Is It Made Of Aluminum Or Powder
When it comes to these two materials steel tends to be the strong one that can carry heavy motorcycles in long distances, however, it needs to be powder-coated so there will be no damage from corrosion, while in the other hand aluminum is a much lighter material it cannot carry heavy bikes but is the best option for lighter bikes and it does not need to be coated so it can be protected from corrosion.
Can Motorcycle Hitch Carriers Block My License Plate Or Lights
The ability of motorcycle hitch carriers often depends on the model that you are buying. However, weve noticed that the construction of most hitch carriers is done in such a way as not to block your number plates or tail lights. You will even find that some models feature bonus reflectors. It is also wise to install LED lights to the back of your carrier, especially if you will be hauling the carrier at night.
What To Look Out For When Buying A Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
Each hitch carrier has a specific weight capacity, so it is essential to know the weight of the bike youll be transporting.
The next consideration is the tongue weight of your vehicle, which is not the same as towing weight. The hitch capacity is usually around 10% of the towing weight limit. For example, if your vehicles towing limit is 2000lbs, then your tongue weight limit will be around 200-500lbs. A smaller vehicle may not be appropriate for the job.
Dirt bike hitch carriers can be cumbersome and obscure things on the back of your vehicle such as number plates and taillights, which can cause obvious problems. There may also be spare wheels or spoilers attached to your vehicle, in which case a hitch carrier may not be a viable option. In some instances, a dirt bike trailer may be more suitable.
Some hitch carriers racks can hold two bikes, but double the weight means double the load and impacts on your tongue weight allowance.
Another consideration is the terrain youll be transporting the bike along. Driving offroad or on bumpier terrain will impact the movement of the bike, the hitch carrier and the hitch load to your vehicle. All that extra movement can cause damage over time and lead to breakage.
Caution:
If you are concerned about safety, you could buy a hitch carrier with a far greater load capacity than the weight of your bike for added peace of mind.
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You Can Find More Information About Bikemasters Motorcycle Carrier Here
Heavy-duty steel construction for the highest level of strength and durability
Powder-coated black for a beautiful finish
Safely carries up to 500 lbs. and bikes with up to 5 in. wide front tires
38-1/2 in. steel loading ramp attaches securely to the carrier rack for convenient loading and unloading
Fits standard 2 in. class III and class IV receivers
18 in. long main hitch tube from center of hitch pin to center of ramp
Front tire slot included for additional stability as well as anti-tilt bracket
Mototote Sport Bike Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Rack
When it comes to the motorcycle carrier world MotoTote is the newest name that got in the game and when it comes to design and manufacturing techniques there is nobody that comes near them. One of the best features of this product is the installation process. It is very easy and straight-forward because it only comes with a few parts. If youre able to master the mounting process it will probably take you less than 30 minutes to install it.MotoTote is so well-designed, its safety features guarantee you that the bike itself will stay safe and secured while youre driving. It includes the MotoTote Zero Wobble hitch bolt which reduces wobbles as much as possible and without the messy anti-rattle brackets.There are no sharp edges to scratch or gouge fairings.It comes with 60x 12x 9inches dimensions, weighs around 66lbs, and constructed from powder-coated steel.Features:-It perfectly suits class III or IV hitch-Solid and sturdy loading ramp
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How To Tie Down Motorcycle On Hitch Carrier
Securing your motorcycle to a truck or trailer can be pretty terrifying if you are doing it for the first time. Even the simplest mistakes can cause damage to your bike or even injuries in some cases. Understanding how to tie down your motorcycle correctly will, however, help to ensure that your bikes safety is guaranteed. Here, lets review a step-by-step process for securing your motorcycle to a hitch carrier the right way.
What Is A Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
A motorcycle hitch carrier is a designed device for carrying your motorcycle and transporting it in a place while being attached to the hitch receiver of your vehicle, meaning that you can drive it safely to your destination. There are a lot of methods of transportation like using trailers or calling a towing company but unlike them, they do not depend solely upon positioned straps to keep your bike from wobbling or maybe falling dangerously.
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Motogroup Motorcycle Scooter Dirt Bike Carrier Rack
This motorcycle hitch carrier is a perfect option for people that bikes and scooters weighing 400 pounds and below. The carrier weighs just 33.3 lbs, so you can be assured that you are getting a very lightweight unit. This would be an added benefit when you need to pack it in a lodge with limited space. The installation has also been made very easy for this carrier, so you might not need any additional hands to mount it, irrespective of your level of expertise. Just a few easy steps and you are done with the whole installation process.
This carrier features solid construction that keeps it going for a long time. The use of lightweight aircraft aluminum means that you would never need to worry about rusting, even when you expose the unit to adverse weather conditions.
