RV-Rated Hitch-Mount Motorcycle Carrier

Updated 11/01/2017 | Published 10/31/2017

Question:

I had planned to place 2 50cc scooters on the rear of my Redwood 38GK 5th Wheel pulled behind my Ford F350. Your information about the AMC 6002 says not recommended for use on the rear of a 5th wheel or motorhome. What is the reason for this? My scooters weigh 192# and 181# total 373#

asked by: Gary W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The reason that some hitch-mounted accessory items, whether a motorcycle, cargo or bicycle carrier, cannot be used on the rear of an RV or trailer has to do with stress forces on the rack.

With most RVs there will be a greater distance from the rear axle to the hitch receiver tube than on a passenger vehicle. This longer distance from the axle to the hitch means that the normal vertical and lateral motion of the RV's rear will be amplified at the carrier. In the same way that a cheater pipe used on a lug wrench gives you more leverage on a stubborn lug nut, the longer distance from axle to hitch means the carrier will be subjected to more motion and hence more stress.

The single-bike carrier # UF48-979033 from Ultra-Fab is rated for use on an RV.

expert reply by: Adam R