What Do You Recommend for Transporting My Vespa GTV 300 on My 2004 Lexus RX 330?

Question:

Hello, I have a Vespa GTV 300 that weighs 348 lbs. I have the Drawtite 75153 hitch from you guys along with the aluminum Maxtow in my cart, my vehicle is a 2004 Lexus RX330 3500 tow capacity. Will this work ?

asked by: Amy

Expert Reply:

I have an answer for you. As far as the aluminum MaxxTow carrier, I assume you mean the MaxxTow MaxxHaul Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier MT70101. I noticed that you discovered that your vehicle has a maximum tow rating of 3500 pounds. However, what we need to know is the maximum tongue weight rating of your 2004 Lexus RX 330. From my research, I discovered that the maximum tongue weight is 400 pounds. In order to confirm this rating, I recommend consulting with your owner's manual.

With that being said, the maximum tongue weight rating on the Draw-Tite Hitch # 75153 is only 350 pounds. Since this is the lower weight rating between the hitch and your vehicle, you will have to abide by this rating. The 50-pound weight of the MaxxTow carrier combined with your 348-pound Vespa GTV puts you well over the weight of the hitch. If you include the 38-pound weight of the hitch, you will be over the 400-pound maximum capacity for the vehicle as well. Unfortunately, we do not currently carry a hitch that will allow you to accommodate all of this tongue weight.

The best route forward is a trailer like the Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer # K2MMT4X6 along with the MaxxTow Adjustable Wheel Chock with Pivoting Bracket # MTMWC-01R. With the trailer, you will be able to leverage the 3,500 pound tow rating of your vehicle and hitch instead of limiting yourself to the tongue weight. The Chock will be able to fit your tires on your Vespa as long as they do not exceed 5-1/2 inches wide. As far as the dimensions of the Utility Trailer, they measure 72 inches long x 48 inches wide x 7-1/2 inches tall. You can also use the rear gate as a ramp to load your Vespa.

As far as additional accessories, you will need a trailer wiring harness # 118478, an etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900, and a hitch pin/clip # C21504. For securing straps for your Vespa, I recommend the Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps w/ Push Button Releases # EM34420.