Tongue weight, for a properly loaded trailer-vehicle combination, should be 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight (for a conventional hitch). But you're not towing, you're hauling cargo. I wouldn't overthink this. The only reasons I can think of why someone might limit the weight of a "hitch-mounted accessory" like a bike rack are to avoid liability in case of an accident, or to avoid a sagging rear end.

Personally, I tow a verified 1,500 lb trailer, and its tongue weight is more than 10% of its total weight. And I've probably put more than 150 lbs on one of those hitch-mounted cargo platforms.

I'd load it up with your bikes and go have fun. If you find the back end sagging more than you'd like, there are rubber donuts you cram into the rear springs to reduce sag under load.

 

Hii. Can you help me? I want to attach a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair to my new 2024 Honda CRV. Does the combined weight have to be under 150 pound tonque weight? I don't want to damage my new car either. Thanks.

 

Yes, the combined weight of the lift and chair must be under 150 lbs to stay under the 150 lb tongue rating of the car. As far as damaging the car if you exceeded that, I'd say you might wear out the rear springs and struts faster than usual, but more importantly you would affect the handling of the vehicle. You would be reducing the weight on the front end and that will affect steering and handling.

 

Hii. Can you help me? I want to attach a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair to my new 2024 Honda CRV. Does the combined weight have to be under 150 pound tonque weight? I don't want to damage my new car either. Thanks.
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Hi. I have a pride mobility victory 10.2 scooter that is lifted into my 2018 CRV-ex using a Bruno Curbsider and a remote charger that keeps it charged. The upside is that the scooter is always weather protected and ready to go. The downside is that you lose the most of the trunk space and one of the back seats. As we are empty nesters it works . however there are a few other options you might want to consider..

if you live in a climate where the weather is consistently nice, I would recommend the Bruno Chariot. if you live in an area where the weather changes often (like the Midwest) i would go with the Scoota-trailer. Not sure of the costs involved, but these two have a very large following of satisfied users.

As you research most of the wheelchair/scooter lifts, you'll discover that all should comply within tongue requirements. I would also recommend that whatever lift you choose, spend the extra bucks, avoid the potential headaches, and have it professionally installed. The lift warranty should cover future re-installation issues if necessary. Once that's done, send a copy of the sales/installation receipt to your insurance. Since its "permanently" installed, it might be covered under your policy.

Good luck!

 

Hii. Can you help me? I want to attach a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair to my new 2024 Honda CRV. Does the combined weight have to be under 150 pound tonque weight? I don't want to damage my new car either. Thanks.

Hi. I have a pride mobility victory 10.2 scooter that is lifted into my 2018 CRV-ex using a Bruno Curbsider and a remote charger that keeps it charged. The upside is that the scooter is always weather protected and ready to go. The downside is that you lose the most of the trunk space and one of the back seats. As we are empty nesters it works . however there are a few other options you might want to consider..

if you live in a climate where the weather is consistently nice, I would recommend the Bruno Chariot. if you live in an area where the weather changes often (like the Midwest) i would go with the Scoota-trailer. Not sure of the costs involved, but these two have a very large following of satisfied users.

As you research most of the wheelchair/scooter lifts, you'll discover that all should comply within tongue requirements. I would also recommend that whatever lift you choose, spend the extra bucks, avoid the potential headaches, and have it professionally installed. The lift warranty should cover future re-installation issues if necessary. Once that's done, send a copy of the sales/installation receipt to your insurance. Since its "permanently" installed, it might be covered under your policy.

Good luck!
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Thank you so much! This is great info and I will definitely check out the options that you mentioned!