| 1. Goplus | 2. Direct Aftermarket | 3. TMS |
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Are you planning to carry your motorcycle to a place you are moving to? Are you wondering how to carry your motorcycle in your car as you move? Fear not! Here is the perfect guide to help you find the best motorcycle hitch carrier out there in the market.
Right from the top of the line models to how to buy the best carrier, we have covered it all. Be it your favorite scooter, motorcycle or even your dirt bike, you can now carry it by using a tune up tool like hitch carrier. In this guide, we will give you complete information about what a hitch carrier is, what factors you must look into while buying one, and what are the best options available in the market.
With this information, you can buy an ideal hitch carrier that is sturdy enough to let you carry your motorcycle wherever you go.
What Is A Motorcycle Hitch Carrier?
Motorcycle hitch carriers are simple ramps that are fitted with your car using springs and levers, allowing you to fasten your bike to your car, so that you can carry it with your car wherever you go. They are made using different materials to support different types of bikes and motorcycles and to the varying build of cars or carrying vehicles.
A motorcycle hitch carrier sits with ease at the back of your car, allowing you to carry your favorite motorcycle without any risk of damaging the bike, your car or yourself. You may need a hitch carrier if you want to carry your bike on your car, but not on its roof. There are several factors you will need to consider before buying a motorcycle hitch carrier.
Factors To Look For When Buying A Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
Poor quality hitch carriers are cheap imitations of authentic and branded products, and buying them can not only damage your bike, but they may also fall apart during transport. So, here are a few factors to take into consideration while purchasing the best carrier that suits your bike and also your carrying vehicle.
1. Material
Different metals are used in the making of hitch carriers, including aluminum, steel, iron and others. Out of these, both aluminum and steel are apt choices that you can choose, because these are tough and have hard-wearing characteristics.
- Steel is durable and strong, but it requires treatment to become corrosion resistant.
- Aluminum tends to resist corrosion without any previous treatment. It is also light in weight and easy to install, but it is not strong enough to withstand weight of a heavy-duty bike.
- Iron is strong and durable, but it is prone to develop rust. However, this issue can be overcome by treating it with rust-resistant materials.
2. Weight And Load Limit
Both body materials and weight limit are interconnected factors that weigh out the quality of hitch carriers. Each hitch carrier has its own load carrying capacity, depending on its build, design and material. So, it is all the more essential to check the weight of your motorbike first before checking out the available motorcycle hitch carrier options.
In general, hitch carriers weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. While calculating the weight of your carrier allows some leeway for your bike’s weight, it is sure to vary when the tank is dry and when full.
At the same time, consider the weight bearing capacity of your car as well. Cars too have a limit to the load they can carry. Check with your car manufacturer or the instruction manual of your car to verify if your car is able to endure more load mount or not.
3. Compatibility To Your Vehicle Type
You need to make sure that the hitch carrier you choose is compatible to your vehicle type. There are five categories of vehicles that fall into different ranges of load capacity.
- Classification 1 covers subcompact cars like a sedan or an SUV, light-duty and heavy-duty pickup trucks or vans, which can carry up to 300 pounds of load.
- Classification 2 covers normal sedans, pickup trucks and SUVs or vans that can carry a load of up to 525 pounds.
- Classification 3 refers to heavy SUVs and pickup trucks that can carry load up to 1,200 pounds.
- Classifications 4 and 5 cover both light and heavy pickup trucks having a load capacity of 2,700 pounds.
Based on the car you will be using for mounting the hitch carrier, you will need to choose the one that complements your car too. Check the load bearing capacity of your car and choose a carrier accordingly.
4. Installation
Once you find a hitch carrier that suits your car, it is time to check if it is easy to install on to your car or not. Even though all products come with instruction manuals, it is always better to have a carrier that is easy to fix without having to check the website or watching an instruction video. It will turn out to be too expensive if you need to hire a professional every time you want to install the carrier on your car.
Having difficulty installing the carrier in your trailer can be really frustrating. For the same reason, it is better to choose a carrier that comes with simple components like nuts, bolts and screws rather than complicated fixing parts.
