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Whether you have a classic motorcycle, a dirt bike, or a scooter, there is a high chance you need to transport it to some destination you cannot ride it to. Perhaps you need to take it to a mechanic or on a road trip.
In these cases, you need a hitch carrier to attach your bike to your vehicle.
Here are our in-depth, researched best motorcycle hitch carriers to help you choose the best one for your needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
- OUR TOP PICK: Black Widow AMC-400
- RUNNER-UP: Black Widow MCC-500
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Best Choice Products SKY1375
Table of Contents
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers
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Are All Motorcycle Hitch Carriers The Same?
Although most hitch carriers work basically the same way, there are noticeable differences you should be aware of. They are usually made of either steel or aluminum and they both have advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, aluminum is lighter than steel, and you do not need to worry about corrosion. It is also cheaper than steel. On the other hand, powder-coated steel is sturdier, more rigid, and ideal if you want to transport very heavy vehicles over a long distance.
Another difference between hitch carriers regards the weight capacity. It is, perhaps, the most important consideration you need to be aware of. When you select your motorcycle hitch carrier, make sure you pay attention to the load-bearing capacity, which tends to be between 400 and 600 lbs (per bike).
Some hitch carriers include ramps and some do not. In case your carrier does not have one, you might need a second person to help you with loading and unloading. If you have a heavy vehicle, you should consider buying a carrier with a ramp.
Another common discrepancy among different models is the cost. A high-quality hitch carrier does not have to break the bank. The main difference is that more expensive models will most likely be able to hold heavier loads or multiple bikes at the same time. Fortunately, there are affordable models for all needs.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Hitch Carrier?
Here are some main aspects you need to look for when purchasing a hitch carrier:
Hitch Receivers
Different classes of hitch receivers range from I to IV, and they have different tongue capacities. Most hitch carriers listed here will be either III or IV, which are usually suitable for vans, SUVs, pick-up trucks (IV only for pick-up trucks). So, you need to make sure your vehicle can handle all the heavy loads before diving in.
Carrier Load-Bearing Capacity
Once you know your hitch receiver capacity, you need to consider the carrier’s load-bearing capacity. Our hitch carriers have a load-bearing of 400 to 600 lbs per bike. A dirt bike usually weighs less than 400 lbs, while heavy-duty motorcycles can be considerably heavier. If you know the dry weight of your bike, make sure you also account for fuel when considering the carrier capacity.
Ramp
As briefly mentioned, some people might enjoy having a loading and unloading ramp with the carrier, especially if the vehicle is heavy and you do not have a second person with you all the time. If you have a 400-lb motorcycle, a ramp should be your priority, unless you can lift it by yourself.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers
Once you know what you are looking for in a motorcycle hitch carrier, take a look at some of these models below.
Best Overall:
Black Widow AMC-400
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product offers steady support to carry your motorcycle. It is lightweight, yet seems extremely durable and suitable for heavy dirt bikes and motorcycles. It comes at an affordable price and does the job. The anti-rattle device could be improved and you also need to purchase additional lock washers for the 12 bolts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Black Widow AMC 400 is a lightweight motorcycle carrier, easy to handle, and extremely durable. It is made of lightweight aluminum, which can support up to 400 lbs. It comes with an anti-rattle device which ensures a smooth transport and a spacer bar adapter for youth 50-80cc dirt bikes.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is ideal for dirt bikes and motorcycles. If yours is less than 400 lbs, this carrier will do a great job of transporting it safely from place to place. It is designed with ease of use in mind, while the anti-rattle device does a great job of ensuring a quiet trip.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Black Widow AMC is the best option for a motorcycle hitch carrier. It has a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame, and can support up to 400 lbs with ease. It is compatible with all 5.5” wide wheels and can be used with Class III/IV two-inch hitch receivers.
