How To Calculate Tongue Weight When Carrying A Dirt Bike On A 2023 Mazda CX-50
Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 08/17/2024
Question:
I have the 2023 Mazda cx50 2.5 . This model is rated to tow 2000lbs. I also have the Curt hitch installed that is rated to 3500lbs. Would I be okay towing a 290lb dirt bike attached to a 50lb motorcycle carrier? Seems like an easy answer but I don’t fully understand tongue weight. The general rule is 10-15 of the tow rating can be applied as tongue weight. Does that 10-15 apply to the hitch or the vehicles towing rating? Or does tongue weight only apply when a trailer is attached? I also live at 6000ft and drive up to 9000ft which I understand lowers towing strength. Basically I wanna make sure I’m not bottoming the suspension or hurting the engine before I $200 on a motorcycle carrier. Thank you all.
asked by: Jarrod T
Expert Reply:
Hello Jarrod, thanks for reaching out. So, each trailer hitch has its own specific tongue weight capacity. For example, the Curt Class 3 Hitch # C38BR for the 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 525 lbs. So, if this is the hitch you have, you will be well under the tongue weight capacity of the hitch even with the 290 lb dirt bike and 50 lb carrier.
Keep in mind that your towing setup is only as strong as the weakest component, so for towing purposes, you will be limited to the 2,000 lb towing capacity of your vehicle. Vehicles generally do not have a specified tongue weight capacity, so that capacity will be determined by the hitch.
The 10-15 percent rule you mentioned is more for estimating the tongue weight of a trailer. Tongue weight still applies for hitch mounted accessories like a motorcycle carrier, but all you need to do it add the weight of the motorcycle and carrier and you will know exactly how much tongue weight you have. The Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier # UF48-979033 weighs about 50 lbs so it sounds like your setup will have about 340 lbs of tongue weight.
Feel free to comment below if you have any other questions.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp - 77" Long - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Ramp-Assist Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- Hitch Mount
- 500 lbs
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Dirt Bikes
- Steel
- Ultra-Fab Products
more information >
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Jesse M.
1/27/2026
Hey Jarrod, how did things go with the Ultra-Fab dirt bike carrier on your CX-50? Did the weight feel balanced and the suspension hold up well on those mountain drives? Your update could make it easier for others setting up a similar carrier.