Community Forums

Ritchieg · 08-30-2017, 04:57 AM

I'm new to the MH world and after I didn't find anything with a search of the forum thought I would put this out there.

Has anyone towed or seen options For towing a motorcycle? I know there are smaller trailers but I was wondering if anyone has ever seen like a drive up platform that hooks right into the hitch that could support a motorcycle?

Something on the lines as the hitch haulers that go right into the receiver.

It might be too much weight for it to support but I was just curious if such a thing exists.

Thanks

wydglydrydr · 08-30-2017, 05:01 AM

Yes, such a thing exists. There is one for sale right now in the forum classifieds.

Ron_H · 08-30-2017, 08:09 AM

Google motorcycle lift for a motorhome" and you'll come up with several options from companies such as Hydralift, Cruiserlift, and Overbuilt plus links to several YouTube videos of these and other solutions.

Keep in mind however that a large amount of unslung weight extending from the rear can be quite dramatic. The various lift manufacturers should be able to help you determine if your motorhome and bike are compatible.

Though we had to abandon bringing our Goldwing along, due to my DW's health, the load capacity to do so was one of the big reasons I chose to purchase a DP with a tag axle.

Longmire · 08-30-2017, 04:55 PM

I have a Yamaha TW200 dual sport bike that weighs around 280 pounds. I picked up an aluminum hitch mounted carrier for it and it works great, roll it onto the carrier, strap it down and go. The carrier is rated for up to 400lb and the motorhome hitch is rated at 500, so the numbers are good.

On the other hand, I also own a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic that weighs around 900 pounds, so a hitch carrier won't work for it. I checked some of the hydraulic lift companies websites and they don't recommend their lifts for gas motorhome chassis.

I'm planning on picking up an enclosed motorcycle trailer for times that I want to take the big bike, probably get one large enough for both of them so I can ride on and off road

Easyrider · 08-30-2017, 06:26 PM

I don't remember who made it but I remember seeing something that mounted to the hitch receiver and then supported the front wheel of a motorcycle. The rear tire rode on the ground, sort of like dolly towing a motorcycle. It even had a ramp that was temporarily hooked up to enable you to roll the front tire up onto the "dolly".

Fiesta48 · 08-30-2017, 07:25 PM

I had one of those front tire only Motorcyle carriers. 3 bad things. The bikes rear tire wears very fast. It leans opposite of what think it should in turns. And the drive shaft, chain or belt has to be removed before towing. In other words, NO.

Fiesta48 · 08-30-2017, 07:30 PM

Pulled motorcycles all my life. Safest and easiest is a open full floor trailer with a full width rear gate. 3 rail motorcycle trailers are hard to load, unload. Not as safe. Enclosed trailers are ok but much heavier.

FIRE UP · 08-30-2017, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ritchieg

I'm new to the MH world and after I didn't find anything with a search of the forum thought I would put this out there.

Has anyone towed or seen options For towing a motorcycle? I know there are smaller trailers but I was wondering if anyone has ever seen like a drive up platform that hooks right into the hitch that could support a motorcycle?

Something on the lines as the hitch haulers that go right into the receiver.

It might be too much weight for it to support but I was just curious if such a thing exists.

Thanks

Well Sir,
First off, you don't say what size/type/CC of motorcycle you may want to take along with you. SIZE does make a big difference here, no pun intended. We've done it just about all ways possible. We've had enclosed trailers, Hydralifts, a unit called a "Joe-Hauler" (that I made that was much better than the Joe-hauler model), and, we now haul our Wing on a Rampage lift/carrier that is in the back of our '11 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 4x4.

So, yep, we've done quite a bit with bringing along motorcycles. Now, as for any that simply slip into a receiver, well, yeah, they may work but, on a very limited sized bike. Setting one up using THREE receivers, is seriously better. But, again, this all depends on the size of the bike intended on being loaded.

As for the ones that simply mount the front wheel in a stirrup and you drag the back wheel down the road, I wouldn't do that if anyone PAID me to. What a horrible way to bring your bike. The OP needs to specify what model of bike so that a better answer will be suggested.
Scott

Ritchieg · 08-31-2017, 06:40 AM

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I did not have a motorcycle yet. I was looking for alternatives to towing a car and since I've had motorcycles in the past just wondering if that would be an option. Thanks for the warnings against the towing front wheel up option. That's the great thing about this forum. There is a wealth of knowledge here to help others not make common mistakes. Thanks again

harleyjt · 08-31-2017, 07:18 AM

I tow the Harley on a Kendon trailer. Don't even know its back there.
jt

FIRE UP · 08-31-2017, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ritchieg

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I did not have a motorcycle yet. I was looking for alternatives to towing a car and since I've had motorcycles in the past just wondering if that would be an option. Thanks for the warnings against the towing front wheel up option. That's the great thing about this forum. There is a wealth of knowledge here to help others not make common mistakes. Thanks again

You're quite welcome Sir. If one really likes motorcycles, as we do, it's really fun to bring them along on a trip. But, if one is a "fair weather" rider, as we are, then having a car/jeep etc. along for those days when you need to get out and run around without jepordizing your (and maybe a wifes) safety by being on your only transportation, i.e. a motorcycle, then that's REALLY nice.

There are quite a few m/c haulers out there with built in receivers so that a toad can be brought along, with your m/c. There are benefits to all of them and pitfalls as well. Take your time and pick which one will work best for YOUR situation.
Scott