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Hitch mount bike carriers

  1. #26
    its in my blood caloots's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by nhbubba View Post
    And I've seen a guy tow a 6x12 enclosed trailer with a VW.
    That's insane!!! Even if the drive train can handle the towing, how is it dealing with tongue weight and braking?

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  2. #27
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Eh.... If it's aluminium, balanced well & has electric brakes, it's doable.

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  3. #28
    Lifer Garandman's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    We have the HF one, bought on deep sale. Also bought a set of trailer lights as the tail lights were blocked. The heaviest bike I've hauled is a WR250R (about 300 lbs) with a six cylinder Outback. We haul the bikes back-and-forth from NH a couple times a season and it works well for that. I usually tie some straps from the roof rack to make it more stable.

    IMHO it's too far from the car and should be 3-4" shorter. I may drill a new mounting hole and see if I can cinch it up. It does have a bracket to keep it from rocking in the hitch. Now $179, think we paid $110. Tie downs aren't great and 300# is about the most I'd carry. Buy something else if you are hauling heavier bikes or using it more and you have a vehicle that can handle the tongue weight: I've seen some scary tail draggers.

    Review: Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier - Dirt Bike Test



    Done some towing with FWD cars, including minivans and a Dodge Intrepid. Do not like.

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    Last edited by Garandman; 09-27-15 at 06:33 AM.

  4. #29
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by Garandman View Post
    We have the HF one, bought on deep sale.
    You installed the front wheel clamps upside down.

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    Last edited by OreoGaborio; 09-27-15 at 06:23 AM.
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  5. #30
    Day late, dollar short carsick's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by OreoGaborio View Post
    You installed the front wheel clamps upside down.
    Is it more stable with the bike mounted under the hauler?

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  6. #31
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Anyone using one of these with a class 2 hitch? Most I see are rated for class 3 and 4 only. Only gonna be using it with a dirtbike, but rather not create a safety issue within reason.

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  7. #32
    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    I don't see a class 2 lasting long with that kind of tongue load.

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  8. #33

    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    class 2 tongue weight usually 200lbs...most bikes alone (minus hauler) are over 220-250lbs

    I hauled an XR200 and RM125 on a hauler on a corolla...but I had 2 hitch receivers

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  9. #34
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    I bought Dove's Joe hauler. I will never use a trailer again (unless I need to haul more than 1 bike). It is awesome. I do worry about a prick cop hassling me about lights and plates being blocked, but eh. The convenience is worth it! I might even get a light kit for it.

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  10. #35
    Lifer ZX-12R's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul_E_D View Post
    I bought Dove's Joe hauler.
    Are we sure it was his to sell?

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  11. #36

    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    protip: add reflective tape for added visibility




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  12. #37
    Backwoods lobster boy number9's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    I'm not really sure if I'm asking the right question, but here goes: given the choice, would you guys rather haul a bike in the bed of a truck, or behind a vehicle on a hitch carrier?

    Right now, I'm hauling my single-rail Kendon trailer with my Subaru Outback, but it's rusting away as fast as I can make mechanical repairs to it. It'll survive this winter, probably, but not another one. Given that I won't want to drive its replacement (something nice!) in the winter, I'll be in the market for a beater. And I'd love to haul the bike(s) with that beater...

    The million dollar question is, should I get a cheap truck & haul the bike in the bed or a cheap SUV & haul the bike on the hitch? While the Kendon has been good to me, it is a touch inconvenient. For you guys that have done both, what do you prefer?

    Beater-wise I'd be looking for a Chevy S10 or Ford Ranger (or equivalents), or a Jeep Cherokee or Chevy Tahoe (or equivalents). Something cheap and nasty, hence something Made in the USA.

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  13. #38
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    i've done all three over the years but if you don't need a ton of space in the cab, single cab pickup was my favorite way to go. although not when the trucks were lifted. the nice thing about a pickup is you can still use a carrier to haul another bike if needed. we've been doing that lately with my buddies bike in the bed and mine on the carrier. nice compact way to travel. when not in use, carrier hangs on the wall.

    on this topic, been missing my Jeep Rubi + carrier. compact, go anywhere.

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  14. #39
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by number9 View Post
    I'm not really sure if I'm asking the right question, but here goes: given the choice, would you guys rather haul a bike in the bed of a truck, or behind a vehicle on a hitch carrier?

    Right now, I'm hauling my single-rail Kendon trailer with my Subaru Outback, but it's rusting away as fast as I can make mechanical repairs to it. It'll survive this winter, probably, but not another one. Given that I won't want to drive its replacement (something nice!) in the winter, I'll be in the market for a beater. And I'd love to haul the bike(s) with that beater...

    The million dollar question is, should I get a cheap truck & haul the bike in the bed or a cheap SUV & haul the bike on the hitch? While the Kendon has been good to me, it is a touch inconvenient. For you guys that have done both, what do you prefer?

    Beater-wise I'd be looking for a Chevy S10 or Ford Ranger (or equivalents), or a Jeep Cherokee or Chevy Tahoe (or equivalents). Something cheap and nasty, hence something Made in the USA.
    Low sitting truck bed is the best in my experience. Second best is Jeep Grand Cherokee with Joe Hauler hitch on back. Third best option is trailer.

    Box truck rules all but in no way makes fiscal sense.