Runner-up:
Black Widow MCC-500
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This motorcycle hitch carrier comes with great value for money. The installation time is quick, as all the instructions are straightforward. You can load your motorcycle, dirt bike, or scooter with ease, and it also stores effortlessly when not in use. Its best feature is the quality of the build, which is rock-solid.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Black Widow MCC-500 is our runner-up for its outstanding durability, sturdiness, and versatility. It has a self-storing mechanism when not in use and it can handle up to 500 lbs. The carrier is built with high-quality, heavy-duty steel, which is powder-coated for a longer service.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking to transport your bike or scooter, this carrier will provide you with extra reliability and dependability. You can place a maximum of a 500-lb load on it and is suitable for use with wheels up to 5” wide. It is designed for Class III and IV hitch receivers, which are two inches.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Black Widow MCC-500 offers sturdy support, preventing tilting, and wobbling. It is made of durable, heavy-duty steel and is powder coated to avoid damage during unfavorable weather. It is suitable for standard wheels up to five inches wide and two-inch Class III or IV hitch receivers.
Best for the Money:
Best Choice Products SKY1375
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Affordable, very reliable, and lightweight enough due to its steel frame, the Best Choice Products Carrier is a real bargain. If you want a sturdy, reliable carrier in which your bike will not even budge, this product offers the best value for money. Its anti-wobble device is more efficient than many other expensive choices.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Best Choice Products' motorcycle carrier is an outstanding product ideal for transporting your motocross bike, off-road dirt bikes, and scooters with an extra touch of safety and care. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel, which offers greater dependability and reliability. Some items are also hand-crafted or hand-finished.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are on a budget or simply want the best value for your buck, Best Choice Products is here to offer you the most affordable, dependable, and reliable motorcycle carrier you can currently find on the market. It can handle up to 500 lbs, and it is suitable for two-inch square receivers.
Bottom Line
Overall, this Best Choice Product is our top recommendation regarding price to value ratio. It is made of sturdy, heavy-duty steel for greater reliability, it can hold up to 500 lbs and has a straightforward installation process. The anti-rattle device works best, which makes it stand out, even from more expensive product choices.
Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier 600 lbs:
Goplus 600 LBS Motorcycle Carrier
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Goplus 600 lbs is a great product choice if you want a secure, sturdy carrier, and you often travel on rocky hillsides. It has a premium quality lock system, which ensures your bike will not budge, although it is important to note that you should not go over 55 MPH.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This motorbike carrier is made from durable, heavy-duty steel, which is resistant to corrosion and rust. It has load-bearing of up to 600 lbs, which makes it suitable for both light and heavy motorcycles. The two quick-release locks keep your bike fully fastened, even if you’re driving on a bumpy road.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a sturdy carrier to use frequently and keep your bike secure and tight at all times, this is the best option for you. It is extremely solid, sturdy, and easy to use. Although it has no anti-wobble system, the straps keep your bike still, even in the countryside.
Bottom Line
Overall, if you don’t mind the extra weight of the carrier, which is due to its sturdiness and solid build, the Goplus 600 LBS Motorcycle Carrier should be high on your list. It is a very well-built unit, but make sure you adhere to speed limitations to remain safe with such a heavy load.
Best Double Motorcycle Hitch Carrier:
Versa Haul VH-55DMRO
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The carrier has a strong, reliable build made of steel all-around. This makes it very solid and suitable to carry two bikes at the same time, without any worries! It works better than expected and is easier to use. Thanks to the loading ramp, loading and unloading are effortless.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Versa Haul is our top pick for a two-bike carrier for its sturdiness, quality of materials used, and reliable, long-term service. It has a maximum of 600 lbs capacity and comes with an easy-to-use, convenient loading ramp. Four eyelet tie-down points help secure the bikes.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are concerned with the safety of your bikes, this carrier is made of heavy-duty steel, unlike other aluminum options. It is well-made, easy to put together, and the solid construction keeps bikes from wobbling. It is also easier to use and store compared to a trailer.
Bottom Line
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable, high-quality, reliable alternative to a trailer for transporting your bikes, the Versa Haul Motorbike Carrier will exceed all of your expectations. It is very easy to assembly, well-built, and great value for money. Give it a try, and you’ll not regret it!
Best Motorcycle Carrier for RV Hitch:
Black Widow AMC-600-2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This bike carrier offers the right ratio between quality and price. Unlike other products, it is easier to assemble than other similar carriers. Surprisingly, for its 600 lbs load-bearing capacity, it is quite lightweight. This product has all it takes to rock right out of the box!
