Trailer Hitch Mount 4 Bike Rack for a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 with a 2009 Lance Slide-In Truck Camper

Question:

Have a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500. Use it to haul a 2009 Lance slide in truck camper. Camper hangs over rear bumber by 22. I have a 24 inch hitch extender that I use to for light trailer towing. I use chains and turnbuckles to hold the extender firm. Is there any recommendations about using this rack on a hitch extender? Like the looks of the rack and the way it holds the bikes. Thanks.

asked by: Rick N

Expert Reply:

I do have a possible solution for you but mounting the bike rack behind the truck is not going to work.

When using an extension in a trailer hitch, the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch is reduced by 50 percent. The only exception is trailer hitch receiver openings that are 2-1/2 inches or larger. Because of this reduction in capacity I advise against using a hitch mount bike rack in the 24 inch extension.

Even with the larger 2-1/2 inch receiver, there will still be excessive vertical movement of the bike rack, even if the extension is as secured like yours. The bike rack is not designed for that type of stress and could fail.

What you can do is get a front mount trailer hitch installed, like # 65046, and use it for the bike rack. You will need to make sure that your front axle is rated for this type of application since front hitches are normally used for horizontal line pull like with a winch.

Some possible drawbacks are decreased field of vision for the driver and decreased airflow to the motor. Adding a supplemental transmission and engine oil cooler, like # D15902, will help keep the oil and transmission temperatures down.

I have included some links on the bike rack and the front mount hitch for you to view.