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Gremson · 04-19-2017, 10:01 PM

I might have quite the obstacle to overcome before my wife and I can start our year long trek through the country.
I'd planned to get a motorcycle rack and rack up my Honda CL350 to use as a grocery getter and scout vehicle on our adventure, but I just checked my hitch and it seems I've got a max 250 pound tongue weight on it.
The bike weighs about 350 not counting the rack.
Would this be as simple as buying a better hitch? Is there anything I can do to reinforce the frame, or have I simply got the wrong coach to carry a motorcycle on the back?
The coach is a 1990 Fleetwood Flair 26' if that matters.
Thanks for any help you guys can offer!

winniman · 04-20-2017, 04:38 AM

With the weight of the rack and the bike, it might be too much. Unless it is a hydraulic lift, you might have a hard time getting it up on the rack. You might consider a small enclosed trailer instead. The bike will be protected from damage, you will have a built in garage for the bike as well as space for extra cargo for you journey. Gas mh generally arent rated for more than 5000 pounds towing, and 500 lbs tongue weight. Im sure there are exceptions.

LPerry · 04-20-2017, 05:03 AM

Weigh the bike. 350 sounds light.
There are some universal hitches available with much higher ratings if nothing specific comes up. I'd upgrade and use a simple hitch hauler with ramp. I've carried up to a 550 lb bike that way with no problems loading it alone.

Bloodyhell · 04-20-2017, 05:11 AM

Blue Ox (and maybe others) makes one that shares the weight with a wheel in the back that might work.

jrocker · 04-20-2017, 06:03 AM

A lot of "maybe"...

Sounds like you've got a class II hitch (typically 350lb. cap.). Yes, you should be able to swap it out for a class III (500 lb.).

That bike, soaking wet, is usually under 370 pounds (depending on the year), and the average, simple, bike carrier hovers around 100 pounds. So, that keeps you under the 500 lb. cap for a class III.

However (and this is where the maybe pokes up from behind the bushes), if Fleetwood chose to put a class II hitch on the rig, I have to wonder if it isn't already pushing the weight capacity of the chassis.

Take it down to the scales and weigh it (fully geared for a trip) and see where you stand.

Gremson · 04-20-2017, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrocker

A lot of "maybe"...

Sounds like you've got a class II hitch (typically 350lb. cap.). Yes, you should be able to swap it out for a class III (500 lb.).

That bike, soaking wet, is usually under 370 pounds (depending on the year), and the average, simple, bike carrier hovers around 100 pounds. So, that keeps you under the 500 lb. cap for a class III.

However (and this is where the maybe pokes up from behind the bushes), if Fleetwood chose to put a class II hitch on the rig, I have to wonder if it isn't already pushing the weight capacity of the chassis.

Take it down to the scales and weigh it (fully geared for a trip) and see where you stand.

Putting undue stress on the rest of the coach is what I was worried about.
It looks like a class III hitch is easy enough to find. I'll just have to get out and weigh this beast soon.
Thanks!

winniman · 04-20-2017, 02:39 PM

Keep in mind your frame is 27 years old. The original specs were when it was new. Personally myself, with such a short motorhome, an enclosed trailer would be best. With an 8 ft enclosed you would still be shorter than lots of rvs as far as campgrounds go. I tow one behind mine, and I love having the extra space. I switch between bringing my golf cart, and my 4 wheeler. I can pack in my enduro motorcycle with either of the them. Nice to be able to bring those extras if you want. I guess it could double as an overnight bunk house if it had too as well.

Gremson · 04-21-2017, 12:28 AM

I'm really not into towing anything on this adventure. That just seems like such a huge hassle and extra entity to put concern toward while driving.
If I were to tow something, I'd just get a small car. I like the motorcycle because it should have the ability to rack up to the RV, and not have anything dangling behind me.