Does Length of Hitch-Mounted Accessory Affect Tongue Weight Capacity
Question:
Greetings, I am interested in the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Platform Bike Rack w/ Cargo Carrier - 2inch Hitches - Frame Mountinch for my 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R. I have a class III hitch installed. My concern is that max tongue weight does not take into account the torque that is applied to the hitch. For instance, the carrier Im interested in extends up to ~50inch from the hitch face. That puts the load pretty far from the hitch, so even the empty rack at 95lbs, which extends out to 50inch would near 200 ftlbs. Of course, not all the 95 lbs. of the rack weight is 50inch from the hitch, but on average maybe 24inch which in foot pounds would be 2ft * 95 lbs. which is nearly already 200 ftlbs. However, the tongue weight max isnt specified as torque ftlbs, only as weight in lbs. Is this something youve every heard of the industry addressing? Thanks for your time!
asked by: Scott P
Expert Reply:
The type of torque you are describing is definitely something that manufacturers for trailer hitches and hitch-mounted accessories take into account when testing their products. I absolutely understand your concern though, as weight applied right on top of a hitch receiver results in a whole lot less torque and leverage than this same weight extended a distance behind it.
With that being said, this added torque is taken into account on items like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Platform Bike Rack w/ Cargo Carrier # HR1450Z-85 when the manufacturer tests, rates, and lists its weight capacities. You might notice, for example, that this particular carrier has a 50 pound per bike limit and up to 100 pounds of cargo for the basket when it's used as the whole system (200 pounds total) but has a 220 pound capacity when just the cargo carrier is used.
This difference has to do with the fact that the bike carrier weight wouldn't be added but also due to the physics of the cargo carrier being closer to the hitch and vehicle when used in this manner.
The added leverage from weights extended beyond the receiver is also taken into account when hitch manufacturers list their ratings. For example the 600 pound tongue weight limit on the Curt Class III # C13206 for your Outback Wagon was tested and rated with this type of leverage in mind, not just for a static weight placed on top of the receiver. Hitch manufacturers are certainly aware that their products will be used with accessories like these and the ratings are calculated accordingly.
This is essentially a really long way of saying that as long as you remain under both the trailer hitch's and vehicle's tongue weight capacity with the loaded weight of this bike rack (or whatever accessory you have mounted) you can be assured of its safety.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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