You’ll agree that motorcycles can be cumbersome to travel with, especially if your car has a limited boot space or you are transporting other things for your trip. Large motorcycles can be practically impossible to even fit in cars. However, there is a solution and that is: best motorcycle hitch carrier.

TOP-9 Motorcycle Hitch Carriers on the Market January, 2020

Motorcycle hitch carriers make it convenient to transport your bike from one place to the other. But, buying these hitch carriers may not be as easy as walking in a park. It needs attention as they are available in different sizes, styles, different materials, weight capacities, and many more accessories.

To save you time and money of running around looking for hitch carriers, I have compiled this list of the best motorcycle hitch carriers including the buyer’s guide which should condition you on how to choose the best hitch carrier for your motorbike.

Without wasting much time, let’s get to the best reviews to help you make purchases fast.

1. Black Widow AMC-400 – Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier

The Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier seems so solid at first sight with its durable and study aluminum construction. Weighing 33.5 pounds, the carrier isn’t as bulky as steel counterparts and so it shouldn’t be cumbersome to lift and install it on your Class III or IV 2” hitch receiver.

While its capacity is not really the highest out there, I still find it convenient to hold small motorcycles as you hit the road. It’s advisable to ascertain the weight of your motorcycle before hauling it on this carrier as it may break if the capacity has been exceeded. It holds up to 400 pounds.

Checking customer reviews can be helpful. Before recommending this carrier, I was convinced by 173 customers who gave this carrier 4 stars out 5. This showed how impressive the product is in carrying motorcycles. Plus, it surely doesn’t break your bank with its price tag. Whether hauling motorcycles or dirt bikes, this carrier can be helpful.

Moreover, it has a self-storing ramp which helps you load the bike onto the carrier with ease. After use, it stores easily beside the carrier. Then the anti-rattle device reinforces extra strength to your motorcycle especially when driving on rough roads. If you have 50-80cc bikes, the carrier comes with the spacer bar adapter for that.

Coming to the installation part, it shouldn’t take you more than an hour to figure it out. Make sure you get nuts to tighten up the ramp so it doesn’t rattle. When it’s time off-load the bike, the ramp can be rolled out with ease.

If traveling in rain, the carrier will not be susceptible to corrosion, thanks to the anti-corrosion aluminum construction.

2. Goplus 600 LBS – Heavy Duty Motorcycle Carrier

If you have a large motorcycle to travel with, this hitch carrier could be the best buy for you. Made of high-strength and heavy-duty steel construction, GoPlus Motorcycle Carrier is an ideal hitch carrier to hold heavy stuff. If you are into heavy stuff, then lifting this 91 pounds carrier shouldn’t be cumbersome at all.

The carrier was powder-coated to protect it against outside elements. This makes it conducive to travel amid rough weather conditions without worrying about the hitch carrier corroding.

Although it is a bit expensive than my previous aluminum review, it makes sense considering its heavy duty construction and a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds compared to the previous 400 pounds. This hitch carrier is undoubtedly a go-to choice for heavy motorbikes that would break small carriers. The design was well-thought out, and made to last for a long time. That’s a good investment.

As long as you have a 2-inch receiver, the carrier will install with ease on it. The hitch pin is included along the 79 inches long rail. Also included is a raised adjustable wheel stop to stabilize the wheel chock.

Loading the bike onto the carrier is an absolute breeze. Also when off-loading it, it comes with the quick release lock to fasten or unfasten the bike. This lock also helps if you are traveling on bumpy roads where chances of loosening up are high.

The ease of loading your bike is also made possible by the 72” x 7.5” loading ramp. It folds with ease to save after use.

Upon delivery, the product comes in two boxes. The manufacturer promises 100% satisfaction and if not, there is a money back guarantee within 30 days.

3. Titan Dual Motorcycle Hitch Carrier

Transporting your motorcycle with your car is made possible with the best motorcycle hitch carrier. Having used the Titan Dual before, I believe it could be that product you’ve been hunting for. The product is impressive from its elegant design, strength, and overall build quality. Let’s see how it impresses.

Capacity

The first thing to note when buying a hitch carrier is the capacity. Check if it can withstand the weight of your bike. This carrier weighs 120 pounds but has a capacity of 1000 pounds. It is strong and sturdy enough to carry motorcycles up to this capacity.

Installation

As long as your vehicle has the 2-inch receivers then it will be easy to install this product. Installation instructions are provided clearly, and so it shouldn’t take you the entire day trying to figure out the configurations.

There are pins to secure the ramp to the holes on this product. They make it firm so that the motorbike doesn’t wobble around. The product also allows for the securing of the motorcycle with straps to ensure complete protection when driving.

To complete the installation, you will receive the square tube, pins and the assembling instructions.

Build materials

Most hitch carriers are either aluminum or steel construction. Well, there are advantages for each material you opt for. For instance, aluminum is lightweight, cheap and rustproof whereas steel is expensive and heavyweight. Unless powder coated, steel by itself performs poorly with rust proof.

