Can I Use # RM-077-2 to Tow Trailer and Carry Bike Rack

Question:

Im a bit confused with the lingo regarding hitches and such. Can the RM-077-2 be used to tow a small travel trailer such as an rPod 172? Most of these dual hitches specify only to be used for flat towing. 1 Whats flat towing? 2 Can I use the RM-077-2 to pull my camper and hold my 2inch hitch mounted bike rack? If so, do I just use my existing ball mount with the RM-077-2? 3 What is the down side of using a dual hitch verses an A-Frameinch tongue bike rack? You folks have helped me out in the past. I should have started with you verses jacking around on the internet for the past few days trying to understand all of this.

asked by: Ben B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Flat towing is when you use a tow bar like # RM-501 and base plates like # BX2258 to tow another vehicle. Often our customers will tow their car behind their motorhome. I have included a FAQ article which explains flat towing for you to check out.

We have several adapters that offer 2 receivers like the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, # RM-077-2, which you reference. You could also use Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount, # D210, which has a receiver on top and ball mount on the bottom.

When using one of the above products remember the top receiver cannot be used for towing and that the tongue weight includes the combined weight of everything attached to both the top and bottom receivers. Although the Curt # D210 has a 7500 pound towing, 750 pound tongue weight capacity, the receiver portion is limited to 350 pounds. These ball mounts will not reduce your tongue weight by half.

Stromberg-Carlson offers their unique Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Carrier # CC-275 that mounts to the front of an a-frame trailer frame to provide a 2-inch receiver for a 2-inch hitch-type rack. The capacity is 100 pounds total meaning the combined weight of the bike rack you use and the bikes cannot exceed 100 pounds.

I have also included a FAQ article on tongue weight for you to check out as well.