Motorcycle lift anyone?

CK2018

Advanced Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2014
Messages
40
Location
Southern Arizona
Has anyone put a motorcycle lift on their reflection 337RLS? I will be talking to a shop on Monday, and looking at the GVWR, it seems feasible. We have a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic (about 800#) and would like to bring it along. Yes we have looked at toyhaulers, including the Momentum, but can't do the $$ right now. We are just weighing (funny pun!) our options right now.
 
It's a good way to void the Lippert frame warranty.
 
I'd make sure you had a structural analysis done to see if there is enough structure to safely support the load. My initial evaluation is that you wouldn't be able to do it safely. Using some static and dynamic load calculation, you could get a very serious moment arm deflection when you put 800 pounds 3-4 feet from the frame. At 800 pounds, you could see a around 2400 pounds of force if you hit a good pothole or speed bump. That would create a lot of twisting force at the anchor point on the frame. There are a lot a variables an engineer would have to examine to give you a thorough analysis. There has been a lot of concern about mounting 100# of bicycles on these rigs. An 800# motorcycle may be well over any capability the frame has to support it.
 
The structure that you would need to support an 800 lb bike would probably weigh another 800 lbs (just a guess). This would bring your pin weight way below the normal 20% +/- of total trailer weight. This doesn't sound like a viable plan to me.

Rob
 
It is done quite a lot. You will see them at larger campgrounds all the time. It must be attached in 2 points to be legal in all 50 states.
I am sure it will void any warranty on frame of RV. I would recommend Mitchell E tires for your rig if you add this.
Picture is of nicest one I have found. I see a lot of cheaper ones and, talked to owners and they seem happy
Good Luck
Scott

Idaho Tote Dolly.jpg

Idaho Tote Dolly.jpg 2.jpg
 
Hi scott42blue,

That is a "different animal" than what I think the original question was about.
I have seen these as well and the weight is carried by the "dolly" wheels . . . not just the 5th wheel.
Attaching the front end of this to the RV frame probably still takes significant frame modification.
I could see one of these arrangements working, behind a Reflection . . . if you have enough TV.
One would sure have to watch the "tail end swing" when turning one of these rigs :).
Good input !

Rob
 
I too am wondering if its possible to have a hitch made for a motorcycle carrier. I found a carrier that might be good cause i can use it with my truck hitch as well. Im not sure I can post the link or name without getting someone angry but if you search joe hauler you might find it...
 
I haven't done it, but I'd like to comment because I've seriously considered your exact situation. I understand the desire for sure. 800lbs on the 5W by hitch? No way. The bounce forces would be too much. Double-towing another 2000lbs (trailer and MC), is the way I'd go if I absolutely had to. Still with me, no way on double-towing. Too much worry/stress for me. Spouse can drive the truck or MC if it had to come is the better option for me. There is a set-up that basically "hard-mounts" to the 5W via the frame. Has one wheel on the back and the front connects to the frame in two locations. It acts like an extension to the 5W vs a second pivot trailer. I remember reading up on it and thinking, hummm, maybe.

On edit, here's a quick search link for one type: http://www.cruiserlift.com/Swivelwheel.htm

YouTube Video of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjztwGow6ww
 
It is done quite a lot. You will see them at larger campgrounds all the time. It must be attached in 2 points to be legal in all 50 states.
I am sure it will void any warranty on frame of RV. I would recommend Mitchell E tires for your rig if you add this.
Picture is of nicest one I have found. I see a lot of cheaper ones and, talked to owners and they seem happy
Good Luck
Scott

View attachment 1803

View attachment 1804

On second look, maybe this is the same thing???
 

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