distance from the hitch? Thanks
asked by: Luke
Expert Reply:
You are on the right track in recognizing that use of a hitch extension or adapter changes the forces on the hitch. This in turn changes the hitch's tongue weight (TW) capacity.
In the same way that using a cheater bar on the end of a tire iron can give you more leverage to loosen a stubborn lug nut, using a hitch extension like # C45791 or an adapter like # D-192 will let the chosen carrier exert more force on the hitch tube. This is why use of any such item reduces the hitch capacity by 50-percent. Adapters also tend to allow more random motion of a carrier since there is now an additional mechanical connection point in the system. Use of tie down straps like # EM34416 can help to reduce this motion.
This 50-percent reduction is an industry standard that was adopted since doing the actual calculation for a specific application is beyond the math skills of most of us who are not mechanical engineers.
In your application with a hitch-mounted motorcycle carrier you could use an extender/adapter ONLY if the halved hitch weight rating is still enough for the combined weight of the carrier and motorcycle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 8" Extension
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- Dual Hitch Adapter
- Hitch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 8 Inch Extension
- CURT
more information >
Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps w/ Push Button Releases - 2" x 10' - 1,100 lbs - Qty 2
- Ratchet Straps
- Trailer
- Truck Bed
- S-Hooks
- 2 Straps
- Retractable
- 6 - 10 Feet Long
- 1-1/8 - 2 Inch Wide
- 851 - 1200 lbs
- Erickson
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 8 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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