Forum Discussion

randy777's avatar
randy777
Explorer
Jan 17, 2017

Motorcycle on back of Fifth wheel

I have a Honda dual use motorcycle which weighs about 325 lbs. I would like to take it along on our trips for running around. Found ramp on Discountramps.com but they advise against using them on fifth wheels or trailers. I have a heavy-duty hitch bolted to the frame. Does anyone else do this?

Randy

35 Replies

  • I bought a well built aluminum motorcycle carrier for my 250 lb off road dirt bike. It also states, "not for FW/TT use".

    My factory FW receiver hitch is very solid, frame mounted, with 4" tubing, but only rated a CYA 300 lbs. It would actually handle my carrier/dirt bike weight, no problem. The carrier has a good system, with bolts to tighten to keep it from flopping.

    Although it works well on the back of my truck, where I can see the bike, I never trusted putting it on the rear of my FW. Trailers will bounce more, due to bumps, RR tracks etc. There is just not enough tie down structure, IMO, to trust having the bike on the back of my FW. YMMV

    Jerry
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    The bumpers on the trailers are well known to not be very strong and not a good weight load. These should be re-engineered and welded into the frame to be safe for almost any additional load you might want it to handle. I think the were only designed to safely hold up a single spare tire...

    Check out one of these IDAHO TOTE with swivel wheels which is NOT considered a trailer but rather an attachment to the trailer. I have seen both the two wheel types and single wheel type. I would think the two wheeled attachment platform would be the best to use. Being attached to the rear of the trailer makes for a very easy back up routine with the swivel wheels...

    Check with your local State DOT Safety office to get all the info how these are allowed in your home state. This of course will add to your overall trailer length...









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    Roy Ken
  • I've seen a Gold Wing (700+ pounds) on the back of a 5th.. Spoke to the owner at length about it. I had concerns...obviously, but he had quite alot of welding done on the frame to successfully hold all this weight bouncing around back there and claims no problems at all. Examining the lift itself, it seemed sturdy enough, but all them tie-downs and clamps to keep the bike there turned me off. I suggest a toy-hauler 5th. . Keep the bike inside and the frame is made for it.

    My opinion....FWIW
  • That's a lot of weight to hang from the back. It could probably be done but needs the right mounting to the frame. An RV tech told me on more than one occasion he'd seen slides bind due to frames bending due to weight hanging off the back so proceed with caution.