by Joshua Thomas
Sometimes, you'll need to transport your motorcycle or dirt bike from one location to another without riding it. On such occasions, a motorcycle hitch carrier is an essential tool. These carriers attach to your vehicle's trailer hitch receiver and allow you to haul bikes weighing up to 600 lbs without renting a trailer.
Whether you are heading to a trail system, a track day, or a rally across state lines, the right hitch carrier makes the job safe and repeatable. In this guide, we review the top 6 motorcycle hitch carriers of 2026, breaking down capacity, material, ramp design, and stability features so you can pick the best match for your bike and vehicle.
We also cover key factors to evaluate before buying — including hitch receiver class, tongue weight limits, and whether steel or aluminum is the better choice for your use case.
Contents
The Black Widow AMC-400 Aluminum Motorcycle Hitch Carrier is our top pick for riders who want a lightweight yet rugged transport solution. Built with an aluminum deck, it shaves significant weight off your tow vehicle's hitch while maintaining a solid 400 lbs load rating, making it ideal for dirt bikes, eBikes, and fat-tire bikes alike.
The platform measures a generous width and comes with an extra-long folding ramp that makes rolling your bike up or down far easier than the short ramps found on cheaper carriers. The 2-Inch Class III/IV Receiver fits Class III and IV hitches, and the anti-rattle bolt keeps things secure at highway speeds.
Aluminum construction means you get corrosion resistance without the weight penalty of steel — great if your truck or SUV has limited tongue weight capacity. The platform surface features a non-slip grip pattern for added confidence when loading.
The one limitation is the 400 lbs weight ceiling, which rules out heavier street bikes. That said, for dirt bikes and lighter motorcycles, the Black Widow AMC-400 delivers a polished experience backed by Black Widow's strong customer support.
Pros
Cons
The Black Widow MCC-600 Steel & Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier combines a steel-reinforced frame with an aluminum loading ramp to handle the widest range of motorcycles. At 600 lbs capacity, it can carry most mid-size to full-size bikes, and the 6-foot ramp makes loading less of a workout on tall trucks or SUVs.
The deck features a steel mesh surface with grip texture to prevent wheel slip during loading. An anti-rattle device is included and keeps the carrier from bouncing in the hitch receiver during transport — a detail that many cheaper carriers skip entirely.
Powder-coated steel construction resists rust over years of outdoor use, and the extra-long ramp folds flat when not in use. Setup is straightforward with basic hand tools and typically takes under 30 minutes out of the box.
The overall weight of the carrier itself is on the heavier side at around 55 lbs, so pair it with a vehicle that has adequate tongue weight capacity. For riders who frequently carry heavier bikes, this is one of the most capable hitch-mounted options available.
Pros
Cons
The VEVOR Steel Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Mount 600 LBS is an excellent value pick that packs serious capability into an affordable package. The 600 lbs steel frame handles everything from dirt bikes to mid-size cruisers, and the 47-inch longer ramp reduces the loading angle significantly compared to shorter ramps.
VEVOR includes ratchet straps and a stabilizer bar right out of the box — extras that some competitors charge separately for. The stabilizer arm hooks onto the bike frame or handlebars to reduce side-to-side sway on the highway.
The carrier attaches to any standard 2-inch receiver and uses an anti-wobble bolt to tighten the connection point. The steel deck is coated with a black powder finish to resist rust, and the ramp locks into the loading position or folds up flat when not in use.
The main trade-off with this level of carrier is that the welds and frame tolerances are not quite as refined as premium brands. A small amount of flex may be noticeable with very heavy bikes, but within the rated capacity it performs reliably for most users.
Pros
Cons
The Mockins 83" Tilting Motorcycle Hitch Carrier 500 Lbs. stands out for its tilting platform design — the entire 83-inch deck pivots to ground level, eliminating the need to wrestle your bike up a separate ramp. This is a major advantage for heavier bikes or riders with limited upper body strength.
