Towing Travel Trailer and Carrying Bikes at Same time with a 2014 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Hello, I have 2014 odyssey and towing lance 1575 travel trailer with that. I want to bring our bikes with us as well so I was wondering if I can use this part to tow the travel trailer total allowed trailers weight with cargo is 3,500lb and put bike rack as well. Few questions: 1. Is it ok to do so with this device? If not, please advise what other options I can do to bring bikes with us. 2. If yes, how it will affect m towing vehicle turning when Ill have three bikes on the rack? 3. How this will affect when it comes to the load on rear axle of my Honda and total towing rate of 3,500lbs

asked by: Alex G

Expert Reply:

You could use Malone dual receiver # MPG544 to tow a trailer and carry bikes. However, the use of this adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent so it is not recommended.

What you could use is the multipurpose ball mount # D210. With this ball mount the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch is not reduced. I have linked a video review of this ball mount for you.

Turning radius can be affected when using a set up like this. The only way to determine if it will be a problem is to try it. Make sure to put the longest bike closest to the vehicle and the shortest bike closest to the trailer.

The D210 has a tongue weight capacity of 750 pounds (the receiver part is rated for 350) so the combined weight of the trailer's tongue weight, bike carrier, and bikes cannot exceed 750 pounds. Your 2014 Honda Odyssey could sag due to the additional weight. You will want to keep the tongue weight within the capacity of the hitch as well. It is permissible to more some weight back on the trailer, if possible, if tongue weight becomes a problem.

expert reply by: Michael H