Can I Carry a 400 Lb Motorcycle On the Back Of a 2017 Ford Explorer

Updated 07/17/2019 | Published 07/15/2019

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Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear

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Question:

I installed Draw-Tite Class III hitch reciver on my 2017 Ford Explorer and I have a MaxxTow MaxxHaul Aluminum Motorcycle carrier. The descriptioin on the carrier said that I can load up 400 lbs bike on the carrier. Is it okay to load 400 lbs bikes on my current situation? Im worrying that if the hitch receiver can not hold motorcycle carrier and motorcycle on my 2017 explorer.

asked by: Mason J

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for a 2017 Ford Explorer, the tongue weight capacity cannot exceed 15% of your towing capacity. The towing capacity of your Explorer varies from 2,000 to 5,000 lbs (see manual page 240) therefore the tongue weight capacity can be as low as 300 lbs or as high as 750 lbs. The weight of the carrier and motorcycle cannot exceed the tongue weight capacity so it is possible to carry a 400 lb motorcycle, it just depends on what your towing capacity is.

That said, most likely the vehicle is going to sag if you place a 400 lb motorcycle and carrier on the back and this sag can affect braking, steering, stability, and headlight aim. Therefore, I highly recommend adding the Air Lift AirLift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs part # AL60821 and inflating them when you have the motorcycle attached as it will do a great job of preventing the above issues with sag. The airbags can also be mostly deflated while the motorcycle is not attached so there won't be any effect on ride quality.

expert reply by: Conner L