Can a Motorcycle Carrier be Used on a 2017 Toyota Sienna
Question:
I have to infrequently carry a motorcycle 390 lb wet on an aluminum motorcycle carrier 50lb on the back of a 2017 Toyota Sienna with a class 3 Draw-tite 76112 hitch 500lb tongue weight. The Sienna has these Firestone F4155 air bags installed. The problem is clearance under the extended rail platform the motorcycle sits on because the Sienna has low ground clearance. Ideally Id like to add a riser at the hitch to slightly raise the platform and give me more clearance. Yes, I know this will raise the center of gravity however I will only carry the bike short distances with no passengers, seats, or cargo in the van. With the air bags I have found the van to be incredibly stable and am hoping there is a riser I can use for this purpose. Thanks for your advice!
asked by: Walter
Expert Reply:
I looked in the owner's manual for your 2017 Toyota Sienna and the tongue weight capacity is 350 lbs. I understand that the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76112 has a 500 lbs tongue weight capacity. However, the vehicle and trailer hitch are tested separately of one another which means you will need to abide by the lower of the two ratings which is the vehicle at 350 lbs. I know this is not what you are wanting to hear but I need to make sure that you are aware that the tongue weight capacity of your Sienna is being exceeded with the motorcycle and carrier. The Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F4155 are a great aid but at the end of the day they do no increase weight carrying capacity.
The fact that you are almost 100 lbs over the tongue weight capacity of your Sienna and the vehicle already has limited ground clearance is likely why the motorcycle carrier is so low. The use of an adapter like the Curt Dual 2" Receiver Tube Adapter part # D-192 can raise this a few inches or so but the adapter is going to cut your already overloaded tongue weight capacity in half so I honestly cannot recommend this. You are free to do as you please but from a safety standpoint I must recommend that you seek alternative options to transport your motorcycle like on a trailer, Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer part # K2MMT4X6.
In order to use the above trailer you will need a trailer wiring harness like the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118648 and a ball mount/hitch ball like the Curt Class III Ball Mount part # C45034.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Class III Ball Mount with 1-7/8" Ball - 2" Drop - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 8" Extension
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- Dual Hitch Adapter
- Hitch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 8 Inch Extension
- CURT
more information >
Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Light Duty
- Firestone
more information >
Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer - 6' Long - 1,295 lbs
- Trailers
- Utility Trailers
- Platform
- 1295 lbs
- TIlt Bed Frame
- Cargo
- Wheeled Equipment
- 4W x 6L Foot
- Powder Coated Steel
- Detail K2
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 3500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Review of CURT Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Toyota Highlander Vehicle Wiring Harness - C79VV
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: ptw80647
- Video: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Video: Review of Tekonsha Vehicle Trailer Wiring - Toyota Highlander Vehicle Wiring Harness - TK99FR
- Shop: Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp - 77" Long - 500 lbs
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2014 Toyota Sienna
- Video: Ultra-Fab Motorcycle Carrier with Ramp Review
- Video: Ultra-Fab Motorcycle Carrier with Ramp Test Course
- Q&A: Best Hitch Receiver for a 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: How to Upgrade Trailer with 45 MPH Speed Rating for Highway Speeds
- Q&A: Upgrading Trailer Tires and Wheels For Highway use on Harbor Freight 4x8 Folding Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Coach Step Parts for 2003 Holiday Rambler Scepter Entry Step
- Q&A: Towing Capacity of 2017 Toyota Sienna LE with Tow Package
- Q&A: What Does etrailer hitch # e98837 that Fits 2005 Toyota Sienna Weigh
- Search Results: tandem bike
- Search Results: weight safe hitch
- Search Results: tandem bike rack
- Search Results: tandem
- Search Results: weight safe