Motorcycle Carrier

[Best years]

Has any one used this carrier? If so how is it working out, did it make a big difference in the king pin weight? Any info would be appreciated Thank you
http://www.campingtrek.com/images/DSCN0767.JPG

[Best years]

Has any one used this carrier? If so how is it working out, did it make a big difference in the king pin weight? Any info would be appreciated Thank you
http://www.campingtrek.com/images/DSCN0767.JPG

[doc]

We were in Myrtle Beach this past fall and saw a 5er with one on the rear. Really did like it. It bolts to the rear, but will pivot up and down (doesn't load the tires with weight of trailer). The two wheels pivot as the trailer turns. It appears to be solidly built. This guy had a golf cart on his and a ramp that folded up. I believe there was short barrier across the rear. Looked like a piece of quality work.

[Jim&MaryJo]

Just posting a note on an alternative carrier...

I've used a JoeyLift for the past few years(available on eBay).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycle-Carrier-Joey-...dZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW


I carry either a scooter or ~700lb motorcycle. It's worked great for me.

I can load/unload single-handed (another set of hands to hold/steady the bike up while loading and strapping it down is better though).

It can be removed from the hitch fairly easy (singlehanded) and has caster wheels to roll it away.



But there are some considerations:

--It weighs ~275lbs with a 1000lb capacity, altough it is considerably lighter than other units I've seen.
--It's prudent to do a fulcrum calculation for your particular coach and motorcycle. It will lighten the front end of a coach, moreso with long rear overhang or short coaches.
--Adding a pivoting or fixed wheel chock will keep the bike more stable when loading and tying down.
--Takes a few minutes and about 120 pumps to hoist the bike.
--Some coach owners manuals may specifically warn against impaired cooling on rear radiator DPs.
--Newer units have optional "yaw" stability bars, but I just used rachet straps.
--The optional ramp is a good idea, especially when loading/unloading with air bags and the coach lifted.

[JerryKelly]

I have been looking for a lift that I can put on the back of my Suburban. Do you know what the total empty tonge weight is?

[Jim&MaryJo]

With no bike, it weighs 275lbs. The maker claims you can tow "four down" behind the carrier, but I'd check the capacity. A Suburban may be too much.

I have a buddy who carries a bike and tows a Samurai, no problem.

[Route 66]

Best years, welcome to iRV2.

It looks like you are considering this product for use with a 5th wheel.

The main concern would be strength of the 5th wheel's frame.

The dolly wheels on the carrier would appear to carry most of the weight of the mount and the bike, so I would think the king pin weight would not be adversely affected.

[JerryKelly]

I called Joeylift today and spoke with a man that just answered the phone saying "Hello". Sounds like this is a one man show and the lift is built in his garage or workshop. He told me that it should work fine on the back of my Suburban. Further, he claims that I can tow my 6000# Suburban behind the lift when installed on my MH hitch. Sounds a little sketchy to me. It does not come painted or wired. He did not make me feel confident that it is a quality product.

[tmar10]

JerryKelly and Best Years,

The Hydralift and the Cruiserlift can handle the #6000 toad weight and Cruiserlift and Blue Ox have some nice systems for 5th wheelers.

http://www.hydralift-usa.com/

http://www.cruiserlift.com/

http://www.blueox.us/Carriers/carriers.htm

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">He did not make me feel confident that it is a quality product. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would stay with a name brand product as the stakes are high.

Both for your equipment, and others on the road.

[RustyJC]

There are at least three factors to consider if looking at a motorcycle lift that supports the weight of the motorcycle and the lift itself off the back of the 5th wheel frame:

1. The strength of the 5th wheel frame - can it support this overhung mass, not just statically but also dynamically? The continuous bouncing of 1000 lbs or more at the rear extremity of the frame could easily lead to cyclic fatigue failure.

2. The cantilever effect - depending on the dimensions of the 5th wheel and axle placement, just as with a see-saw or teeter-totter, weight added to the rear of the trailer will take weight off the front of the trailer (i.e., pin weight). This may have an effect on trailer stability, "chucking", etc.

3. The added weight of the carrier, motorcycle and the weight that comes off the pin will all go onto the 5th wheel's tires and axles. Do you have enough tire and axle capacity to handle this added weight? Many (most?) 5th wheels do not.

Rusty

[JerryKelly]

Agree with what everyone has said. Not worth the risk of losing the bike and harm to others on the road. I am looking for something I can hang from my Suburban hitch since we don't always travel with the MH. I don't expect to find a viable hitch mounted device for the Suburban....still looking.

I have looked at the other options noted, but they are generally for MH's.

[aa6vh]

Another thing to consider on the bike carriers that fit crosswise: In California at least, there is a limit (18"" if I recall correctly) that you can have stuff extending beyond the width of the vehicle.

My bike is too long to put crosswise, so I had to abandon that idea.

[RustyJC]

Jerry,

I feel your pain. I have a 2007 BMW K1200GT that I would like to take along with us.

Rusty