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Why is the Armada limited to 910 lbs. hitch weight? We still have plenty of GVWR left, but are limited by the hitch weight of 910 lbs. It seems that we need to count the weight of the hitch assembly within the 910 lbs.
Hitch weight
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New to this towing also...
Hey all, :hi:
I have been searching through the forum and reading the towing threads.
I have a 2004 Silver SE Armada, RWD (not 4x4) WITHOUT the big tow pkg.
I have since installed a class III hitch from Curt MFG (http://www.curtmfg.com/classes.html) rated at 10,000 WD/ 6000 WC (I got a good deal, and need the extra $$$ for my other toys! Therefore, I didn't go w/ the OEM hitch.)
I am then looking to purchase a dual motorcycle carrier (Weight 121 lbs) from VersaHaul (http://www.motorcycle-carriers.net/motorcycle_carriers_versa_haul.html) to carry two dirtbikes with a combined weight (wet) of 335lbs. Total tongue weight would then be 456lbs....
VersaHaul recommends no more than 322 lbs on a standard Nissan SE Armada hitch...based upon the fact that the load is extended 2 feet beyond the hitch and this distance will increase the stress upon the tongue. They also (in the FAQs) state that a load above this 322lbs on their carrier may bottom out the shocks of the SUV (a 2000 Tahoe was the test mule) and shift enough weight rearward to make for dangerous driving. Air Shocks are also recommended.
So my questions are; Does anyone have any experience w/ carrying a motorcycle on their Armada (without the Big Tow pkg) using the hitch? If not, has anyone w/out load-leveling shocks carried or towed anything that placed this amount of force upon their tongue (450-600 lbs) and did the vehicle become unstable and unsafe? Should I be concerned or can the hitch take the stress (600lb WC capability according to the hitch manufacturer.)
Any and all advise/experience is appreciated.
Hey all, :hi:
I have been searching through the forum and reading the towing threads.
I have a 2004 Silver SE Armada, RWD (not 4x4) WITHOUT the big tow pkg.
I have since installed a class III hitch from Curt MFG (http://www.curtmfg.com/classes.html) rated at 10,000 WD/ 6000 WC (I got a good deal, and need the extra $$$ for my other toys! Therefore, I didn't go w/ the OEM hitch.)
I am then looking to purchase a dual motorcycle carrier (Weight 121 lbs) from VersaHaul (http://www.motorcycle-carriers.net/motorcycle_carriers_versa_haul.html) to carry two dirtbikes with a combined weight (wet) of 335lbs. Total tongue weight would then be 456lbs....
VersaHaul recommends no more than 322 lbs on a standard Nissan SE Armada hitch...based upon the fact that the load is extended 2 feet beyond the hitch and this distance will increase the stress upon the tongue. They also (in the FAQs) state that a load above this 322lbs on their carrier may bottom out the shocks of the SUV (a 2000 Tahoe was the test mule) and shift enough weight rearward to make for dangerous driving. Air Shocks are also recommended.
So my questions are; Does anyone have any experience w/ carrying a motorcycle on their Armada (without the Big Tow pkg) using the hitch? If not, has anyone w/out load-leveling shocks carried or towed anything that placed this amount of force upon their tongue (450-600 lbs) and did the vehicle become unstable and unsafe? Should I be concerned or can the hitch take the stress (600lb WC capability according to the hitch manufacturer.)
Any and all advise/experience is appreciated.
Ok, more info...
The two bikes are a Honda CRF 50 and a CR 250.
The smaller one weighs in at 104, the larger at 213 (dry)
I was going to get a Kendon Dual bike trailer, @ $2200.
Then I could trailer dirtbikes or streetbikes...but it takes up a lot of space.
This option fills the need for now, and it saves me a bunch of $$ and space. And it seems so neat and easy!
...but if it doesn't work, then back to the trailer! :damn:
Thanks for the reply
The two bikes are a Honda CRF 50 and a CR 250.
The smaller one weighs in at 104, the larger at 213 (dry)
I was going to get a Kendon Dual bike trailer, @ $2200.
Then I could trailer dirtbikes or streetbikes...but it takes up a lot of space.
This option fills the need for now, and it saves me a bunch of $$ and space. And it seems so neat and easy!
...but if it doesn't work, then back to the trailer! :damn:
Thanks for the reply
Three years ago it was a xr50 and xr80 for my boys and then a TT125. Now it is a CRF150 and a YZ250f and now the crf kid wants a YZ after only a year on the 150. In other words that crf50 is only good for a couple years at best and you will have to carry something bigger and that will only last a couple years at best.....on and on. I have seen fold up trailers that can stand-up against a wall and not take up much room. I myself just decided to cut to the chase and get a big utility trailer, It is good for a lot of stuff. I have hauled 7 MCs (ours+ other kids) and a utility ATV with room to spare for a off-road birthday party, and it was a blast, the kids just loved it, I was a hero for a change. My kids ride with me but after a while they want to be with their buddies and have fun (I am too slow. Something about being able to walk and earning a living I think). Try to look 3 or 4 years down the road.
Maybe look on craigslist, ebay a local paper for a deal on a clean used trailer to save some $. I paid a $1000 for my 6.5 x 14 tandem Big Tex 50LA w/ramp that was less than 6mo old, they are out there you just have to look.
Maybe look on craigslist, ebay a local paper for a deal on a clean used trailer to save some $. I paid a $1000 for my 6.5 x 14 tandem Big Tex 50LA w/ramp that was less than 6mo old, they are out there you just have to look.
Thanks for the replies...Cillyone, you hit it right on first time...
thought a bit about it and decided the hassle w/ tongue weight for a carrier just isn't worth the trouble when my intention was from the start of getting a hitch was to get a MC trailer...
...may as well get on with it...
thanks again all!
thought a bit about it and decided the hassle w/ tongue weight for a carrier just isn't worth the trouble when my intention was from the start of getting a hitch was to get a MC trailer...
...may as well get on with it...
thanks again all!
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