Transporting your motorcycles over large distances when you cannot ride them could be a huge problem for you. Sometimes, you may be heading to a race or you need to take your bike to the service but riding your bike may be a problem for you. For this purpose, manufacturers have made an accessory known as motorcycle hitch carrier. It is designed in such a way that you can easily attach it to your vehicle such as cars, trucks and it will take your motorcycle wherever you need to go. It helps you to take your bike safely to anywhere. It is a safe and cost-effective solution to transport your bike.
Choosing a right hitch carrier could be a problem for you. You should consider all your needs while buying a hitch carrier for you. You should consider your bike’s weight, its dimension, the vehicle you are planning to use for transporting and how far you want to take it. In order to help you to find out the best motorcycle hitch carrier for you, we are providing you a buying guide that will help you. Read our full guide and it will prove very beneficial for you and your buying experience.
10 Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers:
1: Upright 2 Mountain Bike Rack Hitch Carrier 2″ Rear for SUV
It is a perfect hitch bike rack that can carry up to two bikes. It comes with adjustable wheel chocks for 2 different lengthened bikes. It is made up of heavy duty steel that ensures durability.
In order to protect the paint, it keeps your bike away from vehicles and also prevents any damage. It is very easy to install and fit 2″ trailer hitch receiver SUV VAN Truck.
Pros
- It can carry up to 2 bikes
- It features an adjustable wheel chocks for 2 different lengthened bikes
- Its construction material is heavy duty steel
- It keeps your bike away from the vehicle to protect paint
- Easy to install
Cons
- No instructions
- Two bikes could hit each other and cause damage
2: TMS 500-Pound Heavy Duty Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Carrier
TMS motorcycle carriers are a perfect way to haul your dirt bikes and scooters. It is made up of heavy-duty steel and its frame is powder coated in order to prevent scratching, fading and wearing. This carrier comes with a dual sided loading ramp that makes it easy to load and unload your bike.
Anti-tilt locking device helps to prevent any wobbling and includes tie down sites on either side of the track for added security. It can safely haul up to 500 LBS and fits a standard 2″ square class III, IV, or V receiver. If you want to transport your bike with ease, go for this one.
Pros
- It is made up of heavy-duty steel
- Its powder coated frame prevents scratching, fading and wearing
- It comes with dual sided loading ramp
- It features anti-tilt locking device to prevent wobbling
- You can safely haul up to 500 lbs
Cons
- Not suitable for scooters
- No instructions
3: Goplus 600 LBS Motorcycle Carrier Dirt Bike Rack Hitch Mount
This carrier comes with a high quality steel construction that makes it durable and it carries your motorcycle very firmly. You don’t need to worry about rain as steel is impermeable and rust resistant. It comes with large load bearing capacity as it can bear up to 600 lbs.
It also features an adjustable wheel stop that serves as a stabilizing wheel chock. Two quick release locks help to fasten your bike and transport your vehicle very safely and securely.
Pros
- High quality steel construction makes it durable
- Steel is rust resistant
- It can bear up to 600 lbs
- It comes with an adjustable wheel stop that serves as a stabilizing wheel chock
- Quick release locks help to fasten your bike
- It transports your bike very securely over long distances
Cons
- No instructions
- Poorly designed
4: Motorcycle Scooter Dirt Bike Carrier Hauler Hitch Mount Rack
Heavy duty steel frame makes this bike carrier very reliable and durable and it is highly portable. It comes with a loading ramp that makes loading of your bike easy and comfortable.
There is an anti-tilt locking device that prevents wobbling. It is compatible with a 2″ square receiver and it can bear the load of 500 lbs. If you want to transport your bike in a great way, this hitch carrier is best for you.
Pros
- Heavy duty steel makes this carrier more reliable and durable
- It comes with a loading ramp that makes loading easy
- Anti-tilt locking device prevents wobbling
- This carrier is compatible with a 2″ square receiver
- It can bear 500 lbs of weight
Cons
- No assembly instructions
- Hitch attachment is too long
5: Double Motorcycle or Dirt Bike Carrier 600 lb Capacity Aluminum 75″
Durable motorcycle hitch carrier is made up of lightweight aircraft aluminum which means you do not need to worry about rust. It comes with a loading ramp that makes it easy for you to load and unload the bike on either side.
