by Chris Lewis.
You can agree with me that the use of dedicated motorcycle trailers or pick-up trucks in transporting motorcycles can be time-consuming, stressful, and labor-intensive. But then, what if there is an easy way out? Allow me to introduce you to motorcycle hitch carriers. You may have heard about this before, but it doesn't matter. Please keep reading to know more about them.
With the use of bike hitch carriers, you can effortlessly and conveniently transport your motorcycle from one place to another. These carriers are less expensive, easy to load, and highly convenient than other transportation means. As long as your vehicle has the perfect hitch, you are good to go.
I have arranged a well-detailed guide based on my previous experience in this article. Also, this article is a review of the best hitch carriers for motorcycles.
Before we get right to the recommendations and buying guide, here's why you should get a motorcycle hitch carrier.
Contents
Although there are many other methods of moving your bikes from one location to another, the hitch carrier is rapidly becoming popular. Here's why.
Once the hitch carrier is installed, all you need is to connect the ramp and load your motorcycle without any form of lifting. Unlike trailers, this makes it a perfect way to move your bike around without help.
A motorcycle hitch carrier is one secure and effective way to transport your dirt bike, motorcycle, and scooter. The reason is that most recent hitch carrier models are constructed with safety features such as an anti-tilt tool, which ensures that the bike is stable.
The hitch carrier is also constructed to minimize movement while securing the motorcycle. Additionally, hitch carriers are much better than trailers since trailers are usually hard to control.
Although trailers can transport multiple motorcycles at a time, they are still not satisfying as hitch carriers. These hitch carriers feature a selection of aluminum and steel and a vast extent of weight capacities.
They are equally accepted in several states, thereby making them the perfect choice for transporting motorcycles from one place to another at any given time.
Another benefit is its high level of compatibility. The hitch carrier is highly compatible because it can be used with many vehicles compared to most transportation means. You do not need a flatbed vehicle to transport your motorcycle with the hitch carrier.
Using a hitch carrier to transport your motorcycle is more cost-effective than purchasing a trailer. Nevertheless, it would help if you did thorough research to ensure the product is worth your money.
Product Review for The Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers In 2023.
Below is the list of the best motorcycle hitch carriers. Alongside each review are their corresponding features, pros, and cons.
To transport your dirt bike, motorcycle, and scooter from one location to another, you should consider the Direct Aftermarket hitch carrier. The product is high-quality, with a weight of 58lbs, and can transport any motorcycle or bike with a weight capacity of about 500lb. Additionally, it comes with a loading ramp measuring 5" wide and 38" long.
The one distinct feature of this hitch carrier lies in its anti-wobble locking component. This component ensures that 100% stability of the bike is guaranteed, and it also ensures that no movement is noticed during the transportation. What about the design?
The Direct Aftermarket hitch carrier is made from steel coated with epoxy powder. With its solid construction material, the hitch carrier is resistant to rust, which extends its general lifespan.
The product is equally simple to assemble. It also features a more appropriate loading ramp, making things easier. The loading ramp of this product can be attached to the car on either side.
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Do you intend to transport a heavy-duty motorcycle? If yes, you should consider the GoPlus's 600 LBS hitch carrier. This unimpeachable hitch carrier is made from heavy-duty steel that guarantees durability and strength for moving heavy motorcycles up to 600lbs.
The steel material used for this product is corrosion-resistant, making it possible for the product to last for an extended period. Thus, you shouldn't worry about the hitch carrier rusting while traveling in coarse weather conditions.
The GoPlus's 600 LBS hitch carrier comes with a 79" long carrier rack, which also features an adaptable wheel stop. The loading ramp of this product measures 7.5" wide and 72" long. The loading ramp here ensures that heavy motorcycles can be lifted with ease and easy mounting.
All you need to set up the GoPlus's 600 LBS hitch carrier is a hitch pin and the car's 2" receiver.
