Motorcycle Lift / trailer

Vegascpl · 11-26-2005, 05:36 AM

We have a 2005 Dutch Star. We are thinking about adding a lift to the back to carry a Honda Gold Wing. I contacted Newmar and they told me that they did not recommend it that it might be too much weight on the back and would void the warrantee if we experienced ride problems. When I asked how much weight I could carry they could not give me an answer.

My only other option is a trailer, but while it has advantages I'm concerned that it would make travel more difficult.

Does anyone have any experience with a big bike on a lift? If I do go with a trailer do you ever have problems finding a spot to park?

Thanks

Vegascpl · 11-26-2005, 05:36 AM

We have a 2005 Dutch Star. We are thinking about adding a lift to the back to carry a Honda Gold Wing. I contacted Newmar and they told me that they did not recommend it that it might be too much weight on the back and would void the warrantee if we experienced ride problems. When I asked how much weight I could carry they could not give me an answer.

My only other option is a trailer, but while it has advantages I'm concerned that it would make travel more difficult.

Does anyone have any experience with a big bike on a lift? If I do go with a trailer do you ever have problems finding a spot to park?

Thanks

Ken Roberts · 11-26-2005, 07:59 AM

Michael, I have no experience with a motorcycle; but, can speak to some of your other issues. First, we have an '04 DSDP 40 footer so can identify with you as to size.

For awhile we did carry 2 electric bicycles on a dual hitch and that was e real PITA,i.e. heavy, awkward, and even with a wrap around cover they always arrived filthy. We also were towing a '99 Blazer four down and that too was becoming a pain.

Last Dec. after many months of looking, thinking, etc. we bought a 20' Pace American enclosed trailer. Now bikes, car and other "stuff" go into the trailer. When the trailer is already hooked to the MH I can load/unload and lock/unlock down the car in less time than I did with 4 down before.

We had always used a Brake Buddy before which at best is a panic brake now we have full time electric brakes on all 4 wheels of the trailer. You know the issues with trying to back up a car either 4 down or on a dolly. That is a non-issue with a trailer and it actually backs up quite well with a little practice.

Everything arrives in the same condition it started in. I could care less what the weather is or whether it is day or night when I am loading or unloading.

If access on your '05 DS is the same as on my '04 you have full access when the trailer is hooked up--not sure how that would be with a motorcycle on a lift? To date we have pulled the trailer some 12,000+ miles and have not had an issue with parking hooked up in any CG. Granted, we do not do a lot of National or State parks. We generally call ahead and if a CG can accomodate us that is fine, if not we just check out another CG(s) enroute. We still have the BB and tow bar equipment; but, it is doubtful that towing 4 down is on our horizon.

If you have other questions you can come back to me here or vis PM or emaul, Ken....

siggyd · 11-26-2005, 08:32 AM

Hi, You can figure the weight by the size of
Trailer hitch that you have. e.g. If the trailer hitch is good for let say 5000 lbs,then
about 10% of that trailer weight should be on the hitch,which is 500lbs.
So check the hitch rating and take 10% of that for the bike.
Siggy D
05 KSDP 3720 Cat 330 C7
05 Sat VUE AWD V6

K-Star · 11-29-2005, 10:18 AM

BlueOx makes a motorcycle lift for 5ers and MH's. It welds to the frame and leaves the hitch open for other use (like pulling a toad). Another that I saw at an RV show once is RV Lifts

Newmar's response to you is strange [to me] as I was working with the factory to have the frame extended on my new 5er so I could attach a MC lift (I too have a GW). They were very good about it. At the last moment I changed my mind.

Richard 44 · 12-08-2005, 06:07 AM

We have a hydralift motorcycle lift on the back of our 03 Journey M/H and carry a 05 Harley softtail. This is the best for us but if i had it to do over i think i would go with a pickup and add the bike lift in the bed. Our GVW is fine but our rear axle is max. Our bike wt. is 760 wet and the lift is 300lbs mounted. If you do go this way make sure the lift is attached at least to the center of the engine where the frame rails are double. Ours is mounted with 12 points to the frame with 1/2 inch steel plate. The m/h handles good and rides the same and the ease of the lift is great. You can go on line and look at it and our rig. under hydralift/towing. Richard

Rjcarbo · 12-15-2005, 02:29 AM

I have a 06 KS & I tow a 28footer enclosed trailer that carries a 05 pontiac sunfire & a 2004 GW 1800 trike & I have no problems. There is a company that makes tow dollies that will cary your wing & pull a car or truck behind you. They are called racecityrv.com

AzRvDeals · 12-17-2005, 05:55 PM

My friend used an electric lift on the back of his Ultimate Freedom with a Harley Fatboy on it while towing his Jeep wrangler behind and loved it. He just sold his coach and is selling the lift too.