Parts Needed to Use Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack and Tow Malone Kayak Carrier Behind RV

Question:

We have a Malone kayak trailer that has been stored inside the barn for a few years. We plan to put new tires on and get a second spare and tow it behind our 2017 Winnebago View Sprinter motorhome 257. We downsized RV a little too much it seems. This trailer will solve a lot of problems including our carrying weight. Do we want the trailer fairly level when hooked up? Im not sure right now how much of a drop we need but I think we will need at least 7. We also plan to use an older double/stacked receiver part cant recall what they are called that we used to tow a car and carry a cargo carrier. Should we get a new one just to be on safer side? We will need a good, RV-rated, bike carrier for two bicycles. I prefer one that the tires will rest in. Do you see any problem with what we are planning to do? Total weight for bikes and carrier will be less than 100# and I think the hitch rating, loaded, for the kayak trailer and kayaks is very low. Thank you,

asked by: Pam N

Expert Reply:

You will definitely want your Malone kayak trailer like the MicroSport # MPG462G2 as level as possible when hooked up to your Winnebago. We do have a nice selection of ball mounts that feature the type of drop you are needing from the RV. The Curt Ball Mount # C45100 features a 7-1/2 inch drop (or a 6-1/4 inch rise) and has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

I have attached a link that will take you to our complete selection of ball mounts that you can look through in case you find that you need an even larger drop. I have also included a great article that explains how to choose the best ball mount for your application.

It sounds like you were using a dual receiver adapter like the Curt # D-192. If your existing unit still looks to be in good condition there's no particular reason it needs to be replaced as long as it has the needed capacity for what you are wanting to do. It is important to note though that using an adapter like this will reduce the overall capacity of your Winnebago's trailer hitch by 50 percent. This means if the hitch on your Winnebago features a 3,500 pound towing and 350 pound tongue weight capacity, this will be reduced to 1,750 and 175 pounds respectively. As long as you still remain under the reduced limits of your hitch with the combined tongue and towing weight of your bike rack and trailer, this will work just fine.

For a 2-bike platform rack that is approved for use on an RV, I recommend taking a look at the Swagman Chinook # S64683. This is a really nice carrier that features ratcheting padded hooks that will hold your bikes by the top tubes and sliding cradles and straps that will secure the bike wheels to the rack. It can hold 2 bikes of up to 45 pounds each and locks are included to help deter theft. The rack by itself weighs right at 47 pounds.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack that you can check out, along with a link that will take you to our selection of RV approved bike racks that you can look through.