5. Ramp Length And Inclusion
Though hitch carriers do not have the comfort of flatbeds that come in larger transporting vehicles, ramps do the trick, provided they can facilitate your bike’s loading and unloading. The length and breadth of the ramp must be right to fit your bike’s tires. The best motorcycle hitch carriers around the market are filled with a variety of ramps that suit many bikes and are compatible with different cars too.
Bikes need to be well fitted on the ramp and not hanging outside the ramp, for this could cause an imbalance as you ride and end up damaging your bike in the long run.
6. Price Check
Apart from all the above-mentioned points, another major factor that you must consider while choosing the best hitch carrier is its price. While cheap price may indicate duplicity and cheap quality, make sure that the carrier you are buying is of good quality without being too expensive.
Here are the top 20 best motorcycle hitch carriers of the year that are sure to suit your bike transport needs. Check out all their interesting features and key parts that could ultimately point towards your next hitch carrier. We bring you the pros and cons of each product so that you may weigh out your options and understand their qualities while comparing them with your car and cross verifying these facts.
Top 20 Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers 2022
1. Goplus
This hitch mount motorcycle carrier comes with a loading ramp that has been specially designed to support sport bikes, off-road dirt bikes, enduro bikes, and other heavy-duty bikes, making it easy to be mounted and transported with ease. One of its most praiseworthy features is the 79” long rail that is supported by a raised adjustable wheel stop which works like a stabilizing wheel chock.
This black hitch mount is fitted with a 72” long loading ramp that stores your bikes smoothly onto the car. It is further supported by two quick-release locks that secure the ramp while loading. The heavy-duty steel construction of the hitch-mounted carrier has a highly durable black powder coat finish, which not only makes it look aesthetically pleasing, but also durable for regular weathering.
This is by far the best motorcycle carrier that we have come across.
Pros
- Heavy duty steel body with solid hold
- Front-wheel holder assembly
- Quick and easy installation
- Nice load bearing capacity
Cons
- Absence of a slope to mount the bike
2. Direct Aftermarket
Most hitch mounts that come with a center fix tend to wobble, as the ramp is not balanced while you mount the bike. The Anti wobble lock feature in the hitch lock allows you to have a smoother mounting experience with this hitch carrier. Falling under the third and fourth classifications of motorcycle carriers, this hitch carrier by Direct Aftermarket is great for hauling scooters, dirt bikes as well as any sports bikes that weigh within 500lbs.
Made of tubular steel and coated with weather-resistant epoxy, this hitch mount is of a sturdy build that also allows you to load your bike from the sides onto the ramp. The simple design allows easy installation within 15 minutes. So, waste no more time worrying about a haul service or about extra money being spent each time you need to lug your bike around.
The steel body gives more girth to the body of the ramp while and after mounting. So, buy the carrier right away and pack off on your biking adventure without any worries. Direct Aftermarket gives you only the best motorcycle hitch carriers that you deserve.
Pros
- Quick installation
- Anti-tilt and anti-wobble features
- Apt for dirt bikes and higher clearance bikes
Cons
- Shorter ramp
3. TMS T-NS-MRC001
This brand-new design of motocross bike carrier by TMS is made of heavy-duty steel and has a highly durable frame that features a dual-sided loading ramp which simplifies the bike loading process. The body has been powder coated, making it resistant to chipping, scratching, wearing and fading. The steel body makes the product very lightweight and easy to carry and fix too.
Made of steel, the entire body has a sturdy structure that doesn’t bend as easily as you might find with an aluminum build. The powder coating further ensures worth of money spent and it also gives you the satisfaction of keeping your bike safe as you transport it. Being compact and lightweight, it can be easily stored when not in use.
The 500lbs carrier suits all classifications of car hitches because of its build and design. The T-NS-MRC001 has been provisioned to fit a 2” receiver in all classes of cars. An additional feature to the model is the anti-tilt locking feature that prevents any kind of wobbling during mounting and while transporting. Tested time and again, this model that is priced less than $130 is the best hitch carrier solution to bike hauling.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Anti-tilt lock feature
- Lightweight
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Fewer points to join carrier to car, causing an imbalance
4. 7Blacksmiths
Having a fully adjustable dolly or carrier, it is a huge advantage to bike lovers. There won’t be any more need for pickup trucks or haul trucks with this all-new 2” Hitch Carrier by 7Blacksmiths. This easy to use and store product is also provisioned with a crank that lets you raise and lower the cradle with ease.
