I have 2004 F150 FX4 Super Crew with a factory towing option.

Does anyone know what is the maximum tongue weight limit is?

I am looking to haul 2 240lb dirt bikes with this contraption.

~600lb total weight

 

Im pretty sure for a class IV hitch it is 1000 pounds......either way with that contraption and the dirtbikes im sure you safe....at least in terms of tongue weight....

 

Look on the plastic bumper cover just above your hitch and in front of the lic. plate. It states max tongue weight of 500 lbs. If you use a weight distribution setup you increase the tongue weight capacity to 900 lbs.

 

Thanks, but I thought the 500 lb is for the bumper mounted hitch and not for the towing option.

That is what I thought, but I am unable to confirm this. My dealer is pathetically useless. Does anyone know for sure? Thanks again.

 

Roadczar, bigblue is correct. Look at the sticker on the hitch itself. The max deadweight tongue weight is 500 lbs, 900 with a weight distributing setup. Having said that, I do know that they build in a little idiot factor because people tend to overload things. I really dont think you'll have a problem with just a 100 lbs over the rating.

 

If that is the case then 500lb is too low. The problem with this type of mounting is that the leverage on the hitch is more than doubled due to a longer overhang.

It should decrease the capacity by ½ to 250 lb max. Bummer.

Thanks for your replies.

 

I really think you'll be alright road. I tow an 18x8 enclosed trailer for kart racing. Loaded weight is approx 4500lbs and measured tongue weight was 610 lb. It brought my truck down to just level in back and tows with no problems. You are correct about the leverage thing but its really no more leverage than a standard 4 ft long trailer tongue. Look under your truck, the factory hitch on these things is huge!

 

I may have missed it, but is there a reason you cant put them in the truckbed? Mabey invest the money in a Ramp instead of the carrier.. ?

 

I was just looking for easier loading. FX4 is kinda high compared to my last pickup (Nissan Frontier).

 

Buy a small 5 X 8 trailer, all metal, for hauling your bikes. Easier than that carrier and you can get small trailers like that pretty reasonable. Probably the same price or just a little more, or you could look for a good used one. That will give you more room than you actually need, but you never know when you might need a little more room. With the bike carrier thats all you get. I used a 5 X 8 trailer for a long time and liked it a lot, then the wreck happened and totaled my truck and trailer. No scratch on the bike though. Now I have a 6 X 12 enclosed trailer, may be a little more than you want to pay though. BTW you can use a trailer for other things also, not so with the carrier. Just my .02.

 

A trailer would be optimal, but I am out of storage options. Too many toys.

www.roadczar.com

 

I feel for you and can kind of understand, but I dont think you will like that carrier. it is a lot of hassle between the installing and removing and the loadings and unloadings. Good luck whatever you decide.

PS- I just thought about this. They do make a trailer that folds in half and stands straight up when not in use. Takes up less space, just a thought.