Can a Motorcycle Carrier be Used on a 2017 Toyota Sienna

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(376)

$205.93

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(256)

$79.47

Curt Class III Ball Mount with 1-7/8" Ball - 2" Drop - 3,500 lbs

(3712)

$40.39

Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 8" Extension

(118)

$83.33

Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(658)

$120.93

Question:

I have to infrequently carry a motorcycle 390 lb wet on an aluminum motorcycle carrier 50lb on the back of a 2017 Toyota Sienna with a class 3 Draw-tite 76112 hitch 500lb tongue weight. The Sienna has these Firestone F4155 air bags installed. The problem is clearance under the extended rail platform the motorcycle sits on because the Sienna has low ground clearance. Ideally Id like to add a riser at the hitch to slightly raise the platform and give me more clearance. Yes, I know this will raise the center of gravity however I will only carry the bike short distances with no passengers, seats, or cargo in the van. With the air bags I have found the van to be incredibly stable and am hoping there is a riser I can use for this purpose. Thanks for your advice!

asked by: Walter

Expert Reply:

I looked in the owner's manual for your 2017 Toyota Sienna and the tongue weight capacity is 350 lbs. I understand that the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76112 has a 500 lbs tongue weight capacity. However, the vehicle and trailer hitch are tested separately of one another which means you will need to abide by the lower of the two ratings which is the vehicle at 350 lbs. I know this is not what you are wanting to hear but I need to make sure that you are aware that the tongue weight capacity of your Sienna is being exceeded with the motorcycle and carrier. The Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F4155 are a great aid but at the end of the day they do no increase weight carrying capacity.

The fact that you are almost 100 lbs over the tongue weight capacity of your Sienna and the vehicle already has limited ground clearance is likely why the motorcycle carrier is so low. The use of an adapter like the Curt Dual 2" Receiver Tube Adapter part # D-192 can raise this a few inches or so but the adapter is going to cut your already overloaded tongue weight capacity in half so I honestly cannot recommend this. You are free to do as you please but from a safety standpoint I must recommend that you seek alternative options to transport your motorcycle like on a trailer, Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer part # K2MMT4X6.

In order to use the above trailer you will need a trailer wiring harness like the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118648 and a ball mount/hitch ball like the Curt Class III Ball Mount part # C45034.