Hitch mount motorcycle carrier

[Dmarotta]

I have a 2013 Solera, looking to carry a Ducati Monster on a carrier. Any recommendations for a quality hitch mount carrier?

[LadyWindrider]

Hello, and to the forums. Congrats on the new rig also.

If you do a search on here, you will find several discussions about motorcycle carriers, some that work and some that don't. Just make sure you know the weight limits on your hitch, and don't exceed them. That is also going to se some extra weight on the back axle axle of your RV. I'm trying to say don't do it, but a lightweight motorcycle trailer may be a better option. Either way, your bike is out in the weather.

[papap]

same here. I wanted a way to bring Motorbike. But mine is a HD. So plan to get a 5x8 v nose enclosed trailer to tow it in. Wife loves the idea, because she loves to go to Canton Flea Market. LOL

[reinerka]

Read the manual. 350lbs max wight on the hitch carrier. The Duc is likely way above that. Better to use a trailer...

Reiner

[bcunning]

We carry a 450 lb '79 Triumph Bonneville on a hitch carrier and so far it is working very well. The carrier is 100 lb for a total weight of 550 and the hitch is rated for 500 tongue weight (5000 lb towing) so technically we are a little over but close enough and the bike is very stable. I had to add tail lights on the carrier as the bike obscured the lights on the RV and I also hung the front license plate on the ladder as the rear plate is also obscured by the bike. (not strictly legal in this state but I doubt that I will be challenged on it)

[Dmarotta]

Originally Posted by bcunning

We carry a 450 lb '79 Triumph Bonneville on a hitch carrier and so far it is working very well. The carrier is 100 lb for a total weight of 550 and the hitch is rated for 500 tongue weight (5000 lb towing) so technically we are a little over but close enough and the bike is very stable. I had to add tail lights on the carrier as the bike obscured the lights on the RV and I also hung the front license plate on the ladder as the rear plate is also obscured by the bike. (not strictly legal in this state but I doubt that I will be challenged on it)

Did you change the hitch from the factory installed? Which motorcycle carrier did you purchase? Thanks Dave

[bcunning]

we got the SMC 600R: The SMC-600 Motorcycle Hauler

We did not change the hitch - it has a tag on it with the 500 lb tongue weight rating and 5000 lb towing weight specified.

I tested it with the bike on it and a friend and I jumping on it (combined additional weight of 400 lb plus the 450 lb bike and the 100 lb carrier - total of 950 lb) and it felt very secure.

I added tail lights to it because the bike partially obscures the vehicle lights.

[reinerka]

Don't go by the hitch - read the manual for the Sprinter - it states 350lbs and 3500 for trailer weight.

Plus don't forget that you have a total of about 1100lbs to add on the vehicle (including water). Read the sticker on the door for the exact number.

Reiner

[bcunning]

OK so the hitch is rated for 500 lb and the chassis is rated for 350 lb - I don't think that's a significant difference - especially since the physical test with 950 lb of bouncing stress showed no indication of bending or movement of the hitch relative to the vehicle or the vehicle itself. I'm going to continue to assume the specs are conservative enough to have a margin of more than 200 pounds.

If there is a bed in the back, would they prohibit driving with a 200 lb person resting on the bed? I don't think so. We don't intend to drive with more than my wife and I as passengers (it only sleeps 2 and our combined weight is well under 300 lb) and that will compensate for such a small excess compared to the towing specs.

I'm certainly not going to start hauling a trailer.

[scarlton46]

I use the Ultimate MX Hauler to carry my dirtbike (TTR250) and a single rail Joe Hauler to carry a small motor scooter. Not at the same time, of course. Both work well on the Solera.

[KyDan]

What you guys are using is working for you so I'm not criticizing but.....
Hitch weights are typically rated for 12" overhang. Every inch longer
you hang in the receiver reduces the tongue weight rating of the hitch.
It's that pesky lever and fulcrum thing raising it's ugly head.

That bonneville is a neat bike and I sooooooo wanted one back in my
youth. Do try to keep all hitch type carriers as close to the back of
your rig as possible. I urge you to load and then follow your rig one
day in a car to watch how much bounce you get on rough roads, dips
RR tracks etc. Just be careful out there and by all means

Wish I could do this but our next rig is most likely an ultralite 5th wheel
and those guys don't have the frame to hang a 450 LB motorcycle on the
back end.

[Dmarotta]

I had the hitch re-enforced & welded with steel brackets. I went with the SMC 600.

[accumack]

I bought a carrier to haul our 2 dirt bikes from Loading Ramps, Hauling, Transport, & Skateboard Ramp Superstore - Discount Ramps.com it works great and they have quite a few to choose from.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by Dmarotta

Attachment 18931

I had the hitch re-enforced & welded with steel brackets. I went with the SMC 600.

Have ya seen the thread where the op was complaining about how two "C" channel main frames took new shape from the rear wheels to the overloaded rear bumper? None of these RVs are rated for anything beyond the design and build. If they were you could not put any people, liquids or stores aboard, they would be at max load just after the build. They are built light weight for the purpose of the end user have room to load and max space to live. Most ratings are meant to approach the load, not exceed it by 20% or more. Some day you're bike may be lunch for an 18 wheeler. You need to keep an close eye on all faseners, structural members and support members. Brakets are a local enhancement, they don't rasie the rating of the towing package. The builder has the design say, even if the tow bracket exceeds the builder design. It doesn't raise the rating. Now the carry is almost 200% of the design. Bouncing does not equal "cylic stress fatigue", the main cause of metal bending and failure. Keep an eye on it.

[Ogsarg]

I originally wanted to carry my 500 lb motorcycle but after reading about hitch carriers on the solera, I bought a used scooter instead and the owner had a Versahaul that he had used once and threw in with the scoot. The scoot weighs just under 200 and the carrier is about 60. The rig handles great with it and the light scooter is so much easier to load/unload than the bike would be. The scooter is also quieter than my bike. No regrets.