Will Ultra-Fab Motorcycle Carrier UF48-979033 Handle 286-lb Scooter

Question:

I want to buy this hitch system from you. 2016 Honda CR-V Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2. I want to get the Rage PowerSport Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier for 2inch Hitch Receiver - 400 lbs. The CRV is only rated for 1500lbs With the tongue weight formula of 10 will this work? Or since this system has a pretty long part that connects the carrier to the hitch does this lower actual tongue weight to make this work properly and usable? Scooter weights about 286lbs

asked by: George P

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Class III hitch # 75742 that fits your 2016 Honda CR-V has a tongue weight (TW) rating of 525-lbs. This means that the hitch can handle the 48-lb weight of the Ultra-Fab Motorcycle Carrier # UF48-979033 plus another 477-lbs before you reach the hitch's maximum load.

However, if your Honda owner's manual indicates that the car itself has a lower TW rating, then that lower ratings becomes the limit for the overall system. So for example, if your manual states that the CR-V itself can handle only 300-lbs of TW, then after you subtract the carrier's 35-lb weight you have a remaining cargo weight capacity of 265-lbs for the scooter.

CR-Vs are generally rated for 1500-lbs trailer weight and so in the normal 10-to-15-percent TW formula you might be limited to 150 to 225-lbs of TW. In this case you would not have enough capacity for the scooter. Your manual or dealership are the best sources for confirming the capacities of your specific CR-V as it came equipped from the factory.

Since your scooter weighs about 286-lbs it is well within the carrier's 500-lb capacity.

expert reply by: Adam R