This hitch carrier comes with the steel construction that is well treated to resist corrosion and rust. It is strong enough hence it has a capacity up to 1000 pounds.

4. EGO BIKE – Anti Tilt Steel Motorcycle Carrier

Here’s another steel motorcycle hitch carrier designed for bikes that weigh less than 500 pounds. Well, that’s not that huge for large bikes. As thus, be vigilant of the weight you subject this carrier hitch to.

Unlike our previous steel, this one weighs less around 48 pounds, which is actually manageable to install without being helped. The main carrier hitch is 18 inches while the ramp is 38 inches long. With the ramp provided, it becomes easy to load the motorcycle from either side. That’s the convenience we want.

To install this hitch carrier, 8 bolts are provided even though instructions are not clear on how to install the anti-tilt device so some customers have been struggling to do that. If you’re experienced in installing carrier hitches then it should be easy for you to figure most prompts without instructions.

Whether you have the III, IV or V receiver, this carrier will fit snugly. The anti-tilt device prevents wobbling so your bike remains intact even when traveling on off-road terrains. The tie-down sides add more security. The dual ramp attaches with ease to the carrier track when not in use and it can also be set up easily.

5. Black Widow MCC-600 – Best Dirt Bikes Hitch Carrier

Black Widow is one of the popular brands on the market. Coming with the weight capacity of 600 pounds, this is one of the best hitch carriers worth considering. Why do I say that? It’s because such carriers are rare.

Black Widow MCC Carrier is made of the heavy-duty steel construction which, although, heavy, will protect the carrier against the outdoor elements. Steel is durable but that comes at a price. But, without any finish, steel remains vulnerable to outdoor elements. Thanks to a black powder finish coated on this hitch as it protects against harsh climatic conditions thus making the product durable.

Coming to the installation part, it is easy with the instructions provided. The 72 x 7.5 inches ramp slides to load the motorcycle and can be stored with ease underneath the 79 x 8” carrier hitch. If need be, the loading ramp can be removed. All the accessories such as bolts are included to make your installation sweat-free.  Weighing 44 pounds, this carrier isn’t that much bulky; it compares with many aluminum models with this weight. 

The anti-tilt and 5/8” pin have been included to make securing your bike easy. Also noteworthy is the 7-point adjustable wheel clock and tie-down point to secure the motorcycles.

6. SKY1375 Hitch Mount Carrier

The Best Choice Motorcycle Carrier is one of the products that will not leave your bank balance shaking. It is cheap yet offers a great deal of features. Do not haul any bike over 500 pounds as it may break the carrier.

The carrier’s design is solid and strong enough to last for a long time. It does not wobble around with the anti-tilt provided, but the hitch pin has not been provided at all.

To install this carrier should also be easy with the instructions provided explicitly. Even if you’ve ever installed one before, it shouldn’t be cumbersome to figure this one out. Eight (8) bolts and nuts are provided to make your installation a cinch. Note that the carrier fits in 2-inch square receivers of class II, III, IV or V trailer hitch.

With the rack ramp provided, it’s easy to load your bike onto the carrier. This ramp is 38.5 inches long while the carrier is 76 inches long, and the hitch tube is 18 inches thus creating clearance from your car’s back. You can load the bike on either side of the ramp.

The carrier comes in black with a black powder finish to prevent corrosion. What I like with the black color is that it matches with many colors of vehicles.

7. Titan Ramps – Sport Bike Motorcycle Carrier

Titan Ramps Sport Bike Motorcycle Carrier is one of the best motorcycle carriers worth considering. But, I must say, compared to others on my list, this carrier is bulky. Looking at its picture with solid steel construction, it’s understandable why it’s so heavy at 99 pounds.

The advantageous thing is that it holds up to 600 pounds. So, whether you have sportbike, motorbike or mini bikes, they can be accommodated.

The carrier is long enough. The integrated wheel chock helps align and secure the bike. I haven’t seen anything about the anti-tilt locking device, but that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker at all considering the high-strength steel construction that will prevent wobbling.

Loading your bike on this carrier should be a walk in a park. Just slide the long ramp and push your motorcycle to the carrier. Isn’t that easy? Both the carrier and the ramp are powder coated to prevent corrosion. Steel is ideally not corrosion-resistant if not coated especially if exposed to outdoor elements. Thanks to this finish.

8. Kage Racing ST3401 Motorcycle Hitch Hauler

Here’s the second aluminum design in my list. I like aluminum constructions mainly for their lightweight, rust resistance and cheaper prices. This, however, does not compromise their quality. Ideally, we have aluminum and steel constructions in the motorcycle carrier hitch market.

If you SUVs, vans, campers, pick-up trucks or RVs, Kage Racing Motorcycle Carrier hitch will work better. It installs with ease with installation accessories provided as well as the instructions on how to assemble. There are three locking screws that prevent your bike from sliding off the carrier when traveling. That’s an added bonus to the features.

The carrier fits in 2” square receivers of class II, III, IV or V trailer hitches. It connects easily and will not loosen up even when driving on rough roads.

