Double trailer hitch

[Superu]

Anyone use one of these?

Taking the kids camping this summer in the Superu, taking the trailer along

and want to bring 5 bikes with us.

2 adult mtn bikes,

2 kid's bmx style bikes

and one 3 year old's Tonka bike!

I have a Thule Parkway that will handle the four biggest bikes and the Tonka will probably find a home on the Surco roof rack.

I'm thinking this hitch setup may be better than adding a hitch to the trailer since the weight of the bikes will be better handled by the vehicle's suspension rather than the trailer's.

Any thoughts or suggestions on this one?

TIA

 

[ntsqd]

Where you plan to go, can the trailer's tongue articulate into the bike rack? Will the trailer clear the rear-most bike in a flat, tight turn? How about that same turn through a deep gulley or similar?

 

[Superu]

The trailer will only be on until we reach the campground which is easily accessible with no significant obstacles.

Once we get there, the trailer will stay put for the remainder of the trip.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I bought one with the intended use being to mount one of the MX bike rails up top, while also towing a small trailer. It just doesn't work out. The MX rails ended up too close to the trailer tongue and everything on it (jack, etc). Articulation was reduced, it could jack-knife, etc... just wasn't going to work so I returned it.

Also, the whole combination was just that much more sloppy, for both the trailer and rack.

If you have the bike rack style that hangs the bikes, you might be able to make it work, but I'm not sure. Having the trailer hit the bikes on turns is a real possibility.

 

[Superu]

This is what my Thule looks like.

With the adult bikes loaded first (closest to the car) and the two BMX kids bikes next in descending order of size, I'm thinking I should have clearance from the tralier.

The trailer box is pretty low since it's essentially just a cargo box on a 40 x 48 base.

 

[absolute]

What about installing a reciever on your trailer??

 

[njtaco]

I would personally prefer one that attaches like the attached pic...it slips over the existing drawbar, so it rattles and moves less, does not de-rate the hitch, and keeps the whole thing compact.

Here is a link...

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I think that would be a better way to go as well.

 

[Superu]

I like the Surco rack,

but am really trying to avoid buying a new rack since I have one that works perfectly well when not hauling the trailer (which is 90% of the time).

What about installing a reciever on your trailer??

I'm thinking this hitch setup may be better than adding a hitch to the trailer since the weight of the bikes will be better handled by the vehicle's suspension rather than the trailer's.

 

[njtaco]

but am really trying to avoid buying a new rack since I have one that works perfectly well when not hauling the trailer (which is 90% of the time).

I see your point, but for $60 plus shipping, 20 extra lbs hanging off the back, and moving the trailer and bikes back over a foot from the tow vehicle's axle, I'm still sold on the Surco style.

However, the Thule rack you have tips away from the hatchback, and allows access without removing the bikes, right? That may tip the scales the other way...

 

[Superu]

However, the Thule rack you have tips away from the hatchback, and allows access without removing the bikes, right? That may tip the scales the other way...

Yes, my Thule does fold down allowing access without removing it.

 

[TigerPaw]

Read some of the reviews on Cabela's website. I was looking at this hitch for my upcoming trip, but after reading some of the reviews, I may fab up something a little different. Alot of people complain about their safety chains and wiring not reaching due to the added length and they also complained about the top receiver having too much slop in it.

 

[Superu]

I read a lot of the reviews on northerntool regarding this hitch. Overall, they were positive. Some did mention the chains and the fit for the top hitch being issues.

I have plenty of length for my wiring, and my Thule rack uses a bolt rather than a hitch pin to secure it to the hitch so it's pretty solid. I ordered the hitch last night from northern so I'll post up the fitment results once it arrives.

If necessary, I can get longer safety chains and worst case I can return it!