Weight Capacity Concerns With The Wheelchair Carrier On A 2004 Chevrolet Silverado

Question:

I have a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2300. nice truck. How does that hitch carry so much weight. 80# for hitch, 400 # for the power wheel chair. I would be afraid of loosing it in route. We will be traveling from the UP Michigan to St Louis and back. can the ramp be removed after the chair is loaded to stow in the truck bed. Does it have running lights that i can plug into my hitch receiver?

asked by: Mike F

Expert Reply:

I did some online research on your 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. From the tongue weight capacity I was able to find, your truck should have no problem with the MaxxTow 30x50 Wheelchair Carrier # MT70106 and your sons power wheel chair. Just to make certain, you will want to consult either with your dealership or your owners manual to find the tongue weight capacity.

One of my coworkers bought one of these and told me that the ramp on the carrier is not designed to be removed. It does store in an upright position when the cargo is loaded and folds down into the bed of the carrier when no load is present. I do recommend a locking hitch pin like part # 63232 to make certain it stays secured to the hitch on your truck.

To make sure everything stays secured to the carrier I also recommend the CargoBuckle Mini G3 Retractable Ratchet Straps w S-Hooks, part # IMF103745-86. These ratcheting straps include S-hooks that make it easy to hold your cargo in place.

We do not carry a specific light kit for this carrier. I called MaxxTow and have been unable to get the dimensions for the mounting holes that lights would be attached. We do carry light kits and if you wished to modify the mounting in some way I am sure you would be able to get a light kit to work on this carrier. I have attached a link to our product page for light kits that are available.

I have attached links to a couple of videos that you can watch.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L