Vehicle Sag To Carrier About 3 Inches Off The Ground In 2010 Toyota Venza

Updated 03/17/2017 | Published 03/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(154)

$229.07

Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs

(9)

$2022.54

Question:

Hello, today I attempted to use a dirt bike carrier on a 2010 Toyota Venza with an OEM tow package. IIRC its supposed to be for a 3500lb capacity and has a 2inch receiver. It seems ok, but the carrier/bike end up about 3 inches off the ground. Going over a parkade ramp it already bottomed out. I am worried that should there be a bump at freeways speeds it would make for an ugly afternoon. I noticed you have riser kits on sale. Would it be alright to use of those? Or will the extended length of the adapter reduce the carrying capacity too much? Carrier itself is 51.9lbs Bike is 277 fully loaded/233 dry

asked by: Maxim

Expert Reply:

I looked at your owners manual and your 2010 Venza is not designed to carry a lot of weight. Your hitch may be rated for 350 lbs tongue weight and 3500 lbs towing capacities, but your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger vehicle. It definitely sounds like you are overloading your vehicle capacity even if the hitch and carrier can hold it, your vehicle cannot.

I definitely do not recommend using this combination if your vehicle sags to 3 inches off the ground. Riser kits would not be a good option as an adapter will reduce your hitch capacity by 50%.

For your vehicle and dirt bike, you will need to use a trailer to ease your tongue weight and safely carry your motorcycle. I recommend the Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs # K2MMT5X7 for your application.

expert reply by: Jason S