Hitch Motorcycle Carrier on Sportsmobile
- Thread starter cobblecrazy
- Start date
cobblecrazy
Adventurer
I just placed an order for the Moto Tote hitch mounted carrier. Its rated to 550 to 600 lbs. depending on the literature out there. It's supposed to be in around the end of July, or beginning of August.
link: http://www.mototote.com/p-31-mototote-mtx-sport.aspx
link: http://www.mototote.com/p-31-mototote-mtx-sport.aspx
That looks a lot like my rig - 1990 F250 4x4 with a Northlands camper. My original intention had been to get an adventure trailer with a 2" hitch at the back, and hitch the motorcycle carrier to it. After some experimenting, I decided that towing would not be as convenient as having the motorcycle carrier mounted on the back of the truck. The problem is, of course, that the motorcycle blocks access to the rear door.
I am still muling this over. A hydralift might work, and has the added advantage of easier loading of the MC, but I'm not sure if they have a pickup application. The other possibility I considered is a hitch extension - using a torklift Superhitch and supertruss extension, I could move the bike back to clear the door, stay within weight rating (tongue rating is 750lbs). Perhaps some extra support points at either side to stop the lateral movement (not to be load bearing).
This is all moot until I upgrade to an F350 mind you, I'd be way over the GVWR on the F250 without using a trailer...
Chris.
T.Low
Expedition Leader
Hey, CC, did the moto tote arrive yet? $399 looks like a deal. You can easily spend 3 bills on material alone for a homebrew that may or may not be the answer. And then try to fab a front wheel holder that I want, and the 'tote already has one.
One positive review from you could push me over the top.
Why are you replacing the VersaHualer?
I'd also like a receiver on the bike tray itself for the couple times a year when we'll take mountain bikes and the Gas Gas. That way I could mount my Thule tray to the motorcycle tray. The Gas Gas weighs 250lbs, the mountain bikes weigh anywhere from 24 to 38 depending which ones we bring. That would be a grand total of 305ish, with only the last 65lbs being extended out a ways. The van hauls the Gas Gas alone just fine.
I've been able to barrow trailers indefinitely (I have a place to store their trailer and they don't) and I barrowed this bike tray from a buddy that bought it off ebay. It moves too much at the hitch and is too flexy. Minimal off road has bounced the handle bar end off my back window so I velcroed my arm pads to the bark buster to cushion the blow.:ylsmoke:
Anyone else use a fork support? I like it a lot. Helps stabilize the front and it helps save the seals.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/202/4170/ITEM/MSR-Racing-Fork-Support.aspx
Last edited:
dsw4x4
Adventurer
T low I always use some sort of fork support if you don't you will blow out your fork seals. I to am trying to figure out the best way to haul two bikes. I have a custom built off road trailer I built that works when I don't mind having a trailer however I want to build a bike hauler to haul one of my ktms and my girlfriends 200cc honda reflex trials bike. My thought is to weld two more receivers to the cross tube of the main receiver and have three pinned attachment points. My van is a eb so clearance is a issue to help with that I flipped the standard hitch upside down and mounted it in the frame rails so the receiver will now stick out of the middle of the bumper. This should make the rack solid and airbags should help handle the extra weight. My only real delima is I want a better way to tie down the bikes fork savers always bounce out on rough roads and I do not like cramming my forks down so I want to find a way to support the bike closer to the bars or solid to the pegs. i have seen a few systems out there has anyone used one or have a opinion one way or the other.
T.Low
Expedition Leader
I like the idea of the peg system, but haven't actually seen one. You've probably already seen this thread. 5 yrs worth of hitch carrier posts. Gotta be something usable in there.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13022
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13022
O.K. here are the pics. I used this on a full size Bronco for about a year. I got rid of the Bronco and the rack has been sitting in my shed for about 5 years now.
First I put the bike on the rack with tie down straps and compress the forks about 3", this holds the bike up and pulls it forward. Next slide the peg bracket in the reciever tube to line up the holes with the pegs.There is about 2-3" clearance between the skid plate and the peg bracket.Then compress the rear suspension by pushing down on the seat and insert the bolts through the pegs. This will hold the bike in the channel. I have not found it necessary to pin the peg bracket. Even if you tried to pull the rear of the bike sideways it would not go anywhere as the peg bracket assy. will bind with the outer tube.
I made a "mini" reciever and bolted it to the rear bumper on the driver side and there is a small tube on the front left of the rack that goes into it to prevent side to side rocking.
First I put the bike on the rack with tie down straps and compress the forks about 3", this holds the bike up and pulls it forward. Next slide the peg bracket in the reciever tube to line up the holes with the pegs.There is about 2-3" clearance between the skid plate and the peg bracket.Then compress the rear suspension by pushing down on the seat and insert the bolts through the pegs. This will hold the bike in the channel. I have not found it necessary to pin the peg bracket. Even if you tried to pull the rear of the bike sideways it would not go anywhere as the peg bracket assy. will bind with the outer tube.
I made a "mini" reciever and bolted it to the rear bumper on the driver side and there is a small tube on the front left of the rack that goes into it to prevent side to side rocking.
T.Low
Expedition Leader
Wow Sean.
First of all, thanks for taking the time to set up and photograph and document everything for us. Its very appreciated and really helpful.
2nd of all, what a great design. I like everything about it. The front tire holder, the anti flex piece, and especially the foot peg bolt down system. I'll be able to incorporate these ideas into a tray for solid and secure transport. Thanks a ton.
Lastly, we've had our fair share of dust this summer, too, thats for sure. It was a nice moist weekend, but prior to that we were riding two to three times a week in 90plus and dusty. The few times I was behind my buddie's KDX it was the double trouble with dust and blue smoke!
When we work on the bikes together, my brother in law with his '08 Husaberg 550fe really rubs it in when he says,"Gee, I guess ridin up front really keeps my air filter a lot cleaner" .
And sweet KTM, BTW.
First of all, thanks for taking the time to set up and photograph and document everything for us. Its very appreciated and really helpful.
2nd of all, what a great design. I like everything about it. The front tire holder, the anti flex piece, and especially the foot peg bolt down system. I'll be able to incorporate these ideas into a tray for solid and secure transport. Thanks a ton.
Lastly, we've had our fair share of dust this summer, too, thats for sure. It was a nice moist weekend, but prior to that we were riding two to three times a week in 90plus and dusty. The few times I was behind my buddie's KDX it was the double trouble with dust and blue smoke!
When we work on the bikes together, my brother in law with his '08 Husaberg 550fe really rubs it in when he says,"Gee, I guess ridin up front really keeps my air filter a lot cleaner" .
And sweet KTM, BTW.
dsw4x4
Adventurer
Hey Uhauler thanks for the pictures I was thinking of doing something like that but was not really sure if would be enough to keep the bike sturdy when four wheeling. I imagine with the front wheel bars helping support it, it would be enough to keep it secure. I will incorporate you idea into my rack, I really do not like the idea of straps holding my bike from falling off the back of my van.
Thanks again,
Derek
Thanks again,
Derek