Hitch motorcycle carriers? good? bad?

[-JERICHO-]

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No one said that the hitch carriers were no good. The issue is with the capacity of the vehicle it's being mounted on.

Yes of course, I was only addressing the fear that the hitch would fail in not so great road conditions with speed. IE. Hitting bumps going 60-70mph. Its just that anyone interested in such a device must read the FAQ of each device on their respective webpages. The max weight of the bike+carrier cannot exceed the max tongue weight of the hitch allowed by individual vehicle hitch's.

 

[caboose56]

Yes of course, I was only addressing the fear that the hitch would fail in not so great road conditions with speed. IE. Hitting bumps going 60-70mph. Its just that anyone interested in such a device must read the FAQ of each device on their respective webpages. The max weight of the bike+carrier cannot exceed the max tongue weight of the hitch allowed by individual vehicle hitch's.

Thats also not true since the loading of the hitch is a lot different from how a trailer loads it.

12" load center versus 24" or so?

 

[chiller]

Take the chain off the rear sprocket.

that is what i would recommend ...

 

[Speedjunky]

Just came back from Florida, had with my wife's ninja 250 on a motorcycle tote from Princes auto along for the ride.(5 000km's+)
All I can say is I love the fact that you don't need to pull a trailer!
I hardly know it's there, but I do have a large SUV with air suspension to level it off.(this is a must IMHO)
I have also carried my zx14 on it for over 800km's , all went well, but I was a bit more nervous on that one as I went over the carrying weight capacity.
In my defense, I had beefed up the carrier a bit before and my vehicle tong weight rating is 600lbs.

If your vehicle can handle it, it's probably the best way to carry a light motorcycle.
If it can't then trailer it...


********Ha, man!! I just realized I replied to a post from june 2011 and he was leaving in 3 weeks! :?
So how did it go? did you trailer it or used a tote?

 

[DoubleJ]

Use a vers haul with a 250zzr, airbag shocks added to the Freestar. No sag or light stearing.

 

[-JERICHO-]

I simply say I own this device. It works for me, as well as others with similar products. Read the FAQ on the device's website and ensure that your vehicle can accommodate this device. I vote hitch carrier, because its easier, no maintenance, and you can hang it in the garage when you aren't going to use it. Of course a trailer load is going to be different, this thing has no wheels, and the weight hangs on the hitch..It sticks out about 1.5 feet from the actual hitch. Still no sag, no wobbles. etc... I don't care that its a different method.

Here is a FAQ sample from their site..

My Bike:

What kind of bike can I haul with the Moto-Tote?
You can haul almost any motorcycle or scooter weighing up to 550 lbs. See "Weight" section below...


Will it work with my motorcycle?
Most likely yes if the total weight of your bike + the MotoTote carrier (60 lbs.) is within your vehicle weight capacity - this is most common limitation. See "Weight" section below...


I have a sport bike with a wide back tire - Is this a problem?
No - The MotoTote MTX Sport model will accommodate rear tire widths of up to 8.5 inches/216 mm.


I have a scooter with small tires - Is this a problem?
No - The MotoTote MTX m3 model has an adjustable wheel stop that is designed to accommodate small scooter tires.



My Vehicle:

Will the MotoTote work with my vehicle?
That depends on how heavy a bike you intend to carry. Generally speaking: Bigger bike = bigger vehicle.


Will it damage my vehicle or hitch?
Not if you stay within the weight limitations of the vehicle and hitch.


Won't this be hard on my vehicle's suspension?
Your vehicle's suspension is designed to handle up to a specific weight. Your vehicle hitch weight capacity is one expression of this weight.


What about my tail lights?
In most cases your tail lights will not be blocked.
If they are blocked, you can buy a MotoTote Light Kit which is a specially designed set of tail lights for the MotoTote.



Will my license plate be blocked?
License plates are RARELY blocked. As a matter of fact, from a customer service point of view, this has been a non-existent complaint.


Do I need a truck or large vehicle?
The size of the vehicle depends on how big a bike you want to haul with the MotoTote. Check your vehicle user manual, find the total towing capacity of the vehicle and divide it by 10. This is a good estimate of the weight you can put on the hitch.
For example: Total towing capacity = 3500 lbs. divided by 10 = 350 lbs.
In this example, you could carry a bike weighing 290 lbs. because 60 lbs. of the 350 lbs. capacity is used by the MotoTote itself.

Thats also not true since the loading of the hitch is a lot different from how a trailer loads it.

