Hitch-mounted motorcycle carriers?

[Jim&MaryJo]

Greetings all.

Anyone use a hitch mounted bike carrier to haul a motorcycle?

I'm mainly concerned with the consequence of loading ~1000lbs on the hitch.

My Class IV hitch is rated for that load, but the question is whether it overly compromises steering feel (i.e. light front end).

My coach (Alpine) has ~60/40 weight distribution, before the load, which should help.

Already ran the "fulcrum" formula. Looking for real world experience.

Thanks,

Jim

[Jim&MaryJo]

Greetings all.

Anyone use a hitch mounted bike carrier to haul a motorcycle?

I'm mainly concerned with the consequence of loading ~1000lbs on the hitch.

My Class IV hitch is rated for that load, but the question is whether it overly compromises steering feel (i.e. light front end).

My coach (Alpine) has ~60/40 weight distribution, before the load, which should help.

Already ran the "fulcrum" formula. Looking for real world experience.

Thanks,

Jim

[Doug Polzin]

I bought the simple Blue Ox Aluminum carrier and I built a winch to pull the bike up the ramp. I have a total of $700 invested in it as opposed to $2200 - $3300 for the lifting style. I saved about 150#s on extra weight. We carry a 900# bike and pull a 6000# Avalanche with out 40' Phaeton. The only time I feel any effect of the bike, is if I make a sudden change in direction. Because the hitch point for the Avalanche is behind the bike, it has more leverage to push the rear of the coach sideways, but it has only a minor effect. I have hit some hard dips in the road, but have had no problems. I have never noticed any change in the steering with the extra load at the rear. I did upgrade to a larger tire because I am slightly over the axle and tire rating when we are fully loaded for our winter trips. I'm not concerned about the axle, as it is over less than 5%.
If you have done the math and your overhang is not too much, you should have no problems. It sure is nice having your car and motorcycle along on trips.

Doug

[Jim&MaryJo]

Thanks Doug!

I think I'll follow your approach and go with a lighter carrier (lighter on my wallet too).

The Joey Lift looks like the one for me. It's around $900 and has a hydraulic jack to get the bike up. Doesn't need additional frame attachments and weighs 275lbs.

[PDB]

We use a Tilt-a-Rack to carry our 400# scoot with a winch to pull the bike up the ramp. Then we have an extended receiver to which I connect my toad, a Jeep Grnd Cher.
Total cost about $400, installed.