Welcome to NESR! Most features of this site require registration, including replying to threads, sending private messages, starting new threads, and uploading files. Click here to register.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 32

Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

  1. #1
    I hardly know ‘er Spooler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Worcester
    Age
    43
    Posts
    1,064

    Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Ok, so I’ll start off by saying I know virtually nothing about hitches, towing, tow ratings, etc. I have been desperately wanting to pick up a folding trailer for years, but I don’t have space to store one. I was thinking about getting a hitch carrier so I can at least tote my Husky 501 around, maybe bring it along on a family trip, etc. I have a Subaru Outback and some quick googling, it looks like the tongue weight limit for the Outback is 250 lbs. The bike weighs 245-ish, and it looks like the carriers are around 30-40 lbs. Is going over the tongue weight limit by 25-25 lbs a big deal, or not really anything to worry about? The car’s suspension and frame are in good condition, and I would be buying a new class III hitch and having it installed only if I end up getting the carrier or figuring out where to store a trailer. I could load the front of the car up with some extra weight if needed… Honestly, I have no real idea what the consequences of exceeding the tongue weight are, and google is all over the place. Anyone got any first hand insight? Thanks.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
    2022 Husqvarna fe501s

  2. #2
    Everybody to the limit!
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Winchester, MA
    Age
    43
    Posts
    6,878

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    You should not be putting a motorcycle carrier on a class 1 hitch, and most likely wouldn't be able to find one anyway as they will all be for 2" receivers.

    The consequence of exceeding the tongue weight is maybe you go over a big bump and your hitch/frame/bumper cracks/falls off the car along with your bike.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  3. #3
    I hardly know ‘er Spooler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Worcester
    Age
    43
    Posts
    1,064

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Quote Originally Posted by Honclfibr View Post
    You should not be putting a motorcycle carrier on a class 1 hitch, and most likely wouldn't be able to find one anyway as they will all be for 2" receivers.

    The consequence of exceeding the tongue weight is maybe you go over a big bump and your hitch/frame/bumper cracks/falls off the car along with your bike.
    Like I said, it would be a class 3 hitch

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
    2022 Husqvarna fe501s

  4. #4
    Unsafe At Any Speeds Jim's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    :lurk:
    Posts
    12,504

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    step 1: figure out your max tongue weight with the vehicle
    step 2: look up the weight of your carrier hitch
    step 3: look up the weight of your bike
    step 4: profit

    seeing your weights in post 1, you're better off with a small utility trailer and not a carrier hitch. if interested, i have one for sale.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    EX 105
    Sponsors: Motul, Michelin, K&N, Woodcraft

  5. #5
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    MA
    Age
    44
    Posts
    38,868

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    What year? I'm seeing some sources say the Outback has a 350 tongue weight but they mighta beefed it up recently.

    In addition to tongue weight you may want to eyeball your ground clearance. Hitch carriers stick out pretty far and when you plop a bike on it you're gonna have a good amount of droop.


    EDIT: Oohhh...
    "Subaru hitches are engineered to the same rigorous standards as the rest of the Outback. Heavy-duty 2-inch receiver is rated at 3,500 lbs. towing capacity, 350 lbs. tongue weight, for the 2.4L Turbo XT and Wilderness models, and 2,700 lbs. towing capacity, 270 lbs. tongue weight, for the naturally aspirated 2.5L. "

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by OreoGaborio; 02-15-23 at 03:55 PM.
    -Pete LRRS/CCS #81 - ECK Racing, TonysTrackDays
    GMD Computrack Boston | Pine Motorparts/PBE Specialists | Phoenix Graphics | Woodcraft | MTag-Pirelli | OnTrack Media

    The Garage: '03 Tuono | '06 SV650

  6. #6
    BMW track whore e30addict's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    I93/495
    Age
    47
    Posts
    9,570

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Quote Originally Posted by Spooler View Post
    maybe bring it along on a family trip, etc.
    Considering people and cargo, hanging that weight off the back will probably put you over on payload or at least max it out. if you can find storage, a small trailer is a way better option overall.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2012 Tiger 800 XC

  7. #7

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Is there 0 chance of finding room for trailer? Many can be stood up on the side/on an end for minimal space

    Overall having a small enclosed can be a life changer. Becomes a mini garage where you can store the bike and yourself etc and much easier on the car tongue.

