We would appreciate advice re. best way to transport a motorcycle...it's fairly small, with a full-up weight of just under 600 pounds...options we've considered...1.) back of pickup...downside is the loading and unloading scares me to pieces--several hundred pounds, up and down a skinny, steep ramp...nightmares about the thing going over the side of the ramp, with possibly me underneath it...upside is minimal expense and nothing to buy or deal with other than a ramp2.) get or have constructed a small utility trailer and double-tow behind the TT...upside is low ramp and basically no engineering concerns...downside is it would be a hassle because the motorcycle would have to come off the trailer and then the trailer would have to be unhooked and hand-pushed out of the way before backing the RV rig into a site..other downside would be need to have a hitch welded to the trailer frame and get the TT wiring jiggered such that it could run the lights on the double-tow3.) have a small platform welded to the TT frame...would allow the motorcycle to be loaded from the side of the trailer...upside is compact, out of the way and pretty much hassle free....downside is, if not done right, the thing breaks loose, dumping the bike and endangering everyone following usA small toy hauler would be ideal, but that's not in the cards for the time being...Would appreciate input, especially from those who have faced and solved this issue...thanks!

I think mounting to the rear of the trailer should be your last choice. That is a lot to hang back there with an excess of vibration and bouncing; bad for your TT and the bike. Spending the money for one of the bed loaders is probably the safest and worth the investment.

pickup bed seems like the only reasonable option. I can haul a 250lb bike on the back of my trailer on my custom built rear bumper and bike carrier, but 250lbs is about the limit I can handle w/o reducing my tongue weight and I started with over 15% on the tongue. I can't image any way to safely put 600lbs on the back of the trailer without seriously unloading the tongue and ending up with a big sway issue even if oould build a platform capable of holding it. Usually the bikes end up in the back of the truck bed, to me the easiest to handle, easiest to watch and most secure.

maybe you can find some type of loading dock nearby to load in truck

ktmrfs? thanks for the advice...i was focused on the 'how would you fabricate and attach it so it won't break' issue...the 'tongue weight' concern hadn't crossed my mind....makes sense....scratch that option

Check out "Cruisercaddie". They cost $1850 plus shipping from PA. They work better then a Rampage lift and are easily removable. I started out buying a manual ramp for my bike and didn't even try it, it was so scary. Then I would go to a Harley dealers and use their lift. But when we were in Sturgis, the dealer was swamped sdo had to back the truck up to a hill and use 2ea 2x8's. Very scary. Then bought an Overbiltlift for the back of the MH. Then bought a Rampage and now own a Cruisercaddie.

ideas re. best way to transport motorcycle | Good Sam Community

jspringator
Explorer
Mar 04, 2013
I put a front hitch on my X, got an aluminium carrier, and mount a Yamaha XT225 on the front of the X. Powerful enough for everything but interstate travel.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Mar 04, 2013
That Cruiser Caddie really looks like the cats meow! Great idea.
Barney
Roadpilot
Explorer
Mar 04, 2013
Check out "Cruisercaddie". They cost $1850 plus shipping from PA. They work better then a Rampage lift and are easily removable. I started out buying a manual ramp for my bike and didn't even try it, it was so scary. Then I would go to a Harley dealers and use their lift. But when we were in Sturgis, the dealer was swamped sdo had to back the truck up to a hill and use 2ea 2x8's. Very scary. Then bought an Overbiltlift for the back of the MH. Then bought a Rampage and now own a Cruisercaddie.
trailernovice
Explorer
Mar 04, 2013
ktmrfs? thanks for the advice...i was focused on the 'how would you fabricate and attach it so it won't break' issue...the 'tongue weight' concern hadn't crossed my mind....makes sense....scratch that option
stein4
Explorer
Mar 04, 2013
maybe you can find some type of loading dock nearby to load in truck
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Mar 04, 2013
pickup bed seems like the only reasonable option. I can haul a 250lb bike on the back of my trailer on my custom built rear bumper and bike carrier, but 250lbs is about the limit I can handle w/o reducing my tongue weight and I started with over 15% on the tongue. I can't image any way to safely put 600lbs on the back of the trailer without seriously unloading the tongue and ending up with a big sway issue even if oould build a platform capable of holding it.
Usually the bikes end up in the back of the truck bed, to me the easiest to handle, easiest to watch and most secure.
David_R
Explorer
Mar 04, 2013
I think mounting to the rear of the trailer should be your last choice. That is a lot to hang back there with an excess of vibration and bouncing; bad for your TT and the bike. Spending the money for one of the bed loaders is probably the safest and worth the investment.

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