Use of a Hitch Extender with a Motorcycle Carrier

Updated 03/06/2019 | Published 03/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6-3/4" or 8-3/4" Extension

(87)

$124.19

ShockStrap Ratchet Motorcycle Tie-Downs w Shock Absorbers - 1-1/2" x 7' - 1,000 lbs - Qty 4

(415)

$148.87

Question:

I am wanting to carry a dirt bike on the back of my SUV but the carrier is hitting the bumper and I need an extension of only a few inches. The hitch has a max tongue weight of 675lbs. The dirt bike weighs 260lbs. and the carrier weighs 60lbs for a total of 320lbs. You mentioned the in the video the max tongue weight is 1,000 lbs but also said its half of the hitches capacity in my case 337.5lbs.. In both cases the math is good, but I would feel better not being right at the limit. Will this extender work for me? Thanks

asked by: Pat F

Expert Reply:

The hitch extender part # BX88265 will work but it will be close to exceeding the weight capacity of the hitch. You are correct, the tongue weight capacity of the extender is 1,000 lbs but you have to go by the capacity of the weakest component of your setup. It is a good idea to check the vehicle's towing capacity as well.
The weakest component in your situation is the tongue weight capacity of the hitch on the vehicle so with the use of an extender your tongue weight is 337 lbs.

All of the hitch extenders we carry cuts the tongue weight of the hitch in half because extension of the load adds extra leverage. The Blue Ox extension is the best choice because it is the shortest extender we carry. Since you are still keeping the carrier as close to the hitch as possible, you may not experience much bouncing.

If you do experience bouncing, it is a good idea to use ShockStrap ratcheting motorcycle Tie-down straps with built in shock absorbers part # 297-7RSBB-M. The ShockStraps have built in shock absorbers that absorb the impact if your motorcycle carrier jolts or bounces when you hit a bump on the road. Most people use the straps to tie down a motorcycle in a trailer or truck bed but they will work well for your situation with the use of an extender. I have attached a video of the ShockStraps for your reference.

expert reply by: Heather A