How to Carry a 400 Lb Motorcycle on a Travel Trailer

Question:

I want to install a trailer hitch on my travel trailer that can handle my motorcycle on a hitch hauler. This is the best option Ive seen so far but it is only rated for 350 tongue weight with auxiliary stabilizer straps. The problem is the motorcycle and hauler combo is about 400lbs and I dont know where I could safely hook stabilizer straps. My hauler already has an anti-sway hitch pin so it hauls rock solid. If it makes a difference I might on rare occasion tow doubles with my 2500lb max boat trailer. Any ideas? Im not really wanting to break the bank or add too much weight. I assume the center section twisting is the weak link so maybe I can just weld that part in?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

In order to install a trailer hitch on your travel trailer, I recommend using the Curt Adjustable Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13701 which has a 500 lb tongue weight capacity so you shouldn't have any issues with your 400 lb motorcycle and motorcycle carrier. This is a universal trailer hitch that fits trailer frames between 18-51" apart. It also has a drop tube which should allow the receiver tube to clear the rear bumper. You can choose to either weld or bolt the trailer hitch to the frame on your travel trailer.

The Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap part # 18050 that you mentioned is not required with the trailer hitch but the motorcycle carrier you will be using will need to be rated for use behind a camper. If the motorcycle carrier you have is not rated for use behind a camper, you can use the Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier part # UF48-979033 which is.

The issue you run into when installing any accessory on the back of a trailer is leverage. The attachment point is positioned much further back from the axle than on a vehicle which means the hitch mounted items are going to experience much more stress due to the increased up and down movement. This is why accessories used on the back of a trailer need to be rated for this.

I don't see any issues carrying your motorcycle on the back of the camper but using it to carry both the motorcycle and pull your boat trailer is not something I recommend as the frame on trailer would simply not be rated high enough for this use.

expert reply by: Conner L