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Old 01-25-2020, 01:20 AM   #1
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Motorcycle on stock hitch

I just purchased a 2020 Thor Chateau 27R and I was wondering if i can put a motorcycle on a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier without modifying the coach. If so, what are my options for motorcycles and hitches. Thanks

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Old 01-25-2020, 01:22 AM   #2
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A Rune weighs a lot, a Dream doesn't.
What does the manual say about hitch weight?
What motorcycle?

The factory hitch weight can be exceeded with modification like air springs and helpers.
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Old 01-25-2020, 01:56 AM   #3
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Well you've got an 8000 lb hitch so as long as your Bike and rack don'r exceed 800 lbs AND carrying your bike doesn't exceed any of the other vehicle weight ratings (like rear axle weight - very common on some class Cs), then you should be good to go.
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Old 01-25-2020, 04:43 PM   #4
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Many Thor hitch with 8,000-pound rating only have a 500-pound tongue weight rating.

Unless you’re talking about a very light motorcycle, I would personally not do it. For me it’s not a simple weight issue. A trailer or tow bar loads the receiver very differently than a motorcycle in the same +/- 500-pound range.

Assuming the motorhome has adequate weight capacity, I’d look at motorcycle carriers that attach to both chassis frame rails directly, providing much more stability. That’s the only way I’d personally feel safe hauling a bike weighing more than a couple hundred pounds. When it comes to things not breaking, I’m conservative.
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Old 01-25-2020, 05:30 PM   #5
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^^^with Chance on this one^^^ Hitches are rated with the assumption the "load" is 4 inches or less from the outer "face plate" of the receiver. Extending the hitch further out will substantially reduce the capacity. Additionally, the bouncing up and down as you travel will exert 2 to 3 times the weight of the load on the hitch. If it's a Moped or something small, you might be OK. Most hitch manufacturers will warn you, any extension outward of the hitch face will reduce your capacity by 50%. I've never heard of any suspension modifications increasing hitch capacity...they are two different animals and work totally independent of each other. It isn't the hitch towing capacity that matters in this application...it's the hitch weight directly on the receiver.
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Old 03-21-2020, 10:19 PM   #6
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I have a 2020 Thor Chateau 28A and looking for a trailer to haul my 2018 Honda Goldwing 850 lbs. I would not any bike on a rack hitch mount over 300LBS.


I am looking for a rampless trailer. They are available but usually $3K+. Anyone haul a Gold Wing via trailer with their Class C?
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Old 03-22-2020, 12:04 AM   #7
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Look at Nomadic Fanatic on youTube.
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Old 03-22-2020, 12:16 AM   #8
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Iron Horse trailers are expensive...

But they're worth it!
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Old 07-25-2020, 07:27 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LAEN View Post
I have a 2020 Thor Chateau 28A and looking for a trailer to haul my 2018 Honda Goldwing 850 lbs. I would not any bike on a rack hitch mount over 300LBS.


I am looking for a rampless trailer. They are available but usually $3K+. Anyone haul a Gold Wing via trailer with their Class C?
I feel the same about hauling my bike on the 500pds tongue max from our Thor Chateau 22E. I am now looking into light trailers since a 430 pound motorcycle will also swing and strain the motorcycle mount after a long road. We will feel safer for the people driving behind us !
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Old 07-25-2020, 07:31 PM   #10
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What kind of bike do you have?
(I love talking about them: I miss mine every day. )
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Old 07-25-2020, 09:32 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
What kind of bike do you have?
(I love talking about them: I miss mine every day. )
I still enjoy a sporty bike with a little bit of the 70's & 80's in it, but a lot of the newer options. My ride is a "light" 2015, SV650S from Suzuki. Purchased it in 2016 at my
55 birthday and would like to ride it until I'm 65 if that's possible.
I ride with my old time friends who mostly ride Harleys.Click image for larger version

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Old 07-25-2020, 10:47 PM   #12
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Those are REALLY great bikes!
You know your bikes!
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Old 07-26-2020, 02:32 AM   #13
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I rode a 650 Strom for several years and it was one of my favorites. Small, light, quick and versatile. I too miss riding every day. Our travel mopeds are fun but not quite the same!
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Old 07-26-2020, 02:36 AM   #14
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I'm going with Gritz and Chance on this one. Unless you're willing to lose a perfectly good bike, get a trailer. Pulling and tongue weight capacities are your determinants. Either or both can put you out of the running.
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Old 07-26-2020, 11:49 AM   #15
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I agree also...
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Old 07-26-2020, 12:05 PM   #16
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Agree with Gritz and Chance.

Tow my 2003 Honda Gold Wing trike with an Aluma Model MC-210 motorcycle trailer. It has built-in deck tie-downs for 1 or 2 standard motorcycles or 1 trike with a front wind deflector It is lightweight and the ramp pulls out from under the trailer bed. Cost me $3K but it has been worth every cent spent on it.

I modified my trailer as follows:
a. Bolted a motorcycle front wheel chuck forward.
b. Bolted metal M-79 ammo cans on either side of the wheel chuck to stow racket tie-downs.
c. Added metal "U" brackets so I could insert forward/aft/side wood rails (made from recycled pallet wood) in order to convert the trailer to haul "things" other than the motorcycle as needed.
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Old 07-26-2020, 06:55 PM   #17
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I've see the earlier version Smart cars being placed on those trailers...
That should tell you how tough they are!
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Old 07-29-2020, 07:49 PM   #18
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I've see the earlier version Smart cars being placed on those trailers...
That should tell you how tough they are!
This one's for you.
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Old 07-29-2020, 08:57 PM   #19
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So,
How about a front hitch and airbags in the front coils? Bags are cheap and easy, the hitch is literally a throw-on for an e series, I assume the same ease on a 53.

Any info in the owners manual saying no front hitch weight, no air bags?

Just a thought, 'to boldly go'.
My front suspension doesn't change an iota in height with 129lbs of winch up there.

And
I like those one wheel caster trailers. Back it up to your hearts content.
There might still be one for sale in our 'for sale' section.
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Below is a link to most of my modifications either accomplished or pending.
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Click on my pictures then click the pop-up for a full screen zoomable picture.
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Old 07-29-2020, 10:15 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Breeze View Post
This one's for you.
. Dang! That is prettier than a smiling piglet!
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