Trailer Hitch weight

[dmwoost]

How much weight should you put on a trailer hitch. as a carrier or a trailer?

[doug of so fla]

max 35# normal towing wt on tongue, 10 to 15lbs, You may have to adjust it by moving "content wt" in trailer forward or back. Make sure with rider (s) and loaded trailer that center line of trailer (ball) height is just below axel level. so when you use (always use) rear brake, the inertia coming forward from trailer pushes hitch down., it drives rear tire down and helps keep traction and stops better. If ball, center line is above axel line, it may lift rear of MC or push to one side or the other. not good!!!

[dmwoost]

How much weight if it is a carrier on the back, fits in the receiver?

[Turbo4x4]

How much weight if it is a carrier on the back, fits in the receiver?

As stated earlier in regards to tongue weight, dead weight on your hitch should not exceed 35 lbs OR the maximum weight specified by the hitch manufacturer. Assuming that the manufacturer allows a weight in excess of 35 lbs, you can feel free to add up to the manufacturers weight limit, as long as you don't exceed the motorcycle's GVW rating. Keep in mind this includes the weight of: 1. You, 2. Your passenger (if any), 3. All items in saddle bags & trunk, if applicable, 4. The weight of the motorcycle, & 5. The hitch weight of your trailer, or carrier. Also, when towing a trailer, never exceed the GCWR of the motorcycle, which would be the weight of all items mentioned above, plus the wheel weight (the total weight of your trailer minus the tongue weight). Always allow for additional stopping distance until you become familiar with the handling characteristics of your motorcycle while towing or carrying additional weight. And above all, NEVER blame your wife for any weight related incident!!! Have fun :-)

[doug of so fla]

As Bob & I stated 35LB meaning tongue OR carrier wt, The "leveraged wt" affects the handeling of the MC, so you do not want to get it to heavy. I have a carrier and imho it is a very good way to carry xtra stuff and with the carry capacity of XII or 1700, going over 35lbs on the carrier + all other wt, you are just going to close to exceedjng safe limits of MC & tires going over it. Trailer or carrier, test out your load in a safe condition before you just take off on a trip, Both ways you will be suprised at what you can carry staying within the safe limits . The only way to ride is SAFE!!

[dmwoost]

Thanks for the input. I knew people would know the answer. I didn't want to do a trial and error and the find out I had error-ed.

Don W