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Old 04-26-2012, 08:40 AM   #1
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Hitch weight capability for a scooter rack

I have a 5000 lb tow hitch on my Ford chassis but unsure what my limitation for weight would be for a scooter "rack". I have a 528 lb scooter and not sure if the hitch is strong enough to carry the bike. I've been toying with getting a lighter bike but would take a killing on selling this one. Would a hydraulic lift be the answer? Thanks for any suggestions.
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Old 04-26-2012, 05:38 PM   #2
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À 5000 pounds tow hitch can support 10% on it
So 500 pounds the most. And don't forget the swing in the back.
I have a Georgetown 338 and called forest river about this before and they told me that if I put a motorcycle standing on the hitch ,the warranty is no longer valid. So I finally came with an enclosed trailer. The frames on motor homes or any camping trailer are not strong enough to handle that kind of weight.
Good luck
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Old 04-26-2012, 07:19 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by remember
À 5000 pounds tow hitch can support 10% on it
So 500 pounds the most. And don't forget the swing in the back.
I have a Georgetown 338 and called forest river about this before and they told me that if I put a motorcycle standing on the hitch ,the warranty is no longer valid. So I finally came with an enclosed trailer. The frames on motor homes or any camping trailer are not strong enough to handle that kind of weight.
Good luck
OK thank you. Very important to know about the warranty.
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Old 04-26-2012, 07:39 PM   #4
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Do you have a motor home or a trailer?
In both cases,and believe me I tried, putting that kind of weight on the tongue with the swing created by the road might reserve bad news.
Excuse my English I'm French speaking
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Old 04-26-2012, 07:49 PM   #5
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I have a Motorhome. It sounds like it's not doable. I will either get a trailer or a smaller scooter.
(your English is fine). Shall I say merci beaucoup??
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Old 04-27-2012, 06:01 AM   #6
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Yes
Merci beaucoup is very fine
Have a great day
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Old 04-27-2012, 07:38 AM   #7
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Take a look at this thread, http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-on-12216.html
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Old 04-27-2012, 07:55 AM   #8
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I think your scooter is a bit heavy for carrying only with a hitch carrier. I have a Honda elite 250cc scooter 1986 in new condition and if I want to carry it I use a small trailer. My scooter weight 340 pounds. You must have one of those big Suzuki scooters.
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Old 04-27-2012, 08:25 AM   #9
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Actually I have a Piaggio MP3 400cc. I really love the stability but I really don't want to haul a trailer. Do you know what weight is completely safe for my hitch?
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Old 04-27-2012, 08:42 AM   #10
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Thank you for this. I see this is a class A Motorhome and mine is only a C. I do not want to chance any stress cracks or headaches down the road. Thanks for finding this for me.
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Old 04-27-2012, 02:59 PM   #11
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I think the carrying weight I would feel safe is around 300 pounds. When I have to carry my scooter far away I use a trailer. I am including a few photos of my antique in new condition with only 15,000 miles. It can reach 135 kilometers per hours. Can you share a picture of your piaggio 400?
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Old 04-27-2012, 03:23 PM   #12
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Hi,

Thanks for the info. Here's a picture of my Piaggio MP3...

I really like it but it's such a chore to move it without riding it. Yours looks the perfect size. I wish I wasn't so hesitant to use a trailer. Maybe once I travel more it'll be easier for me.

Thanks again,
Nancy
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Old 04-29-2012, 07:33 AM   #13
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One more question regarding cargo carrier capacity...when deciding what rack you need, do you consider the weight of the rack in addition to what you want to carry? Some of these heavy duty racks are very heavy to begin with. I now know I shouldn't exceed 500 lbs but does that mean the rack and bike should be a total of 500 lbs? I really want to be under 450 lbs just to be safe and not push it.

Thanks again.
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