Newb question - Motorcycle Carrier on Jeep Wrangler?

Hi All,

Within the next month I'll be the proud owner of a WR250R!  In planning ahead, I'm trying to figure out how to get it to the trails when I don't want to do a long highway ride.  I live in Denver, so the distance between my house and the trails will involve a lot of traffic and busy highways.

I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2-door).  If possible, I'd like to use a morotcycle carrier to transport the bike rather than deal with a trailer.  However, according to the Jeep's manual (page 520), the maximum tongue weight for the Jeep's hitch is a measly 200 pounds.  So... something tells me I'll have to use a trailer...

Anyone out there with a Wrangler use one of the motorcycle carriers?  Terrible idea?

Looks like that's you're only option. Exceeding rated vehicle weights is not only dangerous, but can lead to legal issues if it results in an accident (i.e. your insurance won't cover you). I've read a few horror stories online of this sort of thing happening. I suspect the short wheelbase of the jeep is to blame for the low tongue weight. If that's the case, then adding a lot of weight to the rear is going to make the front end light which could cause for some very touchy steering. I know there's a rig out there to replace the back seats and load the bike right up into the jeep. Hardly ideal IMO but if you're stuck with the jeep and don't want to tow then that might be an option.

Wallrat wrote:

Looks like that's you're only option.  Exceeding rated vehicle weights is not only dangerous, but can lead to legal issues if it results in an accident (i.e. your insurance won't cover you).  I've read a few horror stories online of this sort of thing happening.  I suspect the short wheelbase of the jeep is to blame for the low tongue weight.  If that's the case, then adding a lot of weight to the rear is going to make the front end light which could cause for some very touchy steering.  I know there's a rig out there to replace the back seats and load the bike right up into the jeep.  Hardly ideal IMO but if you're stuck with the jeep and don't want to tow then that might be an option.

Yeah, I figure it's a good idea to heed Jeep's weight limit and not invite any trouble.  I'll probably go with a small trailer to be safe.  Thanks for the input!

Manufacturers tend to be conservative with these ratings but 200#'s is not even close. Bike plus carrier about 350#s.

Don't sweat it. The carrier would likely sit very high on the wrangler making loading a bit of a pain.

Curt makes a 400lb tongue weight class III Jeep hitch, using that and a lightweight aluminum carrier (AMC-400 etc) might work for you (though as gatorfan pointed out the load height would be tremendous). Could also use an MX Hauler hydraulic lift instead (www.ultimatemxhauler.com).

I think a small single rail trailer would be much easier and more versatile in the long run.

http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-capacity-40-inch-x-49-inch-heavy-duty-utility-trailer-with-8-inch-wheels-and-tires-42708.html

I've used both, and for getting a single bike around the carrier is easier imo (to store, to setup/takedown, less maintenance items, easy to maneuver and park, no license plate/registration needed, etc).  Once you have a setup that works for you that is, carrier hitch wobble is a scary thing when your bike is hanging on it .  In my case solved by using both a silent hitch pin and anti-wobble bracket.

Also, in states that have towing speed limits, it can take longer to reach your destination.  For example, in CA we have a maximum towing speed of 55mph so it can take forever to get anywhere.  I trailer anything as a very last resort.

rvsixer wrote:

I've used both, and for getting a single bike around the carrier is easier imo (to store, to setup/takedown, less maintenance items, easy to maneuver and park, no license plate/registration needed, etc).  Once you have a setup that works for you that is, carrier hitch wobble is a scary thing when your bike is hanging on it .  In my case solved by using both a silent hitch pin and anti-wobble bracket.

I just use an extra strap from the carrier to the bumper area.  No more wobble and I always have a spare strap in case one wears out.

Quote :

Also, in states that have towing speed limits, it can take longer to reach your destination.  For example, in CA we have a maximum towing speed of 55mph so it can take forever to get anywhere.  I trailer anything as a very last resort.

We're also limited to only using the right two lanes so half the time you're stuck behind a tractor-trailer or getting cut off by a Prius that needs the exit in 1000 feet but doesn't want to drive 55 behind you for the next 8 seconds.

rvsixer wrote:

Curt makes a 400lb tongue weight class III Jeep hitch, using that and a lightweight aluminum carrier (AMC-400 etc) might work for you (though as gatorfan pointed out the load height would be tremendous).  Could also use an MX Hauler hydraulic lift instead (www.ultimatemxhauler.com).

If the hitch is rated to 400lbs isn't the 200lb rating on the Jeep still the limiting factor?

gatorfan wrote:

If the hitch is rated to 400lbs isn't the 200lb rating on the Jeep still the limiting factor?

Not to my understanding, but I am not Jeep fluent.  But in my pickup experience towing heavy trailers, my guess is the OEM hitch/mount design is a class II hitch (good for spare tires, bicycles, etc).  The class III Curt hitch has been designed and rated by them to carry 400lb tongue weight on said platform (that's a generic statement from me looking at one Jeep hitch on their website, OP will need to determine the specific hitch he needs for his specific platform to verify allowable tongue weight).

Now, you still have to stay within the Jeeps GVWR, since tongue weight factors into that.  Again one needs to have specific numbers for their own vehicle, but based on Jeeps published curb weights you have around 900-1000lbs payload capacity (on stripper models).  That's about enough for two fit people, gas, the WR on a carrier, and a cooler LOL.  I'm actually surprised the Jeeps can carry that much, the current 1/2 ton trucks running around don't have much more payload capacity than that (yet you see them loaded up with six people, a bed full of toys, and a toy hauler on the back and they wonder why they are dragging their arses and can't stop the dang thing while Ford/Dodge/Chevy/Nissan/Toyota continue to tell them they can tow 10,000 lbs  ).  Okay off rant back on topic sorry.  As always IMO only, YMMV, etc.

rvsixer wrote:

gatorfan wrote:

If the hitch is rated to 400lbs isn't the 200lb rating on the Jeep still the limiting factor?

Not to my understanding, but I am not Jeep fluent.  But in my pickup experience towing heavy trailers, my guess is the OEM hitch/mount design is a class II hitch (good for spare tires, bicycles, etc).  The class III Curt hitch has been designed and rated by them to carry 400lb tongue weight on said platform (that's a generic statement from me looking at one Jeep hitch on their website, OP will need to determine the specific hitch he needs for his specific platform to verify allowable tongue weight).

Now, you still have to stay within the Jeeps GVWR, since tongue weight factors into that.  Again one needs to have specific numbers for their own vehicle, but based on Jeeps published curb weights you have around 900-1000lbs payload capacity (on stripper models).  That's about enough for two fit people, gas, the WR on a carrier, and a cooler LOL.  I'm actually surprised the Jeeps can carry that much, the current 1/2 ton trucks running around don't have much more payload capacity than that (yet you see them loaded up with six people, a bed full of toys, and a toy hauler on the back and they wonder why they are dragging their arses and can't stop the dang thing while Ford/Dodge/Chevy/Nissan/Toyota continue to tell them they can tow 10,000 lbs  ).  Okay off rant back on topic sorry.  As always IMO only, YMMV, etc.