Can a Honda Metropolitan Scooter be Carried at the Front of a 2014 Toyota Tundra

Question:

I have a curt 2 inch front hitch installed on my 2014 Toyota Tundra with a 7 inch receiver to come even with the front bumper. Can I still attach this motorcycle carrier UF48-979033 with the receiver? I want to carry a 2013 49cc Honda Metropolitan Scooter. I am ready to purchase a carrier but I just want to know which one. Later this carrier will also be attached to the rear of a motor home at times. Also want to buy the Anti Tilt bracket for 2 inch receiver. Will I be able to add this?

asked by: Alex M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Ultra-Fab motorcycle carrier # UF48-979033 is the only one that is rated for use at the back of a motor home so it would be the best option. However, there are some issues that you need to be aware of.

Carrying large items at the front of your 2014 Toyota Tundra does present a couple of issues. First is the capacity issue. The front mount hitch needs to have a tongue weight capacity that is greater than the combined weight of the scooter and the carrier it is on.

From what I could find, the so-called wet weight of the scooter can be as much as 180 pounds. The carrier weighs about 50 pounds. That means the front hitch would have to have a tongue weight capacity of more than 230 pounds. It is likely that it will have enough capacity seeing as the front hitches we carry for your truck have a 500 pound vertical pull limit (vertical pull is like tongue weight).

But if you are using an extension then that will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent and put more stress on the hitch and vehicle. The Ultra-Fab carrier measures 16 inches from the center of the pin hole to the platform so an extension would likely not be needed.

Going further with capacity, the front axle of the truck has a rating as well. It is a little harder to determine if the scooter and carrier would put you over the front axle capacity. First find the front axle capacity using either the vehicle owners manual or possibly the sticker in the driver's side door jamb. Then you would need to take the truck to a semi scale or a scale at a place that sells bulk rock.

You will place the front wheels only on the scale. The difference between the axle capacity and what the truck weighs with just the front wheels on the scale is the amount of weight you could add before exceeding the front axle capacity.

Next you will need to be concerned about visibility. Having anything mounted at the front of the truck will limit driver visibility. It could also black the headlights and turn signals. And, it can also block airflow to the motor causing the truck to run hot (which has its own repercussions).

As far as the motor home, it would have to have a trailer hitch with a tongue weight capacity greater than the combined weight of the carrier and scooter. It would also be wise to add some extra support straps to secure the scooter and carrier above and beyond what the anti-tilt bracket is capable of. There is a lot of movement at the back of a motor home so additional support should be considered mandatory. Ratchet straps, like # EM34420, would be all that you need.