Dual Hitch Adapter for Towing a 2005 Jeep Wrangler and Carrying 2 Bikes on a Hitch
Question:
Our RV has a hitch rated for towing 5000 lbs, 500 lb tongue weight. We are flat towing a 2005 Jeep Wrangler that weighs about 3400 lbs and want to attach a bike rack with 2 bikes all weighing about 120 lbs. What kind of dual hitch adapter do you recommend for towing the jeep and carrying the bikes from the RV? We looked at the MT70070, but it says it will reduce towing to half - 2500lbs. The jeep weighs more than that. Thank you!
asked by: Carrie
Expert Reply:
A dual hitch adapter, or almost any adapter for that matter, will reduce your tongue weight capacity, but not your towing weight. The Jeep is supporting its own weight, and not pushing down on the hitch, so it doesn't contribute anything to the tongue weight in this setup.
You can use the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver, part # RM-077-2 in this situation because there is no tongue weight to worry about, and this part's weight capacity is 4000 pounds, enough to pull your 2005 Jeep Wrangler. You can install your bike rack and its weight will be the only tongue weight on the receiver. The MaxxTow MT70070 could also work, but will likely not be as good in this application as the Roadmaster.
That being said, I have another option for you. If your 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a trailer hitch like a Draw-Tite, part # 75338, you can use a traditional hitch mounted rack like a Swagman XTC-2, part # S64670 . In general, most racks are useable behind a towed vehicle, but not behind an RV because of the difference in the motion that the racks experience at the back of the RV. You can even use a spare tire mount like the Hollywood Racks SR2, part # HRSR2. If you go this route, be aware that Thule racks are not useable on a towed vehicle.
I've included video reviews of these products to help you get more familiar with them.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 7500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 2-1/4" Rise/Drop
- Hitch Adapters
- Dual Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 2 Inch Rise/Drop
- 10000 lbs
- Roadmaster
more information >
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