Receiver Hitch Bike Carrier

[kawazar]

I will be traveling about 6 hrs for a vacation this summer. I was looking at the receiver hitch mounted motorcycle carriers. I have a Suburban so it won't be an issue to carry it, i just wasn't sure how safe or well they work. I know what everyone will say, just ride it. I would but its about 400mi of all highway. I will probably ride some of it but not all. plus, I am a p***y when it comes to riding in the rain. I hate it.

[Gimpy]

I don't have any first hand.  But..... I see more expensive bikes then mine on those things all the time.  Of course double check all the stats, capacity of the carrier, hitch/receiver, and tongue weight which should be around 15% or so of total towing capacity. The later is what prevents my SUV from being able to use one of these. It's no Suburban. 

If you want to be uber pre-cautious check your insurance(s) to see if you would be covered if someone rear ended you!



And while I'm here let me be the first to say. You should ride it!!  [moto]   You can clear 400 miles in under 4 hours!   

[kawazar]

Last I remember it was about 400 mi but it's probably more because with one stop for lunch we can do it in about 5 to 5 1/2 hours, 6 if the kids need to stop more often. I know the truck and receiver can handle it. The carrier is rated for 600 lbs. and I just did the metric conv. and found the bike weighs a little over 400 lbs. Thanks for the suggestion on the insurance, I will check that. Also, would I be covered if the bike fell off while underway, I know thats a long shot but possible.

I know, I know, ride it!

[mitt]

Did you do a search?  I know it has been talked about before on the DMF, and people have done it just fine, but I don't remember who or when or what brand carrier they used.

mitt

[Capt baz]

these are good

http://www.ramp-warehouse.com/-c-124_163.html

[Spidey]

DanTheMan has a suburban (or something equally as huge) and regularly carries his bike to the track (and elsewhere) on a hitch carrier.  Based on absolutely no empirical evidence I've always thought they were a bit dodgy, but I know many folks who do it on a regular basis.  Generally the issue is more whether your truck can deal with the weight, but like you said a Suburban should be fine. 

[Slide Panda]

My former 620 arrived at my place on a hitch mounted versa-hauler.  It'd come 200 mi and was snug as a bug.  I never used one personally, though I owned same said hauler (buying was how I got the bike delivered) I never used it as I don't have a vehicle capable of carrying it.

http://www.versahaul.com/

[livefastdiefun99]

I've used one with my motocross bike before, I think it was the versa hauler.  It had a plate that would slide over the hitch that stabilized the carrier.  Used it dozens of times going back and forth from Chicago to Michigan, and never had any issues with it.  2 straps on the handlebars and one over the rear wheel.  The first time you use it, it can be a bit un-nerving as it has a little play in it, and maybe sways a an inch.  But soon you will see it only wiggles a little bit, and is actually pretty safe.  My Dad would usually go 75-80 MPH down bumpy and hilly back roads in Michigan, and I never had a problem with it, aside from the fact that I got pissed at him for driving like an idiot with my bike on the back.

[rgramjet]

This is Yuus old hitch hauler.  Ive used it several times mainly to take the bike in for service or for a trip to the beach.  Works great with load leveling suspension.  My Avalanche that doesnt have L.L. suspension sags quite a bit.  Surprisingly stable but takes a little while to get used to.

[swampduc]

I've said it before, rgramjet, but damn that's a beautiful bike. Love the lights. 

[kawazar]

My Suburban is a 3/4 ton with the 8.1L so the truck is no issue. I just wasn't too sure how stable the rack was with a street bike on it. Thanks for the info and the picture. Yeah, that bike looks good.

[Gus Duc]

This is Yuus old hitch hauler.  Ive used it several times mainly to take the bike in for service or for a trip to the beach.  Works great with load leveling suspension.  My Avalanche that doesnt have L.L. suspension sags quite a bit.  Surprisingly stable but takes a little while to get used to.

I see boobies


Very nice bike

Can't believe nobody's told you to ditch the blinkers or the reflectors yet

[RBX QB]

http://www.ramp-warehouse.com/-c-124_163.html
[/quote]

Is it just me, or is it cheaper to buy the ramps separate from the carriers?

I saw these carriers and thought "Cool... Finally!" until I saw the price. I guess I'll keep riding it to the shop and bumming rides back.

[rgramjet]

I've said it before, rgramjet, but damn that's a beautiful bike. Love the lights. 

Thanks Man!   

My Suburban is a 3/4 ton with the 8.1L so the truck is no issue. I just wasn't too sure how stable the rack was with a street bike on it. Thanks for the info and the picture. Yeah, that bike looks good.

I adore that 8.1.  My previous Avalanche had one in it with 4.10 gears.  Got 11 mpg no matter where I went or how fast I went. 

I see boobies


Very nice bike

Can't believe nobody's told you to ditch the blinkers or the reflectors yet

I hear ya.  In my younger days they would have been off the day I got the bike.  Now with 3 kiddos under 7, I constantly think about all the idiots in cages around these parts and if the refectors keep me from getting T Boned, its a small price to pay.  I do run open belt covers and front sproket though...  Sucks getting old and responsible.

[rgramjet]

Another view....