Got a dirt bike rack mounted on my 1st gen X, figured I'd share my research so others who are interested have this info:
My set up:
Hitch ratings and weight:
Hope this helps someone!
My set up:
- Shrockworks tire carrier rear bumper
- Black Widow aluminum dirt bike carrier
Hitch ratings and weight:
- Hitch: Shrock bumper has a 2" Class III hitch with 5000 lbs max tow rating. Usually max tongue weight is 10% of max tow rating, so Shrock hitch is rated at 500 lbs tongue weight
- Bike: Most dirt bikes are about 200 - 300 lbs, while the rack is 36 lbs, so well within the hitch max tongue weight. My CRF250L is a pig at 340 lbs with the aftermarket fuel tank filled up, but still well within the hitch rating.
- Tire/Bike clearance: Depending on the bike, you'll likely have an issue with clearance with the spare tire on the carrier. I'm running 33 x 11.5 tires, and my CRF250L is pretty wide so definitely not enough space between the rack rail and the tire, might fit with other bikes. I took the spare tire off and everything fit with a bit of room to spare.
- Using a hitch receiver extension: I considered using a 7-8" extension to allow me to keep the spare tire on. However, after some research I decided against it.
- Talking to a rep at eTrailer.com they said that receiver extensions usually will half the hitch max. tongue weight rating. So 500 lbs @ 50% = only 250 lbs
- Mark from Shrockworks also strongly advised against using a receiver extension; "That’s a lot of weight bouncing around to begin with. I would not give it more leverage."
- For trips where I definitely want the spare tire I'm thinking I'll just ratchet strap it to the roof, I know that's a common albeit less convenient way to carry it.
Hope this helps someone!