Rear carrier for scooter

bacardiron · 12-11-2012, 07:46 PM

Hello everyone. I have a TK3 33 foot mobile suites and wish to attach a carrier on the rear for transporting my 250cc scooter that weighs around 300lbs. Has anyone done this sort of thing and or does DRV have a kit that can bolt on the frame with a reciever hitch for such applications? I believe the frame is strong enough and the unit built well enough . Thanks for any input.

Suitelife · 12-12-2012, 12:27 AM

I'm looking at these two products to haul my GS 1200 around. The DW got a 2013 38RSSB3 on the grounds that I get to take my ride with me.

http://www.idahotote.com

http://blueox.com/c-46-decks.aspx

Seems there are few options. Don't know if I should just go to a metal shop and have someone fabricate one for me. Still thinking it over. If you find / hear of other products, let me know.

Motor31 · 12-12-2012, 11:13 AM

I am assuming the frames on newer models are the same design as the one on my rig, a thin walled hollow core tube.

This is what I have done and it has worked for at least 4 years now. I went to a trailer fabricator. He makes utility trailers and PU beds from scratch. He designed and built a complete underframe brace system for a tow hitch. In this case the stresses for the frame and hitch are in line with the frame and not perpendicular to it like it would be for a hitch mount to hold up a load with a vertical load on the frame.

So far so good. No issues with the frame bracing. It is fairly extensive and goes from the very rear of the frame almost to the point where the rear most axle mounting location.

Something to consider is this. Anything you hang on the rear of the unit WILL change the balance and weight distribution of the entire trailer. Using the end of the trailer for a vertical load places that load on the extreme end of the lever of the frame. This will change the pin weight and how the suspension carries the load. It also deducts that same amount of weight from the total carrying capacity of the trailer. If you have a CCC of 1800 lbs for the rig and hang 1000 lbs of weight on the end you have only 800 lbs capacity for the rest of your "stuff". It will also increase the flexing of the frame as you go down the road. That means additional stresses on the rest of the body of the trailer to include seams and walls. Think of it like a teeter totter.

In my case since this is a tow hitch the weight penalty was only the weight of the frame and hitch materials, not the load I am towing since that load is carried by the towed vehicle.

Suitelife · 12-12-2012, 01:08 PM

Do you have any pictures of the set up you can share?
Thanks.

2 DA WDS · 12-12-2012, 04:41 PM

I have a swivel wheel trailer I'd like to sell. I decided I wouldnt have enough opportunities to ride the bike if I took it with me, we usually camp with people that dont have bikes. I hauled a Goldwing 1200 on it. And the prev owner hauled a Yamaha 1200. Its 2 pieces and I had 3 recievers welded to the frame. It stays straight behind the trailer when backing.

Stickbender · 12-15-2012, 10:58 AM

I have a toy-tote swivel wheel w are looking to get rid of as we are going to a flat tow and tow vehicle. We had it designed for our Gold Wing Trike. We are currently located in Arizona, can send pics if anyone is interested.

It works great and follows your rig with no issues.

BobW · 01-03-2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stickbender

I have a toy-tote swivel wheel w are looking to get rid of as we are going to a flat tow and tow vehicle. We had it designed for our Gold Wing Trike. We are currently located in Arizona, can send pics if anyone is interested.

It works great and follows your rig with no issues.

I'd buy in a minute if I could use it in Washington, Oregon and California.

Motor31 · 01-04-2013, 12:23 PM

What is stopping you from using it there?

**wingnut60** · 01-04-2013, 01:31 PM

Be careful--that is Amish air you are talking about...and now there is the
"Amish Mafia" to worry about.

Joe

bacardiron · 01-04-2013, 02:43 PM

Ya, don't mess with the Amish. Although they do make great fireplaces!. In canada it's illegal to tandem tow as well as all the northwest states. I believe that that system would fall under the tandem tow law because of the wheel. I wish we could use it up here, it's a great setup.

Motor31 · 01-05-2013, 10:29 AM

Been towing double in Oregon and Washington for the last 4 years length and width of the states. Went through an inspection station as well, had to to get to the rest stop. No issues at all.

Another thing, if you use one of those units that interlink with the trailer I don't think it really counts as a separate towable since it is a direct non flexible connection there. I could be wrong but I believe it becomes an extension of the trailer in that case.

netjam · 01-05-2013, 11:27 AM

Motor31 is correct I think. We summer in Alberta and in the park we are in are 2 with the tag along hauling big motorcycles. I think they bought them from a place in Idaho and both told me it was considered part of the trailer not an additional trailer.

bacardiron · 01-05-2013, 07:37 PM

That would be ideal, I am looking into it in BC. I hope that they do consider the tag along part of the trailer. I think they should considering it does not tutn on its own and is attached rigidly to the trailer. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Low 'n Slow · 01-11-2016, 11:02 PM

My set-up:

Custom rack on the rear of the trailer. I used the existing receiver and added two more on each side to support two dirt bikes. I have had this set-up for the past 7 years with no issues