Towing a Trailer and Carrying a Dirt Bike at the Same Time on a 2002 Ford Excursion
Question:
I am hoping to haul 4 dirt bikes using the MT70070! I know, crazy, right? Would it be possible to haul a single motorcycle carrier and small, 3 place motorcycle trailer, using MT70070? Specs: 02 Ford Excursion - Max tongue weight 1,250 lbs 3 place trailer dry weight - 700-900 lbs 3 dirt bikes - 800 lbs 3 place trailer loaded with bikes - approx. 1,700 lbs 1 dirt bike - 265 lbs with full tank of gas Single place motorcycle carrier - 50 lbs If I follow some of your other responses correctly, I should not exceed 625 pounds of tongue weight if I want this to work? 265+50+170 = 485 lbs
asked by: Adam
Expert Reply:
I actually have a better solution for you. Take a look at multipurpose ball mount # D210. With this ball mount the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch will not be reduced by 50 percent like it would using MT70070.
The D210 is rated for 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 750 pounds tongue weight total. So the combined tongue weight of the loaded trailer, hitch mount motorcycle carrier, and dirt bike on it cannot exceed 750 pounds.
If the dry weight of the trailer is 700 to 900 pounds and the 3 bikes on it weight 800 pounds that is a total of 1,500 to 1,700 pounds. Tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so that would make the loaded trailer tongue weight 150 to 255 pounds. The hitch mount carrier and bike, 50 + 265 pounds is 315 pounds. So the total tongue weight will be around 465 to 570 pounds. So based on this you are within the capacity of the D210. I have linked a video of the D210 for you.
If you do not already have a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier I recommend # e98873 because it weighs about 58 pounds . It can carry 1 bike. Keep in mind that no matter which you use, # MT70070 or # D210, the turning clearance will be reduced because the hitch mounted carrier will be closer to the trailer than the back of the Excursion.
Another option is to install a front mount hitch on your 2002 Ford Excursion using # 65022. Then you could carry the one bike at the front of the vehicle. This front receiver has a 500 pound vertical load capacity (tongue weight) so it can handle the combined weight of the carrier and the bike. Keep in mind that carrying items at the front of a vehicle van reduce driver visibility, block the vehicle lights, and reduce air flow to the motor.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Front Receiver Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Front Mount Hitch
- 500 lbs Vert Load
- 9000 lbs Line Pull
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Square Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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
Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Built-In Dual Hitch
- CURT
more information >
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