Adding a Class 2 Hitch to a 24' TT to tow a small trailer..?

[dc01039]

I will be buying a new Starcraft Launch Ultra Lite 24 RLS within the next two weeks. I need to add a Class 2 receiver hitch to it to pull a Full Dress Harley on a small trailer, total weight 2000 lbs. or less.

Has anyone actually put on a frame mounted hitch on their TT or 5th wheel like this?

Dealer says they send theirs out to a local muffler shop, no problem...I don't always beleive the dealer especially before the sale..Lol..!!

[joelw]

dc01039 wrote:
I will be buying a new Starcraft Launch Ultra Lite 24 RLS within the next two weeks. I need to add a Class 2 receiver hitch to it to pull a Full Dress Harley on a small trailer, total weight 2000 lbs. or less.

Has anyone actually put on a frame mounted hitch on their TT or 5th wheel like this?

Dealer says they send theirs out to a local muffler shop, no problem...I don't always beleive the dealer especially before the sale..Lol..!!

OP Did you ever go through with it? I am interested to see your results. I am also interested in doing something similar. But with a total weight of around 1500lbs, not 2000.

[sljkansas]

Kansa allows double tow, but you can't with 2 ball hitches.

[myredracer]

Some TT steel frames that the superstructure of the unit that it sits on are "lightweight". Many TTs do have aluminum framing in lieu of wood but some of them now have a lighter construction steel frame with I-beams that are fabricated from 3 pieces of sheet steel and *look* like a regular forged beam. They're inherently weaker. I know because our TT has this type of beam. Have seen the same type on 5 or so other makes and models now and all are on ultra-lites. Barely strong enough to support the factory dry weight of the TT when it's standing still. They'll do anything to reduce weight, even it compromises the entire TT. I've even seen a weld in aluminum framing come apart on a brand new unit from excess frame movement a result of just the mileage from the plant to dealer. The fabricated I-beams are easy to spot by just running a finger along where the welded seam would be and it will feel rough. Last RV show here I was doing that to a lot of TTs and getting some pretty strange looks...

I know of one TT manufacturer that calls the fabricated I-beam "HD". Not sure if that means heavy duty or highly deficient. :R

You most definitely would not want to tow anything else behind a TT with a fabricated type I-beam, let alone carry a lightweight bicycle at the rear.

I saw an ultra-lite toy hauler last summer that had the door at the front on the side, ahead of the axles. Has one of the fabricated type I-beams. He took his 900 lb Harley to cgs in it. He had only just recently bought it. I'd be willing to bet big money that it will develop serious frame cracks in the not too distant future if he keeps doing that.

Otherwise, I wouldn't trust what the CCC says and you're better off going to a scale if you want to push the limits of your unit. And from all the reading of done of the various forums, adding weight to the rear of a TT can be very risky and cause all sorts of serious damage. If it's a brand new unit you need to get the manufacturer's okay in writing. If you don't and something fails, they will deny warranty claims. Be wary, very wary, of anything a dealer tells you. They'll tell you anything you want to hear or to sell a unit.

dc01039 wrote:

boosTT wrote:
You are going to get a lot of replies.

Ultra lights are made light by lightening the frame...
Double towing behind an TT is illegal is most areas.
Both trailers need brakes.
You need to plan your route accordingly to not need to back up.

Best answer is to get a toy hauler.

WTH..?? Ultra Lites are usually Aluminum framed...brakes in Texas are only required at 4500 lbs. and I have checked my routes, double or triple tow is perfectly legal. The last I checked it was 29 States...;

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah



Just looking for some "Real World Experience" on the Hitch install...

[Dannyabear1]

Put on your harley boots, socks, draws, shirts, vest, and jacket and ride the dam thing like you supposed to; never could understand people with touring bikes on a trailer

[8iron]

While I am not opposed to double towing, the fact that the TT mentioned by the OP has a CCC of just 1,300# makes me think this might not be a very good idea in this case.

[dc01039]

boosTT wrote:

dc01039 wrote:

boosTT wrote:
You are going to get a lot of replies.

Ultra lights are made light by lightening the frame...
Double towing behind an TT is illegal is most areas.
Both trailers need brakes.
You need to plan your route accordingly to not need to back up.

Best answer is to get a toy hauler.

WTH..?? Ultra Lites are usually Aluminum framed...brakes in Texas are only required at 4500 lbs. and I have checked my routes, double or triple tow is perfectly legal. The last I checked it was 29 States...;

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah



Just looking for some "Real World Experience" on the Hitch install...

Err... I guess you are welcome.

Double towing behind a 5th wheel is common place. Behind a TT is only legal in a handful of states (if that). Last I checked, BOTH trailers needed brakes, regardless of weight in all of these states.

Besides the legal issues- you assume this setup would tow perfectly? LOL. I'm not even going to attempt to steer you in the right direction anymore.

I do appreciate the input, and I'll have to check the various laws by state. There seems to be no discerning between a 5th wheel and TT, that is that I can find. It would appear that the 5th wheel would be a superior solution under these circumstances and yes the "Ultra Lite" construction methodology may play into the formula as well. I do appologize for my "Curt" response, I was really having a bad night last night.

