Does Using Roadmaster Dual Receiver Reduce Trailer Hitch Tongue Weight Capacity when Flat Towing

Updated 07/18/2013 | Published 07/17/2013

Question:

I have a 2012 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited that ways 4400lbs. I am using a Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6,500lb Tow Bar and wanted to use this receiver and add a Bike Rack. I have read that the use of this product will reduce the capacity of my hitch by 50. Can you explain what this means? I have a 5000lb hitch on my Class A Motorhome. If I add this Dual receiver does my hitch now become a 2500lb hitch and thus unable to tow my 4400lb Jeep? All I want to do is add a bike rack to hold 4 bikes and tow, with a tow bar, my 4Dr Jeep. Thanks for the help here.

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

In a flat towing situation the use of an adapter like # RM-077-2 does NOT reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch because there is very little tongue weight on it when flat towing a vehicle. So you can use this adapter to flat tow your Jeep and to carry a bike rack.

In a regular towing situation like towing a trailer and not a vehicle, the use of an adapter or extender reduces the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. This is because the additional length of the extender puts much more torque or leverage on the hitch, like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut. The gross trailer weight capacity of the hitch is not affected, just the tongue weight capacity.

Another thing to consider is how far the bikes will stick out towards the Jeep. There could be some interference issues there when you make turns. You will have to do some testing once you have it all set up to determine if there will be turning issues when the bike rack is in place and loaded.

expert reply by: Michael H