Its Anti-wobble uses 3 locking screws to prevent wobble. It fits in a 2″ square class II, III, IV, or V – trailer hitch. This carrier is compatible with trucks, Campers, RV’s , Vans, and SUV’s.
Pros
- It is made up of lightweight aircraft aluminum that prevents corrosion
- It comes with a loading ramp to easily load and unload your bike
- Anti-wobble uses 3 locking screws to prevent wobble
- It fits in a 2″ square class II, III, IV, or V – trailer hitch
- It is compatible with trucks, Campers, RV’s , Vans, and SUV’s
Cons
- It has a short shaft going into receiver hitch
- Poorly designed
6: Goplus 500 lb Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Carrier
A heavy duty steel constructed hitch carrier comes with a largest capacity of 500 lbs and its solid construction makes it reliable and durable. It comes with a loading ramp that helps you to easily load and unload your bike.
It features easy installation and there are no professional tools required for assembling. Anti-tilt locking device prevents wobbling and it provides you a secure transport of your bike even at a bumpy hillside. This carrier fits any 2 inch square receiver, 2 inch square class III, IV, or V trailer hitch.
Pros
- It can bear up to 500 lbs
- Solid steel construction makes it reliable and durable
- Loading ramp makes it easy to load and unload the bike
- It features easy installation
- Anti-tilt locking device prevents wobbling
- It can fit 2 inch square receiver, 2 inch square class III, IV, or V trailer hitch
Cons
- It is thin and flimsy
7: Trackside Motorcycle Carrier Hauler Hitch Mount Steel Rack
This trackside motorcycle carrier is made up of steel that is powder coated in order to prevent any rust and corrosion. Steel construction ensures reliability and durability. It comes with a loading ramp that allows for easy loading from either side of the carrier and must use a minimum of four tie downs and two wheel straps.
There is an anti-tilt locking device that eliminates movement of the motorcycle carrier inside the trailer hitch. It can bear up to 500 lbs.
Pros
- Powder coated steel prevents rust and corrosion
- High quality steel construction ensures durability and reliability
- Loading ramp allows easy loading of your bike
- Anti-tilt locking device prevents wobbling
- It can bear up to 500 lbs
Cons
- It is only compatible with Class III or Class IV
- Its material scratches very easily
8: Versahaul Motorcycle Carrier
You can easily transport your bike by using this hitch carrier. Its maximum weight capacity is 500 lbs. There are Eyelet tie-down points for securing the dirt bike or motorcycle. It is made up of heavy duty steel that is highly reliable and durable and has a black paint finish.
It features easy assembling and comes with a loading ramp that makes it easy to load and unload your bike.
Pros
- It can bear maximum weight of 500 lbs
- Eyelet tie down points secure the dirt bike
- Heavy duty steel is highly reliable and durable
- It is easy to assemble
- It comes with a loading ramp
Cons
- Poorly designed
9: Best Choice Products Hitch Mounted Anti-Tilt Motorcycle and Dirt Bike Carrier
This heavy duty hitch carrier comes with a loading ramp that helps you to easily load and unload your bike and it installs on either side. There is an anti-tilt locking device to prevent wobbling and rattling and has tie-down sites on both sides of the track.
It features a durable hitch mounted design that can hold up to 500 pounds. This carrier fits a 2-inch square receiver for use with Class II, III, IV, or V hitch receivers. It is 76” long and 7” wide.
Pros
- It comes with a loading ramp that installs on either side
- Anti-tilt locking device prevents wobbling and rattling
- It can hold up to 500 lbs weight
- It can fit a 2-inch square receiver for use with Class II, III, IV
Cons
- Metal is flimsy
- Does not hold bike without a strap
10: Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier 500 LB
This motorcycle hitch carrier comes with an anti-tilt locking device that prevents any wobble and helps you to transport your vehicle safely. It is made up of high quality steel which is powder coated and prevents rust and corrosion.
It comes with a loading ramp that makes it easy for you to load and unload your vehicle. This carrier features easy assembling and its Bike rack fits standard 2 inch hitch receiver. It is an easy and perfect way to transport your bike over long distances.
Pros
- It comes with an anti-tilt locking device to prevent wobble
- It is made up of high quality steel that ensures durability
- Steel is powder coated and prevents rust and corrosion
- Loading ramp makes it easy to load and unload the bike
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- It does not bear weight more than 500 lbs
- Poor construction
The Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers Buying Guide
Benefits of using motorcycle hitch carrier
There are numerous benefits of using a motorcycle hitch carrier and it is a perfect way to transport your ride without any hassle. Several benefits include
- It helps you to efficiently transport your bike from one place to another
- It helps you to free up the storage inside of the vehicle
- Motorcycle hitch carrier is easy to load and unload
- You can easily install it even in your garage
- These carriers are more fuel-efficient than towing a trailer along with your vehicle
Key factors to look for while buying a motorcycle hitch carrier
There are some key factors that you need to look for while buying a hitch carrier. They make the buying experience very convenient and you can find the best product.
- Steel or aluminum construction
Best motorcycle hitch carriers are made up of either steel or aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight material whereas steel is heavy duty. Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust or corrosion but steel prevents it because of powder coating on it. If you are hauling lightweight vehicles such as dirt bikes or sports bikes, you better go for aluminum made hitch. But if you want to haul heavy loads, it would be better for you to go for a hitch carrier made up of steel.
- Weight capacity
The weight capacity of the motorcycle hitch carrier is one of the most important factors. If you want to transport dirt bike or sports bike, it is not a big deal but if your motorcycle is heavy, you should make sure that the hitch carrier can keep it up. Most options range somewhere between 400 and 600 pounds. But in general, having a higher load capacity is better.
- Compatibility of hitch receiver
You need to check the size of the hitch receiver in order to know whether it can bear the weight of your vehicle or not. Generally, hitch carriers will work with a two-inch setup. You need to take a look at the class and the hitch receiver specifications to make sure that you can install it on your vehicle.
- Ramp length
Some motorcycle hitch carriers come with a loading ramp that makes it easy for you to load and unload your bike. With the help of a ramp, you can load your vehicle with minimum effort. For a dirt bike, a shorter ramp would be enough for you but if you want to transport a heavier motorcycle, you require a long loading ramp.
- Size and dimension
Each motorcycle hitch is different in terms of size and dimensions. In order to make sure that your hitch carrier will accommodate your bike, you need to check the measurements of both your bike and carrier. You also need to check the width of your bike against the size of the carrier in order to avoid bulk issues.
- Budget
While choosing any product, you need to consider your budget before buying it. Most of the hitch carriers are affordable but those with advanced features are a bit expensive. Those advanced features include anti-rattle device or anti-tilt locking. Hitch carriers with high quality steel construction cost a bit more but they last long and ensure durability.
Conclusion:
Motorcycle hitch carriers make the transportation of your bike from one place to another very convenient and they work very efficiently. While buying it, you need to consider the weight capacity, size, dimension, ramp length and many other features. There are numerous benefits of using a motorcycle hitch carrier. Read our buying guide and find the best motorcycle hitch carrier for yourself.
Motorcycle hitch carriers FAQs
Q: What is a motorcycle hitch carrier?
A: It is a product that you attach to the hitch receiver on your vehicle. You can easily install it on a car, van or SUV. It transports your motorcycle from one place to another in a very efficient way. Whenever you need to take your bike over long distances, you can use a hitch carrier.
Q: Is it safe to use a motorcycle hitch carrier?
A: Motorcycle hitch carriers are safe if you install them properly and load your bike safely. Just make sure that the hitch pin is in good condition. You can add a wheel chock or a wheel stop to drive it more easily. You can also add LED lights to ensure more safety.
Q: How to use a hitch carrier on a motorcycle?
A: First, you need to check its compatibility. Make sure that everything is in good condition. Then, install the hitch carrier and by using a loading ramp, load your bike on the carrier. For more safety, you can also use a wheel chock or wheel stop.
Q: How to prevent the hitch bike rack from swaying?
A: Most of the hitch carriers come with advanced features such as an anti-tilt locking device or an anti-rattle device. These features prevent your bike from swaying back and forth. For more security, you can fasten your bike with straps directly to the carrier.