Thoughts on motorcycle hitch carriers?

This thread has picked up some real traction - thanks for all the great comments. Though this one was never hitch hauled, in the 70's we had many hours of pure unadulterated (and un-adult monitored) fun:

 

This is great! Thank you. Looks like I should be alright.

 

I thought the factory hitch was only a class 3 though so would that change from your earlier mention on 640 to 500?

 

I believe we are Class IV. This is the only reference that I can find in the manual and nothing on the sticker. A 10% tongue weight would jive with Class IV for the trailer max weight of 6,000lb to 6,800lb.

 

I think that’s what I remember seeing and in the table under 2 and 3 it has typical 2” ball Which is what I have as a standardization- that could be what lead to my confusion so I hope your right

 

Good stuff! There is a solid reference somewhere, just can't remember where.

 

I found Class IV noted in the attachment. Check out Page 28.

No class description in the main product info other than straight up numbers.

 

I haven't used this product so I cannot attest to durability, ease of use, and function... but it looks cool. Did a bit of research on these when I was considering buying a Super C RV. 450 lb capacity so you could go all the way up to a KTM 790 Superadventure R and be within spec.

Ultimate MX Hauler

 

Posted before in the moto section but have had no issues using a carrier, makes it so much easier than loading in bed. Loaded bed 100+ times and last Fall pretty much broke a finger pushing a heavier bike into my new(higher) tacoma getting caught and almost dropped the bike. Carrier easy to load and takes 5 minutes to hook up. Bike is about 400 pounds depending on fuel, and steel carrier is 95, so well under the rating. Slight squat but handles fine.

 

I have airbag suspension. With 5 psi in the bags, there is sway, it is not overly dangerous, but evident. At about 30psi I do not notice any sway or sag. Feels safer at 30psi.
I have the airbags because I was often hauling loads of navvy jack and 3/4" crush, as well as Allen Blocks, or loading all my tools into the bed of the truck when I built my house. I would probably buy them anyway, just to use the hitch carrier. I tend to put them on all my trucks, as the ride quality when at load is so much better, and the truck feels much safer to drive.

 

They work just fine, at least for little bikes.

 

Update- Have since bought my choice of carrier (mototote m3) and it’s held up great. I find myself looking out the back more often to make sure it’s even still there (included anti wobble bolt plus liberrway hitch tightener). And no squat! Granted it’s only a grom coming in a 225 but no lift/stock leafs w/ hs progressive 3leaf aal and sumo springs progressive bump stops.

 

Question for those with Switch Hauler experience. I’m considering using a hitch extension for the hauler to clear the open tailgate. What length hitch extension would allow for this?

My RTT overhangs the back, so a little extra distance away from the truck has dual purpose, and I’d prefer the ground clearance of a straight hauler instead of the 3” drop option.

 

Earlier this year, I picked up this dirt cheap bike project and the seller gave me a brand new hitch carrier just to haul it away



After a little tinkering and some paint, I had no issues hauling it 1200 miles down to our house in Orlando





Easy loading on my van, but the receiver on my 80 series is like a foot higher, so I have to back it onto a steep incline to load anything.

 

I think these are really a great idea for SUV's, but behind my seats is a big 5'x4' box that is useful for carrying many items, including a motorcycle or two, or bicycles....

 

It is so much faster and safer to use the hitch carrier, IMO. Also, it allows you to sleep in the bed of your truck under your canopy. Just my $.02 experience.

 

Tho they are very cheap and convenient I've had problems with a few models I ordered on Amazon, they were very unstable and sat to close to the back of my truck. They are great for shot distance on the other hand.

 

I've been using the MC-500 Blackwidow from Amazon for my Utah to Idaho trips. Been doing great so far.

Hauls my Grom.