Cecilt
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We have a 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie B. 4x4 with 5.4L and factory HD tow package. Class IV receiver etc.
Our PUP fully loaded can weigh 3500 lbs. To get to the 10-15% tongue weight I guess fully loaded we would be 350 - 525lbs tongue weight. Would this be accurate?
We want to haul our bikes with us and are considering the dual hitch that Harbor Freight sells. However, it says max. towing is 4k lbs and max tongue weight is 400 lbs. Well even if we are at 350 lbs tongue weight our 2 adult bikes and 2 very small chidlrens bikes plus the bike rack will be over 50 lbs which would put us over the limit of this setup. I am attaching a link to the setup. THe 4 bike rack would mount into the upper receiver. Am I totally off base here on how this tongue weight stuff works? Any help is greatly appreciated. Just trying to figure out how to get the bikes to camp. Putting them on top the TV is out. Would consider the PUP but like this option the best.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=99591
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Gman22
Burlington, Ontario
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You want to aim for a tongue weight that is 12-15% of the trailer's ACTUAL weight, NOT the GVWR of 3500 lbs. That said, even at 3000 lbs., your tongue weight will likely put you close to the HF hitch limitations without the added weight of the bikes and rack. Not to mention, are you sure you'd have no turning radius issues between the bikes and the rear glass of the Expy?
Personally, I wouldn't trust some HF $30 piece of junk to be the link between my TV and PUP.
When we had our PUP, our bikes were on the roof of the PUP and found that to be the best solution.
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edited 03/10/10 08:58pm by an administrator/moderator *
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Cecilt
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Gman22 wrote:You want to aim for a tongue weight that is 12-15% of the trailer's ACTUAL weight, NOT the GVWR of 3500 lbs. That said, even at 3000 lbs., your tongue weight will likely put you close to the HF hitch limitations without the added weight of the bikes and rack. Not to mention, are you sure you'd have no turning radius issues between the bikes and the rear glass of the Expy?
Personally, I wouldn't trust some HF $30 piece of junk to be the link between my TV and PUP.
When we had our PUP, our bikes were on the roof of the PUP and found that to be the best solution.
Thanks GMan22. What about something like this. This attaches directly to your hitch and might be a better solution even though it will hold 3 vs. 4 bikes we could stick one in the cargo area no problem since the kids bikes are small. THis setup appears to just reduce the tongue weight of the ClassIV so I think a Class IV is 600 lbs this gives me plenty of leeway with with the PUP's tongue weight added.
http://www.etrailer.com/p-V91150/3-Bike-........ounted-Towing-Bike-Rack-for-2-Hitch.html
* This post was
edited 03/10/10 08:58pm by an administrator/moderator *
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Gman22
Burlington, Ontario
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The Expy should allow for 600 lbs. of tongue weight in a "weight carrying" setup such as you're proposing. And since that HF thingy is out of the equation, you're no longer dealing with a 400 lb. limit. Seems like a better solution.
I still think the roof of the PUP is the best solution but also the most $$$$$$ likely.
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Cecilt
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Gman22 wrote:The Expy should allow for 600 lbs. of tongue weight in a "weight carrying" setup such as you're proposing. And since that HF thingy is out of the equation, you're no longer dealing with a 400 lb. limit. Seems like a better solution.
I still think the roof of the PUP is the best solution but also the most $$$$$$ likely.
Did you buy your PUP roof top carrier on-line or make one. I have seen this one and like it since you don't have to drill into the roof. Downside is $399 for the split AC system for 2 bikes on each side of AC unit.
http://www.sixnall.com/
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Gman22
Burlington, Ontario
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Our PUP was a Fletwood with the rail track system built into the roof. Then just using standard Yakima towers and extra wide cross bars built the basic rack system. Then we used 4 Yakima Raptor bike racks. Worked very well but be prepared to spend some bucks. Makers like Yakima and Thule dont do anything cheap, but your get what you pay for with several years of service vs. the cheaper stuff we've tried and were lucky to get a season out of them.
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Cecilt
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Gman22 wrote:Our PUP was a Fletwood with the rail track system built into the roof. Then just using standard Yakima towers and extra wide cross bars built the basic rack system. Then we used 4 Yakima Raptor bike racks. Worked very well but be prepared to spend some bucks. Makers like Yakima and Thule dont do anything cheap, but your get what you pay for with several years of service vs. the cheaper stuff we've tried and were lucky to get a season out of them.
Very nice. Yea, I hate to spend a bunch when in a year we could go to the dark side. 
Of the two options above(now excluding the HF dual hitch) would be better. One is $150 shipped the other $400+ shipping. I think $150 sound quite tempting.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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I would NEVER recommend anyone tow overloaded but as overloaded goes you wouldn't be over by much and there's no magic point at which something breaks. That being said, on top of the trailer roof is the BEST way to carry multiple bikes with a pup (provided you have the room under the trailers GVWR). My LAST choice might be mounting something on the rear of the pup and lightening the tongue. If you don't like the roof then consider the front bumper of the tow vehicle.
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jaycocamprs
Ringgold Georgia
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We used the Swagman towing model when we had a popup. And still use it, just now on the pinbox of the 5'th wheel
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eric james
Sioux Falls, SD
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jaycocamprs wrote:We used the Swagman towing model when we had a popup. And still use it, just now on the pinbox of the 5'th wheel
I used this rack when we had a pup too. Only downside is you're still laying alot of weight on the Expy's hitch and you'll more than likely tow the PUP tongue high.
It's convenient to have the bike rack available to use on the truck.
I'd still recommend investing in the PUP rack that you could transfer to the roof of the Expy if needed.
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