Can Hitch-Mounted Motorcycle Carrier Work With Hitch Reducer Sleeve On Ford F-250

Question:

Will RHDC1 model and motorcycle exceed my tongue weight limit? Truck has a 2.5 inch receiver with a tongue rating of 850# but is lowered to 600# when using the supplied 2.5inch to 2inch reducing sleeve. My motorcycle has a wet weight of 530#. Do you have any models that use a 2.5inch shank? Hitch ratings attached

asked by: Jon

Expert Reply:

The first thing I recommend is to contact the Ford dealership and ask them what they mean by the weight limit reduction using the 2 inch adapter. If it is an extension that protrudes from the end of the hitch I do understand the weight limitation. If they are saying that using any extension or adapter in the hitch reduces the capacity then you would be limited to the weight capacity listed for the hitch. If you use an adapter sleeve like part # 58102, it may not reduce the tongue weight capacity for your F-250.

I called my contact at Draw-Tite and they told me the Reducer Sleeve, part # C45405 would not reduce the tongue weight capacity as extenders and other adapters do. You would retain the 850 lb tongue weight capacity of your hitch and be able to use accessories with a 2 inch shank.

The # UF48-979033 weighs about 50 lbs so that needs to be considered when calculating the weight you plan on carrying. From my research I found the Ducati Multistrada 1200 has a dry weight of 461 lbs, so the added weight of the carrier will be approaching the 600 lb weight limit.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L