Forum Discussion

beaverjocky's avatar
beaverjocky
Explorer
Mar 08, 2013

How can I take both my toys, Wrangler & Harley

I've searched the forums and can't find any help with this. I suppose one day I'll grow up and this won't matter but for now I'm stuck with either towing my Jeep Wrangler or my cargo trailer with the Harley.

I've researched the Hydra-Lift motorcycle carrier and seems to be the best but I'm not sure I like the weight added to the rear of the DP, and of course the cost of that bad boy.

The other option I'm actually leaning heaviest on would be an open car-hauler trailer that could be modified to carry the bike and the Jeep. My concern about this option is the added weight of the trailer over the other option.

I'd like to hear opinions from all you toy people, how are you getting it done?

Thank, Jerry

39 Replies

  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jerry, sure glad you have the winch and heavy front bumper as you'll need it with the Harley on the back of your Jeep. Pretty sure your 1000lbs of payload was not with it all hanging off the back of the Wrangler, but hey it's better than on the back of the MH.
  • Trailer the combo. Bike on sideways and jeep in normal position.
  • If you do not mind using a dolly, there is a dolly made that has the traditional spot for a car and a place in front of the car for a bike/golf cart. It appears to be pretty straight forward but also a little pricey. It is talked about on here but cannot remember the name of it. Somebody will chime in with the name. Might be a good bet and very little tongue weight. Happy Trails Bert
  • tow bar to jeep, motorcycle hitch carrier in jeep receiver.

    first upgrade to\
    the largest biggest hitch for the jeep and then make sure the motorcycle carrier is adequately beefy and hit the road.

    or you can get an enclosed trailer you can do that but it just adds weight to the equation
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Rich, while we are getting off topic, I hope for others that you are correct. Already there are turnpikes in the NE that will not let you on if you are over 20K. Just because we do not have to weigh (YET), does not make it legal.
    Getting even futher astray, not sure the 6" wide slide covers on each side of my 101" MH are safety equiptment officer. Just because he did not look up does not make it legal.
    OP, go with a trailer.
  • ivylog said: "(had a 98 Patriot) so I know a lot about CCC, GVWR axle weights. The only reason you have 3K of CCC is because Beaver put a 23K rear axle instead of the normal 20K axle (max legal weight in most states) SO, there is NO way you'll be able to put a lift on the back of your rig."

    While I agree 100% that overloading the rear axle is a concern, what state still has a 20K limit on a rear axle for a MOTORHOME? Exemptions are in place for most, if not all states or every bus and large DP would be illegal to operate.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jerry, you might want to click on "How I tow" below. I looked at buying your vintage Beaver (had a 98 Patriot) so I know a lot about CCC, GVWR axle weights. The only reason you have 3K of CCC is because Beaver put a 23K rear axle instead of the normal 20K axle (max legal weight in most states) SO, there is NO way you'll be able to put a lift on the back of your rig. That much weight that far back is going to put more than 1700+ lbs on your already maxed out rear axle..... Sorry and it's the main reason I bought a tag axle coach.
    Fortunately you do have a 10K hitch so putting them on a trailer is your best option over a dolly that will haul both because you'll be able to back the trailer up... not the dolly. I no longer wory about where I go as it's easy to back up because of the long rear overhang.
  • If your MH is rated to tow 25% higher than the combined weight of the trailer, jeep and motorcycle you shouldn't have a problem.

    I see MHs towing large enclosed racecar trailers out on the highway without any problem. The only drwback to a trailer is what do you do with it once you get to your destination. Will there be room for it in your campsite or extra vehicle parking in the campground/RV resort.