Those that have a front hitch setup...which one? Also, looking for a dirtbike carrier for a somewhat heavier DRZ400SM (supermoto) bike, about 320 pounds wet. Anyone run something like that?

I had front hitch on my F350 for generator carrying and I used rear hitch on my motorhome for carrying 500 lb PWC. On motorhome I did have triple receiver and that was what it took to carry heavier load without rocking side to side. So frankly, I don't think single receiver will hold 320lb load steady without additional brackets.

Nope, too much rocking! Mine is welded solid. Very strong!

Well I daily drice my truck (for the most part, I can't weld on a carrier) so if this won't work I'll drop the idea..It just seems this is possible with the carrier racks out there with loads that get to or go over the weight I'm looking at.

Pretty easy to do by replacing the front tow hooks with stub receiverstub receivers and then going from there. With the two receivers, you eliminate the rocking. However, for a 320# bike, you may want to add in a lower support also. As the bouncing will put a very large load on it.If you do not have factory tow hooks, then make sure you buy the tow hook kit from Dodge because the kit adds re-inforcement bractets behind the mating surface.Problem with the Dodge diesels is there isn't a weight available for carrying such a heavy load. Usually the axle is within a couple hundred pounds of the axle limit (not tire limit. Good news is one you build for your 07, if you upgrade to a 14 or later, the mount will move over by just slightly enlarging the mounting holes.

I have a front receiver that I had specially installed by a qualified welding shop. We carry two adult bikes each weighing about 35 lbs. They bounce around a lot on these bad roads. I wouldn't want to carry that much weight up there even tho the receiver is supposed to be good for 8 - 900 lbs.I'd think about a trailer possibly an enclosed one that could carry other necessary `stuff' needed for RVing.

Front hitch/dirtbike carrier | Good Sam Community

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Mar 05, 2016
You'd get ticket in CA for not readable licence plate.
Not sure about obstruction of driver view.
bka0721
Explorer II
Mar 05, 2016
CAJW wrote:
Vinsil wrote:
Thanks all for the advice. I'm moving forward on this project and looking at some lighter bikes....for peace of mind. Yeah, that is what I'm telling my wife.lol!

Attaboy! :B

Glad you were able to make a decision that best works for you and your truck.

While I am a bit late, to post on this thread as it is now resolved for the OP. I will just post a quick pic of my own front hitch with my Honda CRFX street legal Dirt Bike. It has absolutely no movement or shakes, due to the modifications I made to minimize this issue. It might help someone else contemplating doing the same install.

Happy Riding!

b
CAJW
Explorer
Mar 04, 2016
Vinsil wrote:
Thanks all for the advice. I'm moving forward on this project and looking at some lighter bikes....for peace of mind. Yeah, that is what I'm telling my wife.lol!

Attaboy! :B
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Mar 04, 2016
I welded a short pipe to my bars so I could rotate them 90 degrees and re-clamp them. Leaves room to open the TC door.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Mar 04, 2016
That reminds me old craigslist post.
"will trade 1 woman 200lb for 2 at 100lb each"
Vinsil
Explorer
Mar 04, 2016
Thanks all for the advice. I'm moving forward on this project and looking at some lighter bikes....for peace of mind. Yeah, that is what I'm telling my wife.lol!
Dirtpig
Explorer
Mar 01, 2016
Ive ran a Honda XR400 on the front of my truck while carrying camper (AF811) for years with no problems. Also drive on very rough logging roads. The front hitch receiver i put on required me to remove the stock ford fog lights. When strapping the bike down i utilize the tow hooks so there is no rocking or bouncing around of the bike carrier.
CAJW
Explorer
Mar 01, 2016
DieselBurps wrote:
CAJW, do you have to remove the motorcycle to enter the camper each time?

Nope, the door opens about 70 degrees wide and access is not an issue. Just remember to close the door before loading the bike!;)
ejfranz
Explorer
Mar 01, 2016
I have carried my WR250r ~300 lbs on the front hitch for years on all types of roads with no issues.
Hitch has a 500 lb togue rating. Carrier is a cheap steel Princess Auto unit.
I am 50lbs over my front axle rating with the bike on.
I drilled and tapped the receiver so that there is no movement in the carrier.
I like it on the front over the rear as it keeps the road dirt off it.
After driving the Dempster and Campbell gravel Hwys the back of the camper was black; my WR was clean except for bug guts.
DieselBurps
Explorer
Mar 01, 2016
CAJW, do you have to remove the motorcycle to enter the camper each time?