Community Forums

MDPD · 05-21-2011, 02:44 PM

Five years ago we went from a 40' toy hauler in which we carried our Harley Electraglide to a Winnebago Journey. We love the motorhome but missed having our bike when we towed our Jeep instead of a motorcycle trailer.

Since according to Winnebago and Freightliner the Journey is not capable of safely carrying a lift and the 850 pound bike on the rear we purchased a 2011 Dodge Dakota 4x4 and a Blue Ox Sportloader. We have the Aventa tow bar, Brake buddy, air shocks on the truck to level the load and all tie down points tried.

We have towed the Dakota several times without the bike but we are leaving soon on a several tousand mile trip with both for the first time.

I would appreciate any suggestions or advise from anyone who has the same type of set up before we leave, just in case I have overlooked anything. Best of both worlds again, can't wait to be on the road.

Thanks, keep the rubberside down and ride safe.

OneRVer · 05-21-2011, 02:56 PM

As long as you are within your Gross Combined Weight you will not have any problems. Get out and enjoy yourselves. One question; is the Aventa tow bar rated for this weight?

MDPD · 05-21-2011, 03:09 PM

The Aventa is good for 10,000# as is the receiver on the coach. As close as I can tell (no actual weight yet) the combined total weight to be towed is 5700#, considerably more than the Wrangler we traded but still within limits. Thanks

jcthorne · 05-22-2011, 02:47 PM

GCWR = Gross Combined Weight Rating = the weight of the full loaded coach, the weight of the truck, the weight of the bike all added together. This includes all fuel, water, personal items etc. Fulley loaded weight. The coach has a GCWR posted in the vehicle. Stay under it.

Submustang · 05-22-2011, 05:31 PM

We have a slightly different setup using a CruiserRamp system. Our bike is tied down to the loader, but also tied down to the pickup bed using rachet straps from the handle bars. We have towed the setup several times without any issues. You will likely draw a crowd when loading and unloading. It is not something people see every day. Enjoy.

DHart · 05-22-2011, 07:28 PM

We just bought a 41' Gulf Stream Atrium diesel pusher and are trying to figure out how we can take our Harley Road Glide... after reading your post, I'm wondering if our Freightliner chassis can handle a motorcycle lift with a full sized Harley. If not, we may need to go the route you have taken... towing a Durango with the Road Glide in the bed of the Durango. I'm hoping to hear more from others through this thread... thanks for starting it!

MDPD · 05-23-2011, 07:09 AM

When we bought the Journey the sales manager (same as used car salesman/politician) stated that it could easily handle a lift and bike on the rear. When we returned home two out of three companies that install the lifts advised not to do it and both Winnebago and Freightliner stated it would void the warranty and cause extremely hazardous handleing. Several times we took only the bike trailer and as you who ride know, getting caught in the rain while riding happens, starting the day on a bike in a torrential downpour sucks. We considered a tandum tow dolly and finally decided on the sport lift. It all works great in the driveway, but only time will tell. Hoping to hear from more of you.

DHart · 05-23-2011, 07:44 PM

MDPD... is that the Blue Ox Sport Lift that you decided to go with? Did you decide that there would not be any adverse effect on handling of the motorhome?

bachler · 05-23-2011, 08:36 PM

The General Manegar of WITT at Winnebago ; Tows a Dodge Dakota Extended cab With his Ultra Harley Davidson In the bed; He has an aluminum rail that he tyes it to on the ground then he pushes a button and it goes up into the bed and locks in place; It's so slick;;He had a Journey now he has a TOUR;; He's the boss..

MDPD · 05-24-2011, 07:24 AM

Hey DHart, the loader I got is the Sport Loader, not the Sport Lift. It does not attach to the motorhome, it goes in the bed of my Dakota extended bed truck. I decided on the Blue Ox because the bike is only 1 inch off the bed of the truck, keeping the center of gravity as low as possible where most of the other loaders carry the bike 4-6 inches above the bed. The only draw back to the Blue Ox is the ramps that are removable and are carried seperatly from the loader and the lousy powder coating that Blue Ox does on all their products.