Planning for 245 - 290 pound fluctuation in rear load

[NY2LA]

For weeks, I have been working to meet storage challenges with my LC200, with my number one priority being to not to have use a trailer for upcoming trips. I have a ton of gear, much of it delicate equipment that needs to be immediately accessible. I also have a bulky and very heavy commercial storm shelter that won't be able to fit inside the vehicle.

I am keeping roof loads light to avoid getting top heavy. But I will need to put a lot of weight on a hitch-mounted cargo carrier to carry all my items without a trailer.

At baseline, I will have a swing arm and folding cargo carrier that add 105 pounds to the hitch receiver. When the cargo tray is loaded, the total weight on the hitch receiver will go up to 350 pounds (or a little higher in rare circumstances). I will not be doing rough off-roading at these load levels. Items will be offloaded for any rougher offroading.

My question is for those with experience dealing with fluctuating rear load levels. My delta is 245 to 290 pounds. Can I work with delta effectively without doing anything special--I have Dobinson MRAs--or should I get airbags? Any advice on how to set my rake? I'm going back to the shop in a couple week to install a front bullbar (which will help balance my front-rear weight), so this is a good time to plan.

 

[04UZJ100]

Do you think an adjustment for what is essentially a big(er) dude every time they get in the backseat is necessary?



Exactly.........

 

[NY2LA]

Do you think an adjustment for what is essentially a big(er) dude every time they get in the backseat is necessary?



Exactly.........

My understanding is that weight behind the rear axle is fundamentally different from weight between the axles.

 

[samster747]

My understanding is that weight behind the rear axle is fundamentally different from weight between the axles.

Yes I agree with you....weight behind axle behaves much differently than weight in front of or between axles.

I would do the airbags. I had airbags in my 4Runner and now in my 200 with it being installed just this week. You can adjust pressure based on weight and set it at minimums when unloaded. Best of both worlds.

 

[TeCKis300]

If you're setup and tuned well for the typical weight you'll have in the car, incidental weight like this shouldn't be a problem. Do try to keep the hitch carrier as close and tight to the rear bumper as is reasonable.

 

[NY2LA]

If you're setup and tuned well for the typical weight you'll have in the car, incidental weight like this shouldn't be a problem. Do try to keep the hitch carrier as close and tight to the rear bumper as is reasonable.

Got some limits there, as the swing arm receiver sits 13 inches out from the native receiver. Add another 15 inches or so to get to the center of the load, I'm looking at being at least 28 inches out.

 

[TomEf]

I figure try it once or twice to see if it sags or drives crappy. If you're not happy with it, throw some airbags in.

Also remember where the exhaust is when you put stuff on the cargo platform. Seen a handful of sensitive and expensive things (carbon bike wheels namely, a couple coolers) get jacked up from exhaust heat.

 

[grinchy]

Also remember where the exhaust is when you put stuff on the cargo platform. Seen a handful of sensitive and expensive things (carbon bike wheels namely, a couple coolers) get jacked up from exhaust heat.

so true. Way back when a friend had a bmw with a center exit exhaust. We tossed a trunk bike Carrier on and drove a few biles up to a ski resort for downhill single track. Absolutely melted a hole in his tire and destroyed the tube. I had a big piece of sidewall in my emergency bike kit For some reason, so we slipped that in, inflated a new tube, and went riding. It lasted most of the way down, maybe 5 sketchy minutes at the bottom.

 

[TeCKis300]

Got some limits there, as the swing arm receiver sits 13 inches out from the native receiver. Add another 15 inches or so to get to the center of the load, I'm looking at being at least 28 inches out.

Gotcha. Give it a shot and see how it goes. If you feel enough impact, the projection will probably be what you'll want to solve. As it's not just the weight on the carrier itself, but the additional weight it will transfer off the front axle to the rear axle.

I get what your saying with the stacking of the swing arm and carrier. I've done the combo and had to resort to cutting down the hitch on each to bring it tight and close. Moreso to address departure angle. The stacked combo is about 12" back after cutting each hitch and re-drilling hitch pin holes.

 

[Sandroad]

Just add a few concrete blocks to the front bull bar and you’ll be fine. But seriously, while it’s in the shop for the front work, consider adding rear airbags for flexibility in adjusting rake. Airbags won’t transfer much weight forward, but would help with sag. 350lbs 28” back from the bumper will tilt the truck back.