Class IV hitch for Motorcycle Carrier

[Koz]

The factory hitch will not be safe to use. You need a custom hitch made and installed to the main frame rails. You will also need air bags installed. You will need to check the load rating of the tires. The susp (with air bags) and brakes will be OK. Do yourself a favor and get trailer!

Koz

 

[tlflow]

I am pretty sure that your tires will not explode ...

 

[Koz]

As 1engineer stated the dynamic forces that will be generated from that weight hanging off the rear of the vehicle may cause the OEM passenger tires to squirm and cause a sloppy ride, at speed. You can use the OEM tires (at max pressure) and see how they work.

Koz

 

[dscott25]

Yea two bikes would be way too much for a class III hitch. The total weight is about 295 lbs. 220 for bike plus 75 for carrier. The suspension goes down more when I have three people in the back of the vehicle. Its holding it up pretty well. The motorcycle carrier actually has a hitch attached to it as well (3000lb max towing). So you could essentially have the bike and a trailer at the same time. Dont know if I would do that with a class III hitch though. I saw a 98 4Runner that did that just fine. Dont know what type of hitch he had though.

 

[tlflow]

don't try seat-bouncing a triple with that thing on back, unless you're Josh Grant!

http://vimeo.com/18508049

 

[Qjake]

The factory hitch will not be safe to use. You need a custom hitch made and installed to the main frame rails. You will also need air bags installed. You will need to check the load rating of the tires. The susp (with air bags) and brakes will be OK. Do yourself a favor and get trailer!

Koz

Damn Dude he's got less than 300 lbs about 18" off the back, he ain't carrying a dressed out Electra Glide back there

 

[limamike]

don't try seat-bouncing a triple with that thing on back, unless you're Josh Grant!

Toyota 4Runner featuring Josh Grant on Vimeo

Weak! I thought for sure he was going to jump it.

 

[Koz]

Should have bought a 4th gen V8 which had a maximum tounge weight of 1030lbs. (Yes, there is a sticker that says that). No I would never do it.

That's with a weight distribution system!

Koz

 

[Koz]

Damn Dude he's got less than 300 lbs about 18" off the back, he ain't carrying a dressed out Electra Glide back there

No, he's talking about a double carrier (two bikes) with a total weight of approx 600 to 650 lbs, which is over the 5th gen's rating. There isn't even a aftermarket class IV hitch made for the 5th gen.

Koz

 

[Fishpilot]

I just picked up a WR450F and had the same questions. Most dirt bikes are under 300lbs so I figure no problem. After reading all these technical replies it's pretty obvious that 500lb tongue weight does not equal 500lbs on the hitch. I found this on the internet from a site that specializes in hitch mounted bike carriers. They have dual and even triple carriers, they also have one that mounts to the bottom of the motor/frame then pivots to within inches of the rear of the vehicle, effectively reducing the moment or the arm whichever one is the distance. No matter what rack you choose I'd avoid the giant ruts and speed bumps at anything other than a crawl.

Here is their easy to read chart that gives tongue rating on the left and a safe load on the right.

Specifications
Hitch/Vehicle Tongue-Weight Capacity (lbs)
*Use lowest figure Max. Weight Capacity of Carrier (lbs)
300 180
350 225
500 350
750 or more 400 (max.)

Copied from:
Boss Hitch Mounted Motorcycle Carrier

Since 500 tongue is close to 350 actual I went with the aluminum rack that weighs less than 40lbs not the 82lb steel rack that would put my total weight close to the limit.

I plan on using this rack a lot and will let you all know if my new dirt bike turns into street debris any time soon.

 

[tlflow]

WR450 is bit portly ... something north of 250#, I recall.

But still under 350# total.

edit: 273#!!!

 

[whodat]

I would have said something but everytime I mention anything about moments, a glazed look suddenly appears on my audience and they check their watch because I mentioned moments.

For what it's worth, I like to read your posts, very informative and amusing (in a good way).

 

[Qjake]

No, he's talking about a double carrier (two bikes) with a total weight of approx 600 to 650 lbs, which is over the 5th gen's rating. There isn't even a aftermarket class IV hitch made for the 5th gen.