The platform accommodates tires up to 5.5 inches wide, making it compatible with fat-tire bikes, eBikes, and adventure motorcycles. 500 lbs capacity covers the vast majority of street and off-road bikes, and the carrier ships with a license plate holder to maintain rear visibility.
The stabilizer bar, ratchet straps, and hitch anti-wobble hardware all come included in the box. At 83 inches, the deck is longer than most competitors, reducing loading angle and making it easier to wheel bikes on or off.
The tilting mechanism adds some complexity, and a few users report it takes practice to operate smoothly. The 4.2-star rating reflects a small percentage of fit-and-finish complaints, but overall it earns praise for its innovative approach to loading.
Pros
Cons
The Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Carrier with Grit-Coated Track is a no-frills workhorse that focuses on what matters most: a solid 600 lbs steel platform with a grit-coated track surface for maximum tire grip during loading. The anti-rattle device and folding ramp round out a package that delivers consistent performance trip after trip.
The grit-coated track is a notable feature — it provides far better traction than smooth steel when you are rolling a motorcycle up and down the ramp, especially in damp conditions. The folding ramp locks into position securely and folds flat for storage.
Black Widow's steel carriers are known for their straightforward assembly and durability. This model fits any 2-inch hitch receiver and uses a standard anti-rattle bolt to eliminate receiver play. It works equally well on SUVs, trucks, and full-size vans.
The platform lacks the anti-wobble stabilizer arm found on some newer competitors, so you will want to use ratchet straps (not included) to secure your bike's frame. For the price, it remains one of the most proven hitch carrier designs on the market.
Pros
Cons
The Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier Extra-Long 6-Foot Ramp 400 lb. is designed for riders who need the versatility of an extra-long ramp on a budget-friendly platform. The 6-foot ramp dramatically reduces the loading angle, making it much easier to roll a motorcycle up onto trucks and taller SUVs without straining or risking a tip.
With a 400 lbs weight rating, this carrier suits lighter motorcycles, dirt bikes, and scooters. The steel frame is powder-coated for corrosion resistance, and the loading ramp folds up flush with the deck for compact storage when not in use.
Fitting any 2-inch receiver, it installs in minutes using the included hardware. The carrier is lighter than heavy-duty 600 lb models, which reduces the tongue weight demand on smaller crossovers and hatchbacks that support hitch-mounted carriers.
The 400 lb capacity is the main constraint — heavier bikes like large cruisers or adventure tourers will need a higher-rated platform. But for typical dirt bike and lightweight motorcycle users, this Black Widow delivers a reliable, fuss-free transport solution.
Pros
Cons
Choosing a motorcycle hitch carrier is more involved than picking the cheapest or highest-capacity option. The carrier has to match your vehicle's hitch class, stay within its tongue weight limit, and suit the type of bike you are transporting. Here are the six factors that matter most.
Dirt bikes, scooters, and lightweight street bikes typically fall well under 400 lbs, so an aluminum carrier with a 400 lb rating is sufficient. Full-size cruisers, adventure tourers, and touring bikes can weigh 500 to 700 lbs — for these, you need a steel carrier rated at 600 lbs. Always add the weight of accessories and gear to your bike's base curb weight before comparing to a carrier's rated capacity.
Nearly all motorcycle hitch carriers require a 2-inch Class III or IV receiver. Class I and II hitches (1.25-inch receivers) are not strong enough for motorcycle loads and should never be used. Verify your vehicle's hitch class before purchasing. If your vehicle does not already have a hitch, aftermarket options are available for most trucks, SUVs, and even larger crossovers.
Rated capacity is the maximum load the carrier platform can hold — not a suggestion. Exceeding it risks damaging the carrier, the hitch receiver, or the bike. Most carriers fall into two categories: 400 lbs (aluminum models) and 600 lbs (heavy-duty steel models). Also check your vehicle's tongue weight rating, which limits how much weight can hang off the hitch regardless of what the carrier is rated for.
