Compatability of Towing a Boat Trailer with Surge Brake Coupler and Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

Updated 07/20/2010 | Published 07/19/2010

Question:

I have a boat trailer with a surge brake that rises 5 1/2 above the bottom of the ball socket. My concern is with the bike rack installed will this clear the top of the surge brake? The front of the surge brake is beveled at a 45 degree angle that is set back from the front of the ball socket by 5 1/2. The brand of surge brake I think is Attwood.

asked by: Al K

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Ball mount with 2 inch Receiver for Bike Racks or Cargo Carriers, item # D210, is 6 inches from the top of the ball mount platform to the bottom of the receiver mounted above it. This means that when coupled the bottom of receiver will be 1-1/2 inches above the height of the surge brake coupler on your trailer. You should be able to carry bikes on a bike rack as long as there is no drop lower than the bottom of the receiver opening.

You will need to keep in mind that the bike rack bikes and trailer tongue weight will all need to be added together to determine the tongue weight of the setup and make sure the towing setup is safe.

expert reply by: Robert G