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Topic: Scooter Rack - LD Tow Receiver Reinforcement (Read 13 times) previous topic - next topic
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Scooter Rack - LD Tow Receiver Reinforcement
Yahoo Message Number: 56525
The mothership is no doubt busy enough with current work, right? In a recent posting, I suggested asking if reinforcement of the optional 4.000 lb capacity tow receiver on later model LD was advised before using a scooter rack.  I retract that suggestion.
The mothership has already been asked by Terry Burnes and Terry's & Steve's comments as stated in message 36451 are repeated below.

Don McG

"… … … I've spoken with Steve Newton about adding a rack to the back of a LD, in my case a 26.5'RB. His concern is the lateral stress on their hitch receiver if using the common single receiver motorcycle racks.
He most likely means the forces that that would exist in a turn, that would twist the receiver longitudinally about its vertical axis (like yaw on an airplane). The solution is to add two more female hitch receivers, one welded on at each end of the LD under-bumper receiver bracket, with corresponding male brackets added to the rack. Then, instead of being supported by one bracket in a single hitch receiver, the rack is supported by three brackets in three hitch receivers.
This would provide greatly improved stability in all directions and less stress on the component parts.
 Steve did not think the weight of the Aprillia Scarabeo 150 would be a problem for the LD, strength-wise, but he does believe that any weight added aft of the rear axle has an adverse effect on motorhome handling. I think that's relative and one would have to consider the benefits of having a scooter vs. the handling tradeoffs (just drive a

bit slower). One other issue might be obtaining or designing a rack with sufficient elevation to avoid tail dragging problems, but I think one could find a stock rack and modify it successfully for this application at minimal expense. … ... …"