Is hitch weight a problem?

[duggram]

I want to put my 250 lb. motorcycle and 34 lb hitch carrier on my '18 Sport. i understand that the stock hitch can't handle it, but I saw a comment that Smittybilt is coming out with a heavey duty hitch. If that new hitch can handle 300 lbs. is there a reason that putting that much weight on the hitch that would affect the handling of the Jeep?

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[chacomaya]

I want to put my 250 lb. motorcycle and 34 lb hitch carrier on my '18 Sport. i understand that the stock hitch can't handle it, but I saw a comment that Smittybilt is coming out with a heavey duty hitch. If that new hitch can handle 300 lbs. is there a reason that putting that much weight on the hitch that would affect the handling of the Jeep?

I'm curious, since I too have a 250 lb motorcycle and a hitch carrier and did not realize this might be over-stressing the stock hitch. Where did you hear that the stock hitch cannot handle 284 lb of tongue weight? Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that for a vehicle with a 3500 lb towing capacity, you'd want about 315 to 500 lbs of tongue weight, which is well below what you are planning on doing. I realize that hitch racks extend back a bit from the actual hitch receiver which puts additional torque on the receiver, but I wouldn't think it would be enough to exceed the stock receiver capacity. Again, if I'm off on something, please someone set me straight.

 

[Jondrew]

Do you have a Class II receiver? It may not be rated to 350 pounds. I bought a Class III receiver hitch from etrailer that’s rated to 350

 

[chacomaya]

Do you have a Class II receiver? It may not be rated to 350 pounds. I bought a Class III receiver hitch from etrailer that’s rated to 350

I've got the optional towing package from Jeep which is Class II with a towing capacity of 3500 lbs and a max tongue weight of 350 lbs according to the owners manual. Do you have a 2 door? If so, then the towing capacity is 2000 lbs, and a max tongue weight of 200 lbs which would in fact make your (our) motorcycle setup questionable.

 

[Jondrew]

I've got the optional towing package from Jeep which is Class II with a towing capacity of 3500 lbs and a max tongue weight of 350 lbs according to the owners manual. Do you have a 2 door? If so, then the towing capacity is 2000 lbs, and a max tongue weight of 200 lbs which would in fact make your (our) motorcycle setup questionable.

4-door. I put the Class III on for my bike rack. I might tow a pop up someday, but that’s way off

 

[chacomaya]

4-door. I put the Class III on for my bike rack. I might tow a pop up someday, but that’s way off

From what I know about towing (which isn't much) I believe you should be fine with that set up.

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