This carrier easily suits all cars that come under classifications 2 and 3 hitch receivers. Not only does it suit the cars with ease, but it also snaps on and off the transport platforms’ trailer chock. One fascinating feature of the carrier is that it can be mounted onto the floor or the truck bed, making it hold your bike upright.
With the simple hitch mount carrier, you can save a lot on transport and gas too. The hitch mount motorcycle carrier comes with an aesthetically pleasing design that can not only be adjusted as per your convenience, but also fixed within a snap.
Pros
- Easily fits both the front and rear of the trailer
- Steering lock
- Multiple trailer ties
- Steel construction with black powder coating
Cons
- The instruction manual is not completely informative
5. WMA
WMA brings riders this easy to use 1000lbs Hitch Carrier that features 71” long ramp along with a raised and adjustable wheel stop. Another interesting feature that makes the product lucrative is the 58” long loading ramp that can be easily stored safely under the carrier. The 1000lbs dirt bike mount is provisioned with two cargo baskets that help carry gas cans and other gear too.
The carrier is made of heavy-duty construction enabled with a durable black powder coat finish. Being on the heavy range, this model supports both class three and class four trailer receivers.
Pros
- Convenient rack
- Easy to load and strap on
- Easy to follow 3D assembly instructions
Cons
- Order ships in two separate boxes, which means you may not receive the complete package in one go
6. Versa Haul VH-55DMRO
This is a double bonanza for motorbike lovers by VersaHaul, as it brings a double motorcycle carrier in its package. With this all-new product, you can now carry up to two dirt bikes or motorcycles at a time. The carrier is also provisioned with a hitch receiver and a loading ramp.
Weighing only 600lbs, this carrier is suitable to be hitched to any class 3 or 4 vehicle with 2” receivers. Connecting the hitch mount to the trailer is now easier and more secure with the four eyelet-tie down points that keep your bikes tied down firmly even as your trailer runs down a pretty bumpy road.
Being made up of heavy-duty steel, the construction is also given a matte black finish. Don’t waste any more time and buy the hitch mount motorcycle carrier by VersaHaul right away.
Pros
- All steel build
- Double bike carrier
- Solid construction
- Easy assembly
- Available in with or without ramp varieties
Cons
- Can backload the trailer if you put it on the back of your car’s 5th wheel
7. MotoGroup ST3402
Weighing a feathery 2.2 pounds, this aluminum built double dirt bike carrier is definitely worth the money, as it helps to haul two bikes at a time. The construction has been designed in such a manner that you can load the ramps from either side without any confusion during installation. This facility gives you the convenience to fix the carrier without any hassle even when you are in a hurry.
Unlike regular anti-wobble techniques which use only two locking screws, the ST3402 model by MotoGroup uses three locking screws that prevent even the slightest of wobble. It is suitable for pickup trucks, SUVs, RVs, vans and campers of classes 2, 3, 4 and 5 that are fitted with 2” square trailer hitch.
Being made of aluminum, there is no chance of the body getting rusted. The lightweight material and its aesthetic design make it easy to store when not in use.
Pros
- Anti-tilt trailer with hitch locking mechanism
- Double-sided loading
- Large tire width of 5.5”
- 2 tie down loops
- Quick installation
- Extended warranty
- Rust free
Cons
- Lack of trailer hitch pin
8. GoPlus
Made up of heavy-duty steel tubing, this model is of solid construction that makes it highly reliable. The futuristic design also enhances its strength and durability. The loading ramp provision in the carrier makes loading an easy task for motorcycles of all types and weights.
The loading ramp has been designed with such precision that it easily attaches the carrier right next to the carrier track, making transportation an easy and safe task. The best buying feature of this model is the simplicity of its design, allowing easy installation without the requirement of any additional tools.
With the additional anti-tilt locking feature in the device, the carrier is guaranteed with a wobble-free ride. With all these super features and traits, this model is suitable with any class 3, 4 or 5 trailer hitch that has a 2” square receiver. So, buy this hitch mount motorcycle carrier by GoPlus right away and have a happy bike hauling.
