Compatibility of Motorcycle Carrier and Trailer Hitch With Extension

Question:

Carriers, tounge weight and torque- oh my!question and answer # 199095 Can you please address the question of motorcycle weight plus the 85-pound carrier at 25 inches? What is 800 lbs of torque? Can you tell me about extenders and if they reduce the tongue weight capacity?

asked by: Jeanette D

Helpful Expert Reply:

When you use a motorcycle carrier on the back of your vehicle, the weight of the bike as well as the weight of the carrier needs to be considered as tongue weight. Most medium and heavyweight motorcycles will surpass the capacity of the hitch or the carrier, so light to medium bikes are really the market for the motorcycle hitch carriers like # e98873 and # UF48-979033.

The torque of the weight extended is integrated into the carrying capacity of the carrier. If you use any type of adapter like a hitch extender for example, the tongue weight of the trailer hitch on your vehicle is reduced to 50% of its rated capacity due to the additional torque due to the weight on the extended length. It is not recommended to use any hitch extender with that kind of weight because it can cause too much movement so torque may be less of an issue and safety becoming more of the main issue. The weight extended is a cause of sway which can be dangerous.

A better option if you need an extender or have more weight than your carrier and hitch can handle is to use a trailer. That will drastically change the tongue weight and offer more stability when transporting your bike. Based on the carrier weight and extension you stated in your question, a trailer is my recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Jason S