Using a Motorcycle Carrier on a Dodge Full Size Van and Curt Class III Trailer Hitch

Published 12/12/2014

Question:

Hi I bought this a few years ago from you. I am trying to understand something about tongue weight. I am using a dirtbike carrier that mount directly to the hitch and am trying to determine my max weight load I can carry on the hitch itself. I see the 13590 is rated a 500lb tongue weight. Is that the max weigh that this hitch can handle while in a carrier mode? I am used to driving trailers and never towed with a carrier type hitch.

asked by: George B

Expert Reply:

Curt trailer hitch # 13590 is rated for 500 pounds tongue weight like you said. However, consult the vehicle owners manual for the vehicle tongue weight. Whichever is lower, the hitch or vehicle, is the weight you must go by.

For sake of argument let's say the tongue weight is 500 pounds. The combined weight of the carrier you use and the dirt bike has to be lower than the tongue weight capacity. So if the carrier weighs 50 pounds and the bike weighs 300 pounds, that would be a total of 350 pounds and you would be well below the tongue weight capacity.

The lightest carrier that we offer is the etrailer Motorcycle carrier # e98873. The carrier weighs58 pounds and has a 500 pound capacity.

expert reply by: Michael H