Thank you again for your input and sharing of your experience and wisdom. Please accept my apology for responding like an idiot...

[boosTT]

dc01039 wrote:

boosTT wrote:
You are going to get a lot of replies.

Ultra lights are made light by lightening the frame...
Double towing behind an TT is illegal is most areas.
Both trailers need brakes.
You need to plan your route accordingly to not need to back up.

Best answer is to get a toy hauler.

WTH..?? Ultra Lites are usually Aluminum framed...brakes in Texas are only required at 4500 lbs. and I have checked my routes, double or triple tow is perfectly legal. The last I checked it was 29 States...;

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah



Just looking for some "Real World Experience" on the Hitch install...

Err... I guess you are welcome.

Double towing behind a 5th wheel is common place. Behind a TT is only legal in a handful of states (if that). Last I checked, BOTH trailers needed brakes, regardless of weight in all of these states.

Besides the legal issues- you assume this setup would tow perfectly? LOL. I'm not even going to attempt to steer you in the right direction anymore.

[I_am_still_wayn]

dc01039 wrote:
I will be buying a new Starcraft Launch Ultra Lite 24 RLS within the next two weeks. I need to add a Class 2 receiver hitch to it to pull a Full Dress Harley on a small trailer, total weight 2000 lbs. or less.

Has anyone actually put on a frame mounted hitch on their TT or 5th wheel like this?

Dealer says they send theirs out to a local muffler shop, no problem...I don't always beleive the dealer especially before the sale..Lol..!!

Several problems with this idea:
1. Page 1-10 in the owner's manual (available on line at Starcraft's website) specifically voids the warranty for "any unauthorized alterations." In another section the manual says, "...problems related to misuse, mishandling, neglect, or abuse..." are not covered under the warranty. Those are vague statements that could include adding the hitch and towing a trailer behind.
2. I doubt that double towing two trailers, both on hitch balls, is legal in most, if not all, states.
3. The total stability could be problematic.
4. Drive ability will also be problematic.
5. You will be exceeding the GVWR of the Starcraft, as the towed motorcycle trailer will be a component of that trailer.
6. It is overall not a good idea.

[brulaz]

I bought a Curt hitch/receiver designed for RVs and mounted it across the frame of my old trailer. The thing was heavier-duty than the trailer frame and probably strengthened it. It's adjustable width, and you cut it to fit between the frame rails.

Would never put a lot of vertical weight on it though as you could probably twist the frame. We just put 100# of bike on it, braced against the trailer shell so it didn't bounce.

But I don't think I'd want to pull 2000# with my old trailer's frame either. The trailer itself was only 4000# loaded, and I think that's all the frame was designed for. Dunno about yours, but it can be done.

[wmoses]

dc01039 wrote:
WTH..?? Ultra Lites are usually Aluminum framed...brakes in Texas are only required at 4500 lbs. and I have checked my routes, double or triple tow is perfectly legal.
....
Just looking for some "Real World Experience" on the Hitch install...

Paul - Take it easy. People here are only trying to be helpful while the guy with the "real world experience" shows up to advise you on the mechanics is of the actual install.

Your point about UL trailers being aluminum framed is irrelevant. The point being made was in regard to the frame under the trailer which is always steel. The aluminum framing you are talking about are the studs and framing in the walls roof and floor. Any hitch you'd want to weld on would be to to steel frame under the trailer which is made lighter on UL trailers by both thinner steel and lightening holes.

Yes the laws in Texas require brakes on trailers above 4500lbs but the statute does not mention tandem towing. What do you think the intent of the law is when it comes to brake requirements on a combined tandem tow exceeding 4500lbs?

[Chuck_thehammer]

I am glad eHoefler and AirForceAnger spoke in.
I only know Ohio.. and they will make you disconnect the motorcycle trailer at the State run inspection station at the state line.

5th wheel only. double tow.

[AirForceAngler]

eHoefler wrote:
Check again, double towing usually legal with a fifth wheel, not a bumper pull.

Yup, this right here!

[eHoefler]

Check again, double towing usually legal with a fifth wheel, not a bumper pull.

[dc01039]

boosTT wrote:
You are going to get a lot of replies.

Ultra lights are made light by lightening the frame...
Double towing behind an TT is illegal is most areas.
Both trailers need brakes.
You need to plan your route accordingly to not need to back up.

Best answer is to get a toy hauler.

WTH..?? Ultra Lites are usually Aluminum framed...brakes in Texas are only required at 4500 lbs. and I have checked my routes, double or triple tow is perfectly legal. The last I checked it was 29 States...;

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah



Just looking for some "Real World Experience" on the Hitch install...

[loulou57]

We have a 29' light TT and had a hitch put on the back for our boat. They welded a steel beam across to attatch the hitch on. I don't know the ruling in the US but we have electric brakes only on the trailer not on the boat. We pull all over northern Ontario and have had no trouble.