Motorcycle Carrier on a Merc?

[wincrasher]

I don't load a heavy bike on the back of my van - just a scooter. The rack only weighs about 40 lbs, and my scooter is only 125. But the rack is rated I think 400 lbs. There are other aluminum ones out there that will go 500+.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...rch_detailpage

When I run my Stowaway 2 on the back loaded with stuff, it's around 300# total. You can't even feel it back there.

I attribute this to the excellent weight distribution of the Travato. People may knock the design expertise of Winnebago, but on their conversion, they end up with a nearly 50/50 weight distribution. Excellent for handling, and gives you some wiggle room when you put some weight on the back end. Also, the distance from the rear axle is alot shorter than what you'd have on an XL Sprinter, so that has to help too.

[Boxster1971]

Max - I recommend you post your question over on the Sprinter-Source forum. I've seen plenty of folks over there carrying motorcycles on the back of the Sprinter.
http://sprinter-source.com/forum/

Specifically check out this thread were owner has motorcycle on a three-point rear hitch. Lots of good pictures.
http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21810

The triple hitch mount solves the twisting problem others here has mentioned.
Enjoy,
-- Mike

[Maxacceleration]

Thanks for your experience wincrasher. The weight balance is interesting, I have no idea of the balance on a CS Adventurous. We are not looking at the XL.

I found a pic on the web but no info of a bike roughly the size/weight I would like to carry.



Thanks Davydd on the airbag info. The model I am looking at has the underhood gen. So maybe I would have some wiggle room.
...I will be missing an arm and a leg as it is.

Waiting to hear back from Roadtrek...

[Maxacceleration]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Max - I recommend you post your question over on the Sprinter-Source forum. I've seen plenty of folks over there carrying motorcycles on the back of the Sprinter.
http://sprinter-source.com/forum/

Specifically check out this thread were owner has motorcycle on a three-point rear hitch. Lots of good pictures.
http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21810

The triple hitch mount solves the twisting problem others here has mentioned.
Enjoy,
-- Mike

Excellent Mike! What I'm looking at is a three point hitch also.

Thank you.

[Maxacceleration]

Regarding doing a planned m/c lift on the back of a Roadtrek, I contacted both Roadtrek and the MB engineering department.

Got replies back from both.

Roadtrek feels it can be done.

Mercedes engineering thinks it shouldn't be done. MB feels Roadtrek is well balanced. The issue is the strength of the frame, as MB thinks the cantilever loading will either bend or cause stress cracks in the rear frame section, potentially causing other issues also.

Roadtrek wants to sell RV's.
MB wants to cover their tail, as their chassis looks not to be designed for use in this way.

I got the hint. I am not getting into a MB Sprinter which will not meet my needs.
Thank you all.

[BBahk]

I saw this picture at roadtreking.com. I thought you might be interested in.

[BBahk]

There is an article about towing motor cycle at roadtreking.com with the above picture.