rjweiss

Any thoughts on my my putting a front receiver hitch (Hidden Hitch) to carry my Suzuki DRZ 400SM @ 285lbs.?

Will that be too much for a 03 2500 CTD HO truck carrying a 2,000 pound truck camper?

I know the ideal solution is a small trailer, but I hate to limit my access in tight spaces and off-road conditions. A rear hitch is out because of the overhang from the camper, unless I get some sort of hitch extension.

Has anyone done this? I guess there might be some front overload springs out there if needed?

Thanks

Ron W.

Patrick Campbell

I do not see any big problem especially if you have the camper on the back countering the weight.

I imagine a plow weighs a lot more...

NHDiesel

The weight won't be a problem, just check to make sure local laws will allow it. Remember that a bike, even a small one, will be large enough to block headlights and may even be tall enough to partially block your forward vision.

Jim

rjweiss

I thought a plow would be more too...

We wouldn't be driving at night, but a nasty cop could be a problem.

Thanks for the input.

Ron W.

Totallyrad

And air for the radiator, trans, ac, intercooler.

iker42

Plows have lights

TexasCTD

Have you considered putting a Ranch Hand or something similar front end replacement? They have front receivers already installed. Also, they are very stout and would place the motorcycle out a little further from the front of the truck to allow for better air flow and provide more protection for the front of the truck. I don't think weight will be an issue either way.

Guardrail

Why not something like this?



http://www.oldinc.com/rhmr1bscan.htm

A good welder could rig up something to fit back behind the camper.

rjweiss

The problem with using the rear hitch is the camper overhang, I guess you fashion an extension but it would place the bike pretty far back and put excess strain on the hitch. Also, it would limit access to the camper when travelling.

A universal heavy duty bumper might work, are they big bucks?

Ron W.

fredbert

Would the bike fit in the center aisle of the camper? You'll need a ramp and a way of securing it and access will be limited, but that's probably the simplest solution.

TurboTed

I like the looks of that rack Guardrail! I want to rig something like that on the back of my Fifth, and take along a dirt bike(Hybrid) that weighs about 250lbs.

rjweiss

You got me thinking

Never thought of just keeping it in the center aisle, I'll go out and measure the length of the camper. I guess the door width too will be an issue.

My only concern- that would be some mother of a ramp. The camper sits very high. How do riders get their bikes up those ramps? I mean even the ramps that come with hitch mounts are steep. I have trouble getting the bike over the door threshold in my storeroom. Do they keep the engine runnning and drive it up?

Ron W.

ldperrine

i too have a slide in camper and tow a boat. you can get any length of extention you need. mine is about 32". they are available at any rv dealer or should be.

traveler767

I have a friend who lives in MO who has been doing it for years. He has traveled all over the country with no problems. It's a piece of cake...! Oh yes...he was also towing a 34 ft 5th wheel at all times when carrying the dirt bike on the front carrier.