Trailer behind cargo carrier.

[Vanguy-SMB]

Would it be possible/safe to tow a small dirt bike trailer behind a cargo carrier? I'm about to make a cargo carrier to plug into the hitch receiver and was wondering if it could be made so I could plug a trailer hitch into the carrier. I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle carrier that plugs into the hitch receiver but if I do that I won't be able to use the cargo hauler. Anyone ever done this? My van is an RB not an EB if that makes any difference. Wanting to take the dirt bike camping and want to have some external storage without bringing my big trailer.

 

[posplayr]

I did not use a trailer, but I did put extra storage on a motorcycle carrier with outrigger receivers.

Dropbox

 

[Vanguy-SMB]

Ok that could work as well. What brand motorcycle carrier is that? Looks like there is some storage space between the bike and the van or is that just where the ramp stores?

 

[posplayr]

Black widow is a 500 lbs rated carrier but is much stronger with teh outriggers.

https://www.discountramps.com/black...Ir5eHWEYlcW7ipSmUiQqZwvL6tszgVzhoCrioQAvD_BwE

This is a high-quality box. The paint could be better but you don't want much heavier than this.
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-34-...UE4BPCsnmB2exuZHbt6H4zvVsNzYhJghoCp00QAvD_BwE

I lengthened the width (to get near the full width of the van) and narrowed the depth to fit between the carried and the van. I also added a 5 gal jerry can carrier.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7B4FY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1



https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html

Ramps store as original behind the motorcycle but in front of the box.

The DRZ400 weighs about 300lbs so I can still get it up the ramp between the close quarters to the box. The box paid off the first time I unloaded teh DRZ because of a strap malfunction the bike was released completely on one side but the box kept the bike from falling off.

If it was a 500 lbs adventure bike with bags it might not fit (bags would need removing) depends on the bike.

I also put trailer lights on the carrier and will move the license to the box when it is installed (marker lights and bulb for the license).

 

[Vanguy-SMB]

Nice! I have a bunch of 14 Ga 1" sq tubing in various lengths and several pieces that have 90° bends that I can stick together to make several different carrier racks if I want.

What exactly do you mean by the outriggers?

 

[Vanguy-SMB]

I was looking at getting the HF motorcycle carrier. It would be fine for my dirt bike but I also have an XR650R Supermoto that might be a little more difficult getting off the carrier the way the wheels fall down in between the rails of that carrier.

 

[posplayr]

What exactly do you mean by the outriggers?

In the attached picture you can see I have what I call "outriggers" (for stability).
I actually sectioned some 1 1/4" x 0.120 (11 Ga) with some 1 1/4" x3/16" to get stronger at the receiver but lighter gauge comparable to the carrier at the cross support. This carrier is very stiff torsionally.

I will look for a thread where Wonderboy had another option for just two outriggers and no center support (IIRC)

 

[posplayr]

I posted my info here and you can see Wonderboy's solution which works with a rear bumper mount carrier box.

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/f...rier-for-fat-tire-ebike-28605.html#post296208

 

[Mikerson]

Would a dual hitch receiver work for you? Cargo carrier in the top and trailer in the bottom. There are a variety of those available with pretty significant weight ratings.

 

[gahamby]

I do kinda like the idea of a hitch extender so the trailer load is not on the extender.

 

[carringb]

Beware the limitations of your hitch receiver. You need a class 5 hitch to carry both.

FWIW - I sometimes do tow behind one of my hitch racks. But my receiver is rated for 6,000 pounds of tongue weight.

 

[Vanguy-SMB]

I'd much rather not drag a trailer if I don't need to. The trailer in question though doesn't weigh much more than the dirt bike and prob carries about 80 lbs of tounge weight loaded. Was planning on carrying fire wood on the carrier. Not sure if that matters.

 

[Vanguy-SMB]

I'm really liking posplayer's solotion and will prob try to copy that with some slight mods.

 

[Vanguy-SMB]

Also I might be better off trying to put some storage on that little one rail trailer than trying to double-up on the hitch.

 

[carringb]

Also I might be better off trying to put some storage on that little one rail trailer than trying to double-up on the hitch.

I do that as well when desirable. My motorcycle rack is a double. Usually only nine is take and the other tray is used for coolers and totes. Total weight limit of the rack is 800 pounds so it has ample capacity.

 

[gahamby]

Beware the limitations of your hitch receiver. You need a class 5 hitch to carry both.

FWIW - I sometimes do tow behind one of my hitch racks. But my receiver is rated for 6,000 pounds of tongue weight.

6,000 pounds of tongue weight or towing capacity?

 

[carringb]

6,000 pounds of tongue weight or towing capacity?

Tongue weight. Towing capacity is 20k. It’s a Buckstop-Reunel bumper. Front end gets pretty light when you max it out though.

 

[gahamby]

6k of tongue weight sounds pretty hairy.

 

[carringb]

6k of tongue weight sounds pretty hairy.

I don’t tow that much regularly buts it’s pretty handy when I need it. Mostly it’s just nice being able to carry whatever on the hitch rack and not have to worry about it. Or have any extra movement. Note my van is a dually, otherwise the tires would be maxed out well before the hitch.

 

[gahamby]

That front end is up a little. Do you have to steer on the skip?