In the aspect of safety, the product features a 2-swift release lock which ensures that your bike is secured, exclusively if you intend to speed up on hilly or bumpy areas.
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Do you own a dirt bike, motocross, or scooter that weighs 400 pounds and 5.5" wide tires? Yes? Great, Motorgroup's motorcycle hitch carrier is the right product for you.
The product weighs about 36.3lbs, making it one lightweight and easy-to-install product. Also, the product is resistant to rust, as it is made from a lightweight aircraft aluminum material.
Motorgroup's motorcycle hitch carrier is a remarkable product as it features a ramp inclusion. It also features a lightweight loading ramp, which suitably attaches to the left and right sides of the carrier.
It doesn't matter if you own a camper, SUV, RV, van, or truck; the Motorgroup's motorcycle hitch carrier will ensure that your motorcycle is transported safely. Also, the product fits effortlessly in a 2" class of V, IV, III, and II hitch receivers.
Another fantastic feature is the anti-wobble component which features three locking screws for maximum stability and security. This is one exceptional specification as most hitch carrier brands feature just two locking screws, which in most cases is not enough to give the motorcycle the stability it needs.
This means that with this product, you can transport your motorcycle on a rough road without damaging the bike or your vehicle.
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The MTX is one of the modern motorcycle carriers in the market for both sports and street bikes. The brand Moto-Tote emerged with this model after evaluating their customer's reply on the previous hitch carrier. With this information, the engineer was able to know precisely what the riders wanted.
This product can carry any motorcycle with a weight capacity of 550lbs. When fully installed, the MTX sports bike carrier weighs about 63lbs.
The hitch carrier features an easy-to-understand assembling process. It is equally compatible with the class IV and III hitch receivers with nylon nuts, cap screws, and a hitch pin. Once you understand every process involved in mounting the hitch carrier process, it will take you less than twenty (20) minutes to complete the job.
As long as the car's carrying capacity is perfect for the hitch carrier, this product can perfectly fit vans, campers, SUVs, and trucks.
The product comes with a loading ramp that measures 6" in width and 56.5" in length. Thus, it can handle a motorcycle with 6" tires.
It also features a carrier rail that measures 4.75" wide and 70" long. There is also a tire stick, a tube made up of wire construction. It secures and provides an outstanding grip for holding the motorcycle in place.
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The Rage Powersports Black Widow AMC-600-2 Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier is another great product to check out for. Although the product comes with a weight capacity of 600 pounds, you must ensure that the combined weight of your bikes is 400 pounds, and that is if you are going to be transporting two bikes.
The AMC-600-2 product is not meant for street bikes, cruisers, or sports motorcycles. Nevertheless, it can be used to transport off-road bikes and motocross. It is compatible with 2 -inch class IV and III hitch receivers and has a 5.5 inches maximum motorcycle tire width.
The product's loading ramp can be positioned on the hitch carrier during transportation and can be mounted or fixed on the right or left side of the carrier for loading and unloading bikes.
The AMC-600-2 hitch carrier is made from lightweight aluminum and also features an anti-rattle tool. Most vehicles will require air shocks or heavier springs when the hitch carrier is assembled to eliminate sagging.
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To be honest, there is no best motorcycle hitch carrier review out there that will not feature one or two Black Widow's products. Yes, literally none. This is to show you how exceptional the brand is. The Black Widow brand is known for producing some of the best motorcycle hitches in the market today. One of which is the MCC-600 steel motorcycle hitch carrier
The Black Widow's MCC-600 steel motorcycle hitch carrier is one great motorcycle hitch carrier that will definitely catch your attention. The product is made from a sturdy steel material. It is coated with 14-gauge powder alloy and offers users a lifetime service, regardless of the number of times it's been used in a year.
Also, the products rack and loading ramp feature traction coating, ensuring that the motorcycle or bike is effortlessly loaded and unloaded from the hitch carrier. To further ensure easy usage, the product's loading ramp is provided with a diamond track-this aids in the process of loading and unloading bikes.