Pros
- Portable design
- Secure transportation
- Quick and easy installation
- Strong steel build
Cons
- Shorter ramp
9. Best Choice Products
This is a simple ramp that holds your bike steadily. Best Choice Products brings you the very special SKY1375 made of heavy-duty steel construction that has been powder coated for extra durability against weathering, scratches and fading. An anti-tilt locking feature enables the ramp to stay steady as you drive on without any wobble.
With this hitch carrier, you can drive around in any kind of road without fear of harming your bike as you speed across the roads. Not only is this easy to use, but it also comes with an easy installation process that includes a simple 8 bolt and nut combination, allowing you to install the device without the need for any extra power tools.
The most pleasing factor about this hitch carrier is that it is compatible with 2” square receivers of all class 2,3,4 and 5 trailer hitches. What’s more, you can also load your bike from either side using this carrier. So, buy this motorcycle carrier by Best Choice Products right away at a few clicks of a button.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Simple parts
- Sturdy build
- Easy to mount bike
Cons
- Lack of extra ratchet or chock to hold the bike in place while traveling
10. Jeremywell MC400A
Finding a lightweight yet sturdy hitch carrier for your precious scooter can be quite a task. Jeremywell brings to you the perfect solution to your bike hauling issues with this new hitch-mounted aluminum motorcycle hitch carrier. Made of aluminum, this ramp is lightweight, making it easily portable and compact enough to store with ease.
Unlike steel and other metals, you needn’t fear corrosion, as aluminum does not corrode or rust easily. The ramp is highly durable and can be used for both dirt bikes as well as motorcycles. A special feature in this model by Jeremywell is the space bar adapter to help fit your 50-80cc bikes.
The ramp has been designed to sit well with wheels up to 5.5” wide. So versatile is this ramp that it accommodates both class 3 and 4 trailer hitch receivers. Not only is the build sturdy, it also comes with an anti-rattle feature that holds your bikes in place in a noiseless way like never seen before.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick assembly
- Dual-sided loading
- Wide ramp
- Aluminum body that does not corrode or rust
Cons
- Does not support tow behind trailer
11. Trackside
Packed with easy to fix parts and a complete instruction manual, Trackside brings to you this sturdy hitch carrier for your bike. Very convenient and easy to use, this ramp is long enough to support your motorcycle and is compatible with any class 3 or 4 trailer hitches of SUVs or Motorhomes with camper shells. Trackside is quite a well-known and reliable brand that brings you the best of solutions to your tricky transportation problems.
The fascinating anti-tilt feature helps eliminate any excessive movement even during a bumpy ride. The carrier is also provisioned with a ramp that attaches to the carrier with ease and holds the motorcycle tires in place. The versatile design allows the user to load the motorcycle from either side.
The steel build is powder coated to withstand weathering and have high durability to scratching and denting. So, don’t waste time and buy this motorcycle hitch carrier by Trackside right away.
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Quick installation
- Easy to comprehend manual
- Anti-tilt device for stability
Cons
- Requires extra tie downs to hold bike in place
- Compatible with class 3 and 4 trailers only
12. BV 2-Bike
Are you sick and tired of tying down your cycle to your car roof or the boot? Well worry not, for BV brings you the ultimate solution to carry your bicycle with ease. It has an all new tilt back design that allows you to open the rear gates without requiring to detach the entire hitch rack.
It also has a safety reflector provision that enhances the visibility of the driver even at night time. Easily accommodating bikes with slim tires under 3” width, this hitch carrier is by far the best solution to your bicycle carrying problems. The rack can also be folded down and stored in quite a compact manner.
With tray styled loops along with padded arms that firmly hold down the bike in place, they protect the cycle from scratching and bumping.
Pros
- Patented 2-way anti wobble system
- Compact fold up design
- Foam padded hooks
Cons
- Unclear manual
- A little expensive
13. Orion Motor Tech
Orion Motor Tech brings the best solution to carrying your bikes and other cargo without giving any weight to the roof of your car. The steel cargo carrier has a black powder finish that keeps the steel frame resistant to weathering and rust. With a load capacity of 500lbs, the carrier is provided with customized tie down points for varying purposes.