The load capacity is 500 pounds, which is an average load capacity of many carriers out there. Added to this is the 37 pounds overall weight of this carrier. You do not need the second person to help you lift this unit up. For this reason, aluminum carriers are convenient to install by yourself.

Whichever bike you haul, it should be less than 75 inches long. That’s long enough to accommodate the majority of motorcycles. Moreover, the tires should be 5-1/2 inches wide. From the bumper to the center of the track is 18 inch, which clears space to prevent scratching of your car by bike. And, loading your bike is easy with the provided ramp.

9. ALEKO MC600 600 Pound Capacity Motorcycle Carrier

Now marking the end of my list, I bring you yet another steel design. Steel designs are mostly popular due to their superior strength over aluminum designs even though they are relatively expensive. Nonetheless, ALEKO MC600 600 Pound Capacity Motorcycle Carrier is a worth considering motorcycle hauler. It makes it easy to haul your bike to the next destination with ease.

The carrier is 79 inches long while its provided ramp is 74 inches. Again, the carrier is 8 inches wide while the ramp is 7.5 inches wide which makes it easy to store in the carrier. When it’s time to load your bike, simply unfold the ramp and then load from either side of the carrier hitch. Your work becomes so much easier.

The installation part is also an absolute breeze. Instructions are provided on how to install, and installation accessories are provided. The hitch tube is 20.5 inches long and it fits 2-inch square receivers of different classes. The ¾” hitch pin has been included to make securing the bike easy.

Buyer’s Guide

Contents:

Now let’s delve into the selection guidelines for your motorcycle hitch carriers. As I have already reiterated, motorcycle hitch carriers come in different designs, sizes and materials, and so choosing the best way is not as easy a walk in a park. It comes with attention to details. In this section, I will highlight features worth looking at.

What to look at when purchasing the best motorcycle hitch carrier?

Look for the build materials, ramp inclusion, and ease of installation, hitch receiver compatibility, and load capacity.

Hitch receiver compatibility

The first consideration is the hitch receiver class you have. It will not help to waste so much money buying the hitch carrier only to find out it is not compatible with you four-wheel vehicle. There are generally five classes of receivers: I, II, III, IV, and V. The table below clarify their differences:

Load Capacity

Load capacity of the motorcycle hitch carrier is important to consider before making any purchase. In my list, I have one 400 pounds load capacity and most of them are 500 pounds with the highest being 600 pounds. If you have a larger bike, consider the highest load capacity in my list which is 600 pounds. For small bikes, the 400 pounds limit would be reasonable enough.

Steel is generally heavier than aluminium. That said, for heavy vehicles and heavy bikes, I would recommend 600 pounds load capacity of a steel carrier.

Build materials

Generally, hitch carriers come as either aluminium or steel. You have to choose whichever you find convenient or great for your case. Both materials are durable and resist corrosion. However, steel does not readily resist corrosion if not treated. Most steel constructions are coated with black powder to give them the edge over corrosion-causing elements.

Aluminium, on the other hand, resists corrosion and lasts long. Moreover, it remains shiny if you like shiny stuff. Comparing the weights, steel is usually bulky depending on the type of constructions. Some hitch carriers come as racks with spaces in between so that lessens the weight while others come as solid constructions.

Aluminium is lightweight, so it becomes to handle aluminium than the heavyweight steel unless helped by someone else.

Ramp inclusion

Motorcycles are heavy. For this reason, it can be challenging to load the bike onto the hitch carrier without a ramp. All my reviewed products come with ramps.

But that’s not all…

You have to ensure that the ramp is long enough to extend easily from the bike to the carrier. Also, you need to ensure that it locks securely so it doesn’t wobble or fall when busy loading your motorcycle. Others come with locking screws to secure them.

Ramps are ideally not wider than the carriers as they have to be locked inside. Again, check if it’s easy to store the ramp after use. Others can be removed.

Ease of installation

The installation part is important to avoid sweating the whole day in vain. As long as your carrier is compatible with the hitch receivers, then you are one step closer to completing the installation. The carriers come unassembled so you have to follow the instructions to assemble them. The process becomes easy if you are experienced.

Some instructions are not as clear. In such cases, I would recommend watching short YouTube tutorials as demonstrations. Also, you may check key features to look at in this short YouTube video.

Other requirements are to ascertain if nuts and bolts are included with your package. Most carriers come with hitch pins while others do not. You may have to buy them separately. Amazon has a wide variety of hitch pins for classes I to V. I found this Connor Trailer Hitch Lock very affordable and good for the carrier that does not come with the hitch pin. I included one carrier without a hitch pin.

Price

I have put the price as the last consideration when buying motorcycle hitch carriers. I know that many people often prioritize prices when purchasing and that is wrong because prices can be deceiving. Check other features as I have highlighted above then consider the pricing after. Generally, aluminum carriers cost less than steel counterparts because steel is superior in durability over aluminum.

Good luck with your purchases!