Can a 300 Pound Dirt Bike be Carried on a 2011 Subaru Forester

Updated 06/16/2017 | Published 06/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

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

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

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etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

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Question:

I drive a 2011 Subaru Forester Limited and I also recently purchased a 297 lb Yamaha WR250R Street Legal Dirt Bike. I was wondering if my bike on a 70lb dirtbike carrier ~370 lbs tongue weight mounted to this trailer hitch would cause excessive mechanical strain on my car.

asked by: Jacob

Expert Reply:

I checked the owner's manual for the 2011 Subaru Forester and it has a maximum tongue weight rating of 200 pounds. Considering the weight of the bike alone is 297 pounds you would exceed the tongue weight capacity by carrying the bike and carrier which can lead to damage to the vehicle where the hitch mounts even though the hitch may be rated higher. The best solution is to place the bike on a small trailer designed specifically for motorcycles. There are several models out there but we do not have any for that specific purpose.

We do have the hitches, wiring, and accessories to tow the trailer though. For a hitch you can use # 13147. I also recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring you can use # 118467 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle. I have linked videos showing how the hitch and wiring install.

expert reply by: Michael H