Flat Tow with MC Carrier

[For Wheelin]

This is an idea I had and was curious to hear if my concerns are valid.  This is a Versa Haul bike carrier with a 2"receiver in the rear of it.  The receiver is rated at 3000 Lbs.  I want to find a way to carry a dirt bike (250 lbs) and connect a blue ox tow bar in the back of it to tow a Jeep.  The Jeep is ~4500 lbs.

I spoke to the MFR and while it is not rated for the weight of the Jeep, it has been done before.

 - Does the bar/receiver extension of about 30" where the tow bar connects affect towing performance and more importantly, safety.
I would need to get longer safety cables, which raises another safety question, if it disconnects from the motorhome, will holding onto the jeep by these cables be more difficult as they are about 2-3 feet longer.

 - I plan on using the US Gear brake for the jeep, which would use a break-away feature. 

Is this a bad idea?

[Water Dog]

Don't have any calculations for you Steve, but a couple of thoughts....When you are outside of the manufacturers recommended limits and you have an accident, there can be serious consequences. My gut feeling is that a 30" bar stuck 6 or 8 inches into your receiver would put some pretty good strain on the receiver when pulled to the side (like in making turns). I'm guessing it could be done, just not sure it could be done safely or for very long without breaking something. The other thing you might want to check is the GCWR of you mh and your hitch rating.

[landtrv]

Connect the jeep directly to the tow vehicle the put the dirt bike on the back of the jeep

[gwcowgill]

I agree with Water Dog about the weight and stresses. I am curious why you would put the bike on the MH rather than the back of the Jeep where the bike weight would not affect the hitch weight of the MH?

[For Wheelin]

Waterdog, I guess I couldn't get a grasp on the stress related to turning...good point. 

landtrv, actually I thought the weight on the rear of the jeep might lighten the front and affect how it is pulled...but really if that is not a concern, problem solved. 

thanks guys,

[sportech]

I wanted to do the same thing only I couldn't put the bike on my Fusion.  I fabricated a support structure out of steel tube that put the load directly into the frame hitch where it bolts to the coach.  I only needed about 700lbs additional support.  Works great and is easy to remove too. 
Dave

[THE-BigLarry]

I have seen a tow dolly that had a platform just ahead of the wheels.  I have seen one with a
large Harley cruiser on it, and another with a Golf Cart type vehicle on it, a Kawasaki Mule i think.

That's what I am looking for, but have not found one yet.  Hope to see one in Quartzite maybe... . .

[BernieD]

I think I saw one at Indio, not really up on those. Company is ACC Hitches and they will be at QZ. Let me know if you can't find them and I'll have them contact you.

[max49]

That's too far out.  If you would bring that in 2', like it appears you could, it would probably be OK. It looks like you could cut it off right behind the channel that you bike tire rides in; and just stick your tow bar into it, then drill a 5/8" hole for the pin.

[For Wheelin]

That's too far out.  If you would bring that in 2', like it appears you could, it would probably be OK. It looks like you could cut it off right behind the channel that you bike tire rides in; and just stick your tow bar into it, then drill a 5/8" hole for the pin.

I suppose it could be shorter, but I wonder how close the jeep would come to the bike in a tight turn.  if it doesn't rain this weekend, it may hook it all up and try some turns.  I am still considering the rear of the jeep.