OK sensitive question for a newbie but I have to ask. We are currently looking at a 26' fifth wheel camper for our Dodge 3500. I want to bring my dual sport along and would like to know what everyone thinks about adding a mount and more importantly weight behind the rear axles. I have seen it done but CAN IT BE SAFE? I realize that I will need to add weight in front of the axles as well to counter the efforts in the back. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Good question. I'd love to hear what others have done out there. I am also considering brining along a motorcycle when I finally go fulltiming, but I'm not sure how it will work with a fifth wheel.

We're not motorcyclists, but it seems that those who do have toyhaulers with the weight compensated with an extra axle? Linda

You're asking a very technical question and can't be answered without all the specifics on what exact motor home are you referring to, what does the manufacturer say is the weight capacity on the rear and how much does the bike and mount weigh. It's not a matter of opinion, it's an engineering problem. Good luck,

I have seen dirt bikes mounted on the front of the truck. Not sure if that's an option for you or not. It looked like they had a hitch mounted to the front of their truck and used a hitch mounted rail. I think they are usually rated for hauling 500 lbs.

Good luck with that, Woodly.

Knowing that I'll be taking my bike's the biggest reason I settled on an A and a small enclosed trailer.

Truthfully, I wouldn't.   After having the Avion for (many) years, I considered stashing the bike in the bed, but I need the bed for "stuff."   Everyone needs stuff --extra water and gas cans, blocks, tools (if it can break, it will), and everything else. 
Plus, with the weight of the bike, you must take into consideration your braking-to-weight ratios & tongue weight.

With your hitch, there just isn't room for a bike.  But I would not leave my bike, either.



-- Edited by TrishsTravco on Wednesday 17th of June 2009 01:23:27 PM

I've considered just such a problem, and though I'm not full-timing yet (house on the market 7 months) my solution is: A. Go with a TT rather than a 5er so the bed of the pick-up can be used for tools and a couple small motorcycles. B. Use a 5er toy carrier. There are 5ers that though designed for a single motorcycle are not classed as toy carriers by their manufacturers, so they may be difficult to find. One such entry level 5er in this category is the Wildcat 31THSB by Forest River, though it's CCC may not be adequate for FT use. You might even consider a lightweight TT toy hauler like the KZ 289ks Spree (though also lacking in CCC). Though a little heavier, a Wildwood 29SBSRV or a Keystone Sprinter 301RMP both have much more adequate CCC. These latter models would also give you a garage/workshop and storage area which you will probably find invaluable when fulltiming. Both are very reasonably priced, though you may find the living space/features a little too spartan for your tastes.

You could go with one of these motorcycle carriers. I saw one last year in California and it was really neat. It hitches to the rear of a fifthwheel. http://www.motorcyclecarrier.net/rv_motorcycle_carriers.html

here is how I carry mine.

http://workinrvers.blogspot.com/2009/05/back-in-groove.html

Friends of ours pull a cargo trailer (with the bike loaded inside) behind their Big Horn.  We tried a swivel wheel trailer behind ours but I never felt comfortable with it and the extra weight on the back made the tail wag the dog at times (scary).

If you can get it in the door, park it in the living room. Just Kidding. Have friends who are bikers and actually park their scoots inside their homes. We have a touring bike but keep ours in the garage. We are trying to find a trailer to pull behind our MH, to carry our bike and some tools. :)

We tow a GMC pickup behind our motorhome and carry the Yamaha motorcycle in the bed.   Below  is a link to the motorcycle loader made by Blue Ox which we had installed by Trailer Masters. 

I don't have a picture of our bike loaded in the truck, but there is a video on this website.

http://www.blueox.us/Carriers/sportloader.htm

The center piece does extend out the end of the truck bed by about 6-8".  And we also have a bike rack on the back of the truck.  :)

Email us with your phone number if you want to talk to Dan more about it.
gailbrogdon@gmail.com 

He really likes it.  Doesn't have to wrestle the motorcycle around.  He usually has a group of guys watching him unload as soon as we pull into a new campground.  :)

We'll also be at the Texas rally, if anyone wants to see it.