One feature that stands this hitch carrier out Id the inclusion of a solid loading ramp. The ramp is not only lightweight but also attaches conveniently to both sides of the carrier. Whether you are using it in a van, SUV, RV, camper, or pickup truck, you can trust the unit to work greatly to ensure the safe hauling if your bike. The anti-wobble device on the hitch mount carrier is another decent feature that you would love, especially for the security and stability it brings to the unit.
Pros
What Is Your Budget
This is one thing that sometimes forces people to buy a product that is not as good quality despite their enthusiasm in the specifications. Honestly, we just want you to get the most for what you pay for. So, like any other motorcycle part or accessory such as dirt bike helmets, a hitch-mount carrier is very important to safely carry a motorcycle for your transportation needs.
So, make sure to get a carrier that has high quality and comes with decent features so that it wont break while carrying the load. Otherwise, your motorcycle will dangle out when you hit the road which is why it is better to pay for the quality hitch carrier in the first place, rather than paying for the damage repairs later.
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Clamp The Hitch Bar And The Support Brackets Together
For a start, you will need to attach the support brackets to the hitch bar, clamping both metals together with nuts, or bolts attached. You will find that the hitch bar is a square tube in some brands. Keep tightening the bolts or nuts in place until you are sure that theres no more movement between the metals being attached.
Goplus 600 Lbs Motorcycle Carrier Dirt Bike Rack
When it comes to the toughness and strength this steel made carrier is one the best and maybe the best of the list for motorcycle carriers. Because it is made of steel, it is also impermeable, so you dont need to worry about the rack rusting when it rains. It can be used to carry some heavy motorcycles because it can easily carry up to 600lbs. Mounting this product on your vehicle is very easy, the carrier comes with an adjustable wheel stop which keeps your motorcycle safe and stable on the move, it can provide safeness while youre riding in rough terrain and it doesnt make a difference whether youre traveling 50 or 400 miles, but it is not good to exceed the speed above 55 MPH while the carrier is attached on the vehicle.This carriers dimensions are 79 x 31 x 13 inches and it weighs about 91 lbs.Features:-Made easy for usage by quick releasing ramps-The most secure when it comes to wobbles
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Versahaul Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier With Ramp
Capable of carrying up to 500 pounds this VersaHaul device features a big long ramp so the loading becomes easier and also four Eyelet tie-down bars so you can get a better secure place for your vehicle.The size of the ramp equals 71.5 x 30 x 5, made from heavy-duty steel construction with a black paint finish and it weighs around 15.8 ounces.It can be loaded from both sides of the vehicle.Each one contains a wheel stop to secure your bike and also two reflectors to ensure that the others will see you during night time use.It is suitable for any Class III or IV hitch.
How Do You Strap A Bike To A Hitch Carrier
Most hitch carriers will have inbuilt tie-down spots, which are welded loops in the carrier enabling you to add clips, hooks and straps. We suggest ratchet straps will ensure any straps are tight, which also allowing for incremental tightening.
Then, you should place any straps around critical locations, to the front and back of the bike such as the handlebars. Be mindful not to attach to moving parts such as throttle and brakes, just on solid bars. On the back of the bike, some suggest tying to footpegs or other sturdy, substantial areas.
Repeat the process for both sides of the bike and carrier to secure into position.
With regular use, straps can rub dirt bike plastics and graphics, so you may wish to put some felt behind the strap where it connects with the bike.
For extra security, you can then find ways to use additional straps to tie to the vehicle such a roof rack or locations on the inside of a pickup bed. Always be careful not to over tighten straps, as while it needs to be secure, avoid over tension. There is a handy video of the installation here.
Summary
So there we have it. There are lots of options when selecting a dirt bike hitch carrier to suit your needs. By matching the right product to your vehicle, they can be excellent for saving space, time and money, to get you and your bikes safely from A-B.
If you are looking for a great loading ramp for your truck, make sure to read our ultimate guide to dirt bike loading ramps.
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Fix It On The Vehicle
Most modern dirt bike hitch carriers have an anti-tilt tool to keep the dirt bike from tilting as it raises the risk of falling. Definitely get one if they dont come with your carrier.
Slide the device through the hitch carrier, and tighten the bolts in place so that its stuck there for good. Use a 17mm socket to ensure they have a firm grip.
How To Install A Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
The parts of a motorcycle hitch carrier differ based on brand and model. However, the installation process is mostly the same across all models. Like motorcycle chains, the installation process of hitch carriers is easy. And the process gets less complicated when youve installed one before. If you are looking to start your first installation process, here are the steps to adopt.
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Who Needs A Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier
If you do not have a truck with a truck bed or a trailer to haul your dirt bike around you fall into the category of needed a dirt bike hitch carrier.
This allows for pretty much anyone to be able to haul their dirt bike around to the different motocross or dirt bike trails.
What you need to know about Dirt Bike Hitch racks and Carriers.
