Can Dual Hitch Extension be Used to Carry Bikes Behind RV While Flat Towing a 2005 Dodge Dakota

Published 11/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 4" Drop/Rise

(897)

$209.38

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 2-1/4" Rise/Drop

(897)

$220.84

Question:

Have a 2003 Winnebago motorhome, behind which I tow a 2005 dodge dakota with a curb weight of about 4400 lbs. I normally attach a swagman two bike rack to the rear to the dakota, but for several reasons I would like to use a dual hitch extension. Attaching the bike rack to the upper and my Blue Ox tow bar to the lower. I am somewhat confused about the weight limitations. I understand tongue weight but the tow weight is the confusing part. Can I accomplish what I wanted to do with one of your products?

asked by: Theodore B

Expert Reply:

The 2 dual hitch adapters that you want to look into are the Roadmaster options because they were designed for the exact reason for what you are wanting to do.

Part # RM-077-4 has a 4" Rise/Drop while part # RM-077-2 has a 2-1/4" Rise/Drop. You will want to be sure that you choose the one that allows you to flat tow your 2005 Dodge Dakota level (see attached article).

Both adapters have the same Tongue Weight (TW) capacity of 400 lbs and Gross Towing Weight (GTW) capacity of 10,000 lbs. Your TW has to do with downward force like what your bike rack and bikes will be putting on your trailer hitch whereas the GTW is the pulling weight limit. Since your Dakota will have 4 wheels on the ground it will only affect the GTW so you have 400 lbs of TW for your Swagman bike rack and 2 bikes.

Keep in mind that you will need to make sure that your bike rack is rated for use on an RV as it will experience much more play due to the further trailer hitch distance from the rear axle on your RV. I have linked our selection of Swagman bike racks that have been tested and approved for RV use.

expert reply by: Jon G