Multipurpose Ball Mount And Bike Rack Recommendation For Toyota Highlander

Updated 08/28/2014 | Published 08/27/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(236)

$73.71

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(231)

$499.95

Question:

Im trying to tow a pop up trailer 3,000 pds and bike rack with 4 bikes max with my Toyota Hylander 4x4 which is rated to two 5,000 pd Im looking at Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2inch Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs Im confused about the statement not meant for towing and 750 pd limit. Can you clarify

asked by: LLampert

Helpful Expert Reply:

The multipurpose ball mount, like part # D210, is designed to be able to tow and also use an accessory like a bike rack, just as you say you want to do. The upper receiver opening is not designed to be able to tow with but the ball mount is designed for just that purpose. This ball mount has a 750 lb tongue weight capacity and a towing weight capacity of 7,500 lbs, so with the weight of your pop-up, you should have no problem. I have attached a product review video of this ball mount you can check out.

One thing you need to consider is the clearance you will have for your camper when executing tight turns. You want to make sure that the camper does not hit any accessory you have attached in the receiver, like a bike rack loaded with bikes.

The bike rack I recommend is the Thule Apex XT, part # TH9025XT. This rack holds 4 bikes, and has dual arms, and provides more space between bikes than a standard dual-arm rack. This rack will fit both 1-1/4 and 2 inch receivers, and has a weight capacity of 150 lbs, or 37.5 lbs per bike. I have attached a link to a product review video for this rack you may want to take a look at.

Any items added to the trailer hitch need to be considered when calculating the tongue weight. This would include the bike carrier and the weight of the bikes.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L