Hitch Carrier

[ZOA NOM]

Just had one delivered from DiscountRamps.com. I'll post a review once installed. Here's a video for those interested in what looks like a slick answer to trailering to a Rally.

https://youtu.be/G0msWNwWD1Q

[big r]

That looks pretty good. An easy and safe transport option . Big R

[FJmonkey]

Wow! 600 pound max is getting close but still works. And it lowers the loading height and puts the weight in a good place for a pickup. Good find Rick... A rear end hit will suck worse than a bed loaded bike. Still seems like a good option. 

[ZOA NOM]

Wow! 600 pound max is getting close but still works. And it lowers the loading height and puts the weight in a good place for a pickup. Good find Rick... A rear end hit will suck worse than a bed loaded bike. Still seems like a good option.  

Yeah, the rear end hit is the worst fear, but it's a good tradeoff for the convenience. I really like that I can leave my shell on the truck and even set up the bed as a sleeper so I don't have to spoon with Ramos any more.  

I'm gonna watch closely for the weight issue. FJ data sez 585 lbs wet, so I'm hoping the carrier capacity rating is conservative. My CLass IV hitch is well above 600. Might throw some air shocks in the back with a compressor to level it.

[aviationfred]

I'm gonna watch closely for the weight issue. FJ data sez 585 lbs wet, so I'm hoping the carrier capacity rating is conservative. My CLass IV hitch is well above 600.

In my experience, anything that has an actual rating assigned to it. Has actually been designed to withstand 10-25% beyond the given rating.


Fred

[FJmonkey]

I think the safety factor is higher than 25%. Bridges are designed with a 10X safety factor, wheelchair lifts are 4X, a bike carrier should have at least a 2X safety.

[ZOA NOM]

I agree, doesn't mean I won't fret every mile for awhile tho.  

[aj52]

Here in RSA is somebody selling this option for motorcycle transporting.
I don't like the idea of towing a motorcycle,maybe I am just silly.

[Sabre093]

Great set up I've seen a 600 Ninja on one locally...I'd look into wheel straps if available to lock front tire in so front can float and no harm to fork seals...if you can get it for this application

[carey]

I use a lightweight version of that hitch carrier for my dirt bike.  It works well, but I suggest some sort of strap directly around the rear rim to keep the wheel from jumping out of the rail DAMHIK.

[ZOA NOM]

I looked into this as well, but it requires chain removal, which is too much of a PITA.

[Brook]

.... ZOA NOM, Transporting a heavy motorcycle on the back of a pick-up truck (hitch carrier) would scare me.

Depending on what type of truck you have.

A long/short bed or a v6/v8.

With a motorcycle that weighs close to 600lbs, that is (and I am guessing) 4 to 5 feet behind the rear axle.

I am just wondering, could that amount of weight effect the steering of your truck. 

[ZOA NOM]

Pics...   yes, I'm concerned about load effects, but it's no different than towing a trailer with 600 lbs of tongue weight. The truck is a 2014 4x4 GMC 1500 short bed with tow pkg rated at 11900 lbs. i will feel better with air shocks to level the truck. As you can see from the rear shot, I have the front end too far to port, resulting in a slight slope. I moved the adjustable front wheel chock back to move the weight of the engine over the hitch. It sits level now, and feels very solid. I made an initial attempt to load it solo under power, and was very close to success, but backed it down when it got a little sketchy. My son helped load it for this maiden run. I think it will become easier with practice to load and unload solo.

[FJmonkey]

How was it to load?

[ZOA NOM]

How was it to load?

Sorry, I was too slow... It wasn't bad at all with two people. Just rolled it right on up and once the front wheel settles into the cradle, it'll stand up by itself. Also, I was surprised how little horizontal flex there is to the unit, since it's only contact with the truck is at the hitch. Once the bracing bracket is tightened down, the unit feels like an extension of your hitch.