Trailer Hitch Receiver For 1997 Dodge Van

Question:

Greetings, I have a 97 Dodge Ram B3500 Leisure Travels Widebody campervan Im trying to see if I can carry my motorcycle on a bike rack mounted in the tow hitch receiver. Motorcycle weighs 390lbs. How do you calculate the max. safe carrying capacity please and what do i need to do or buy from you to make this happen? MANY THANKS In advance for your expertise

asked by: Rodney R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photo, and in regards to the carrying capacity, you'd need to check your owner's manual to see if your 1997 Dodge Ram conversion van has a tongue weight capacity, which would be the maximum limit you can carry. Assuming that is more than the combined total of your bike and the rack, there is a hitch that has the needed tongue weight capacity of 600 lbs (assuming that your bike and rack weigh less than that).

From you photo it looks like your '97 Ram has the standard bumper and not the step bumper, so as long as it is the standard bumper the hitch you can use is the following:

- Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13041

This is a 2" hitch with a 6,000 lb towing and 600 lb tongue weight capacity. Just keep in mind if your can has a lower tongue weight capacity - say 500 lbs - you would need to go by the lower rating.

expert reply by: Kyle S