Wanting to build platform for tow hitch

Submitted: Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 18:39

ThreadID: 69420 Views:2923 Replies:6 FollowUps:2

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beccsptyltd

Hey guys,

I had an idea the other day to build a platform that mounts to the tow hitch.. ie the frame would be a square steel tongue that slips into the square tow hitch and supports a small platform for my Pitbike atv.

I then thought that maybe it may be against the law. However i thought are for reasons that it may not be is bike carriers.. obviously my platform would be a little bigger about 800mm deep (so hanging off 800mm from the back of the car)

What are peoples thoughts on legalities?

cheers guys

JB

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Reply By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 19:15

Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 19:15

Quite a few commercial rear mounted m/bike racks ava. so dont thing they are illegal.Just dont block veiw of tail lights off.

AnswerID: 367995

Reply By: Tim - Stratford (VIC) - Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 19:19

Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 19:19

JB,

Have a look at the THULE site for ideas - they have a similar one for 3-4 bikes. I've also seen one that carries a small shopping gopher. Both have lights attached to the carriers at the rear-most point - also have a number plate affixed to the carrier.

I can't see any issues unless it is carriered empty (Victorian law).

Tim

AnswerID: 367997

Reply By: Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW - Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 19:30

Monday, Jun 01, 2009 at 19:30

Hi Beccs, you might find that a carrier is legal, it's just that it MAY have to be engineer approved. Tow bars and hitches (like Hayman Reese, for example) have ADR approval, have to have the tag attached with I.D., weight limits etc on them, so maybe you better check that side of things out. Sounds like a good idea though. Dave

AnswerID: 368001

Reply By: MrBitchi (QLD) - Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 07:59

Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 07:59

You mean like This?

Don't know that it would be legal here though.

AnswerID: 368076

Reply By: Member - Rodney B- Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 08:52

Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 08:52

Love this site but I imagine that the Hayman Reece maximum weight would be well and truly exceeded with an ATV hanging off it. The Yanks must have interesting laws with their ADR's.
How does the twin tow setup rotate when you turn.

AnswerID: 368083

Follow Up By: beccsptyltd - Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 22:04

Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 22:04

the towbar is rated to 2,200kg... The pitbike atv only weighs 95kg... and the platform would weigh no more than 30kg.......

Its not going to have wheels.. Its going to be attached to the vehicle and above the ground.. Just like a spare wheel carrier would be...

??? How does this exceed even a light duty tow bar? am i missing something?

FollowupID: 635740

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 22:51

Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009 at 22:51

Maximum tow rating is different to trailer ball weight rating. Whilst you could tow up to 2,200kg, you may also be limited to 220kg ball weight etc.

You don't place over 2 tonnes down on the towbar....

Andrew

FollowupID: 635749