Koz

Originally yes but changed, See post 18. I think it'll be fine but I admit I'm no engineer :wink2:

 

[4ganger]

I have the Hitch mounted carrier from discount ramps. I believe it's the SMR-600 or whatever you mentioned above.

I use it to haul my track/race bike to trackdays. Probably have 5,000 miles of using it w/ no problems. Carrier weighs 100 lbs + bike is about 380 + 5 gal gas can.

I tighten it down a little more than the pic before I go. Only takes one person to load it. Rides fine w/ my 3rd gen 4runner.

I do have a 3 inch lift in front & about 4 inches at the rear.

 

[4ganger]

I take it careful. Stick to speed limits and watch out for big bumps.

Oh and the one real issue is the bike sort of hides my brake lights which is a bummer.

 

[Prolex7]

I just picked up a WR450F and had the same questions. Most dirt bikes are under 300lbs so I figure no problem. After reading all these technical replies it's pretty obvious that 500lb tongue weight does not equal 500lbs on the hitch. I found this on the internet from a site that specializes in hitch mounted bike carriers. They have dual and even triple carriers, they also have one that mounts to the bottom of the motor/frame then pivots to within inches of the rear of the vehicle, effectively reducing the moment or the arm whichever one is the distance. No matter what rack you choose I'd avoid the giant ruts and speed bumps at anything other than a crawl.

Here is their easy to read chart that gives tongue rating on the left and a safe load on the right.

Specifications
Hitch/Vehicle Tongue-Weight Capacity (lbs)
*Use lowest figure Max. Weight Capacity of Carrier (lbs)
300 180
350 225
500 350
750 or more 400 (max.)

Copied from:
Boss Hitch Mounted Motorcycle Carrier

Since 500 tongue is close to 350 actual I went with the aluminum rack that weighs less than 40lbs not the 82lb steel rack that would put my total weight close to the limit.

I plan on using this rack a lot and will let you all know if my new dirt bike turns into street debris any time soon.

Hey how has this dirtbike hitch carrier worked out? I am actually looking into getting a WR450 as well. Would rather get a hitch carrier than a trailer as I don't have anywhere to really store a trailer.

 

[Ryan1975]

@OP. This exact subject has been discussed, in detail, with identical results; ie "not a good idea".

The 5G 4R has a Class III hitch for a reason. The vehicle is designed to safely tow 5000# which assumes ~10% tongue weight of a trailer.

There is no Class IV hitch for the same reason.

Neither the suspension, nor the brakes, nor the attachment points of the hitch were designed for your task. Two bikes implies at least one passenger and gear, adding further weight.

If you were to be involved in an accident, loaded beyond the mfgr's specs, I think you could be asking for a liability issue. I don't know nothin' 'bout no 'moments', but I do get leverage, and I sure wouldn't want 650# swinging away 2' off my hitch.

Oh.

 

[Prolex7]

Just picked up this bike the other day. It's a 2012 WR450f and got a AMC-400 carrier from discount ramps. Only $130+30shipping.

Drove it over 500+ miles just to get back home through all types of roads and i didn't notice a difference in handling. Didn't sag much either as my suspension is factory. Very secure for an aluminum ramp.

 

[rjfowler]

I have a MotoTote hitch hauler, and have been very happy with it. Almost no wobble when the motorcycle is loaded, even at 85+ mph.

 

[JohnJerk]

Just picked up this bike the other day. It's a 2012 WR450f and got a AMC-400 carrier from discount ramps. Only $130+30shipping.

Drove it over 500+ miles just to get back home through all types of roads and i didn't notice a difference in handling. Didn't sag much either as my suspension is factory. Very secure for an aluminum ramp.

View attachment 68106

I have this same ramp and load a KTM 450 EXC on it. Very impressed with build etc. I don't bother with the anti sway bolt down thing and just load and go. My poor bike has been sitting all summer. Anyone looking for a 09 450 EXC with left hand rear brake, rekluse, oversized tank, soft seat, steering damper, LED tails, trial tire on the rear, street legal....etc. $5500. 40 hours and 1250 miles IIRC.