Why it Stands Out to Us
Black Widow AMC 600-2 is an aluminum carrier, ideal for carrying small motorcycles, scooters, and dirt bikes. The lightweight frame is sturdy enough to keep one or two bikes stable and it also has an anti-rattle device. The loading and unloading ramp is extremely useful for effortless maneuvering!
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a sturdy, lightweight, yet reliable carrier for your RV hitch, this is the most recommended product. It can accommodate a maximum of two bikes, with 400 lbs maximum weight per bike and a maximum of 600 lbs together. It is easy to use and the assembly does not take long!
Bottom Line
Overall, this carrier has a sturdy construction, even though some people might be reluctant due to its aluminum design. It is a great buy and all you need is a little extra faith that a lightweight motorcycle hitch carrier can do the same job as the most expensive, thick steel. Give it a try and you won’t regret it!
Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier 1000 lbs:
1000-lb Dirt Bike Scooter Motorcycle Tow Hitch Carrier Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This heavy-duty carrier is one of the best quality products you will find on the market. It is easy to load and strap, and can successfully carry heavy dirt bikes. The additional baskets for oil cans, toolboxes, and other accessories are extremely useful. The unit is exceptionally sturdy, although assembly instructions are not detailed or clear.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the best buys on the market, this carrier is extremely easy to use, stable, and built like a rock. It has a thick, heavy-duty steel construction and can handle heavy loads, such as dirt bikes. If you need a reliable, long-lasting bike carrier, this is the one you should consider on top of your list.
Who Will Use This Most
This bike carrier is ideal for people who need a sturdy product that can handle up to a maximum of 1000 lbs. However, it is not recommended for dirt bikes heavier than 400 lbs because the rail weight capacity is a maximum of 400 lbs. It works with both Class III and IV hitches, but ensure your vehicle has a suitable carrying capacity first (Class III is for 500 lbs).
Bottom Line
Overall, this product is a heavy-duty carrier made to handle heavy loads. If you have a motorcycle weighing a maximum of 400 lbs, this will help you transport it safely. The additional baskets are a great feature that allows you to bring oil cans, luggage, toolboxes, and other items along with you.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Hitch Carrier
Using a quality hitch carrier will not only make your life easier, but it will allow you to transport your vehicle safely from one place to another. Here is a short selection of the main benefits of having a high-quality hitch carrier:
Safety and Efficiency
A quality hitch carrier allows you to transport your vehicle from one point to another safely. They are also efficient when they come with a good, quality ramp so you can easily load and unload your vehicle.
Versatility
The hitch carrier can be used on a variety of different vehicles. Your other option would be to either use a truck, van, or a trailer to transport your motorcycle, which is not very practical. Unfortunately, trailers can be more challenging to drive, as opposed to a hitch carrier, which suspends your motorcycle safely.
Ease of Use
Simply rolling your motorcycle into a hitch carrier is easier than to strap it down into a trailer attached to your vehicle. On a similar note, a good quality hitch carrier will be very easy and intuitive to use in a few minutes.
Budget
A high-quality hitch carrier is more affordable than purchasing a trailer.
How to Install a Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
The parts of a hitch carrier differ from one brand to another, so you might need to adjust the following steps, according to your model.
- Attach the support brackets to the hitch bar.
- Clamp together the support brackets and hitch bar using head bolts, nuts, or lock washers. Some brands have a square hitch bar (square tube). Tighten the bolts until the two pieces are not moving anymore.
- Place the motorcycle rack alongside the support brackets on the hitch bar. Secure it with bolts, nuts, lock washers, depending on the size and number of the holes.
- Install the other components. Conventional models include tie-down arms and wheel stops. Install these to the long bar along the tire track. Make sure you secure everything with bolts. A loose connection will lead to rattling and wobbling when driving.
- Attach the carrier to the hitch using a hitch pin and tighten it with bolts. Some brands require you to purchase the hitch pins separately.
- If you have one, mount the ramp using a bolt, pin, or nut to attach it to the rack.
- Push the motorcycle through the ramp. Turn the engine off before and don’t ride the bike when doing so.
- Secure the bike to the carrier using the straps.
Conclusion
All in all, we truly hope our complete review of the best motorcycle hitch carriers helps you make the right decision when shopping for a new, high-quality hitch carrier. They are dependable, sturdy, and can provide you with great value for money and long service life.