Flat tow or motorcycle hitch carrier

[ralphpaulson]

I just bought a 1998 beaver Monterey. 36 feet long with a 10,000lb hitch. Would it be easier to carry a motorcycle on a hitch carrier or flat tow a small car. I have never driven anything this big.


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[4x4ord]

A good motorcycle carrier designed to carry a thousand lb motorcycle is expensive and requires a stronger hitch with at least 2 receivers. I have both an enclosed motorcycle trailer and a motorcycle carrier. With the motorcycle in the trailer I have total piece of mind knowing everything is safe. Using the carrier I can't help but be a little worried about what is happening back there. Once at the campground the carrier is much nicer .... About a 2 minute job to lower the bike, in strap and roll off.

[1492]

Moved from Forum Posting Help and Support

[noteven]

Have a look on u tube for “ motorcycle lift” - some 4 link non factory designs use a simple winch and pin securement. You spot the bike and tie down on the ground then lift and stow.

Designed right you can still flat tow 4 wheeler in the future.

Biggest drawback for me would be the constant load of road filth, dust, engine breather oil spots and flicks of driveline grease all over the bike every time you want to use it. So then you buy a cover to faff around with and blow off and...

Then you buy a small enclosed trailer:)

[camp-n-family]

A 10k hitch can't support 10k of dead weight, it can only pull it. What tongue weight is the receiver rated for? Usually it's about 10 percent of the tow weight (ie 1k). How much does the bike weigh?

[valhalla360]

The bigger question is what size motorcycle and how strong is the hitch/frame?

A little 125cc on a sturdy hitch, may be quite reasonable. A bit goldwing...unless you do a lot of beefing up, may be a problem (also check the impacts on the rear axle weight ratings as the leverage will result in more than 100% of the weight of the bike/lift being added to the rear axle).

Another option to consider would be a swivel wheel trailer for the bike...The trailer now supports 50-60% of the weight and you can easily back up making it more suitable for a larger bike.

[ralphpaulson]

Thank you very much

[Ski_Pro_3]

There are hitch risers that will step up the receiver hitch 4 to 6 inches. That should keep anything from dragging. Google and find one that is the size that works best for you. Amazon has 'em.

[ralphpaulson]

Will the extra over hang be an issue. The motorcycle carrier will add about 3 feet.

[Ski_Pro_3]

A carrier will allow you to back up. A flat tow will not. Repeat; do not try to back up if you are flat towing a small car.
The drama of setting up a flat tow is sorta detailed. With the brakes, lights, safety chains, tow bar, etc, it can be a hand full to set up the first time. After that, it's not so bad.