dual hitch for 5 bike carrier AND towing tent trailer

[yaluyg]

Has anyone used a dual hitch? It has a receptacle for the bike carrier (Curt 5 bike carrier) that we usually attach to the back of the 2012 Honda Odyssey AND another receptacle below for the ball hitch so we can tow our 2014 Jayco 1007 at the same time. Is that too much weight on the back of the van? It seems a shame to not be able to use the bike carrier that we already have - it was difficult to find one for 5 bikes. Thoughts?

[Flyrotor]

I would bet your bike rack would interfere with your jack on the front of your trailer.

If you have a 5 bike rack, (Thinking Thule, cause I have one that holds 5) it takes up a lot of real estate behind your vehicle. I think you'll find it causes problems.

I used to have a popup, and I added rails (tracks) to the roof of the trailer, then used a Thule roof top rack system, it worked great. As you can see, I have two kayaks and two bikes up there in the picture, with the configuration I had, I could carry 5 bikes easily on the roof, or 3 kayaks, or a combination of both...

[yaluyg]

Thanks so much for the advice. Our bike carrier is not a Thule (too rich for our blood!) but similar (Curt). Unfortunately, we cannot afford to drop another $400 - $500 on rails and 5 bike holders. We won't be taking a propane tank so I hope that will make some room on the jack at the front of the trailer. It's really the weight I'm concerned about. I'm wondering if the effect of the weight on the back of the van (5 bikes) is different than the effect of the same weight when ontop the trailer(?) Is carrying weight more stress on the trans. than towing weight? I'm guessing that it is. Help!

[clubhouse]

I agree with the others, I don't think there is enough room for bikes between the van and pup and still be able to turn, with or without a LP Bottle.

I know it's not an expense you want, but I would watch Craigslist for a set a of rails and bike carriers to install on the pup or van.

[yaluyg]

Thank you. I didn't consider the clearance needed to turn. You're right, it could be too tight. I'll monitor the online sales to see if we can snag rails and carriers. If not, we'll go without the bikes. Thanks again!

[knuts1]

I got one of those converters and it is too long for me to use on my trailer the chains would need to be made longer and I would not be able to use my equalizer hitch too. If you try this make sure you can return it as well if it does not work out for you. also would need to extend the trailer light wires too.

[yaluyg]

Excellent point. I will check this out (chain length) as well.
Thanks.

[3'senough]

Welcome. I have family members with a similar setup and they are toying with the bike rack options right now ahead of the season. First I would say that 5 bikes on a double receiver would most likely put you over your tongue weight as this would transfer directly to the receiver. Second I agree with the turning radius issues as your tires will most likely hang up on the unit somewhere.

You might consider selling your bike rack on CL or Ebay to recoup some of your investment and go with one of the popup specific units. They make one that goes on the front a-frame then the rear tires rest on the storage compartment with velcro straps to hold the rear tires in place. Plus is that no holes have to be drilled in the roof, negative is that the front tires need to come off the bikes to mount. Both this unit and the roof mounted ones are about a 350-400$ investment.

They have not decided on what to invest in yet, but might go with the roof mount to have more versatility with what they can carry like the photos above.

[Seann45]

What weight is the hitch rated for? (Tongue weight) What is the tongue weight of the trailer loaded ready to roll?