Can Ultra-Fab Trailer Hitch Mount Motorcycle Carrier Hold a Suzuki Burgman Scooter on Class C RV

Question:

I have a 1991 Gulfstream Ultra 27foot class c motorhome. It has a class III receiver and the spare tire is bumper mounted. Currently I have a hitch mounted platform 500# capacity which I haul two bicycles with reversing their directions because the spare hangs over the platform slightly. I want to purchase a 2004 Suzuki Burgman AN400 2 seater motor scooter. Scooter has a 62.6 inch wheelbase, dry weight if 405lbs and fuel capacity is 3.4 gal. Will the carrier stick out enough so scooter will clear spare tire? How is scooter held onto hauler? Is carrier ok for a rear engine scooter? Is the carrier adjusted to scooter tires so that they sit down a bit in the carrier? I am waiting on your response to purchase scooter.

asked by: Tom M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Ultra-Fab motorcycle carrier, # UF48-979033, can be used at the back of a motor home and has the capacity for the scooter but there are a few other things to consider. First is the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch and motor home. The trailer hitch and motor home both will need to have a tongue weight capacity that is greater than the combined weight of the carrier and scooter. Based on the info you have provided that will be at least 450 pounds.

Rear engine scooters that are this heavy can be a bit of an issue on hitch mount carriers like this. Too much of the weight is on one side of the carrier and can damage the carrier or hitch. If you are able to get most of the way closer to the center somehow it could work. Given the length and weight of the scooter though I do not recommend this carrier. If you can find one that is more of a mid engine and lighter that would be much better and safer for use with a hitch mounted carrier.

The scooter you do end up with will need tires no more than 5 inches wide. The spaces where the wheels can sit are adjustable for larger or smaller wheels so I am not concerned about that but some scooters, like 50cc types, have those very small wheels. Those will not fit. The wheelbase of the scooter will need to be within the 80 inch length of the carrier.

The carrier is 16 inches from the hitch pin hole to the front of the carrier. The spare tire could possibly interfere depending on the width of the scooter but I do not anticipate it being an issue. You would use straps like # 317-412080 to secure the scooter to the carrier.

At this time the Ultra-Fab carrier is the only option that is going to work behind a Class C motor home. The other option is to tow a small trailer with the scooter on it. This is also the safest option and significantly reduces the weight on the trailer hitch. With it or a similar trailer you could go with the scooter you want or even larger!

expert reply by: Michael H