Front hitch to carry motorcycle

[hpcbmw]

I've got a 2000 F250 diesel shortbed with a FWC camper. The camper sticks out about 12" beyond the bed of the truck, just enough that I can't use a rear motorcycle hitch carrier/mototote without some sort of extension. The extension adds wobble and reduces carrying capacity enough that it doesn't look like it's a good idea.

I currently have a front receiver hitch that comes out behind the license plate of the truck. This is so high that my motorcycle on my mototote, and even bikes on a bike rack, are right at eye level, so too high to safely drive. To lower the height, I have to use an extension/drop system, again adding wobble and reducing carrying capacity.

I have an option to remove my existing front hitch and install one that mounts under the frame, so it's about 10" lower. Before spending the time and money on this option, I thought I'd see how well it works for others.

My questions:

1. has anyone used a front hitch for a motorcycle and if so, what problems do you run into? The bike I intend to carry is a CRF230l which weighs about 250lbs. Does this much weight on the front of the truck cause handling problems?

2. Has anyone used an extension/drop hitch system to carry a motorcycle or item of similar weight, and were there any concerns or problems?

3. Do you use extra headlights and turn signals up front, since the motorcycle is likely to block to these?

Thanks for any input!

[ejfranz]

Have carried a XT225, TW200, WR250r and a DT200 on my front motorcycle hitch for year from home down to Utah and also up through the Yukon and Alaska. I drilled another hole in the hitch to get it as close to the truck as possible and drilled and tapped the receiver so that I could stop all movement in the hitch. Also added lights to the carrier.

[Grit_dog]

JRscooby wrote:
I think if I was changing a hitch to haul MC I would put a receiver near both frame rails, to use 2. Much stronger, much more stable. And, if you ever decided to use it for a idiot hitch you could hook to right and at least see one side of trailer.

Hmm never seen that (you’ve suggested it before). What you’re leaving out is one would have to fab everything themselves. Not practical for most.

[K_Mac]

I ordered my truck w/ the plow pkg. just to be able to make a rack that sat low. Rack comes out and up on a "Z" shaped (2) male hitch, no wobble at all. The plow frame can carry a 10' plow and all its workings, so weight should not be a problem. Just be mindful of your clearance entering gas stations and the like if your not used to having a plow frame.

[Groover]

I would be concerned about it blocking the headlights and suggest that you rig some sort of stand to simulate where it might go before getting too far with this project. I used to carry bicycles on the front of my F250 and removed the front tires from them to reduce headlight interference. When I bought my class A I put a 250 scooter out front and it completely blocked my headlights. I dropped down to Honda Elite 110's and still suffer some loss of light. And that is with lights that are at the edges of an 8 1/2ft wide vehicle. You may get lucky and find that your lights will shine through the spoked wheels, I hope so.

[Freep]

DWeikert wrote:
Have you considered something like this?
Roadmaster Hi-Low Hitch Riser

This is exactly what I used. It's heavy duty.

Be nice and use smile.amazon.com

[tuna_fisher]

Been carrying on the front for years with no problems at all except bugs in the spring time. Wouldn't do it any other way.

[huasnaian]

I have been carrying my drz-400 (about 300 lbs) on a front hitch rack for a few years and about 10k miles. No issues at all. I just drove from CA to WY last week and had to go through Utah with 108F heat and my truck was not overheating with the bike on the front. It does block the headlights slightly but it still illuminates the road ahead.

Personally, I like the front better because I can see what the bike is doing if I hit a hard bump. Also, I find it easier to park when I can hang the bike over vegetation or into a bush. Can't do that with the back mount and still use your door!

I would suggest that your tie-downs have carabiners (not hooks) at the end of the strap. I had one time that I hit a hard bump and one of my 4 tiedowns got enough slack for the hook to slip out of the hold on the carrier. If the bike wasn't on the front I would not have quickly seen a strap loose tension.

Hope this helps

[specta]

I know you didn't ask for trailer advise but......

towpro wrote:
I use a small trailer for my motorcycle.

My aluminum ATV trailer only weighs 300 lbs empty and it lets me carry stuff that I can't carry in my camper.

[Bert_the_Welder]

Whenever I see a scooter or dirt bike on a single tube receiver and watch it wango-tango up they, it gives me the creeps. No flippin way I'd have it on a single tube.

[hpcbmw]

Thanks for all the great input! I'll try the Reese 18" extension on the back and see how it works and if I can open my camper door with the bike on the mototote. I see many have put a motorcycle on the front of their truck with no problems, but it still makes me nervous. I might also try the Hitchmaster hi/lo as it looks pretty solid and is an easy way to test the front mount. It just "feels" a little wrong having the motorcycle up front, but it's worth a try with the hi/lo drop receiver.

I have a small three rail dirtbike trailer that I often use when I have the camper on my truck, but then I have a trailer to deal with. Also, I have a fifth wheel trailer that I haul on occaision, and am looking for ways to bring the fifth wheel and a motorcycle.

[Dick_B]

We carry two bicycles on a front hitch with a total weight of 70 lbs. I would hate to have to carry more than that.
I'd want to look at a trailer (covered trailer?) that would safely carry the cycle and not affect seeing the road and not eliminate driving at night if loaded on the front AND not bounce around like our bikes do.

[camperdave]

I carry a similar sized motorcycle on the front of my motorhome at times (and did for many years on my old E350 van pulling a TT). I can obviously see the bike, but it does not obstruct my view. There is some interference of lights, but not a big deal. I've driven at night without problem. I have noticed no cooling issues.

The only time it's weird is when I carry a bike on the front of my van with no other load in it. It squats significantly, but still works fine. On the motorhome, it doesn't affect it at all, if anything it's good to get some weight up front to help balance out my 10+ feet of overhang in the rear lol.

If you use an extension on the rear carrier, how will you get into your camper?

[towpro]

I use a small trailer for my motorcycle.

[jaycocreek]

I've got a 2000 F250 diesel shortbed with a FWC camper. The camper sticks out about 12" beyond the bed of the truck, just enough that I can't use a rear motorcycle hitch carrier/mototote without some sort of extension. The extension adds wobble and reduces carrying capacity enough that it doesn't look like it's a good idea.

Put a Reese solid bar extension on the rear,there rated way heavier than your bike is..Then put a wobble stopper on it for the wobble they sometimes give..

My 18" is rated for 400# and 600# with WD if memory serves..