Can a Curt Aluminum Cargo Carrier be Used to Carry a Vespa on a 2010 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Could this be used to haul a vespa scooter dry weight 225 LBs on a Honda Odyssey with a hidden hitch 350 LB tongue weight. Obviously Id have to figure out how to get the scooter up on the rack. Thinking of buying a separate ramp.

asked by: Joel W

Expert Reply:

As long as your 2010 Honda Odyssey has a 2 inch trailer hitch like # 75270 then you could use Curt cargo carrier # C18100. But you would likely not be able to fold it up when not in use.

The carrier is rated for 500 pounds but you also need to consider the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch and the van. The trailer hitch listed above is rated for 350 pounds and your hitch should have a sticker on it with the tongue weight capacity. Whichever is lower, the hitch or the vehicle (check the owners manual) is the capacity you need to go by.

As long as the tongue weight capacity is greater than the combined weight of the Vespa and carrier, about 255 pounds, you could use this carrier.

For a ramp you could use something like # CE26151PG. I also recommend some ratchet straps, # EM34420, to secure the Vespa to the carrier. This will add about another 20 pounds if you carry the ramp on the cargo carrier as well. When carrying the Vespa try to get its heaviest part, probably the back, as close to the center of the carrier as possible.

expert reply by: Michael H