Solution for Adding Mobility Scooter Lift to Ram 3500 Towing 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 07/12/2019 | Published 07/11/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Brophy Hitch Extender with Step - 2" Hitches - 18" Long - 6-1/2" x 17" Platform

(12)

$172.23

CargoSmart Folding Loading Ramp - Aluminum - 77" x 50" - 1,500 lbs

(46)

$299.72

Question:

I have a 2019 Ram 3500 with a Class V hitch. My wife needs a mobility scooter and I have to find a way to be able to lift it into the back of the truck. I have found only one that will work and still allow me to tow my 5th wheel. Its the AL 065 Harmar Electric Hitch-Mounted Micro Power Chair and Scooter Lift - 200 lb. Capacity. UNFORTUNATELY, the AL 065 doesnt extend enough off to the side to avoid the tailgate i.e. the Ram 3500 doesnt show up on their compatibility list. I measured my tailgate and it extends 16inch beyond the hitch. Im hoping by added an 18inch Brophy Hitch Adapter - ST18 and a 2 1/2inch adapter that I will be able to the AL 065 and the vertical post will not interfere with the tailgate. My convoluted question to you is whether the extension can handle the stress of max 200 lbs of tongue weight several inches off center. i.e. the AL 065 has a horizontal bar which slidesinch left/right thru the centerpiece and the vertical post is inserted into either end. Being that i will be avoiding I hope the entire tailgate, I assuming I can position the vertical post only a few inches off center. Im hoping with a Class V 2000 lb tongue weight x50 should not be an issue?? Sorry for the long question..

asked by: DANIEL D

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Brophy Hitch Extender # AT18 that you referenced is capable of handling the weight of the lift you're looking at plus the weight of the scooter itself. Even when considering that the adapter reduces the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 33-1/3 percent you are in good shape because your Ram is equipped with a Class V hitch that has more than enough capacity.

In terms of listed capacities and technical safety you won't have an issue with this setup. With this type of extension and carrier though I would expect a bit of sag on the hitch when everything is hooked up so I do recommend making sure you have a healthy ground clearance measurement right now to accommodate for this.

I'm not sure exactly how big or easy to maneuver the scooter is but another option is to simply use a lightweight loading ramp like the Cargo Smart # 3483075 that you can use as needed. This 50 inch wide aluminum ramp will just mount to the tailgate on your Ram so you can drive the scooter up into the bed. This eliminates the need for a separate crane system and you can just load the ramps up in the bed if there's still room or your trailer.

expert reply by: Chris R