Close-up of an ORIS trailer hitch receiver with integrated QR code label mounted beneath a vehicle. The image shows the square receiver opening and mounting point under the rear bumper.

DOs and DONTs

On this page, you will get an overview of permissible applications as well as critical misuse. This ensures that operational safety, vehicle integrity, and regulations are adhered at all times.

Load-Case Assessment

Download PDF of the Load-Case Assessment.

Download PDF

NO – use not permitted

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Basketball rack, hoophitch, portable B-Ball or equal

Not to be used while parked nor while driving due to undefined loads.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck carrying a small cabin module on a rear hitch-mounted carrier.

Hitch hotel, cabins, big size boxes

Due to undefined load conditions (wind loads and load distribution).

Illustration of a blue pickup truck transporting a garden tractor on a rear carrier attached to the towbar.

Garden Tractor Carrier, VersaHaul, ATV carrier or equal

Due to high load.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck transporting a motorcycle on a rear carrier attached to the towbar.

Motor bike carrier or equal

Due to high load.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck equipped with a rear-mounted liftgate platform for loading and transporting cargo.

Liftgator, liftgates, radco or equal

Due to high load.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with a tow ring mounted to the rear hitch receiver and inset graphic showing the towing attachment.

Tow ring, recovery ball mount

Due to excessive peak loads expected during recovery activities.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with a heavy-duty towbar and inset graphic highlighting a forged hitch component.

Massive forged class IV ball mounts

In case of a crash these ball-mounts provide a too high stiffness compared to class III ball mounts. These might harm the structure.

YES – but there is a limitation

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch-mounted truck bed extender carrying wooden boards.

Truck bed extender

Max. 3 feet extension Strictly limited to max. 50 % load of the allowed tongue load incl. weight of carrier.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch-mounted sports gear carrier holding a snowboard and skis.

Sports gear carrier (Ski, Boat support or equal)

Strictly limited to max. 50 % load of the allowed tongue load incl. weight of carrier.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch-mounted hammock stand and person resting in a hammock.

Leisure equipment like bench, picknick-table, hamrock, TV-carrier or equal

Static use only (not during driving); limited to max. tongue weight.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch-mounted game hoist carrying a deer.

Crane or lifting aid or equal

Strictly limited to max. 50 % load of the allowed tongue load incl. weight of carrier. Static use only (not during driving); limited to half of allowed tongue weight.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch-mounted cargo basket carrying boxes.

Cargo baskets and cages

Strictly limited to max. 50 % load of the allowed tongue load incl. box weight.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with rear-mounted cargo box extended from the truck bed.

Cargo boxes

Strictly limited to max. 50 % load of the allowed tongue load incl. box weight. It must be secured that the box size is smaller than the rear end of the car (max. 50″ wide, max. 25″ long, max. 30″ high).

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch-mounted bike rack carrying two bicycles.

Bike carriers

Please ensure that the heaviest bikes are closest to the car. The load incl. carrier weight has to be strictly limited to 160lbs / 2 bicycles.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch-mounted barbecue grill attached at the rear.

BBQ grill or equal

Strictly limited to max. 50 % load of the allowed tongue load. Please be aware that gas bottles create a severe risk of explosion in case of a rear collision.

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with adjustable hitch ball mount shown in a circular inset graphic.

Adjustable ball mounts

The ball position must comply with the defined max. allowed ball position for the individual hitch / car model. These ball mounts may lead to higher damage in case of a crash due to dimension and stiffness.

YES – without limitations

Illustration of a blue pickup truck with hitch receiver and a person working on a wooden board.

Small utility items

Small utility items like step, vice, etc.

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Tools

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