    The tongue weight limit isn't always a limit on the unibody, you might be surprised to find out that your axles aren't rated for the weight you're planning especially with cargo etc.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  8. #8
    Angry Gumball RandyO's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    Farmington, NH
    Age
    71
    Posts
    18,024

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight


    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    RandyO
    IBA#9560
    A man with a gun is a citizen
    A man without a gun is a subject LETS GO BRANDON

  9. #9
    Being A Dick PurplePackage's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Chelmsford, MA
    Posts
    2,160

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    one of these might be ok. note you will wear out the rear tire

    https://smile.amazon.com/ECOTRIC-Mot...dp/B0892B7YY7/

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  10. #10
    Angry Gumball RandyO's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    Farmington, NH
    Age
    71
    Posts
    18,024

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Quote Originally Posted by PurplePackage View Post
    one of these might be ok. note you will wear out the rear tire

    https://smile.amazon.com/ECOTRIC-Mot...dp/B0892B7YY7/
    and chain & sprocket wear unless you remove the chain

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    RandyO
    IBA#9560
    A man with a gun is a citizen
    A man without a gun is a subject LETS GO BRANDON

  11. #11
    Senior Member Crconnor18's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    Woburn MA
    Age
    31
    Posts
    474

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Get a single rail stinger or trailer in a

    https://stingertrailer.com/product/s...railer-xl-112/

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  12. #12
    I hardly know ‘er Spooler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Worcester
    Age
    43
    Posts
    1,064

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Quote Originally Posted by OreoGaborio View Post
    What year? I'm seeing some sources say the Outback has a 350 tongue weight but they mighta beefed it up recently.

    In addition to tongue weight you may want to eyeball your ground clearance. Hitch carriers stick out pretty far and when you plop a bike on it you're gonna have a good amount of droop.


    EDIT: Oohhh...
    It’s a 2017 2.5. If it’s 270 for mine (I’ll have to double check, I’m getting all different numbers on google) that might work…

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
    2022 Husqvarna fe501s

  13. #13
    I hardly know ‘er Spooler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Worcester
    Age
    43
    Posts
    1,064

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    I really don’t know where I’d fit a folding trailer… no room in my driveway or front yard, my back yard is fenced and I can’t imagine it would be easy to get one through the gate. It is conceivable in the garage, but I would have to get rid of a ton of stuff, possibly including a bike, and I would lose a lot of my already limited room to work…

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
    2022 Husqvarna fe501s

  14. #14
    I hardly know ‘er Spooler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Worcester
    Age
    43
    Posts
    1,064

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    I’m getting three different numbers for tongue weight for my car. Some places say 200, some 250, some 270. I think I’m just going to give up on it until I figure out space for a trailer. I did inherit my mother’s house when she passed away last year, I could keep a trailer there, but that’s 4 hours away… maybe keep a bike and the trailer there full time, it’s in the Catskills so way more good riding there anyway. I’ve also thought about getting a new car, but the Outback is payed off and only has 70k miles on it…

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
    2022 Husqvarna fe501s

  15. #15
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    I'd get the beefiest unit you can from E-Trailer and send it. It will be a unibody mount which typically has fairly large plates where the hitch frame mates to the body. Increase the size of the washers inside the car. Be prepared for oncoming traffic to be pissed at you because your low-beams blind them. Zero concern about actually damaging the car, take it easy through the pot holes.

    Just send it.

    2 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  16. #16
    Unsafe At Any Speeds Jim's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    :lurk:
    Posts
    12,504

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Quote Originally Posted by loudbeard View Post
    I'd get the beefiest unit you can from E-Trailer and send it. It will be a unibody mount which typically has fairly large plates where the hitch frame mates to the body. Increase the size of the washers inside the car. Be prepared for oncoming traffic to be pissed at you because your low-beams blind them. Zero concern about actually damaging the car, take it easy through the pot holes.

