Need help with hitch dimensions

[Neil E.]

I need to design a hitch carrier for my electric dirt bike and require help with dimensions.
2026 Heritage with stock Ford trailer hitch and stock LT315/70R17 tires (currently on order)

Measurements I'm looking for:
Ground to center of hitch tube.
Ground to center of spare tire.
Distance from face of hitch tube to rearmost surface of spare tire.
This will give me a starting point to see if my ideas might work.

Storing the spare inside the vehicle would reduce my hitch carrier overhang.
Is there enough length behind the rear seat to have the spare tire standing inside the vehicle against the right hand wall (strapped to the roll bar tube)?
Or is there room to strap the standing spare against the rear seat back? Any chance it can lay on the cargo floor and still close the rear door?

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[BlueWaffle]

I think the real question to ask is.. is the bike and it's carrier going to be under the 350lb tounge weight?

 

[Neil E.]

Yes, no problem that way. Bike is 225 lbs with the biggest battery installed, but I can remove that 55lb battery if needed. Hitch carrier will only weigh about 25 lbs, so even if it has a bit more overhang I don't see any problem. I've done a simplified drawing of the bike, I just need to know where the spare sits relative to the hitch tube (and ground).

 

[Q1svt]

Yes, no problem that way. Bike is 225 lbs with the biggest battery installed, but I can remove that 55lb battery if needed. Hitch carrier will only weigh about 25 lbs, so even if it has a bit more overhang I don't see any problem. I've done a simplified drawing of the bike, I just need to know where the spare sits relative to the hitch tube (and ground).

… you need to account for the length of stick out from the receiver…. Ford’s 350# rating is at receiver plus a couple inches.

I would question the reliability of the frame cross member to handle the 2-3 foot stick out bouncing up/down.

 

[lakesinai]

… you need to account for the length of stick out from the receiver…. Ford’s 350# rating is at receiver plus a couple inches.

I would question the reliability of the frame cross member to handle the 2-3 foot stick out bouncing up/down.

I have a non-SAS with 33's, so I can't give you accurate measurements. However, once you install a KUAT Pivot, (or similar), which is necessary so you can get in the back, you won't need to relocate the tire. The rack fits with the spare on.

The Regular Pivot (mine) has a weight capacity of 250#, at your design limit. I believe Kuat makes an XL version with a 350# capacity. I highly recommend the Pivot, very functional, allows access to rear cargo. And the Pivot serves as a perfectly sized extender, while raising the rack up 2 inches.

 

[Neil E.]

I would question the reliability of the frame cross member to handle the 2-3 foot stick out bouncing up/down.

Agreed, the Bronco frame is incredibly flimsy compared to any pickup. I'm looking at this from all angles to make sure anything I do is safe. I'm only about an hour from the forest by smooth highways; stress on the frame should be minimal if I keep it to a short overhang.

Are there any instances of hitch/frame failures to learn from?

 

[Q1svt]

The Regular Pivot (mine) has a weight capacity of 250#, at your design limit. I believe Kuat makes an XL version with a 350# capacity. I highly recommend the Pivot, very functional, allows access to rear cargo. And the Pivot serves as a perfectly sized extender, while raising the rack up 2 inches.

… not sure why you addressed this to me, but

 

[Neil E.]

The Regular Pivot (mine) has a weight capacity of 250#, at your design limit. I believe Kuat makes an XL version with a 350# capacity. I highly recommend the Pivot, very functional, allows access to rear cargo. And the Pivot serves as a perfectly sized extender, while raising the rack up 2 inches.

That's a pretty slick carrier you have. Despite their actual rating I would be leery to put a dirtbike that far back from the hitch. Even with my battery out at 170 lbs my bike must weigh 140lbs more than your cycle. The extra leverage would be scary. Although it would be handy, I don't need access to the cargo area when the bike is loaded.

 

[Q1svt]

stress on the frame should be minimal if I keep it to a short overhang.

… there are a couple threads here @ B6G

I think the length you’ll need will place it out a ways…

If I did it I would look at using the ends of the bronco’s frame rails ( both) and build your loop out and around. I have seen were each side has a receiver to mount/ slide into. Look at big Motorhomes .

 

[Neil E.]

The chart seems to indicate that a 350 lb tongue rating will not be strong enough.
800 or 1000 lb capacity hitches are needed to achieve the stated load.

 

[Neil E.]

I think the length you’ll need with place it out a ways…

If I did it I would look at using the ends of the bronco’s frame rails ( both) and build your loop out and around. I have seen were each side has a receiver to mount/ slide into. Look at big Motorhomes .

Good idea. I've been interested in the swivel wheel glide plates as another way to manage heavier loads

 

[Q1svt]

Good idea. I've been interested in the swivel wheel glide plates as another way to manage heavier loads

… a small motorcycle trailer?

might be handy when you need to bring her e-bike

 

[Neil E.]

No significant other makes life simple. I am trying to avoid trailering, however there are some handy little single rail folding trailers available. I like to design and build stuff so this project will also keep me busy.

 

[Neil E.]

A rough wireframe CAD drawing shows the centerline of the dirtbike at 11.5" out from the face of the trailer hitch. With a weight of 170 lbs (battery out), I think this is workable. To get this dimension, the Bronco spare tire must be removed. All this is based on estimated Bronco dimensions. I might be able to get a bit closer to the hitch.

 

[JL8jeff]

A rough wireframe CAD drawing shows the centerline of the dirtbike at 11.5" out from the face of the trailer hitch. With a weight of 170 lbs (battery out), I think this is workable. To get this dimension, the Bronco spare tire must be removed. All this is based on estimated Bronco dimensions. I might be able to get a bit closer to the hitch.

You might need to check how far the rear camera mount sticks out from the spare tire carrier even with the spare removed. Does the factory hitch stick out past the bumper or tuck under it?

I have a 23 base Sas and the camera is roughly around 10.5" out from the bumper (which is also the face of my Hidden Hitch that tucks under. It may not matter if the spare tire is mounted or not since the camera sticks out just as much if not farther.

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