You need to make sure you get the hitch carrier that works best for your setup. When you add weight to the hitch receiver on your vehicle it causes the rear end of your vehicle to sag allowing your bumper and dirt bike carrier to get closer to the ground. If your hitch rack or bumper is too low you have to worry about dragging on the ground.
Some of the more affordable options offer ZERO height adjustability, this means that you are stuck at whatever sag ride height your vehicle has.
You also need to make sure that the handlebars of your dirt bike do NOT smack your rear window or rear panels on your vehicle. Going over rough terrain makes the dirt bike on the dirt bike carrier jump around and if there is not enough room you risk denting your vehicle or even braking a rear window.
How To Understand If A Trailer Is Compatible With Both My Car And Motorcycle
Most users fail to realize that compatibility issues can go a long way to affect the usage of your carrier. Hitch carriers need to be compatible with your car. Check the load rating of your bike and ensure that it matches the tongue weight of your vehicle, alongside the hitch carrier. You will find an informational sticker in most hitch carriers, stating the maximum weight that it can hold. Stick to this weight capacity, ensuring to never go above the limit.
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Rage Powersports Black Widow Mcc
Black Widow MCC-500 Motorcycle Carrier features a solid steel construction.
It is a heavy-duty dirt bike hitch carrier designed for bigger and heavier bikes. With a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs. it is one of the great dirt bike racks.
Its long ramp fits onto either side of thehitch carrier. The ramp has a capacity to load any bike with even a 7 widetire.
Featuring an anti-tilt locking mechanism ensures that your bike doesnt wobble when loaded.
This adds to the strength and stability of this motorcycle carrier. Due to its quick assembly, loading a heavy bike has never been easier.
The best thing about MCC-500 is itsfoldable carrier rack. It comes with a hitch tube that folds up the carrierrack, when not in use. It is designed to be suitable for 2 class III and IVhitch type.
One big drawback of this motorcycle carrier is that due to its steel construction, it is prone to corrosion and wear and tear.
However, coming with a black paint finish, allows you to cover up any corrosion whenever needed.
Overall, it is a good option to considerfor off-road motorcycles and street sports motorcycle owners looking for solid heavy-dutymotorcycle carriers.
Specifications:
The VersaHaul VH-55-RO is another best dirt bike hitch carrier with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs., making it another heavy-duty motorcycle carrier.
Featuring steel construction with powder coating, it is made to resist fading, scratching or any kind of wear and tear.
Specifications:
Dirt Bike & Motocross Haulers
Preparing for track day just got easier with our selection of hitch-mounted dirt bike carriers! These convenient carriers quickly fit into your vehicle hitch, eliminating the need for a cumbersome trailer. A self-storing loading ramp makes it easy to load and unload. Instead of having to lift your heavy bike, simply wheel it on or off the carrier, saving your strength for the ride ahead.
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Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Buying Guide
Buying a motorcycle hitch carrier is not the easiest thing to do. There are too many brands and models in the market, and this can make the whole process of picking a carrier for your needs more complicated. This shouldnt scare you. A knowledge of the factors to look out for would guide you to select the correct option for your needs. Here, look at a few factors that you should check out before settling with any choice.
How To Install A Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier
Installing a dirt bike carrier isnt that hard. Its just methodological. You need to go through the entire process one by one, each step needing finesse and a lot of care. Thankfully, these come with an instruction manual so itll be a bit easy.
But lets walk you through anyway, heres a motorcycle hitch carrier installation guide in 7 easy steps:
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Rage Powersports Black Widow Amc
Black Widow AMC-400 Motorcycle Carrier comes built with high-strength aluminum.
Due to its aluminum construction, this is the best lightweight hitch carrier you can get as an alternative to heavy-duty steel hitch carriers.
What adds more to the quality of this carrier is no corrosion issues which means high durability.
Also, its lightweight results in easy fitting and removing, making it not a daunting task. However, the hitch frame is of steel to ensure strong loading.
Another great feature of this dirt bike rack is that the ramp can fit on both sides.
This means you can load and unload your dirt bikes easily as it rolls on and off forwards very conveniently.
When not in use, the ramp lays on the carrier and is fitted with two wingnuts.
AMC-400 comes with an anti-tilt locking device to prevent shaking when transported.
Moreover, it features a space bar adapter if you want to fit in your youth 50 80cc bike, making this bike carrier even more versatile.
Featuring maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs., it is designed to be used with Class III or IV hitch receivers.
Coming at an affordable price, it is the best dirt bike hitch carrier for the people who are looking for a lightweight yet durable motorcycle carrier.
Specifications:
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
- Hitch Class Type: III or IV
- Build Material: Aluminum with steel hitch frame
- Ramp Dimensions: 47 x 5.5
- Track Dimensions:75 x 5.5