Google: trailer hitch wheelchair carrier, Battery powered wheelchairs are heavy.

 

I've got a 4 foot wide folding motorcycle ramp that I used on a pickup truck that attaches to the OEM hitch receiver and would rest on the open tailgate for stability. I've been toying with the idea of welding a 2 inch receiver tube to the left and right extremities of the OEM hitch, so that I have three receivers sliding into three tubes which would make it very stable, since there is no tailgate to serve that purpose on the Transit.

If you made a platform that attaches to those three tubes, you could add an arm to each side that goes to the bottom door latch of each door to help stabilize it. Another piece of metal could go from the top of each door in the open position, also using the OEM latch mechanism.

I'm not sure if I am describing it well enough to convey the idea.

 

Thanks guys. You are on the same train of thought.
I figured reinforcing would be needed for extra strength and stability. So I'm open to all ideas.
The extra receiver tubes sounds like a good idea. I'll have to look when it's daylight to see if there is enough room on the side of the OEM one or if the power plugs are in the way

I'm still looking at a bunch of carriers. I want one that is close distance to the Transit rear, meaning it doesn't leave much space between the Transit and the carrier. Many of the carriers have a long tongue and stick way out from the vehicle. Not what I want.

 

@RonR Has a heavy duty hitch mounted carrier that he reinforced with some bracing bolted to the frame on either side of the mount. He’s got a picture of it somewhere, but I couldn’t find it.

 

The thing I've found with hitch mount stuff is that they move. Having a single attachment point (the hitch) isn't a very stable system. You might look into making a purpose-built system with two receivers, and maybe a third in the middle for regular hitch duty. I think you could take a regular hitch receiver and bolt/weld a pair of those bumper mount receivers on either side.

 

The stabilization could be done with a welded loop at each extremity of the existing hitch frame and a turnbuckle between each hoop and the rack ends to take the wobble out.

 

How heavy will the equipment be?

How large?

 

The equipment I intend to use on it isn't necessarily really heavy. Less than 200lbs. Most likely I will only use my lightweight rig which weighs less than 70lbs. I just want a heavy carrier that is capable of more than I intend to put on it, such as 500+lbs.
I'll have to measure my Transit to see how wide the rear bumper is, but I want one wide (maybe 60") because I also want to be able to mount cameras on the sides sometimes.

Another idea I had but not mentioned was attaching a low seat on the carrier with harness securing a person to the carrier so they could operate a camera. But now we are talking more like 250+ lbs. The human body isolates the camera well from vibrations and bumps and is much easier and cheaper than a remote pan/tilt gimbal with isolators. Crazy sounding idea but I have considered it


Thanks a lot, everyone. I'm going to copy down everything you guys are saying to help me figure out what/ how to do this

 

This rack from 1up is something you might want to take a look at. I have not used one, but we have one of their bike racks and they come with a very good anti-rattle system. It is probably as good as it gets for having something solid. Some straps back to the frame on the van would probable be even better.

The extruded aluminum rail around the edge might be good for securing your equipment.

If the platform is not exactly right, you might be able to take it off and just bolt on something made for your needs.

https://www.1up-usa.com/product/48in-hitch-mounted-cargo-carrier/

 

Rola Dart cargo trays are awesome

Hi,

Hitch mount Folding Rola Dart cargo tray is awesome $300 or so at REI or Rack n Road.
Excellent quality.

TA

 

Hope I don’t offend anyone with a suggestion from Harbor Freight but we have this carrier and it works excellent. 500lb limit. $60

https://m.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html

 

Hey, this isn't the Sprinter forum, LOL.

That's a great price for a lot of heavy steel. Nice find.