2002 Disco. I want to carry motorcycle on a hitch rack. Combined weight of everything is about 550 pounds so slightly over limit of 500 pounds tongue weight. On the same Disco I have put two dirt bikes on a double rack in the past at total just under 500 pounds and drove fine. Disco is stock wheels and suspension.

​​​​​Any suggestions on how to beef up or strengthen the hitch since I'm over tongue weight?

 

If the published rating is 500 and you want to go 550 then I wouldn't worry about it. Engineers always under under rate just to be on the safe side.

It's close enough for the boys that I run with.

 

Agreed. Don't go modifying your hitch. That's asking for trouble.

 

Depends on where you are. If you're in the rust belt, I would be cautious. These chassis are already pretty weak, but if you don't have a lot of rust you should be fine.

 

X1 ................. but, weight = 550lbs PLUS inertial weight over any bumps then double that weight to 1100 lbs. Buy a bike trailer as it's cheaper in the long run. It's the ball hitch that is fragile as a casting not the towing brackets.

 

The 550 lb rating takes inertia into account, though. A trailer with 550lbs tongue weight is still going to experience inertial forces.

Probably a little less just because of how the weight is supported, but if the frame is in good shape I'd say still within tolerances. These things are typically rated at about 60% capacity anyway, according to an enginerd friend of mine.

 

What the hell bike are you putting on there??? If it’s that big, ride the damn thing. Otherwise, the hitch will be just fine.



That’s on springs and my latest Disco has bags and doesn’t notice.

 

Hi folks. Thanks for the feedback and info. The motorcycle is a buell s3. I have a trailer but can't use it as I will be towing the Disco with my motorhome.

 

Road train, motorhome + D2 + trailer avec Buell but I don't fancy your chances of reversing that little lot

The Buell S3 is a chunky ole machine though.