Can a Trailer Hitch be Installed on a 1976 Airstream Argosy to hold a 500 Pound Motorcycle

Updated 11/08/2016 | Published 11/07/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Adjustable Trailer Hitch Receiver - 18"-51" Wide - 2" Drop - Class III - 2"

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$330.75

Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp - 77" Long - 500 lbs

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$238.61

Question:

will it work on back of 1976 argosy airstream, I need to put a rack that will hold a 500 pound motorcycle?

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

Any trailer hitch used to hold a motorcycle and carrier will need to have a tongue weight capacity rating that exceeds the combined weight of the carrier and motorcycle. Curt hitch # C13701 is rated for 500 pounds tongue weight (the 600 pound capacity only applies to weight distribution) so if the bike weighs 500 pounds it would be overloaded.

You would need to have someone weld on a hitch such as # 41991-16. This hitch is rated for 1,600 pounds tongue weight so it would not have a problem with a 500 pound motorcycle and a carrier. Keep in mind that the trailer itself also has to be rated for enough weight if a hitch can be installed on it.

Also there are only certain motorcycle carriers that are rated for use at the back of an RV or trailer. We have 1, # UF48-979033, and it is rated for exactly 500 pounds. If at all possible I recommend reducing the bike weight. If you have any add-ons like a windshield or saddlebags that can be removed that will reduce the weight.

expert reply by: Michael H