Motorcycle Carrier

I was not looking for a lift style carrier but more the ramp style. Like I said the bikes are not huge so I don't need a full lift. I was thinking more on the lines of this type BUT NOT this one.

http://www.nicecycle.com/Motorcycle-Ramp-Hauler-p/smt-ramp-2.htm?vfsku=SMT.RAMP.2&gpla=pla&Click=7183&gclid=CjwKEAjwoZ-oBRCAjZqs96qCmzgSJADnWCv8_eb7iUW2iq0AL6yAyY6xiR5jEYC0GnhJroRLCdKQlBoCfw3w_wcB

Hanging a bike off the back of a gas coach using a lift might cause problems. The lift and bike combined weight can be as much as 1200 pounds. There isn't much in the way of framing behind the rear axle along with the potential of the builder adding frame extensions that might not be up for the job of holding the weight of the bike and the lift. The long rear over hang of the coach is going to act as a lever with the additional weight which will might cause a large weight shift from the front which can effecting drivability. You might even be reaching the axle weight limits for the rear axle once the coach is loaded for the road.

It can be done with some frame boxing and such but you best option is probably a trailer unless you move into a rear engine diesel chassis.

One thing to consider on those motorcycle lifts. Where the bike sits when placed for travel is where the air swirls at the back of the coach and with it a fair amount of dirt particles from the road....or in layman's terms....sandblasting area. If you cover the bike then you have the cover flapping and causing scratches too. I opted to get an enclosed trailer for the same money that I'd spend on the lift to protect my Hawg..... just my $0.02 worth....

Did you guys have a welder do any extra work on your hitches?

Why not just purchase a small trailer? Seems to me that would be less stress on the coach, easier to load/unload, and probably just as cheap. With that little weight, I imagine that you wouldn't even know it was back there. Also, if you bought a larger trailer, you have instant extra storage.

Just my $.02 and worth about 1/2 that.

Tom

I towed a 400 lb KLR on a Versa Haul pulling a 3000 lb car on the back of a 29' Fleetwood class C with the e450 CHASSIS. I had no problems over 28 000 miles. Its hitch was rated for 5000 lbs though.

If staying around 450 lbs you will be fine. My bike is 800 lbs so I went with a double tow dolly so my dw could have her car.

Executive wrote:
For that small gasser, that might be too much weight on the back of it...check your specs carefully before you buy the coach so you won't be disappointed....Dennis

P.S. Remove the attempt at bolding your signature or close the bold....D

Small gasser? The RV is a 36' Damon. Is that considered a "small" gasser? To me its pretty big. Yes I know there are bigger but I would not consider this one small. But its all relative. If I had a 45' DP I would think of the Damon as small.


With that said does anyone think that the 36 footer is to small to carry a bike?

the bikes I plan to use are not real big. I plan to take either a 70 BMW R50/5 or a Norton Commando or a 68 Honda CT90. None of these are very big.

If you're not towing a TOAD behind your MH then what I use might work. It's a unit from "billybob1.com" The front wheel mounts in the unit, that mounts in the MH's receiver, and the rear wheel rolls on the ground. I've been using it for 2 years now with great results.

The versa haul is rated for 600lbs, and can tow an additional 3000lbs.