Quote:
Originally Posted by hayden55
How do they rate those hitch carriers? I would think carrying something with a center of mass like 4' off the bumper would put some good torque and stress on that hitch.
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The hitch on my car is a class 1, rated for 200/2000. This rack was originally rated for 200lbs, same as my hitch, but the rack normally fit a 2" receiver, which normally holds 350lbs or more tongue weight. I cut it up and rewelded the rack to fit 1 1/4", and also to sit closer to the back of the car to reduce leverage.
I know tongue weight is normally calculated at the ball. I would imagine that every time you double the distance to the center of mass, you cut your max weight in half. To my knowledge the distance of the ball from the receiver isn't standardized so I have no idea how to double an unknown. (I also realize center of mass is not the best way to figure torque forces)
I've stood on the back edge of it and jumped up and down, and it held fine, but I'm only ~120lbs/56kg. I personally wouldn't care to put more than maybe 60-80lbs (25-35kg) onto this contraption for any regular use, but I base that solely on intuition.
The below chart comes from Curt, so I imagine it's reliable. It kinda looks like the standard distance from the fulcrum is around 24".