Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
.... At any case, Curt says it's not for a static load such as a bike rack or platform without added straps to support the load.
Maybe a "real engineer" has some thoughts?
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I'm no engineer either....
However, just apply some simple geometry and perhaps their recommendation will make sense.
Take 200lbs supported by the hitch in two distinct scenarios...
a) 200lbs of crap in a hitch mounted tray (small generator; gas cans; some random junk your wife picked up at the flea market)
b) 200lbs of tongue weight from a small boat trailer
Each one presents the same static load to the hitch.... HOWEVER in a dynamic situation (bouncing as it goes down the road), the boat trailer's tongue weight has TWO control points -> the frame; and then the trailer axles. The pivot point (hitch ball) is in-between them.
The hitch-tray full of junk only has ONE control point... And the "tongue" weight acts as a lever against the center point (hitch ball) and the control point (frame) based upon an imaginary lever that extends behind the trailer (where the trailer axles ~would~ be).