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Trailer Hitch Motorcycle Carriers - Any good?

J

JeffV

Husqvarna
A Class
Hi guys,
Was wondering if anyone can recommend or has good or bad experiences with any hitch mounted motorcycle carriers. I'd use it for shorter day trips so that I wouldn't have to unload my P/U every time I go ridding.

I have really only heard bad things. I've looked at a couple different manufacturers and not very impressive. Thanks!
 
I've used them for the past 4 years with no real issues. The first one I used had an aluminum stinger. After a year of heavy use, I noticed stress cracks, so I stopped using it and replaced with one with a steel stinger. Been using it ever since, no issues. I've also borrowed a couple from two different buddies (Ultimate MX Hauler). Those are very nice units, but spendy.
 
I've been using a locally built product called the Joehauler. Not too inexpensive, but it does a good job, and has an anti sway feature that works quite well.
 
Mike-AK said:
I've got a Versahaul. Works great.
Click to expand...


I don't use my pickup bed, it's way too high for one guy to load and I usually ride alone.
I have two haulers, a 1 bike version and a 2 bike version. I've hauled all kinds of bikes with them. A few months ago I transported my Husky 310 all over the Western US using one. No issues.

I haven't lost a bike yet, but almost did. I've learned a few lessons.
You have to have good stout straps and make sure they won't loosen up due to flexing and bouncing of the hauler / bike. Where the straps are placed is important, don't let them slide around the bars or frame. I also strap down both front and back of the bike, and I strap both wheels to the wheel tray.

Hauler sway when loaded is also an issue and can cause problems.
I drilled my receiver underneath for a bolt that can be tightened against the stinger to limit side to side hauler sway. Works good.
My 2 bike hauler has a 3-bolt thingy on stinger that does the same thing by tightening against the receiver. It works too.
Oh, and I use a locking receiver pin to deter thieves when I'm riding.

I don't want to lose any of my bikes or cause an accident from following traffic, so I'm careful.
Dave
 
I saw one at my local dealer that looked really nice.
Mototote.com
I have not used one myself, but they had 4 bikes mounted to the wall on them and it was plenty sturdy.
I hope this helps,
Rich
 
ST Rich said:
I saw one at my local dealer that looked really nice.
Mototote.com
I have not used one myself, but they had 4 bikes mounted to the wall on them and it was plenty sturdy.
I hope this helps,
Rich
Click to expand...

Mototote is stout. I went with Versahaul because it is lighter. The Mototote with my bike on it would be heavier than the max tongue weight for my Jeep. With the Versahaul I am just under, and it is plenty strong for carrying my single bike.
 
I have the add a bike hauler. It has worked very well, and loading is a snap with the seat bar. It is all aluminum so it is a little more money than others.
 
I've had a Versa Haul brand since 2001.... It's great.

DSCN0273.jpg



DSCN0274.jpg



DSCN0275.jpg
 
I have a mx hauler type. It works well. Takes a little while to load and unload, but you can do it alone. I think it freaks drivers out behind you with the bike just looking like it is floating back there, but I have had no issues with it.
 
BadMotoWeazal said:
I've had a Versa Haul brand since 2001.... It's great.
Click to expand...

Like BadMotoWeazal I have a VersaHaul. It's the 2-bike version. I have two complains with it, 1) the 2 bike version weighs a ton, 2 guys are needed to lift it, 2) the wheel tray is wide with sloping sides so your wheels may bounce out on bumpy roads. I have to strap the wheels to the tray otherwise and they have!
 
I also have the ultimate mx hauler and have used it for several 1400 trips with no problems. Yes it is expensive, but compared to the cost of the bike on it (te 310) its pretty reasonable.
 
Another Versa Haul owner here, really like it. The anti - wobble device (can kind of see it on BadMotoWeazals post, 3rd pic) really works, very solid.
 
Swampds said:
I have the add a bike hauler. It has worked very well, and loading is a snap with the seat bar. It is all aluminum so it is a little more money than others.
Click to expand...

This is the hauler I had that started cracking... Watch that thing. The aluminum stinger / components won't hold up over time.
 
Wow. Lots of positive feedback here! Thanks for the info fellas!!
What do you guys do about the tail lights being obstructed? Any problems with law enforcement?
 
MIKE310 said:
I also have the ultimate mx hauler and have used it for several 1400 trips with no problems. Yes it is expensive, but compared to the cost of the bike on it (te 310) its pretty reasonable.
Click to expand...

This is the one that clamps to the frame? Correct? I have always liked the idea but..... I've always wondered if having the suspension dangling for long distances would damage the forks. And if attaching to the same place on the frame gives you any wear issues at the point of attachment.
 
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