What Do I Need in Order to Tow a Tent Trailer and a Bike Rack on a 2013 Dodge Caravan?

Question:

Hi! I think I know the answer to this already, but before I spend any money, I just wanted to confirm. Long before we bought our current vehicle and trailer, we bought a Sportrack Ridge 4 Towing bicycle rack. We own a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan with towing package and an after-market Class 3 hitch. Our tent trailer is a Jayco 1007. The main issue is that due to the stow-and-go on the Caravan and the low clearance of the trailer jack, my trailer hitch has a 6inch rise. Looking at the various dual hitch extenders, etc., and I cant seem to find anything that would allow me to safely tow the trailer and the rack with 4 bikes on it which would likely then exceed the max tongue weight. The bumper of the Jayco isnt built for towing, so Im guessing my only solution is to have a frame hitch installed on the trailer, and buy a new 4-bike rack thats designed for the back of a trailer. The towing rating is 4,000 pounds on the hitch, but I unfortunately do not know the tongue rating. Can you offer any other less expensive solutions? Thanks!

asked by: Pat L

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. Even if we carried a dual-hitch receiver that worked with your trailer and bike rack, it would still cut the weight towing capacity and tongue weight capacity by 50%. In order to maintain the full integrity of the hitch receiver on your Dodge Caravan, I recommend installing a hitch receiver onto your Jayco 1007. Unfortunately, if you add a hitch receiver to the Jayco, the Sportrack Ridge 4 # SR2415 will not work on the back of your Jayco 1007 because of the added torque from transport. For a rack that will withstand the added torque, I recommend the Yakima LongHaul RV Bike Rack - 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Silver # Y02476. With the LongHaul, you will still have the same 4-bike capacity as the Ridge.

For a recommendation of a hitch for your Jayco 1007, I recommend the Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide # 13703. As long as the frame of your trailer measures in the dimensions of 22 inches - 72 inches, the Adjustable width trailer hitch receiver will work. All hardware is included along with the hitch. In addition, the LongHaul will be compatible with the hitch.

expert reply by: Bob C