TW200 on motorcycle hitch carrier?

Is anyone rocking a TW200 on the back of their Tacoma for small trips?

I've got a 2016 Access Cab Utility Package with a Camper Shell. Adding a hitch receiver and a motorcycle hitch carrier seems like the best solution for my situation. I'm not looking at a trailer because this would ideally be for small trips on backroads. Nothin crazy off road. I've read a few threads here and elsewhere about the topic. I've also seen/heard some horror stories of hitch carriers breaking and bikes going for a fall.

The TW200 is under 300lbs and I just have my stock suspension (starting to squeak).

There are multiple options online for hitch receivers and it seems the Class III from etrailer is the typical type to add to my truck. This hitch carrier seems like a good solution: https://www.mototote.com/mototote-mtx-sport-motorcycle-carrier.html and I've seen this review online as well which leads me to think it's a pretty solid product for the price: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9IsYDK2uwg


What are some trusted/tested options for motorcycle carriers you use? Any advice on additional strapping techniques for better securing the bike/carrier to the truck?

 

Was about to post something but found this, unfortunately doesn't look like many people use these. I am probably going to try one out this weekend for a track day and will report back. My truck has the tow package already, carrier weight probably closer to 90 with a 400 pound gsxr 600 still way under the 640 tongue weight.

with the camper shell you are definitely weighing those springs down quite a bit already. You could add an additional leaf or helper springs from EZ Helper to support that weight.

 

I use an

$170 AMC-400 Aluminum Motorcycle Hitch Carrier, 400 lbs. Capacity, Adult or Youth Dirt Bike Hauler, Anti-Rattle Device Included, Roll-on Roll-Off Ramp Design

AMC-400 aluminum carrier, works well. Fairly inexpensive and only weighs about 30 lb. The weight does cause some suspension sag but it's acceptable IMO. For strapping, use good quality, wide straps preferably with carabiners instead of S hooks. I use KTM Power parts straps, and I use ratchet style on the front and cam buckle on the back of the bike, so there's 4 straps securing it. I'm running a WR250R so similar weight.

The only negative with a bike back there is that you can't open the tailgate.

 

Air bag suspension is a must have, as it will restore ride quality, and acts as a lift if needed. Hitch carriers are a great invention, but they are not great when roads get rough due to sway and decreased departure angle.

 

I carry my Honda cr250 exclusively on a homemade hitch carrier I welded up. I have OME Dakar leaf springs and it rides fine. Would probably be a workout for stock leaf springs but those things are garbage and should be swapped out anyway.

I’ve driven from North Carolina all the way to Oregon with the bike on the back with zero issues.

 

More negatives......

Taillights and turn signals are blocked from view for any vehicle following you.

I would suggest a single bike trailer like an Ace or Stinger or Kendon. Plus, the load isn't cantilevered off the rear.............

 

Installing a set of $20 tailights to the rack and wiring them with the 4 pin trailer harness only takes a few minutes. Trailers have their own set of issues. I prefer a trailer, but in some cases, they are a no-go. Travelling with a trailer on the ferries here is extremely expensive, whereas the hitch carrier adds no cost. Ease of storage of a hitch carrier is also a plus, as is no insurance needed for it. Horses for courses.

 

Most of these single bike trailers fold into a compact size for storage.

 

Actually most of the signals remain visible through the wheels of the motorcycle. There may be some portions of the signal covered up but enough light generally is visible to communicate your intentions.

Or as the other guy said, throw some trailer lights on there and you're golden.

Trailers are a last choice for me... registration, higher tolls, harder to park, I can't back a short MC trailer for shit, gas mileage hit, harder to do off road stuff on...

I had a buddy who dragged his WR out to California from Ohio when I lived in CA. With that thing on the back of his 4R we did some legit off road; definitely not stuff you'd want to drag a trailer over and certainly not a street-oriented Kendon or similar.

 

Going to run this Sunday to Monday for a track day, will let you know how it performs with a 400 pound gsxr 600 on there. This carrier is heavy, almost 100 pounds, removing the loading ramp and putting in bed to save every possible pound lol. I don't think anything over 400 would be safe back there on stock leafs.