Carrier for a Genuine Buddy i170 Scooter For a Winnebago Navion 26ft RV

Updated 08/29/2017 | Published 08/28/2017

Products Featured in This Question

32x48 Reese Steel Solo Cargo Carrier and Folding Ramp for 2" Hitches - 400 lbs

(81)

$672.37

CE Smith Trailer License Plate Bracket - Tail Light Mount - Aluminum Tread Plate

(132)

$13.01

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

(101)

$228.90

Question:

I have a Winnebago Navion 26ft RV and Im considering buying a Buddy i170 scooter to carry on a motorcycle hitch carrier. My tongue weight limit is 500lbs and I belive the scooter weight is about 245 lbs. What type of carrier would you recommend? One thing that concerns me is the height of the hitch on my RV which seems to be quite high off the ground. I think there is a possibility that the angle for the ramp will be to steep and the bottom of the scooter will hit the ramp as it crosses the horizontal plane of carrier while loading. Im also concerned about the carrier or scooter blocking taillights and license plate. Im interested in aluminum to keep the weight as low as possible but I still want quality and strength. As you can see in the picture I also have a ladder to contend with? Thank you

asked by: Randy B

Expert Reply:

You're right to be concerned about clearing the horizontal plane at the top of the ramp. One of the easiest ways to combat this is with a longer ramp that will make the angle at the top of the ramp less sharp. Loading the scooter backwards can also help maximize the amount of control (and minimize the weight) you have when loading it onto the carrier.

Additionally, the rack will have to be rated for use behind an RV. The rear of an RV is much further away than the axle of a passenger vehicle, increasing the amount of sway and torsion that the rack experiences. This necessitates a different structure for the rack to withstand these forces.

The only rack that we have available for this purpose is the Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier, part # UF48-979033 . This rack has a shorter ramp, but is rated to stand the increased forces at work at the rear of an RV. A longer ramp option may be best made by a custom fabrication shop so it fits the exact angle and height of your RV.

I also recommend purchasing a set of ratchet tie downs like the Erickson # 34413 straps, in order to better secure the scooter to the carrier.

Since the carrier is going to block your license plate when loaded, based on the picture you included, you'll want some way of mounting the plate more visibly behind the carrier. Check with your local laws and regulations regarding license plate display behind an RV.

Practically though, the most likely situation is that you'll have to move the plate to a visible position on the outside of the carrier or to another location on the vehicle. A part like the CE Smith Trailer License Plate Bracket, part # CE26053A, is an easy way to relocate the bracket and light it if your state's laws require it. This can mount to the outside of the carrier's ramp holder section with simple bolt and nut assembly.

Based on the picture, it doesn't look like your tail lights will be blocked by this application.