Hi. I just installed a Curt hitch which states a maximum tounge-weight rating of 200lbs. (about 90kg for those living up north ) I am using a bike rack that weighs around 25lbs and may add a few bikes onto the rack bringing up the rack plus bikes weight to around 100 pounds...well within the "rated" tounge-weight. Does anyone know if the 200lb rating is absolute weight or does it take into consideration the hitch mounted rack is a form of lever and when I go over bumps the bouncing of bikes and rack will certainly experience multiple Gs worth of force? (which quickly brings us over 200lbs if I recall my physics correctly ) Thanks, -Tim
I don't have any manufacturer's statement to fall back on. But for what it's worth, the point of application of the tongue weight if by trailer would be in a similar position to most bike racks. The receiver sticks out several inches further than the hitch itself (would have to, in order to clear the bumper), so the lever effect may not be quite as long as you think. Toyota lists no towing capacity for the Prius though, so the only place you'll get the answer you need is straight from the hitch manufacturer.
This is the answer I received (9/24)when I asked Curt about the straps that are mentioned on the instruction sheet for the hitch. "Soon we will have the straps available for purchase. Basically the strap is no more than a tie down strap with a flat hook that you hook on the bike rack and then into the front of a trunk lid. These are important on all class I receivers because of tongue weight. For every foot that something sticks out the end of your receiver tube you divide the tongue weight by 1. So if your rack sticks out 24†you would only be able to carry 100lbs. 18â€= 133lbs." Since the straps are not available yet, has anyone had problems using a bike rack with the Curt hitch?
