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Motorcyle rack behind trailer?

swimmer_spe
Explorer
Explorer
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?
35 REPLIES 35

Huntindog
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Huntindog
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trail-explorer
Explorer
Explorer
~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.
Bob

trail-explorer
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Bob

Dirtpig
Explorer
Explorer
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.
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noteven
Explorer III
Explorer III
Ride the bike and leave the clumsy RV at home?

SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Explorer
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.

swimmer_spe
Explorer
Explorer
BillyW wrote:
Idaho Tote is one possible option.


That might be an idea for the future as I do not plan to spend the ~$7k USD for one.

_DJ_1
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have a very heavy framed TT. I have a custom fabricated frame hitch on the rear rated for 500/5000. That said there is NO WAY I would put that kind of weight on it. The most weight it will get is 220# of boat trailer tongue weight.
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swimmer_spe
Explorer
Explorer
OP here.

Thank you for saving me the joy of dealing with my insurance company after it destroyed my trailer and motorcycle.

I will not be trying to put one on the back of my TT. Just not worth the risk.

carringb
Explorer
Explorer
Most ultra-light trailer frames can't have ANYTHING hanging off the back. Plus the balance and instability issues even if the frame were strong enough.
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TurnThePage
Explorer
Explorer
Idaho Tote is one possible option.
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Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
Oh my! NO. Don't do it.
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LarryJM
Explorer II
Explorer II
swimmer_spe wrote:
MFL wrote:
Most motorcycle carriers for receivers, are marked NOT FOR TT OR FW USE. They are designed for truck or motorhome receiver use, where bounce is not an issue.

Jerry


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?


:S:S

:h:h What part of WAY TOO HEAVY and BOUNCE don't you understand :h:h

Larry
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SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
swimmer_spe wrote:
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?


Ah heck, what could possibly go wrong? :W



That aside, imagine what placing 400 lbs at the far rear of your trailer, aft of the axles, will do to your trailer's gross tongue weight ... IF there's any left! :E

These minor issues aside, I don't see a problem. :S
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MFL
Nomad II
Nomad II
I have a nice carrier for my 240 lb offroad bike. I would not consider using it on the rear of my FW, unless for a very short smooth distance. If you look at those carriers, you will see the tie downs are designed to hold mostly up/down. There just is no place on the back of a trailer to secure to.

I might add, my FW has a very strong factory, frame mounted receiver. Also at 400 lbs, your bike is too heavy for the application.

Jerry