Motorcycle lift

Pjwarner · 02-18-2021, 05:29 PM

We have a 2016 Cruiser 305RS and are planning on attaching a motorcycle lift on the rear. I have seen several models online and we chose this model fifth wheel because it seemed to meet all the requirements to add one (tongue weight, distance from rear axle to rear of camper).

Wondering if anyone has ever had one on their fifth wheel camper and what brand you may have had and what kind of luck you have had.

We had a tow behind camper before and loaded the motorcycle in the bed of the truck but it was tricky at best and hard to get into and out of the bed of an F250. We didn’t really like toy haulers either because of all the lost living space.

**dagst1** · 02-18-2021, 06:15 PM

How much does the motorcycle weigh? Any thing you use make sure it is welded to the frame. What kind /brand of lift are you thinking about?

Pjwarner · 02-19-2021, 03:23 AM

M/c weighs about780 pounds. Looking at the 1000M from Safer Wholesale. We will have 2 more 2” receivers added to the frame of the trailer in addition to the existing one.

Aceallenk · 02-19-2021, 05:26 AM

Not sure of USA laws, but can you tow another trailer behind your 5th wheel. In Canada I think you can tow a trailer behind a 5th wheel in every province. I know in Saskatchewan I can even tow our boat behind our bumper hitch travel trailer providing the trailer is a tandem, and the length is less than 75 feet from the front bumper of the tow vehicle, to the back tip of the prop of the boat. But can't tow our boat this way into Manitoba. There is also a total combined weight but don't have that handy at the moment, but just have to add 2000 lb of extra insured weight to be totally legal.

660catman · 02-19-2021, 05:38 AM

In Manitoba the lead trailer must be a fifth wheel. Combined weight of both trailers cannot exceed double the GVW of the tow vehicle. 75’ is the maximum length. Of course you still cannot exceed GCVWR.

**Lloyd** · 02-19-2021, 06:43 AM

It sounds like he is figuring on hauling the cycle, not, using a trailer.

**dagst1** · 02-19-2021, 08:02 AM

After reading up on the lift it says that you will need a 2 1/2" receiver rated at 1000# or higher.

And i would think a rear view camera is a must.

If you do this just make a CERTIFIED welder does the hitch work under the camper.

I have seen these on the back of class A motor homes but not on a trailer.

ugauga · 02-19-2021, 08:15 AM

780 pounds plus another 120 for the lift (I'm being very optimistic) is a lot of mass to be added to the back of the trailer - it may become very prone to sway despite being a 5th wheel.

660catman · 02-19-2021, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ugauga

780 pounds plus another 120 for the lift (I'm being very optimistic) is a lot of mass to be added to the back of the trailer - it may become very prone to sway despite being a 5th wheel.

And I’m sure that’s why the extra trailer as an option came up.

**dagst1** · 02-19-2021, 09:23 AM

Because of the kingpin location - over or in front of the truck axle - 5th wheels do not experience the same sway as bumper pull trailers.

After looking at the floor plan of that camper and the location of the axles 1000# on the rear would probably reduce the kingpin weight by 300 to 400#. Another thing is all the storage is in the front and 5th wheels have a very large storage area plus the battery plus the propane bottles and the spare. Add this to everything loaded inside the camper the kingpin weight should be within the 18 to 20% range

In my opinion the extra weight would not affect the handling of the camper.
That said my opinion and 2 cents will give you 2 cents.

My concern would be the trailer frame flexing/bouncing causing damage to the "box" of the camper. Not sure what size I beam frame that trailer has.

Another thing to consider is the extra overhang when going thru dips or pulling into gas stations that may now drag.

**dagst1** · 02-19-2021, 09:29 AM

Have you considered maybe this:Swivelwheel Carrier / Hauler Transportation Systems or something like it?

**Lloyd** · 02-19-2021, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagst1

My concern would be the trailer frame flexing/bouncing causing damage to the "box" of the camper. Not sure what size I beam frame that trailer has.

Another thing to consider is the extra overhang when going thru dips or pulling into gas stations that may now drag.

I totally agree with dagst1 with the above statement.

TDG · 02-25-2021, 02:08 PM

Yes a swivel wheel trailer fixed to rear of trailer
2. Receivers. Then swivel wheels
Works great for Harleys.

Hballer21 · 02-25-2021, 04:30 PM

I agree with the Swivel lift. They have a higher weight limit. I spoke with a gentleman who had a 3 wheel Harley plus storage on it behind a 30 foot fifth wheel. He said he had no problems towing.

I’ve been stuffing my motorcycle in the bed of my F-250 and am tired of the “7 minutes of terror” getting it up and down the ramp.

Papa-T · 02-26-2021, 10:16 AM

I looked at the swivel wheel years ago and talked to the Highway Patrol about it. Some states don’t allow double towing. Although I don’t think the swivel wheel constitutes double towing since it is fixed and cannot jack knife. Some Highway Patrol Officers or Dot will stop you and maybe ticket you for it. The following map shows the states in red that don’t allow double towing.

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