    Just send it.
    Harbor Freight makes a decent one now that's rated for 600lbs. i'm going to be testing it out soon to be towing the Grom

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    EX 105
    Sponsors: Motul, Michelin, K&N, Woodcraft

  17. #17
    Hypertarded
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    RI / CT border
    Posts
    2,954

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    yeah, saw that yesterday while searching on harbor freight, pic kinda freaked me out
    https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb...ier-57720.html


    but it is on a truck.

    I'd be a U-haul frequent flyer before I'd risk my bike on the hitch rack that close to the # limit, but that's me, I'm paranoid as fuck about towing/hauling...

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  18. #18
    Lifer golden chicken's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Attleboro, MA
    Posts
    1,787

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    For the 2x a year max that I need a trailer, I rent one from uhaul. It'll take me 10+ years of renting before I'd break even with a trailer, and I never have to store or maintain it.

    3 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    What's the difference between a bolt and a screw?
    First you screw, then you bolt.

  19. #19
    suburban ghetto living... black's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    boston burbs....
    Age
    49
    Posts
    2,106

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Keep in mind... you ride may/ will suffer. with that weight on the hitch your rear suspension will be compressed. Coupled with your family in there and other luggage etc.. Your rear may/ will be very very compressed. and you'll have less weight on your front suspension. i'd be careful driving turning/ off ramps etc.
    It will handle differently, maybe real bad.
    and your suspension will more easily bottom out/ shock may leak.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    hmmmm......

  20. #20
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Rehoboth MA
    Age
    41
    Posts
    5,432

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Gman didn’t worry about that. Bagged his Outback IIRC.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief

  21. #21

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Honestly your solution is to rent / borrow a trailer until you can buy one.
    I wouldn’t mess with the hitch carrier for what you’re trying to do. Too much risk.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  22. #22
    Lifer Garandman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dorchester, MA / Mt Sunapee, NH
    Posts
    13,097

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    We bought a hitch carrier for a Honda CRF100F and used it a few times to carry a TW200 and a WR250R. The car was a 2006 Outback 3.0R. Not sure if rear springs on the 3.0 are stiffer than 2.5.

    Class 3 hitch. Used extra tail lights. Added straps from the bike up to the roof rack to help support and stabilize the load.

    The WR250R was the absolute max I’d carry. Didn’t like it at all.

    Our 2005 3.0 has RalliTek springs that are considerably stiffer, which might help.

    But if you have a hitch, just rent a UHaul. If the weather is bed we rent an enclosed trailer.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by Garandman; 02-15-23 at 09:35 PM.

  23. #23
    Soul Rider Paul_E_D's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    western, MA
    Age
    53
    Posts
    15,000

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    I've done a LOT of hitch hauling. It's pretty easy to improve your car to handle the weight. Sumo springs in place of the bump stops work wonders for leveling the ride. (probably improve general handling too). As far as the hitch and bumper issues. get under the car and see how the hitch mates to the car. if it is face mounted only, it's pretty easy to design a couple of supports that carry the tilt load on the rear subframe or something solid. I did this on my van and carried full on sportbikes this way. Load up the bike on the haler and then stand on the extension part to see if there is and flex that may need addressing.

    Hitch haulers are incredibly convenient solutions once you sort out these issues.

    4 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Paul_E_D


  24. #24
    Lifer Garandman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dorchester, MA / Mt Sunapee, NH
    Posts
    13,097

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul_E_D View Post
    /// Load up the bike on the haler and then stand on the extension part to see if there is and flex that may need addressing.

    Hitch haulers are incredibly convenient solutions once you sort out these issues.
    Some carriers have clamps to minimize movement. Very worthwhile and have the added benefit of making it more difficult to steal.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  25. #25
    Soul Rider Paul_E_D's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    western, MA
    Age
    53
    Posts
    15,000

    Re: Question about hitch carriers and tongue weight

    Yes, the anti sway ones are best. I have a Joehauler. When I say look for flex, I am more thinking of flex between the hitchmount and vehicle.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Paul_E_D


Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •