Motorcycle, Bikes and Generator

[Crazy_Creek]

I needed a way to carry my dirt bike, bicycles, and keep my generator with me but I did not want to pull a trailer.

The 20K Superhitch has a 650 lb tongue weight at 32". My bikes and dirt bike weigh less than 375.

[CAJW]

fpoole wrote:

CAJW wrote:
...so I rigged up some coated 1/4" cable with sailboat quick release adjustable turnbuckles to semi-support the carrier. I attached the upper ends to the camper jack mount bolts and the lower ends to the carrier rail. Works well and I'm sure that if I wanted, I could add a bicycle carrier to the mix.

Kewl, that's what I was looking for.. how to attach it to the camper without drilling etc... nice...
Thanks...

The next time I load up the bike, I'll shoot some pics and provide parts sources (that is if I can find my receipts).

Here's the quick release I used that works slick. Quick release

I used something like this to attach the cables to the camper jack bolts. Eye nut

[noteven]

Super hitches n trusses are stout:

[noteven]

Look at VersaHaul website for their stainless dealie that pinch-bolts the bike carrier at the receiver to stop the flopping and rocking.

[fpoole]

CAJW wrote:
...so I rigged up some coated 1/4" cable with sailboat quick release adjustable turnbuckles to semi-support the carrier. I attached the upper ends to the camper jack mount bolts and the lower ends to the carrier rail. Works well and I'm sure that if I wanted, I could add a bicycle carrier to the mix.

Kewl, that's what I was looking for.. how to attach it to the camper without drilling etc... nice...
Thanks...

[CAJW]

I carry my dirt bike on a carrier plugged into my Torklift 32" Superhitch extension. I'd contacted Torklift to clarify the tongue weight ratings, figured the arm, multiplied the weight and still have a healthy margin for safety. The one thing I didn't like was the side to side rocking of the carrier, so I rigged up some coated 1/4" cable with sailboat quick release adjustable turnbuckles to semi-support the carrier. I attached the upper ends to the camper jack mount bolts and the lower ends to the carrier rail. Works well and I'm sure that if I wanted, I could add a bicycle carrier to the mix.


As a side note to the OP, is it an optical illusion in the third picture of your post or is your Arctic Fox camper setting a bit tail low?

[GeoBoy]

We have 2 - 12' long solo canoes that we have to tow because I am not climbing up on my TC roof to load and unload them. So we purchased a Dock Doctors paddle sport aluminum trailer to haul them, I also installed 2 skewer mounts in a piece of aluminum channel that spans the width of the trailer. So now I can carry our bikes and canoes, and if I get into a jam I can unhitch the trailer and quickly move it around by hand.

[Reddog1]

I cannot imagine that the Superhitch would fail. The extensions maybe. In my case it was the bike rack that failed. The whiping action ripped the tubing. The welds were okay as was the extension.

[deltabravo]

I couldn't begin to fathom having that much weight/leverage on my hitch and Supertruss. Something is going to break eventually, Like Wayne mentioned about losing bikes.

A trailer might seem like a nuisance, but to me it isn't. I've towed with it long enough, it's second nature driving with it back there.

[jspringator]

I can't tell if you have anything mounted on the front, but I carried a XT225 on the front of my Excursion while towing for years. Worked out pretty well.

[Fisher_Bill]

So you have a superhitch with a super TRUSS plugged in, mine is a 42" extension and I also have the two turnbuckles going from the end of the super Truss back to the super hitch.

I also have a front receiver and I was planning on putting a motorcycle up front and then making my basket first on the back and incorporating the bike rack to the basket so I can carry the 3500W genny and another tub with the bike behind the basket.

With the single hitch you have coming from the super truss that is supported by turnbuckles still looks to be a weak point to me because of over extension.

If the math works out then fine but I think there could be some leveraged points with the weight of the bike moved so far back.

Good luck and time will tell.

Bill

[ticki2]

Not to sound discouraging and not saying it won't work but this is not a simple tongue weight you are dealing with . The weight is another 18 to 20 inches beyond the supertruss extension , and it will not have constant down weight like a trailer . As Wayne mentioned , it will most likely whip up and down going over bumps . If you could tie the vertical bar of the bike rack back to a strong enough attachment on the camper or truck it will greatly increase the stability .

[Bedlam]

One more alternative is a swivel wheel style deck instead of a trailer. It tracks your rear and does not pivot left or right. If you got into a real tight spot, you could disconnect it, turn around, and reconnect. They are spendy, but they do not require a plate or registration in most states.

http://cruiserlift.dudaone.com/swivelwheel
http://smarttrailers.com/
http://www.toy-tote.com/toy-tote
http://www.idahotote.com/

[Reddog1]

Crazy Creek wrote:

Reddog1 wrote:
When you hit a dip on the highway, it real whips the extension. Just like cracking a whip. I lost two bicycles like that. There was a difference in height when they changed from asphalt roadway to the cement bridge. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Wayne

Wayne

That is a concern. In addition to secure straps I think I'll tether the bikes to the main hitch. Worse case if they fall off....I'll drag them to a stop. My rear video is on all the time so I can monitor the bikes.

Thanks for the heads up. Lessons learned I guess.



Mike

I now have a much stronger bike rack, and do have a cable with lock that ties the bikes to the camper jack. I too have a continuous rear camera. It was not much help when I lost the bikes. All was well till I hit the cement.

[Crazy_Creek]

towpro wrote:
I just hook up the 7x14 Vnose and put the bike(s) inside.
I can take the KTM EXC690R, or the BMW R1200GS, or the KDX200 or all 3 :).
plus I have lockable storage for things from Adult Beveridge to fuel cans, generator, I even can carry 28 extra gallons of water in front of V nose

Nice looking setup you have.

This is a great option and one that I would consider if our style of travel was different. I envy all the room you've got.

We have a run and gun, off the beaten path, u-turn, don't stay in one place more than a day, thousands of miles kind of style. I'm going to try my best to avoid pulling a trailer. We'd probably take less stuff over hauling a trailer.

Mike