12" load center versus 24" or so?

 

[ItIsWhatItIs]

I simply say I own this device. It works for me, as well as others with similar products. Read the FAQ on the device's website and ensure that your vehicle can accommodate this device. I vote hitch carrier, because its easier, no maintenance, and you can hang it in the garage when you aren't going to use it. Of course a trailer load is going to be different, this thing has no wheels, and the weight hangs on the hitch..It sticks out about 1.5 feet from the actual hitch. Still no sag, no wobbles. etc... I don't care that its a different method.

Here is a FAQ sample from their site..

My Bike:

What kind of bike can I haul with the Moto-Tote?
You can haul almost any motorcycle or scooter weighing up to 550 lbs. See "Weight" section below...


Will it work with my motorcycle?
Most likely yes if the total weight of your bike + the MotoTote carrier (60 lbs.) is within your vehicle weight capacity - this is most common limitation. See "Weight" section below...


I have a sport bike with a wide back tire - Is this a problem?
No - The MotoTote MTX Sport model will accommodate rear tire widths of up to 8.5 inches/216 mm.


I have a scooter with small tires - Is this a problem?
No - The MotoTote MTX m3 model has an adjustable wheel stop that is designed to accommodate small scooter tires.



My Vehicle:

Will the MotoTote work with my vehicle?
That depends on how heavy a bike you intend to carry. Generally speaking: Bigger bike = bigger vehicle.


Will it damage my vehicle or hitch?
Not if you stay within the weight limitations of the vehicle and hitch.


Won't this be hard on my vehicle's suspension?
Your vehicle's suspension is designed to handle up to a specific weight. Your vehicle hitch weight capacity is one expression of this weight.


What about my tail lights?
In most cases your tail lights will not be blocked.
If they are blocked, you can buy a MotoTote Light Kit which is a specially designed set of tail lights for the MotoTote.



Will my license plate be blocked?
License plates are RARELY blocked. As a matter of fact, from a customer service point of view, this has been a non-existent complaint.


Do I need a truck or large vehicle?
The size of the vehicle depends on how big a bike you want to haul with the MotoTote. Check your vehicle user manual, find the total towing capacity of the vehicle and divide it by 10. This is a good estimate of the weight you can put on the hitch.
For example: Total towing capacity = 3500 lbs. divided by 10 = 350 lbs.
In this example, you could carry a bike weighing 290 lbs. because 60 lbs. of the 350 lbs. capacity is used by the MotoTote itself.

You will be hard pressed to find a car with a towing capacity of 2000 lbs = 200 lbs max!. Minivan, perhaps 3500 lb rating for the 350 stated. Some trucks will have high tow ratings, in this case you are able use the box. Nice thought, not practical.

One of those folding trailers is the best and safest option.

 

[ZX600]

Hitch loaded carriers work perfectly fine. All the fear about using this product for me personally is unfounded and I have never been able to find or hear of a "failure" of the device itself.

I got one of these specifically to carry my bike to and from a track day. I have used it for a total of approx 1000miles so far. It does not wobble, it does not sag.

I recommend it to anyone with a class 3 or higher hitch on their vehicle, and its easy enough to load by yourself.

View attachment 27845

Ah nice 08, I was going to track mine the year it got totaled

How's that beauty on the track?

 

[-JERICHO-]

Ah nice 08, I was going to track mine the year it got totaled

How's that beauty on the track?

Hey thanks man, I just got this one after switching from a gsxr. I have to say there is a difference that I can definitely feel between the bikes, the zx6 feels much faster through all the gears with better throttle response and control. I haven't been able to take it to the track YET, although I just signed up for Pro6 trackdays, and will be doing some this riding season. I can't wait.

 

[fastar1]

I wouldn't put any faith in that FAQ. It seems more misleading than helpful, for instance;

Will my license plate be blocked?
License plates are RARELY blocked. As a matter of fact, from a customer service point of view, this has been a non-existent complaint.

Oh really?

Do I need a truck or large vehicle?
The size of the vehicle depends on how big a bike you want to haul with the MotoTote. Check your vehicle user manual, find the total towing capacity of the vehicle and divide it by 10. This is a good estimate of the weight you can put on the hitch.
For example: Total towing capacity = 3500 lbs. divided by 10 = 350 lbs.
In this example, you could carry a bike weighing 290 lbs. because 60 lbs. of the 350 lbs. capacity is used by the MotoTote itself.

