|
|
Post by keith on Feb 14, 2008 15:14:50 GMT -5
What is the maximum tongue weight a Montero Sport with the 3.5 could handle? I'm interested in a platform that would hold a 400 pound motorcycle.
|
|
|
|
Post by njbill on Feb 16, 2008 14:20:02 GMT -5
I am 99% confident it is 500 lbs. I remember that being a deciding factor when buying the MS. I have an enclosed trailer for my motorcycles and also a hitch carrier. I have never had a problem.
|
|
|
|
Post by CerOf on Feb 25, 2008 21:10:08 GMT -5
max tow weight is 5K. It will hold at least 10% of that. 500lbs. I've had more, but do at your own risk.
|
|
|
|
Post by keith on Apr 16, 2008 22:18:26 GMT -5
So it sounds like a 380 pound bike plus the platform for it would be no problem. My hitch is a class III. Does the hitch have an effect on the max tongue weight?
|
|
|
|
Post by RSelby on Apr 17, 2008 1:35:00 GMT -5
I would be careful here. Tounge weight for a _trailer_ is indeed 500 lbs. But, hitch platforms carrying that much weight will significantly upset the F/R weight balance on your Sport, which could lead to unpredictable handling traits. Over rough roads, the up/down motion of this platform could over-stress the hitch, or at least make the vehcile front-end get "light" such that steering and front wheel traction would be affected. I would also worry about stability of this sort of load.
A small motorcycle trailer sounds like a much better option, IMO.
-Rick
|
|
|
|
Post by CerOf on Apr 17, 2008 19:21:53 GMT -5
While Rselby has some good information about the driving characteristics and handling that will change. I would rather have all the weight on the hitch than have that much weight on the hitch and a trailer.
The manufacturers build in tolerances to allow for "error" so taht you are safe. The motorcycle on the back on a single rail hitch platform will be fine. The rear end will sag, but keep in mind that our vehicles weigh 4,600lbs with an average man, woman, and 2 small children. (for a 4WD, my MS XLS 4WD with 33" tires and roof rack weights 4900lbs, just was on a scale this past weekend)
Having towed 4,500lbs with a hitch weight of approximately 450lbs to 500lbs, I had no problems steering. Drove from Dallas, TX to Ouray, CO (southwest Colorado).
It won't over stress the hitch. The hitch is a minimum grade 5+ piece of hardware. The math of it comes out to requiring over 45,000lbs psi to just bend the hitch. MUCH more to shear it off.
I say go for it. I've had a super hawk on a single rail platform on an old Grand Cherokee of mine and it did fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by cwic on Apr 20, 2008 21:19:25 GMT -5
my 4wd is 4660 with just me so average curb weight is about 4450 with the 3.5. u may want to consider upgrading ur rear springs if this is something u r going to make a habit of as the coils on this truck are known to sag/ bottom out.
Clay
|
|
|
|
Post by CerOf on Apr 21, 2008 16:39:56 GMT -5
That's a good point Clay.
I do have the OME 2" HD lift.
Which there are two schools of thought. The lift makes things worse, or helps it.
Old Man Emu engineers their HD Lift kits for the extra job of towing and hauling increased loads in the rear or hauling the maximum load often.
That being said, the manufacturer still states it's okay to tow 5K, which means at least a 500lbs tongue weight is okay.
|
|
|
|
Post by vector911 on May 3, 2008 1:00:21 GMT -5
I have just added some airbags on the rear of a 02 3.5l for the exact same load conditions. Loaded up with gear and a hitch hauler there was only 2" of suspension travel left in the back while the front flopped around a bit. The bags made a night and day difference in handling and and ride. There is a full post in the suspension side of this forum.
|
|
|
|
Post by cali3k on Oct 6, 2018 12:33:46 GMT -5
While Rselby has some good information about the driving characteristics and handling that will change. I would rather have all the weight on the hitch than have that much weight on the hitch and a trailer. The manufacturers build in tolerances to allow for "error" so taht you are safe. The motorcycle on the back on a single rail hitch platform will be fine. The rear end will sag, but keep in mind that our vehicles weigh 4,600lbs with an average man, woman, and 2 small children. (for a 4WD, my MS XLS 4WD with 33" tires and roof rack weights 4900lbs, just was on a scale this past weekend) Having towed 4,500lbs with a hitch weight of approximately 450lbs to 500lbs, I had no problems steering. Drove from Dallas, TX to Ouray, CO (southwest Colorado). It won't over stress the hitch. The hitch is a minimum grade 5+ piece of hardware. The math of it comes out to requiring over 45,000lbs psi to just bend the hitch. MUCH more to shear it off. I say go for it. I've had a super hawk on a single rail platform on an old Grand Cherokee of mine and it did fine. Thank you for this info. I was told the hitch actually tongue weight is 1.5x the advertised tongue weight for this reason. |
|
|
|
Post by jpele21 on Oct 20, 2018 16:22:10 GMT -5
|
|
