Does a Hitch Mount Motorcycle Carrier Reduce Tongue Weight Capacity Like a Hitch Extender
Question:
Just reviewed your explanation regarding considering tongue weight limits and hitch extenders vs motorcycle carrier racks. Am still unclear about how to regard the motorcycle carrier and tongue weight. I have an SUV with a Type 3 hitch receiver with a 400 lb. max tongue weight. The SMC600 weighs 85 lbs with a max tongue weight of 600 lbs exerted at a point 25 inches from the hitch receiver. The question is: can I safely load a 300 lb. motorcycle on the SMC600 at 85 lbs for a combined weight of 385 lbs? My amateur calculation is that 385 lbs at 25 inches is equivalent to about 800 ft lbs of torque. Or, is that not applicable in this case? Thanks for your response.
asked by: Sam B
Expert Reply:
We are talking about 2 different animals. A motorcycle carrier does not reduce the tongue weight capacity of a trailer hitch like a hitch extender does. So if the tongue weight capacity of the hitch AND vehicle is greater than the combined weight of the bike and motorcycle carrier then you are within the capacity and will be good to go.
You might consider a lighter carrier such as # e98873 which weighs about 58 pounds so it would reduce the stress on the hitch.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Motorcycle Carrier w/ Ramp for 2" Hitch - 76" Long - Steel - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Motorcycle Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Steel
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
Charles J.
5/22/2020
I have a keep commander . I Am pulling macho kiwi hybrid 2900 lb . Question is this . Could I use dual hitch to load a motorcycle carrier ? I would like to take my Suzuki Bergman on the trips . It weighs 450 lbs .