That's not a very good approximation. It has more to do with the vehicle's allowable tongue weight and that probably needs to be divided in half (or more) as caboose guesstimated.

That Freestar probably has a maximum tongue rating of 300lbs. Half that (that's being generous) you get 150, and add the weight of the carrier itself and you have 90lbs capacity left to tow a bike.

Just because it worked for you doesn't mean it's OK. Lots of bad stuff DOESN'T happen to people even when the risk of it is great.

 

[-JERICHO-]

That's not a very good approximation. It has more to do with the vehicle's allowable tongue weight and that probably needs to be divided in half (or more) as caboose guesstimated.

That Freestar probably has a maximum tongue rating of 300lbs. Half that (that's being generous) you get 150, and add the weight of the carrier itself and you have 90lbs capacity left to tow a bike.

Just because it worked for you doesn't mean it's OK. Lots of bad stuff DOESN'T happen to people even when the risk of it is great.

I am not forcing anyone into buying one of these things, I am only showing anyone who is interested MY PERSONAL SUCCESS, with this device. All this talk about how "things can happen" because of blah blah blah... well it didn't happen to me. I am not going to go on about all the details (weight restrictions) for each vehicle (that's your problem). I did all the research I needed to, and went for it. I have used it several different times now, not one single issue. I bought this device from another person who used it for 2 years (on the back of a Honda minivan) and he never had a single problem.

If your hitch can take it, you can use this device... I wonder why anyone would even care to say "its not safe"... Unless you are showing me actual proof of this device failing (like a picture of it fail under stress, like I show my bike loaded successfully) than I have nothing but your word that "its not safe" or "guesstimating" what the allowable tow weight is. If you could PROVE this I would throw it away. :iconbiggrin:

I would get a trailer though if I had more than 1 bike at any given time, and at my rate, most likely by next year. Maybe then I'll hate motototes, and tell everyone they don't work.

 

[caboose56]

500lbs on a hitch carrier on a Freestar. Love it.

Freestar is rated for 3500lbs with 350lbs tongue weight. That tongue weight is based on a roughly 12" load center, the hitch carrier looks to result in a roughly 24" load center. Effectively doubling the stress on the hitch. This isn't subject to debate, this is basic physics so your opinions and personal experiences with your own hitch carrier don't change this.

There is a built in safety factor with all hitches but if you are operating at 300% of the rated load you are pushing that limit.

A quick Googling suggests that your Avalanche should be ok with about 600lbs on a hitch carrier.... but not a Freestar.

 

[DoubleJ]

That Freestar also had air lift bags on it with the class 4 hitch. Bike is 315# dry. Also have pulled a trailer behind that with a single bike on at the same time. Issues, none that bothered me, only the nay sayers.

 

[caboose56]

That Freestar also had air lift bags on it with the class 4 hitch. Bike is 315# dry. Also have pulled a trailer behind that with a single bike on at the same time. Issues, none that bothered me, only the nay sayers.

Whats the cap on the class 4 hitch? I have no idea what the underside of a Freestar looks like, the rear frame rails may be weaker than the hitch itself. Air bags would definitely help.

 

[ItIsWhatItIs]

Air bags are extremely expensive. These moto lifts may work, but you are doing something contrary to the vehicles guidelines. Try using this setup on the 400 series highways on a summer weekend and I guarantee a cop will pull you over. Towing, trailers, seatbelts, cell phones, and so on, is what they are looking for. If you are pulled over, how will you explain yourself? The most practical solution for 99% of riders is to wait for one of those folding trailers at Canadian Tire to go on sale. Last year they had this Folding Trailer that folded into a towable Storage box as well as into a flat trailer.

 

[fastar1]

I am not forcing anyone into buying one of these things, I am only showing anyone who is interested MY PERSONAL SUCCESS, with this device. All this talk about how "things can happen" because of blah blah blah... well it didn't happen to me. I am not going to go on about all the details (weight restrictions) for each vehicle (that's your problem). I did all the research I needed to, and went for it. I have used it several different times now, not one single issue. I bought this device from another person who used it for 2 years (on the back of a Honda minivan) and he never had a single problem.

If your hitch can take it, you can use this device... I wonder why anyone would even care to say "its not safe"... Unless you are showing me actual proof of this device failing (like a picture of it fail under stress, like I show my bike loaded successfully) than I have nothing but your word that "its not safe" or "guesstimating" what the allowable tow weight is. If you could PROVE this I would throw it away. :iconbiggrin:

I would get a trailer though if I had more than 1 bike at any given time, and at my rate, most likely by next year. Maybe then I'll hate motototes, and tell everyone they don't work.

