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Coach handling with carrier-mounted motor scooter
I have a 2005 Adventurer and just purchased a 231 lb scooter which I intend to rack-mount on the rear. I've been looking at the Black Widow on Discountramps.com based on a recommendation from an acquaintance who said he had done a lot of research on the subject. The carrier is rated for 600 lbs. Overkill but this model has it has a 72" ramp which flattens the mounting incline. I'm single-handed so being able to load myself is important.
Yesterday, I "chatted" with Discountramps about the difference in two ramps. Here is the reply I received:
From Discount Ramps: "The primary difference between the two carriers is that the SMC version has an aluminum track, which helps keep it from rusting while being exposed to the elements. In both cases, I wouldn't recommend using these on a motor home. The issue you run into is that the carrier would sit farther back from the rear axle than is intended. When you hit a bump, it generates forces that these carriers are not designed for and you can lose the carrier or the bike."
Has anyone found this to be a problem? I've often marveled at how much coach is hanging over the back axle and wondered how adding 200+ lbs would affect the coach. I'm an older (76) person and pretty cautious, not prone to testing limits so I'm wondering if this will be a problem under nominal conditions (I learned from living and cruising on my boat for years that, if conditions are not "nominal", I don't go. I expect to maintain the same philosophy on the road. However, day-to-day driving/handling characteristics are a concern.
I would love to hear opinions, experiences, tips, etc. from those who have such experiences.
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