Although the 71 inches long loading ramp can be connected to only one flank of the hitch carrier, it provides the motorcycle with a gentle slope for comfort.
The main track of the hitch carrier is 79-inch long and can comfortably handle wide wheels, up to 8 inches.
Hence, it doesn't matter how big, and hefty your motorcycle is, as this 600lbs hitch carrier that features an anti-rattle tool and a 7-point flexible wheel chock will surely get the job done.
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The TMS T-NS-MRC001 motorcycle hitch carrier is the last but not the least on my list. It is equally an outstanding product made from powder-coated steel, making it resistant to scratch, fade, and chipping. The product is ideal for 2-inch class V, IV, III, and II hitch receivers.
The product features an anti-tilt locking component, a dual-sided ramp, and a tie-down spot on both sides.
The TMS T-NS-MRC001 motorcycle hitch carrier features a weight capacity of 500 pounds. It is simple to install, requiring only eight (8) nuts and bolts. Its loading ramp has a length of 38 and a half inches and can be connected to the hitch carrier when not in use.
Features
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Do you intend to purchase the best scooter, motorcycle, or dirt bike hitch carrier? If yes, you need to consider a couple of factors first. The truth is, if you can identify the various factors to look out for, you can avoid the several troubles that come with purchasing the wrong hitch carrier.
Also, if you do not follow up or have related questions to the factors, I listed below, make sure to check in with any local motorcycle shop owner for assistance. Also, feel free to ask your questions in the comment section.
Below are the various factors you need to consider before purchasing any motorcycle hitch carrier. Please keep reading to learn more about them.
It is essential to consider how much you are willing to pay for a motorcycle hitch carrier. You don't have to go above your planned budget as most great hitch carriers are not that expensive.
However, to get a top-notch motorcycle hitch carrier with all the fantastic features you will be needing, you need to be willing to spend a little more cash. This will, of course, save you the stress of frequently going for repairs later on.
Also, you should note that a couple of other factors might slightly increase the cost of a hitch carrier. These factors include its finishing, material used for its construction, and its weight limit. Thus, the more features, the higher the price.
This is one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing a motorcycle hitch carrier. Hitch carriers come in two different kinds of material: Aluminum and steel.
While both construction materials are durable and secure, they are also corrosion-resistant, ensuring that they last for an extended period.
Nevertheless, each construction material comes with a list of pros and cons, which you must evaluate before purchasing a motorcycle hitch carrier.
Hitch carriers made of aluminum are ideal for people or drivers who intend to transport lightweight motorbikes.
The aluminum materials feature more corrosion resistance than steel materials. The only downside of this material is that it features an insufficient carrying capacity.
On the other hand, hitch carriers made from steel are ideal and more desired by drivers as they can transport heavy-duty bikes effortlessly and are more reliable. However, these steel carriers are hefty and, in most cases, hard to install.
Safety is another factor to consider before buying any motorcycle hitch carrier. It is crucial that you check and always go for a hitch carrier model that features many safety features like an anti-tilt device and numerous tie-down bars.
These said safety features would improve or strengthen the bike's stability and lessen movements, mainly when going through rough terrain or driving on a hill. This ensures that the motorcycle remains steady and doesn't fall off.
The weight capacity of your bike is equally important. Thus, it must be considered before purchasing a hitch carrier. Various hitch carrier models are formulated to handle varied weight limits, which means that each hitch carrier comes with a particular capacity limit that must not be overrun.
If you intend to transport a heavy bike, you should go for a motorcycle hitch carrier that will support the bike's weight. If this rule is not adhered to, it leads to the breakdown of the hitch carrier, which in turn leads to expensive repairs.
Hitch carriers made of steel often come with a better and higher weight capacity, usually ranging from 400 to 600lbs. On the other hand, products made from aluminum feature a weight capacity less or equal to 400lbs. Because of this, considering your bike's weight is paramount in purchasing the best motorcycle hitch carrier.