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  15. #40
    Angry Gumball RandyO's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    if you go with a truck, get a long bed so that you can close the tailgate

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    RandyO
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  16. #41

    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    If you only have 1 car, can't beat the limited storage space of a hitch carrier on an SUV

    If it's a truck, long bed regular cab 2wd with a bed you can step into is choice...but regular cab sucks if you are married, have a gf or need to store gear out of the rain

    CA car registration and insurance is ridiculous...so I only keep 1 vehicle...I just have 1 truck for everything.. that's the only way I will roll...I did just buy an extended cab to prevent theft of stuff out in tweaker-haven desert...but I drive with the tailgate down

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    Last edited by breakdirt916; 10-20-16 at 03:50 PM.
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  17. #42
    Backwoods lobster boy number9's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by typeone View Post
    i've done all three over the years but if you don't need a ton of space in the cab, single cab pickup was my favorite way to go. although not when the trucks were lifted. the nice thing about a pickup is you can still use a carrier to haul another bike if needed. we've been doing that lately with my buddies bike in the bed and mine on the carrier. nice compact way to travel. when not in use, carrier hangs on the wall.

    on this topic, been missing my Jeep Rubi + carrier. compact, go anywhere.
    Yeah, being able to carry an additional bike on a hitch (or two in the bed!) appeals to me as well. It'd come in handy for SMC next year...

    Quote Originally Posted by cdovego View Post
    Low sitting truck bed is the best in my experience. Second best is Jeep Grand Cherokee with Joe Hauler hitch on back. Third best option is trailer.

    Box truck rules all but in no way makes fiscal sense.
    What are my options for a low truck bed? Ford Ranger, Chevy S10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.. am I missing any? (Dodge Dakotas are the worst.)

    Quote Originally Posted by RandyO View Post
    if you go with a truck, get a long bed so that you can close the tailgate
    Stupid question, but: how much of a difference does this make? Do you like it because stuff it helps secure the bike in the bed? Or because you can store stuff in the bed (tools etc.) and not worry about 'em flying out the back?

    Quote Originally Posted by breakdirt916 View Post
    If you only have 1 car, can't beat the limited storage space of a hitch carrier on an SUV

    If it's a truck, long bed regular cab 2wd with a bed you can step into is choice...but regular cab sucks if you are married, have a gf or need to store gear out of the rain

    CA car registration and insurance is ridiculous...so I only keep 1 vehicle...I just have 1 truck for everything.. that's the only way I will roll...I did just buy an extended cab to prevent theft of stuff out in tweaker-haven desert...but I drive with the tailgate down
    It won't be my only vehicle, thankfully. I feel like extended cab 4WD would be great if I can find it. Regular cab would be fine, probably, but it'd be nice to have room for a passenger and also dry stuff.

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  18. #43
    go faster cdovego's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by Garandman View Post
    That's my bike.

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    Central Mass Powersports #123

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  19. #44
    go faster cdovego's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by number9 View Post
    What are my options for a low truck bed? Ford Ranger, Chevy S10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.. am I missing any? (Dodge Dakotas are the worst.)
    Dakotas are the worst. I went Tacoma x-runner, great stock. The only other low stock truck I'd consider is Chevy's s10 ss model but I'm not sure if you can get more than a single cab. Not many good options and I think both of the aforementioned are discontinued. The other ones you talk about are small trucks but still sit nearly full size truck height.

    I can roll a full size bike into my truck without hopping in the bed, shin saver.

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    Central Mass Powersports #123

    1000rr, zx10r, rmz450, RE classic, r6, S4Rs, xr123, sv650(2), cr250 and a box truck that leaks power steering fluid.

  20. #45
    Super Moderator TheIglu's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by RandyO View Post
    if you go with a truck, get a long bed so that you can close the tailgate
    Or just put it in corner to corner and still be able to shut the tailgate. 6' bed works great for virtually every bike I've ever owned, aside from the SS Vmax. That thing was a land yatch in length.

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  21. #46
    Angry Gumball RandyO's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by number9 View Post
    Stupid question, but: how much of a difference does this make? Do you like it because stuff it helps secure the bike in the bed? Or because you can store stuff in the bed (tools etc.) and not worry about 'em flying out the back?
    it makes a difference because tailgates are not the bed and not rated to carry continuous weight, only temporarily to load the truck, yes, its much like the 15lb load on a luggage rack that is often ignored, weight on the tailgate unnecessarily stresses the hinges and stop cables, do I care if you put your rear tire on the tailgate, but next year don't get pissed off when I laugh at you when the gate swings down or falls off

    or if your tailgate doesn't close right cause it's sagging

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    Last edited by RandyO; 10-21-16 at 01:01 PM.
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  22. #47

    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    What's the budget?

    Bear in mind 4wd will be taller than the 2wd counterpart. Still doable, just more difficult

    But...a hitch carrier typically has a low loading height...so a 4wd truck with a carrier will make loading pretty easy...and still give the option of a 2nd bike

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    Last edited by breakdirt916; 10-21-16 at 12:53 PM.
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  23. #48
    Wizard loudbeard's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    Quote Originally Posted by RandyO View Post
    it makes a difference because tailgates are not the bed and not rated to carry continuous weight, only temporarily to load the truck, yes, its much like the 15lb load on a luggage rack that is often ignored, weight on the tailgate unnecessarily stresses the hinges and stop cables, do I care if you put your rear tire on the tailgate, but next year don't get pissed off when I laugh at you when the gate swings down or falls off

    or if your tailgate doesn't close right cause it's sagging
    It's almost like you were right, but no. The hinges and stop cables are fine.

    The problem with having a motorcycle in transit with a tire on the tailgate is bending the tailgate itself. *That* is what causes tailgates to sag and not close properly. If you had an actual tractor instead of some hole digging toy, you might have known that.

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  24. #49
    Angry Gumball RandyO's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    like I said, the tailgate is not rated for the weight

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  25. #50
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
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    Re: Hitch mount bike carriers

    it's an easy workaround. Taco gates are known to crease easily, my simple plastic cover spread the load fine, a sheet of metal works even better. I did like the half-close option on my '06 Canyon. snugged up nice to the rear wheel. visually, long beds give me heartburn no can do

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