The easy installment feature allows users to simply tighten the screws and plug in the cargo carrier. The lightweight feature allows users to remove and store the carrier cargo when not in use. The hitch carrier is compatible with all 2” receivers of SUVs, RVs or Pickup trucks.
Not only do you get a top of the line carrier with the purchase of this best motorcycle carrier by Orion Motor Tech, but you also get one year warranty with cash back or replacement offer.
Pros
- Durable steel build
- Budget worthy in less than $65
- Compact design
- Easy installation
Cons
- Loose hitch
14. VersaHaul
Transport your dirt bike, scooter or motorcycle with ease now with the all-new versatile motorcycle carrier by VersaHaul and use your bike wherever you go. The extra special feature that makes this motorcycle carrier a success and worth your money is the four tie-down eyelets that help secure down your motorcycle or bike without any wobble.
An integrated hitch tube with 1/3rd the vehicle towing pull helps your bike be hauled with ease even on small trailers. The entire steel body is made of heavy-duty metal and has a powder coat finish that makes the metal highly durable to weathering.
Designed to carry up to 600lbs, this design by VersaHaul allows you to transport your bikes all the time with absolutely no strain.
Pros
- Adjustable bumper-rail distance
- Anti-tilt lock feature
- Easy to follow manual
- Available in with ramp and without ramp versions
- Black paint finish to resist rust and corrosion
Cons
- Tools required to tighten bolts
15. CargoLoc
CargoLoc brings you the most compact of hitch carriers to pack your motorcycles or bikes in and move about wherever you want with ease. Having treated the metal with powder coating, the steel is resistant to corrosion and other weathering processes. The specialty of the carrier lies in its 12 built-in tie down points that help better fit the bike to the ramp, and in turn have a strong hold on the vehicle during travel.
Not only can you transport your bikes and motorcycles using this carrier, but also other cargo such as camping gear, sports equipment, luggage and more. Fitting well within your budget, this specific model by CargoLoc makes bike transportation an easy task. The standard of the build is high and it definitely gives a sturdy grip to your bikes at all times.
Pros
- Strong build
- Long ramps
- Waterproof construction
- Corrosion resistant
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Plasticized feel
16. MotoTote MTX
MotoTote presents to you the latest product in simplified hitch carriers that have a load capacity of up to 600lbs and give you the perfect solution to hauling bikes, cycles, motorcycles and scooters without any loss to your pickup truck or to your money. While most of you may face difficulty in mounting your bike onto the hitch carrier, MotoTote sends you a loading ramp along with the carrier, making carrying of bikes an easy task like never before.
With zero wobble hitch bolt provided in the device, you can rest assured to drive away with your bikes safely secured to your car. A fascinating feature that MotoTote adds is a rear tire width of up to 8.5 inches, allowing more space to load bikes with larger tires. The adjustable wheelbase gives more space to load and assemble the hitch carrier along with the ramp.
Pros
- High stability
- Additional ramp
- Powder coated steel
- Can be use to carry different types of two-wheelers
Cons
- No-centered holes on carrier
17. Raider TOW-104
Still finding it difficult to haul your motorcycle on your car? Fear not. Raider brings the simplest and most elegant of hitch carriers to latch to your car and mount your bike with no help at all.
A ramp provision in the carrier model helps you mount the bike with ease by yourself. Being 76” long, it is apt for almost any bike to be mounted. Being 5” wide, the ramp allows a wider range of tires to be mounted as well.
Rolling your bike over the ramp without any external help at all will not only allow you to handle the job yourself, but will also allow you to mount it no matter where you are. The tires can be secured to the ramp with the pin provided in the pack.
What’s more, you may just as easily unhook the ramp and secure it onto the frame and tow away for the next use. So, wait no longer and buy this motorcycle hitch carrier by Raider now.
Pros
- Fits with ease
- Unlocks and refits without removal
- Strong build
- Long and wide ramp
Cons
- Absence of anti-tilt feature
18. Leader Accessories
Having a 500lbs capacity, this easy basket folding carrier by Leader Accessories has an ideal design that supports bike hauling with ease. 6” rail sides on the carrier keeps your bike and cargo safe and sound even as you ride across bumpy roads. Lock down the carrier with ease to lock bolts and assemble the hitch carrier without any hassle.