It's also vital that you purchase a motorcycle hitch carrier with an easy-to-install procedure. Yes, installing or assembling a motorcycle hitch carrier can be a little bit tricky, which is why there is always an instruction manual to run to if you need a well-detailed installation guide.
Most models' instructional manuals can be complex, which is why you have experts to talk to for more information.
In most cases, the assembling process of a motorcycle hitch carrier is complex because of its weight. In other words, the more the weight, the harder it is to install. For example, installing a hitch carrier made of aluminum weighing 34 pounds is relatively easy because it can be carried around easily. Being able to carry it around without stress makes it easy to attach it to the hitch receiver, unlike when dealing with a product weighing 90 pounds.
Hence, consider the hitch carrier's weight before purchasing.
Also, you must ensure that the motorcycle hitch carrier features a hitch pin. The hitch pin is an essential installation element alongside screws and nuts. These elements will ensure you have a smooth installation process.
There are other crucial small components you need to check out for too. To have a smooth assembling process, you must ensure that you purchase your hitch carrier from a brand that incorporates all the unique parts or units in their package.
It would be best to consider this a vital factor before purchasing the best hitch carrier for your bike. Before deliberating on how worthwhile any hitch carrier is, you must first ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.
First, you need to understand the kind of vehicle you have and the hitch receiver it came with. Hitch receivers are often different from one another. Thus, the load capacity and the type of vehicle will define the hitch class.
The hitches installed in vehicles usually come in five (5) different classes. Class I, II, III, IV, and V. As I already stated before, this grouping depends on the load capacity and vehicle type. Hence, you get a compatible motorcycle hitch carrier, you must know your car's hitch class, as indicated by the manufacturer.
A high-quality hitch carrier will be able to endure and survive in extreme weather conditions and heavy usage. Hence, this is a very crucial factor to consider, more especially for those who will be transporting heavy bikes that need durability and strength to transport.
Also, this factor is connected to the hitch carrier's construction material. Hitch carriers with powder-coated steel remain the best for better durability.
Every motorcycle hitch carrier features a ramp, which helps in loading and offloading the bike. However, this said ramp comes with different widths and lengths.
Longer ramps are ideal because they feature a lesser slope, making loading easier. In comparison, the shorter ramps are great because they are simple to assemble.
From experience, I will advise you to measure your bike's tires and confirm that they match the ramp's width.
Although most hitch carriers can transport a wide range of motorcycles, ensuring that the rack's dimensions are perfect for your bike is vital. In other words, ensure that the motorcycle's tires perfectly fit the length and width of the hitch carrier's rack.
Do you intend to carry more than one motorcycle or bike at a go on a hitch carrier? Then it would be best if you considered going for a hitch carrier with a multiply carrying capacity.
However, you know that such carriers often come with a more expensive price tag.
The process of installing a motorcycle hitch carrier is a straightforward one. All you need to get the job done are necessary tools and basic knowledge.
Although various manufacturers provide their users with different installation instructions to get the job done, there are general procedures you can follow to install your hitch carrier easily.
First, with the help of the bolts found in the trailer's hitch bar, attach the support brackets. Ensure that you fasten the bolts to ensure no movement amongst the two (2) buckled metals.
Next, lodge the rack between the two (2) support brackets. Lock them afterward using nuts, bolts, or lock washers.
Connect the hitch bar of your vehicle to the anti-tilt bracket (the flat part should face the car). At this point, you are also allowed to connect other elements, such as the tie-down arms and wheel stop. You must combine these elements to the long bar and ensure it is tightened with bolts to avoid instability and movements.
Place the carrier on the hitch and secure the connection using a hitch pin. If the package doesn't come with a hitch pin, you will need to purchase it separately.
Next, mount the ramp onto the hitch carrier and secure it with nuts and bolts.