Just to be clear, I was criticizing the FAQ not your statement of personal experience. Also, I thought it would be prudent to point out that your personal lack of failure doesn't mean it will work for everybody, which you seem to agree with.

There. Happy happy joy joy.

 

[Speedjunky]

Air bags are extremely expensive. These moto lifts may work, but you are doing something contrary to the vehicles guidelines. Try using this setup on the 400 series highways on a summer weekend and I guarantee a cop will pull you over. Towing, trailers, seatbelts, cell phones, and so on, is what they are looking for. If you are pulled over, how will you explain yourself? The most practical solution for 99% of riders is to wait for one of those folding trailers at Canadian Tire to go on sale. Last year they had this Folding Trailer that folded into a towable Storage box as well as into a flat trailer.

Depends on what is expensive for you, put some air bags on 2 years back on an explorer sport for 300$ added another 250$ for on board air compressor (not necessary) , best money I put in that SUV!
I also had one of those folding trailers Canadian tire now sells, piece of crap that was! Had 12" tires on it, kept lubing the bearings as they over heated from driving a little over limit.
Very thin gauge trailer construction.

Now, I also own an enclosed 14 x7 V-nose double axle trailer, which is very nice, BUT for me, I still prefer carrying my bike on my SUV as opposed to trailering it.
Just so much things can go wrong with a trailer and they are not fun pulling.
On the motorcycle tote, I hardly know it's there.
No problem in traffic, no problem backing up, no need to secure 2 parking spaces when you need to stop somewhere just a much better experience in general.

If blocking off the license plate is such a big deal to you, then just remove it from vehicle and stick it on the bike no biggy, only 2 screws.
Like I posted earlier, just came back from Florida back and forth with the bike on the back, saw many,many,many cops,troopers, sheriffs, OPP, SQ you name it and not one pulled me over for blocking off the plate.
Mind you, I'm sure it could have been a concern but just re locate the plate if it scares you.

 

[-JERICHO-]

Just to be clear, I was criticizing the FAQ not your statement of personal experience. Also, I thought it would be prudent to point out that your personal lack of failure doesn't mean it will work for everybody, which you seem to agree with.

There. Happy happy joy joy.

No problem at all. I didn't feel criticized. I just love this little device. Its sooooooo convenient.

If blocking off the license plate is such a big deal to you, then just remove it from vehicle and stick it on the bike no biggy, only 2 screws.
Like I posted earlier, just came back from Florida back and forth with the bike on the back, saw many,many,many cops,troopers, sheriffs, OPP, SQ you name it and not one pulled me over for blocking off the plate.
Mind you, I'm sure it could have been a concern but just re locate the plate if it scares you.

Me either. Not one cop stopped me. I got a bunch of people starring at me, and at gas stations people would ask about it. That's it.

 

[ItIsWhatItIs]

Depends on what is expensive for you, put some air bags on 2 years back on an explorer sport for 300$ added another 250$ for on board air compressor (not necessary) , best money I put in that SUV!
I also had one of those folding trailers Canadian tire now sells, piece of crap that was! Had 12" tires on it, kept lubing the bearings as they over heated from driving a little over limit.
Very thin gauge trailer construction.

Now, I also own an enclosed 14 x7 V-nose double axle trailer, which is very nice, BUT for me, I still prefer carrying my bike on my SUV as opposed to trailering it.
Just so much things can go wrong with a trailer and they are not fun pulling.
On the motorcycle tote, I hardly know it's there.
No problem in traffic, no problem backing up, no need to secure 2 parking spaces when you need to stop somewhere just a much better experience in general.

If blocking off the license plate is such a big deal to you, then just remove it from vehicle and stick it on the bike no biggy, only 2 screws.
Like I posted earlier, just came back from Florida back and forth with the bike on the back, saw many,many,many cops,troopers, sheriffs, OPP, SQ you name it and not one pulled me over for blocking off the plate.
Mind you, I'm sure it could have been a concern but just re locate the plate if it scares you.

I like the idea, not doable without breaking rules.

 

[DoubleJ]

Wow a rule follower in this day and age! I have been all over NA with the Versa Haul whether on the Freestar (air bagged for $240 at Truck and Trailer) a F150 or the Chev 3500 RV. First 2 are class 4 hitches and the Chev a class 5. Never an issue with anyone. Only the border guards can't see the plate from their cameras. No big deal.

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