Being made compact, the receiver tube is also foldable by simply tilting the shank. The powder coat on the steel body makes it very durable and safeguard it from weathering, scratches and resistant to other elements too. So, worry no longer and check out this motorcycle carrier by Leader Accessories now.
Pros
- 500 lbs weight capacity
- Bungee net keeps small items safe
- High sides
- Power coated finish
- Light weight
Cons
- Assembling is a little complex
19. Curt 18109
Curt is no new brand when it comes to simplifying technology. With a versatile design, Curt has innovated the hitch carrier into a tray-style rack that is ideal for carrying large and bulky bikes. Not only does this support bikes, but it also comes in handy to move about your cargo, gaming equipment, sports gear, deer carcass, etc. You are also able to transport camping supplies, coolers, grills and much more equipment now with ease and without any more hassles.
The integrated tie down provisioned in the carrier helps keep your things tied down safely during travel. These tie down holes may also be used to fasten bungees and other cargo nets in a matter of few knots. Unlike other carriers, CURT brings you the best hitch mount motorcycle carrier that is mess free and can be cleaned without much stress.
The steel build is doubled up with an e-coat and carbide black powder coat that keeps it highly durable and prevents corrosion and rusting.
Pros
- Easily foldable for storing
- Compact build
- Quick assembly
- Extra anchor points for strapping
- Priced within $100
Cons
- Small items may fall out of the mesh design
20. Curt 18100
An easy to install and clean carrier that is the perfect solution to your bike hauling problems, this is the best hitch carrier brought to you by CURT. Unlike ever seen before, the model number 18100 is quite an upgrade with the integrated tie downs that let you hitch off your carrier in a secure and safe manner. You can also fasten down your cargo nets and bungees in a jiffy with the tie down holes.
Made up of aluminum, this tray style carrier weighs light and has better corrosion resistance than other metal carriers. Despite being lightweight, the carrier can still bear a load capacity of 500lbs, so you can load in your favorite dirt bikes and scooters without any worry.
This versatile design sports a tray style rack with raised edges, which is large enough for big bulky items too. Now what makes the model worthwhile is the foldable shank, making it quite compact to store and use. Install the parts in a snap and load up your gear without any extra help. Fun and adventure are right down the road with this all-new motorcycle hitch carrier by CURT.
Pros
- Quick installation
- Sturdy rack
- Lightweight
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Wobbly on ride
FAQs
1. Is A Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Safe?
Yes, a motorcycle hitch carrier is one of the safest ways to transport your motorcycle from one place to the other. If you do not have a pickup van or a flatbed truck to carry your motorcycle in, then you can use a hitch carrier to solve the purpose.
2. How Much Does A Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Usually Weigh?
Most motorcycle hitch carriers weigh between 300 to 700 pounds, depending on their building material.
3. Is A Hitch Needed For A Bike Rack?
Hitch mount racks are attached to your car’s tow hitch, due to which you definitely need a hitch for a bike rack.
4. Can I Open My Trunk With Hitch Carrier On It?
If you need to open your trunk often even when the hitch carrier is installed, try to buy a rack that can fold down. Such a carrier will fold down, allowing you open your trunk when need to.
Carry Around Your Bike Safely In The Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
While it may seem that there isn’t much difference between the different hitch carriers available out there, you would be amazed at the versatile designs that various brands have built to make your bike transportation a safe and convenient task. You may make the right choice of hitch carrier by talking with a local trailer hitch carrier dealer or surf the web to look for various companies that provide the best motorcycle hitch carriers fitting your budget and trailer tech specs.
The list of motorcycle carriers provided above are the top twenty models you will come across anywhere. Take time to understand the requirements of your bike and the compatibility of your trailer with the carrier you intend to use before you make a purchase, because an investment should never go wasted due to poor quality and wrong choice.
Motorcycles need only the best carriers, as giving your bike a rough ride could only mean more expense at the cost of a cheap carrier. So, think wise and give your bike the best carrier that it deserves. Keep the above-mentioned factors in mind while making a purchase, and make sure that you are choosing the best one as per your requirements, preferences and budget.