Ensure that the carrier is stable and secure enough before loading your bike.
Last step. Carefully mount and secure the bile on the hitch carrier using the tie-down buckles at the back and front of the bike track.
It takes an average time of thirty (30) minutes to assemble a hitch carrier. However, heavy-duty hitch carriers will take longer to complete due to their heavy components.
No, as long as you do the right things. The right things here include making sure the motorcycle's weight is approximate for the hitch carrier and that the loading of the motorcycle is done correctly. You also have to make sure you follow the instructions by the manufacturer in regards to transporting your motorcycle on a hitch carrier.
Ultimately, the motorcycle rack features two primary materials, steel, and aluminum. Each material comes with a list of its pros and cons.
Although the two materials are solid and capable of transporting motorcycles, the carriers made of steel are more ideal for heavyweight bikes.
On the other hand, aluminum is lighter, weaker, and rust-proof compared to its steel counterpart. Hence, it is perfect only when you intend to transport lightweight bikes.
There are three price ranges as long as a hitch carrier is concerned.
Truth be told, there are very few good choices for a hitch carrier under this category. If your budget falls under this category, you will have to go for used options.
I believe that it's a great thing to invest a more couple of cash into a product that will be transporting your bike from one location to another. I'm confident you will find a more high-quality and durable carrier with satisfactory reliability with a little more cash.
Under this category, you will be able to access some outstanding options for hitch carriers. This price range will surely get you a durable and well-built product, mainly for lighter motorcycles.
The major setbacks you will encounter here include the construction material's quality, weight capacity, and features.
If you intend to use the hitch carrier one a while, then I believe this is the perfect budget for you.
This is where you can gain access to premium bike hitch carriers. This is the budget for hitch carriers that are well-built, solid, and highly reliable.
Also, the products under this range have a high weight capacity and outstanding features. This ensures that your bike is moved from one location to another with ease.
Black Widow MCC-500 Steel Motorcycle Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity - Walmart Link
MotoTote m3 - Premium Hitch-Mount Motorcycle Carrier with Ramp for Dirt Bike, Scooter & - Walmart Link
Black Widow Hitch-Mounted Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier - 400 lb. Capacity - Walmart Link
MOTOTOTE MOTO TOTE Sport Bike Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Rack RAMP LED Light - Walmart Link
KAC Overdrive Sports K2 2" Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, - Walmart Link
TMS T-NS-MRC001 500-Pound Heavy Duty Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Carrier Hitch Rack - Walmart Link
Black Widow MCC-500 Steel Motorcycle Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity - eBay Link
MotoTote m3 - Premium Hitch-Mount Motorcycle Carrier with Ramp for Dirt Bike, Scooter & - eBay Link
Black Widow Hitch-Mounted Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier - 400 lb. Capacity - eBay Link
MOTOTOTE MOTO TOTE Sport Bike Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Rack RAMP LED Light - eBay Link
KAC Overdrive Sports K2 2" Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, - eBay Link
TMS T-NS-MRC001 500-Pound Heavy Duty Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Carrier Hitch Rack - eBay Link
Hitch carriers are getting more popular by the day. This is because they provide a more suitable and safe means to transport your bike to various locations.
If you intend to purchase one, I believe this review will be of great help to you in identifying the right product for moving your motorcycle around.
Also, before you decide on a carrier, make sure to go through the buying guide above to help you make the right decisions. Don't forget the essential hitch carrier features you must look out for-features like durability, weight capacity, installation process, hitch receiver compatibility, and type of construction material.
I hope this was an exciting and worthwhile piece. Don't forget to share with family and friends.
About Chris Lewis.
Chris Lewis is a passionate individual with a deep affinity for the world of automobiles. From a tender age, his fascination with cars was nurtured by his father, a seasoned mechanic based in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Growing up under the watchful guidance of his skilled father, Chris developed an early aptitude for all things automotive.
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