Steel carriers handle heavier loads and are generally more affordable, but they weigh more and can rust without proper coating. Aluminum carriers are lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant, making them a better fit for vehicles with lower tongue weight limits. If you live in a wet or salty environment, look for powder-coated steel or go with aluminum to extend the carrier's service life.
A longer ramp creates a shallower loading angle, making it much easier to roll your bike up without risk of bottoming out. Short ramps on budget carriers create steep angles that are hard to manage alone. Look for ramps of at least 4 feet; 6-foot ramps are noticeably better on tall trucks. Tilting platform designs like the Mockins eliminate the angle problem entirely by lowering the deck to ground level.
Any carrier will rattle in the hitch receiver without an anti-rattle bolt or clamping device — the tolerances between the receiver tube and carrier shank always allow some play. An anti-rattle bolt closes that gap and prevents the annoying clunking noise at highway speeds. Stabilizer arms that attach to the bike's frame further reduce side-to-side sway and are especially helpful on longer hauls. Check whether these are included or need to be purchased separately.
Black Widow AMC-400 Aluminum Motorcycle Hitch Carrier - Walmart Link
Black Widow MCC-600 Steel & Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier - Walmart Link
VEVOR Steel Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Mount 600 LBS - Walmart Link
Mockins 83" Tilting Motorcycle Hitch Carrier 500 Lbs. - Walmart Link
Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Carrier with Grit-Coated Track - Walmart Link
Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier Extra-Long 6-Foot Ramp 400 lb. - Walmart Link
Black Widow AMC-400 Aluminum Motorcycle Hitch Carrier - eBay Link
Black Widow MCC-600 Steel & Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier - eBay Link
VEVOR Steel Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Mount 600 LBS - eBay Link
Mockins 83" Tilting Motorcycle Hitch Carrier 500 Lbs. - eBay Link
Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Carrier with Grit-Coated Track - eBay Link
Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier Extra-Long 6-Foot Ramp 400 lb. - eBay Link
The best motorcycle hitch carrier for most riders is the Black Widow AMC-400 — it balances lightweight aluminum construction with a generous extra-long ramp and a solid 4.5-star rating. Riders who need to carry heavier bikes should step up to the Black Widow MCC-600 or the VEVOR Steel Carrier, both rated for 600 lbs and priced competitively.
If ease of loading is your priority, the Mockins Tilting Carrier is worth the premium — its pivoting deck removes the ramp angle challenge entirely. For those on a tighter budget, the Black Widow Steel Carrier with Grit-Coated Track or the Black Widow Extra-Long 6-Foot Ramp model deliver reliable performance at a lower price point.
Whichever carrier you choose, confirm your vehicle's tongue weight rating, verify your hitch receiver class, and always secure your bike with ratchet straps before hitting the highway.
What size hitch receiver do I need for a motorcycle carrier?
Most motorcycle hitch carriers require a 2-inch Class III or Class IV receiver. Class I and II 1.25-inch receivers are not rated for motorcycle loads. Always check your vehicle's hitch class before purchasing a carrier.
Can I use a motorcycle hitch carrier on an SUV?
Yes — most SUVs with a Class III or IV trailer hitch can support a motorcycle hitch carrier, provided the vehicle's tongue weight rating covers the combined weight of the carrier and motorcycle. Check your owner's manual for the tongue weight specification.
What is the weight limit for motorcycle hitch carriers?
Most steel motorcycle hitch carriers are rated for 500 to 600 lbs, while aluminum models typically handle 400 lbs. Always compare the carrier's rated capacity to your bike's curb weight plus any gear or accessories you carry on it.
Do motorcycle hitch carriers block the license plate?
Some carriers block the license plate. Many include a license plate holder bracket that mounts to the back of the carrier to keep the plate visible and legally compliant. The Mockins Tilting Carrier includes a license plate holder as standard equipment.
How do I prevent my motorcycle hitch carrier from rattling?
Anti-rattle hardware — either a bolt or a clamp-style device — closes the gap between the carrier shank and the hitch receiver tube. Most quality carriers include this hardware. Tighten it fully before each trip to prevent noise and movement at highway speeds.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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