opinions on this motorcycle carrier

[BranNwebster]

I've been shopping around for a way to transport my motorcycle. I bought a ramp and when I put it up against my tailgate it was at about a 45 deg angle, so I took it back. For next weekend I'm renting a 5x9 ramped uhaul, now I have more shopping time. I got to looking a Discount Ramps website and found this carrier. I like the idea of keeping my truck bed space free but a trailer is expensive. Check it out tell me what you think.

The SMC-600 Motorcycle Hauler at Discount Ramps.Com

 

[Steph]

A friend of ours has one of these on the back of his RV. It carries a VMax so you know its pretty heavy duty. The only problem he has with his, is finding a place to park his RV to load and off load the bike, you can't do it in a driveway unless it is really wide. He ends up parking at the end of his driveway and pulling it right up and in. I don't think this would be AS much of a problem with a pickup. They are a little more agile. He also carries pads (I think they are gardening knee pads) to put between his handlebar and the back of the RV as it rubs/squeaks. From the picture it doesn't look like that would be an issue for a pickup. All in all, if we didn't already have a trailer it would be a real consideration for us.

 

[BranNwebster]

The specs say you'll have 24" between rail and tailgate. I got a rough measure of 17" needed. I may get it.

 

[Guitar Man]

I've seen a lot of those and they look like they work pretty good. I'd go for it.

 

[BranNwebster]

I don't know, that's 400lbs of bike up against some web strapping extended out maybe a foot when you need to hit the brakes or accelerate? I'd be nervous, but if you know your precious is back there then you'd probably drive slower?

Yep I'll be pretty cautious at first but I think it's going to be ok. With the front wheel cradle and the straps and Canyon Dancer handlebar strap I bought yesterday I think I'll be ok.
Cycle Gear - CANYON DANCER BarHarness Handlebar Tiedowns BLACK: BarHarness Handlebar Tiedowns, BLACK

I also got some super nice mini ratchet straps from northern tool.
SmartStraps Padded Ratchet Tie-Downs — 14Ft. Each, 4 Pack, 1500Lb. Capacity, Model# 145 | Ratchet Tie-Down Straps | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Se7enLC]

On a pickup truck or RV, those bike carriers look like they would work pretty well. Don't try it on a small SUV or other vehicle, though. That much tongue weight on a short wheelbase will make the front end very light and you won't have much control of the vehicle.

If I had a pickup truck, I would be more likely to buy a really long and wide folding ramp for the tailgate rather than a receiver-mounted motorcycle carrier. That, combined with a front wheel chock (either bolted into the front of the truck bed (removable), or just bolted to a board on the floor, would make a pretty easy, cheap, and sturdy/safe way to transport a bike. The ramp would work well for a lot of other uses, too, like lawnmowers, 4-wheelers, or even just walking up with heavy stuff.

 

[BranNwebster]

I finally bought one today. 7 months later.

 

[armystrong]

I love mine. No issues with it after a couple long trips so far.

Here's a couple of pics:

 

[sm00thpapa]

Not bad but I would be really pissed if someone rear ended me.

 

[armystrong]

Not bad but I would be really pissed if someone rear ended me.

A rear end while towing a trailer or while riding the bike would basically yield the same results...

Good thing about the carrier...after you use it, pull it off and store it in the back of the truck. Very cool.

 

[BranNwebster]

armystrong I can't tell by picture but does the weight make the rear end of your truck sag?

 

[armystrong]

Nope. The truck doesn't sag in the rear. It's a pretty big truck with a class III hitch system and it has a solid towing capability too. I'm not sure how the carrier would work for a lighter truck though.

 

[BranNwebster]

Thanks man. I feel better. My truck is a Ford F150 4X4 with a tow package as well.