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RWBrothers's avatar
RWBrothers
Explorer
Mar 19, 2019

question on on hitches on the back of fifth wheels

I lived in a fifth wheel several years ago after getting out of the AF, I have been looking at going back to one fulltime again and I have a question on the rear hitches on fifth wheels. My question is there a way to mount a motorcycle on the back of the fifth wheel? My current bike is 500-pound wet weight and the new one I am looking at is 485lbs. I don't care for toy haulers but I do like the idea of the garage that some of the fifth wheels have. I would go that way if I have to but I really would like to get a mid bunk trailer so when I have visitors they have their own room and when not I have an office of sorts! Thanks in advance!!!
  • As the others have said, most factory receivers are rated 300/3000. Reason for that is that virtually every state requires brakes on trailers > 3k lbs' GVW. By staying at 300/3k, they don't have to deal with brake wiring and can put a lighter hitch in place. Swivel wheel totes that attach to the main frame rails are legal in a lot of places, but NOT legal in a lot of others. Some states don't consider them as trailers, but as an "extension"; some states to consider them trailers and must have a registration but also allow double-towing; some states consider them as trailers and do NOT allow doubles. A friggin' quagmire... As jkwilson said, there are some THs that have =very= nicely appointed garages for living and, while I'm not a biker, I know it'd sure be nice to have it out of the weather (and sight!). There was one FW made a few years ago that had a "mini-garage" built into a slide on the left rear. Cool idea, but not enough demand to keep it going. I can't even think of the brand and I can't remember any posts on here about anyone actually buying one.

    Lyle
  • The receiver hitch on my fifth wheel is rated for 300# carrying capacity, OR 3,000# towing capacity..

    I have seen people talking about swivel trailers... and or double towing..
  • My FW came with a factory receiver hitch, but like most, it is only rated for 300#s. It is well built, but I'm thinking the FW manufacturer, just does not want any more weight added to rear, which takes away from the pin wt. I also bought a nice well designed motorcycle carrier to fit in the receiver, for my 250# wet wt dirt bike. The carrier sticker says "not for FW, or TT use", but fine for MH or truck receiver. I double tow instead, with bike trailer, for my crotch rocket, and dirt bike.

    IMO, the bike wt you are talking, is not going to work on trailer rear, but may work on truck front receiver, depending what it is.

    Jerry
  • I know there are others, but look at the larger Grand Design Momentums. The garage is in effect a bedroom. Way easier than dealing with 500 lbs on a platform plus your bike will be out of the weather.