Determining Total Weight Load for Hitch Carrier Using U-Build-It Slide-Out Hitch Rack HMK901
Question:
What parts would I need to make this rack a nice scooter carrier? Id like to be able to carry my scooter as well as a couple bicycles I already have locking roof rack trays I hope to attach with U bolts from the local hardware store alongside my scooter. Do you have an suggestions?
asked by: BB
Expert Reply:
The first thing to consider when using a hitch-mount carrier, or when building one from parts, is the total weight load you need to support.
The Let's Go Aero U-Build-It Slide-Out Hitch Rack # HMK901 has a total weight capacity of 300-lbs. This means that everything you will put on it, from the roof-mount bike carriers to the bikes themselves to the scooter tray and the scooter itself too, must remain within this limit.
Given the typical weights of scooters and bikes you may well be pushing the weight limit. Most bikes weigh around 35-lbs, most roof-mount bike carriers about 10-lbs each. Just two each of these items could have you at 90-lbs before you add the weight of the scooter rail, the scooter itself, tie-down straps, etc.
You naturally also need to make certain that both your vehicle itself and the hitch installed on it have a tongue weight rating (TW is downward force on the hitch from the suspended load installed in it) that is high enough for the total actual load, including the 48-lb weight of # HMK901. Ideally these vehicle and hitch capacities will also provide some degree of safety margin, in other words, more weight capacity than you're actually going to require from them.
