Community Forums

Jim&MaryJo · 07-20-2005, 05:20 AM

Greetings all.

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

Particularly interested in 34' application, because of the shorter wheelbase and weight distribution impact.

Factory advised me the 34' units were further weighted up front with solid steel to retain their preferred weight distribution.

I'm mainly concerned with the consequence of loading ~1000lbs on the hitch. Alpine's Class IV hitch is rated for that load, but the question is whether it compromises steering feel (i.e. light front end).

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

Thanks,

Jim

Jim&MaryJo · 07-20-2005, 05:20 AM

Greetings all.

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

Particularly interested in 34' application, because of the shorter wheelbase and weight distribution impact.

Factory advised me the 34' units were further weighted up front with solid steel to retain their preferred weight distribution.

I'm mainly concerned with the consequence of loading ~1000lbs on the hitch. Alpine's Class IV hitch is rated for that load, but the question is whether it compromises steering feel (i.e. light front end).

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

Thanks,

Jim

D & D Rich · 07-20-2005, 05:01 PM

Jim & Mary Jo,
Read you post about motorcycle hauling, while I don't have one, I have seen several different mounts on the rear of motor coaches at NHRA National Drag Races.

One I saw one at Las Vegas that had a mount to lower to the ground to roll the motorcycle onto and strap down, then raises with an electric type winch, then a couple hitch pins to lock in place. All the one's I have seen use three (3) sockets to mount the rack. The original hitch in the middle and then two more mounted to the side frames of the coach. A friend of mine, Larry Dixon (Top Fuel Miller Beer Dragster, 2x world champion) hauls a golf cart on the back of his 40' Vogue Featherlite coach. It uses the three socket also, but uses two ramps to run the cart up on.

As for your weight distribution if you think it's a problem, what I would do is weigh the front and rear as you now run your coach. After mounting your motorcycle, take and reweigh. Then you could move some of your heavy items from the rear bays to the front bay to correct the balance. I carry my heavy items in the back bay, as most coach owners do.

Hope this helps.
D&D Rich
Great Salt Lake Route

SteveS · 07-20-2005, 07:20 PM

I have a friend who uses his hitch to carry a motorcycle. He owns a 34' Beaver and carry's the motorcycle on the hitch, has an extender mounted to the carrier, on the hitch, and tows a Jeep Liberty behind that. He is very happy with it.

Jim&MaryJo · 07-21-2005, 03:57 AM

Thanks for feedback guys!

Guess I'll just try it and see...

Planning to use a Joey Lift, which does not require welding additional mounts or complicated install. It also weighs less than other options (275lbs), but appears to be very sturdy.