How Does Hitch Tongue Weight Rating Affect Use of a Motorcycle Carrier on a Toyota Sienna

Updated 08/05/2013 | Published 08/02/2013

Question:

Im confused about tongue weight. If I use a motorcycle carrier on the back of my Toyota Sienna with a 500 lb capacity and my motorcycle weighs 400 lbs, will I also need a hitch with a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs? Thanks

asked by: Michael V

Expert Reply:

The hitches we offer for the Toyota Sienna have a maximum rated tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs. This is true for all model years from 2010 through 2013 (I checked several since I do not know your specific year). I have provided a link to our page for all Class III 2-inch hitches for the 2013 Sienna to illustrate some examples. I have also linked an article on hitch classes and capacities.

The 350-lb tongue weight rating means that any accessory item you attach to the hitch cannot impose a total down force of more than 350 lbs. This would include the weight of the motorcycle carrier itself plus the weight of the motorcycle. The hitches made for the Sienna simply do not have the capacity to handle this much weight.

If you already have a hitch you can check the safety/warning sticker to see its tongue weight rating.
If it were to have a tongue weight rating of 500 lbs then it would have just enough capacity to handle the total load of 450-lbs from the carrier and motorcycle. If it is rated below this you cannot use the Ultra-Fab carrier with it. A better option may be a simple utility trailer that will put a reasonable tongue weight load on the hitch and vehicle. A local home or farm store may be a good place to look for a small trailer with the 500-lb capacity you need.

expert reply by: Adam R