Question Was Asked By - Chris H

How to Use Bike Rack while Towing a Utility Trailer with a 2003 Dodge Caravan

Question:

I recently purchased an old 4x6 utility trailer for hauling our camping supplies since our van was getting too full to carry everything. We also have a Bike rack that mounts to a 2 trailer hitch receiver. I want to be able to utilitize all of the 4x6 bed for hauling camping supplies instead of putting the 3 bikes in there. So, I would like to mount a trailer hitch to the back of the utility trailer so I can attach the bike rack for the bikes. Can I use this part V75300 to mount to the bottom of the utility trailer, even though it does not have a bumper? If not, do you have any suggestions of which product I would need and what method weld or frame mount I would need to use to mount a hitch to the trailer? Thanks in advance for your help!

asked by: Chris H

Expert Reply:

Attaching part # V75300 to your utility trailer would not be a safe way to go. Small utility trailers are not designed to have any weight mounted like that. However we do have a few options for you to accomplish what you are wanting to do.

The first would be the Swagman XP Towing Bike Rack, part # S64955. This will allow you to carry three bikes and it will clamp around the ball mount you use for your trailer. This would be the safest and strongest method to use. Remember, the weight of the rack and the bikes on it must be added to the tongue weight of the trailer. Make sure this amount does not exceed the tongue weight capacity of the hitch or the vehicle.

If you are using a ball mount with a drop around 2 inches or around 3-1/2 inches, you could use one of these two ball mounts, part # D210 or # V75090. You do not want to use this if your weights will exceed the capacity or if they are too low and will not keep your trailer level. You would put your bike rack in the upper receiver. Double check the shank diameter of your ball and be sure it will fit.

If neither of these options will work, I would suggest a roof mounted or hatch mounted bike rack. I would suggest a hatch mount since getting on top of the minivan might be difficult especially with 3 bikes. I would go with # TH911XT.

expert reply by: Patrick B

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