I looking at a hitch mounted carrier, but need to know the max tongue weight to see if it would support a dirt bike. I have a 98 F150 4X4 Lariat (auto) with the factory tow package. I can't find in the manual where it specifies tongue weight but outlines all the other maximum tow capabilities.

Thanks

Gary

 

The Tongue weight can be figured out from the GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating(rear).

Most people take a rough shot by figuring out what is left of the GAWR based upon the weight of the truck with load but no tongue weight yet.

Say your truck as weighed on a scale is 5000#. While you are on the scale you might as well weigh the front axle and the rear separately since these are the actual weights as driven.

Take the rear "as weighed" axle weight, let's say 2500# and subtract that from the GAWR rating, let's say 3,000# for conversation sake.That tells you how much is left over. This gives you a rough estimate of 500# left for tongue weight. Be sure to leave a little wiggle room since things like toys, gas, food, passengers etc change the weight drastically. If your carrier fully loaded weighs 500# you are in, barely. But if it weighs a lot more too bad.

If you can't get to a scale, just take the GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating as roughly what your truck weighs with full load. Guestimate about 50% as being on the rear axle and then subtract that from the GAWR for a ballpark estimate. This is a very rough estimate since an empty bed usually shifts weight distribution percentages forward, while a full bed puts it on the rear.

Weighing on a public scale is the surest and safest method.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

I think you are asking what the maximum tongue weight your hitch will support is. If that is so... it is stamped on your hitch. If it is a standard 2" receiver, it should be 500 pounds tongue/5000 pounds gross trailer weight. The rating for WD (Weight Distributing) is probably 1000 pounds tongue/10000 pounds Gross.
The GVWR is the maximum amount the manufacturer recommends your truck weights when fully loaded including fuel, passengers, & load.
The GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) for your axles will add up to more then the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) but you shouldn't exceed it either according to the manufacturer.
How much does your bike weigh?

 

could you take 10% of your max trailer weight?

 

Generally you try to get 10% of the trailers gross weight on the tongue for better handleing. It has nothing to do with how much any hitch will hold.

 

I meant max towable weight by his vehicle.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. The bike weighs about 300 lbs wet. The documentation for the carrier states that the you calculate the max amount based on the max hitch tongue weight and the max vechicle tongue weight so I was hoping there was formula for it or some specs on the truck somewhere.

 

At 300#, I'm guessing XR650

 

At 300 pounds, Yes your hitch will supprot it.

 

If it is a class IV or V hitch it should be no problem