Jonnygsx wrote:
valhalla360 wrote:
Keep in mind, those bikes are way behind the rear axle, so they will add far more than 600lbs to the rear axle (I'm assuming the bikes are only around 450lb as the hitch and rack will likely push 150lb). You are probably looking at the bikes adding 900lbs to the rear axle because the center of gravity for them is probably 80" behind the rear axle, so the leverage effect will transfer around 300lb from the front tires to the rear. Add in the base curb weight plus 2800 for the camper and you are probably north of 6500-6800lbs on the rear axle.
Check the specs but that is probably over the axle limits.
Rear axle lists at 7050lbs on the 3500. 500lbs for the two bikes, 100bs for the double hitch hauler, I don't buy the whole leverage thing. Leverage on the hitch ok, because that has a point of contact you are leveraging against. But 600lbs on the rear axle is 600lbs. There isn't leverage connected to it.
Anyways, I didnt come here to discuss the bikes, I was only adding that to the list because of their weights. Sounds like a 3500 will do the trick. Now that I realize the 3500 isn't a step up from a 2500 in the same way its a step up from a 1500 to 2500 I guess its not that big a deal.
I the first post you were talking about a 2500 which has a lower rear axle rating. (I found 6200 online).
You may not believe in physics but physics doesn't care. If the bikes are 6-7' behind the rear axle, they will add far more to the rear axle load than just their weight as the leverage will take weight off the front axle and put it on the rear axle.
