overbuilt bike lift

[garyde]

Hi Repoer. There is several threads regarding these Motorcycle carriers installed on Prevosts. Generally , The Engine is attached to the transmission/Drive. So the Weight that is added is added to your Engine. Although Tonge weight on a trailer hitch is 10,000lbs, that is not verticle lbs. Its towing weight.
So what can happen is weight stress on the engine cradle which is not rated for the added weight. This in turn can also cause the back of the Coach Shell to seperate at the seams at the top and sides.

[AmeriStar]

We have had a Hydralift on our 99 XL for about 2 years and 12,000 miles. The coach now has 120,000 miles. It has handled the weight of the motorcycle and the toad without any problems. I have seen the comments about the rivets on the top cap being loosened up by what was believed to be caused by the additional weight pushing down, but I have no evidence of this being true. But I continue to check this regularly.
I have seen top cap damage caused by dragging the rear of the undercarrage thru low dips causing an upward push on the back of the coach. I suspect this is the most likely culprit of the damage to the top.