Forum Discussion

swimmer_spe's avatar
swimmer_spe
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017

Motorcyle rack behind trailer?

I have a 1998 Rockwood Ultralight 24 footer.

I own a motorcycle that weights 400 lbs. I have seen local stores that sell racks that go into a 2 inch receiver that are for hauling a motorcycle.

Anyone ever do this? Would it be safe to do?
  • Blatz's avatar
    Blatz
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    Front of the truck. I may end up doing that with my Mt bikes and rack
  • boosTT's avatar
    boosTT
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    This might sound crazy... but can you fit the bike inside the trailer via the regular entry door? You might be able to turn the handle bars in such a way that it will pass though. Maybe go as far as taking off the front wheel and using a stand like a wheel choke?
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    swimmer_spe wrote:
    Dirtpig wrote:
    put it on the front of your truck, thats what i did when i had a TC and its what i do if i need the room in my trucks box.


    That's a reasonably good idea. My truck is a 2013 F150. Would the truck be enough to do it? Do they make bolt on front receivers?


    I would think a 3/4 or 1 ton with the snow plow package option(heavy duty front end suspension components) might carry that weight.
  • swimmer_spe's avatar
    swimmer_spe
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    Dirtpig wrote:
    put it on the front of your truck, thats what i did when i had a TC and its what i do if i need the room in my trucks box.


    That's a reasonably good idea. My truck is a 2013 F150. Would the truck be enough to do it? Do they make bolt on front receivers?
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    trail-explorer wrote:
    ~DJ~ wrote:
    I have a very heavy framed TT.


    Yep.
    A Frame built by Northwood is the only frame I'd have a bike rack attached to, or hitch to carry doo-dads and such.
    My Sabre came factory equipped with a heavy duty fold down rear rack. It is rated for 350#.

    I carry a lot of things back there.... I do agree that in most cases, the TT frame isn't up to the task though. This feature on my TT was a big selling point.
  • trail-explorer's avatar
    trail-explorer
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    ~DJ~ wrote:
    I have a very heavy framed TT.


    Yep.
    A Frame built by Northwood is the only frame I'd have a bike rack attached to, or hitch to carry doo-dads and such.
  • trail-explorer's avatar
    trail-explorer
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    swimmer_spe wrote:
    I never read the full application of it, just saw it in a store and wonder about using it. What if it does not say that?


    I still don't recommend it.

    Just because something doens't say "don't do it" doesn't imply that it's OK to do it.

    Frames on travel trailers, especially the "LITE" versions are not beef enough to support that kind of weight.
    That much weight behind the axles will bounce and something will eventually break, and your motorcycle will "yard sale" across the interstate highway.
  • Dirtpig's avatar
    Dirtpig
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    put it on the front of your truck, thats what i did when i had a TC and its what i do if i need the room in my trucks box.
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    The only way it is possible and safe to carry that much weight on a TT is to tongue mount it. I have seen welded tongue extensions on TTs that did a good job. Trouble is it also required considerable strengthening of the trailer frame, heavier WD hitch bars, and awkward loading. Its better to put the bike in the truck.
    Tow behind carriers like Idaho Tote do carry most of the weight, they do not change the handling characteristics of a rear heavy weighted unit. Do Not do it! on a TT.
    The tail will still wag the dog.
    Larger 5ers can use a tote due to physics , not a bumper hitched trailer.

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