Trying to understand if I can use a motorcycle carrier on my 2013 XC60. I would have the OEM volvo hitch installed unless there was something better and use something like this carrier made by mototote mtx m3 - see picture attached

This is what the carrier manufacturer states:
the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle OR 10% of vehicle’s total towing capacity.
Note the vehicle must have a class III or better hitch receiver AND the vehicle must be rated to support the total weight of the bike + MotoTote.
Maximum weight capacities for MotoTote carriers manufactured before May 2015 are as follows:
MTXS = 550 lbs./250 kg. MTX3 = 450 lbs./205 kg.

I am confused about this. My bike weighs aprox 400lbs the carrier weighs 60 lbs. I would appreciate any thoughts out there.

I could also live with just towing the bike with one wheel in a harness, see picture.

thanks so much

 

The XC60 towing capacity is 3,300 lbs, which means the rear suspension is designed for a max weight on the receiver of ~330 lbs. 460 lbs that far behind the rear axle will;

A. overload the rear axle
B. make the headlights shine into the tree tops
C. unload the front axle effecting steering and braking
D. all of the above

The correct answer is D. Highly ill advised.

Towing with the front wheel in a harness would probably result in a hitch weight of ~225 lbs. Much more manageable.

 

thanks so much for your help!