I am considering putting a front receiver on my 06 ram CTD to carry a Honda xr100 that weighs 175 lbs. The bike rack weighs an additional 60 lbs.

Anybody out there that is doing something similar? Any problems?

I am particularly interested to know if you've had any overheating issues since the bike would be blocking a good part of the grille. I will be towing a 10K fiver in summer heat and there isn't much flatland where I live or visit. My rig has always run cool while hauling my fiver in the mountains. I don't want to mess that up.

 

We have the same truck and I have a Reese front mounted hitch receiver. While I only carry 2 bicycles on a Swagman bike carrier, it has worked out really good.
We tow in the SE and FL Summer heat and have had no problem. I do believe that it makes about a 3-5 degree difference in the towing temps. Otherwise, no visibility or headlight issues with the bicycles. pcm

 

Two words, Bug Splatter!! the bikes end up with an incredible mess, I won't do that again.

 

As far as bugs go, I can see that as a problem. However, we rarely drive after dark or during "lovebug" season. With that in mind, it's rare we have more than a few bugs on the bikes. pcm

 

Heating won't be a problem, but keeping the headlights unobstructed might be. Will you be able to line them up to shine over or through the wheels?

 

I'm not sure about the tire alignment with the headlights. They surely will be partially blocking the lights. I need to do some more measuring to see if they will shine thru the spokes. I don't plan to drive at night with the bike on. Do you know if it is legal in California to drive with the headlights blocked if you only drive during daylight?

I think the Honda motor,tank and seat will block the grill alot more than a couple of bicycles. Anybody else that have towed with a similar set up?

 

I use a "Bodiak" and two bike carrier and it works great. I had to modify the carrier to drop down so it would allow more sight and lights, but works great. Highly recommended.