Thoughts on running more then recommended tongue weight with modifications

[wireman]

I believe what you are asking could be technically done. And not have an issue. However, if there was ever a problem or accident I believe you would be liable once you exceed the manufacturer weight limit.

EXACTLY.

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[wireman]

Remember, these are unibody vehicles, not body on frame.

There's a reason the manufacturer sets towing limits on vehicles. Doesn't matter what we think or do, limits are limits and you are liable for any issues if you exceed them.

I follow RV forums and this subject has been beaten to death, resurrected, and beaten again.

Be careful.

 

[JohnSilver]

Remember, these are unibody vehicles, not body on frame.

There's a reason the manufacturer sets towing limits on vehicles. Doesn't matter what we think or do, limits are limits and you are liable for any issues if you exceed them.

I follow RV forums and this subject has been beaten to death, resurrected, and beaten again.

Be careful.

Haha think I was just browsing those today. I appreciate the feedback. I ran the same set up on our Sorento with terrible ground clearance, no modification. Was sketchy as hell but motorcycle rear tire got punctured by a piece of metal about 500 miles from home. It did fine, class two hitch, it's about 300lbs heavier then the BS and 4in longer wheel base. Just trying to reason how the BS couldn't be capable with the adjustments. Will report back in the future after a test run.

 

[wireman]

Haha think I was just browsing those today. I appreciate the feedback. I ran the same set up on our Sorento with terrible ground clearance, no modification. Was sketchy as hell but motorcycle rear tire got punctured by a piece of metal about 500 miles from home. It did fine, class two hitch, it's about 300lbs heavier then the BS and 4in longer wheel base. Just trying to reason how the BS couldn't be capable with the adjustments. Will report back in the future after a test run.

I'm not the hitch police for sure. I'm just trying to provide some in site into your mission here.

The Curt hitch won't be the issue. Remember, you are overweight on the hitch, and that weight isn't just there as you drive.

It will be bouncing around as you drive putting more stress on the unibody where the hitch attaches. Depending on the type of roads and the amount of bouncing, that stress could be significant.

Test drive and see how this reacts before any long trips. JMO

 

[JohnSilver]

I'm not the hitch police for sure. I'm just trying to provide some in site into your mission here.

The Curt hitch won't be the issue. Remember, you are overweight on the hitch, and that weight isn't just there as you drive.

It will be bouncing around as you drive putting more stress on the unibody where the hitch attaches. Depending on the type of roads and the amount of bouncing, that stress could be significant.

Test drive and see how this reacts before any long trips. JMO

Oh yes that is fully the plan, may just put the mototote on the hitch, have me and a buddy stand on it and have my wife drive around the parking lot before even trying the bike on it.

 

[Maxwellian]

Weight on a hitch rack isn’t quite the same as trailer tongue weight. Less dynamic, but there can be more leverage than a trailer hitch. You’ll have sketchy handling way before you break anything. How tight to the bumper the rack is will matter almost as much as how much weight there is.

 

[MTBabyBronco]

FWIW, lighter bike, around 185 lbs plus the weight of the hitch rack, but I don't even notice it on the back of the Bronco Sport. Definitely does not seem to effect handling in experience.

 

[JohnSilver]

FWIW, lighter bike, around 185 lbs plus the weight of the hitch rack, but I don't even notice it on the back of the Bronco Sport. Definitely does not seem to effect handling in experience.

Thanks for sharing, nice set up man!

 

[DadofTim]

This is why they have "Don't use the hairdryer in the shower labels"....

 

[JohnSilver]

This is why they have "Don't use the hairdryer in the shower labels"....

Who the uses a hair drier in the shower? maybe work on your analogies. Solid friendly first post btw DadofTim.

 

[DadofTim]

Who the uses a hair drier in the shower? maybe work on your analogies. Solid friendly first post btw DadofTim.

It was meant as sarcasm, most reasonable people don't, but then there are those who ignore the safety warnings and overload a tow vehicle too.

 

[JohnSilver]

It was meant as sarcasm, most reasonable people don't, but then there are those who ignore the safety warnings and overload a tow vehicle too.

lol right, but even with the sarcasm, I get the electrocution aspect, but logically without the instructions who would try to dry their hair while it's getting wet. Maybe you mean sitting in the tub idk.

 

[NVBadlands]

So at least in my state we’ve had a lot of people abuse this, but mostly towing something. But if a car accident or something like that happens and they even remotely think it has to do with hitch use, they’re going to ask for the weight receipt. Then they’ll go for the certified paperwork showing your vehicle was calibrated and tested to USDOT requirements. If you can’t, they’ll impound your vehicle and weigh it themselves, and if you’re over you’re going to get criminal charges in addition to whatever else they can think of traffic-wise.
To me, it’s not worth the headache compared to a $500 motorcycle trailer. For all the time and effort you put in trying to get around limitations you could have already been on your way.

 

[DadofTim]

 

[JohnSilver]

So at least in my state we’ve had a lot of people abuse this, but mostly towing something. But if a car accident or something like that happens and they even remotely think it has to do with hitch use, they’re going to ask for the weight receipt. Then they’ll go for the certified paperwork showing your vehicle was calibrated and tested to USDOT requirements. If you can’t, they’ll impound your vehicle and weigh it themselves, and if you’re over you’re going to get criminal charges in addition to whatever else they can think of traffic-wise.
To me, it’s not worth the headache compared to a $500 motorcycle trailer. For all the time and effort you put in trying to get around limitations you could have already been on your way.

[

Man guys gotta start reading through the threads before commenting.

Thanks for input regardless. If you could link me to a $500 motorcycle trailer I can fold up id appreciate it.

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