OEM Curt Receiver Hitch

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

I have a Ram Promaster OEM Curt receiver hitch on my 2018 Carado Banff. I recently added a Hollywood eBike rack for my RadRover and RadExpand. The bike carrier is 58lbs, the Rover is 60lbs and the Expand is 55 lbs, (we do not have the batteries on the bikes) total weight is 173lbs on the receiver. Below are 2 photos, one about a month ago and the 2nd today after a 2,500 mile road trip from MPLS to San Diego. The bike carrier is now sagging lower.

Ironically we were parked along the Hwy 101 in Carlsbad enjoying the beach when a guy with a newer Travato came up to me to say he has the same carrier but has 2 RadRovers and is having the same sagging problem. He actually measured a 2 inch drop from first install to just recently. He did go to the RV dealer and did not see any failure of the receiver or carrier.

Are the OEM receivers insufficient for even 173 lbs of bouncing? The hitch has a 350 lbs tongue weight rating and 3,500 GTW. I understand additional loads are happening when the bikes bounce but so does a trailer. Do we need to upgrade to avoid a complete failure or are the receivers meant to flex?

[Bud]

Originally Posted by PaulB-2006 T4R

I have a Ram Promaster OEM Curt receiver hitch on my 2018 Carado Banff. I recently added a Hollywood eBike rack for my RadRover and RadExpand. The bike carrier is 58lbs, the Rover is 60lbs and the Expand is 55 lbs, (we do not have the batteries on the bikes) total weight is 173lbs on the receiver. Below are 2 photos, one about a month ago and the 2nd today after a 2,500 mile road trip from MPLS to San Diego. The bike carrier is now sagging lower.

Ironically we were parked along the Hwy 101 in Carlsbad enjoying the beach when a guy with a newer Travato came up to me to say he has the same carrier but has 2 RadRovers and is having the same sagging problem. He actually measured a 2 inch drop from first install to just recently. He did go to the RV dealer and did not see any failure of the receiver or carrier.

Are the OEM receivers insufficient for even 173 lbs of bouncing? The hitch has a 350 lbs tongue weight rating and 3,500 GTW. I understand additional loads are happening when the bikes bounce but so does a trailer. Do we need to upgrade to avoid a complete failure or are the receivers meant to flex?

The hitch has a 350 lbs tongue weight rating"

And exactly 'where' physically is that tongue weight rating?

[eric1514]

If you search the Facebook Travato Wannabees page, you will find many examples of reinforcements done to OEM Promaster receivers. Most involve fabricating and welding on some steel to give more support along the "frame" rails that the OEM unit is bolted to.

When I was carrying some weight back there, I ran straps up to the hinges on the rear doors to take weight off the receiver. In this photo you can see two blue straps that run from the motorcycle carrier to the upper door hinges. This worked very well and made the whole affair rock solid.

[DaveBad]

Just wondering if you could shorten it up a bit so the weight is not hanging out so far. Looks like you could move it in closer by about 6".

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

Originally Posted by Bud

The hitch has a 350 lbs tongue weight rating"

And exactly 'where' physically is that tongue weight rating?

Right on the receiver

[mloganusda]

Law of physics. By the tongue sticking out that far, you have created a fulcrum on the metal pin. This is just how you can move the earth with a fulcrum and bar. Your pin is the point of movement. Instead of up to 350#, you now have about 450# or more on the end of the hitch. If you move the hitch inward and drill a new hole for the pin, you should be in better shape.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by mloganusda

Law of physics. By the tongue sticking out that far, you have created a fulcrum on the metal pin. This is just how you can move the earth with a fulcrum and bar. Your pin is the point of movement. Instead of up to 350#, you now have about 450# or more on the end of the hitch. If you move the hitch inward and drill a new hole for the pin, you should be in better shape.

And there is a heck of a difference in a bounce at the 350 pound location vs the 450 pound spot.

There was a discussion awhile back about some of the bike racks. If fully loaded, the manufacturer said Don't use them with an extended, 24 foot Sprinter - fulcrum and bar.

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

Here is a quick follow up, I removed the receiver hitch because I am expected a Draw Tite receiver from Amazon soon. I discovered fracturing on both sides and both sides are bent. 1/4 inch steel is tearing!!

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by PaulB-2006 T4R

Here is a quick follow up, I removed the receiver hitch because I am expected a Draw Tite receiver from Amazon soon. I discovered fracturing on both sides and both sides are bent. 1/4 inch steel is tearing!!

Update on my hitch sag dilemma. My van came with a Curt class III hitch. TW is supposed to be 500lbs. I have never towed. Only use a Stow Away box.

Today, I went to dealership and had them install a Ram class 4 hitch. Also rated TW of 510lbs? The service advisor looked at it and said, Original Curt looked normal to him. He tows his motocycles on a trailer. He said some hitch sag is normal? I said I do not think so? Anyway changed out to class 4 by Ram. Also this hitch weighs almost 20lbs. more than the Curt.

Enclosed are after photos

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by PaulB-2006 T4R

Here is a quick follow up, I removed the receiver hitch because I am expected a Draw Tite receiver from Amazon soon. I discovered fracturing on both sides and both sides are bent. 1/4 inch steel is tearing!!

Lots of Travato owners have the Curt class 3 hitch. Some with some serious sag issues. Owners have install a ring on the top rear door hinges. Used a ratchet strap to support their load and remove extra weight on hitch.

A gentleman name Rodney Walker in Texas. He fabricates support hinges for the Travatos. Your option to bolt or weld the supports. I did not investigate this since PW build may obstruct the supports. I just went with the Ram OEM class 4 hitch. Another man on You tube installed himself so I know it uses same attachment points as the Curt class 3.

Best of Luck

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by PaulB-2006 T4R

Here is a quick follow up, I removed the receiver hitch because I am expected a Draw Tite receiver from Amazon soon. I discovered fracturing on both sides and both sides are bent. 1/4 inch steel is tearing!!

I had a Curt class 3 hitch. TW rated at 500lbs. It bent with my Stow Away box. I would recommend you get a class 4. I believe Draw Tite makes one? The Draw Tite TW would be maybe 700lbs? Better to get way more than rated. Why? The lever arm created from coming out of the hitch requires more robustness. Just my opinion.