Options for Carrying a 600 lb Scooter Behind an RV

Updated 06/24/2014 | Published 06/21/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Rack'Em Manufacturing Removable Wheel Chock

(64)

$59.09

1" x 18" Tie-Down Motorcycle Assist Straps (Qty 2)

(29)

$6.18

Erickson Easy Ratchet Tie-Down Straps w/ Release Levers - 2" x 10' - 1,333 lbs - Qty 2

(83)

$33.89

Brophy D-Ring Tie Down Anchor - Bolt-On - 3-1/2" Wide - Surface Mount - 1,600 lbs

(682)

$8.38

Question:

So I have a RV that I would like to tow I should say CARRY a 600 pound scooter on a hitch mount carrier. With a carrier that weighs about 100 pounds that would put 700 pounds on the hitch. So the hitch is rated at 5,000 pounds, but I assume the rated tongue weight is 500 pounds. Assuming the RV doesnt have an issue carrying that 700 pounds...will the hitch? I wasnt sure if the 500 pound limit is the hitch or just a guide for weight distribution

asked by: Jim G

Expert Reply:

Since the trailer hitch on your RV has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, it is safe to assume that it has a 500 lb tongue weight. Trailer hitches are almost always designed to have a tongue weight rating that is 10 percent of the towing capacity.

I would not recommend carrying your scooter with a hitch mounted carrier on your RV. In fact, most hitch mounted motorcycle/scooter carriers are not recommended for use on motor homes or RVs because the trailer hitch is further away from the rear axle than trucks, vans or SUVs and they are subjected to more bounce and movement.

My recommendation would be to purchase a small trailer. Your RV would have no problem pulling a trailer with your scooter. A specialized motorcycle or scooter trailer can be pretty expensive. You could dress up a standard utility trailer with accessories like a wheel chock, # RA-17, tie-down rings like # SR15-C and tie-down straps like # 06303 and # EM34410.

expert reply by: John H