by Joshua Thomas
Sometimes, you'll need to transport your motorcycle or dirt bike from one location to the other without riding it. On such occasions, an essential tool called a motorcycle hitch carrier is a must-have.
The type of carrier attaches to your vehicle's trailer hitch, allowing a motorcycle on it, for transportation. It will support considerable loads of up to 600 lbs., providing the versatility to carry different bike types.
In our motorcycle hitch carrier review, we check out some of the leading models and their features, while helping you choose the ideal one for transporting your motorbikes.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Black Widow MCC-600 (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. TMS T-NS-MRC001 (Best Budget) |
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 | 3. Black Widow SMC-600R (Best Heavy-Duty) |
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 | 4. Black Widow AMC-400 (Best Aluminum) |
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 | 5. Black Widow MCC-500 (Best Steel) |
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 | 6. MotoGroup ST3401 (Most Versatile) |
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 | 7. Versahaul VH-55 DM (Highly Stable) |
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Boasting a superior weight capacity, wide-wheel support, and extra-long loading ramp, the Black Widow MCC-600 is easy, our best overall motorcycle hitch carrier.
The heavy-duty carrier has an impressive weight capacity of 600 lbs., which allows it to carry heavy bikes securely. You won't be constantly worrying about the utility bending or snaping.
Even if your motorcycle has wide wheels, the carrier will comfortably hold it, thanks to a class-leading width of 8 inches. Then there's the extra-long loading 71-in loading ramp, which simplifies the task significantly.
You can count on the carrier's durability, as it's made using powder-coated steel, which also resists wearing reliably well. Our best motorcycle hitch carrier is designed for use on class III or IV receivers.
On the downside, the Black Widow MCC-600 is heavy, at 95 lbs. Mounting and unmounting it isn't easy. Another potential issue with this carrier is wheel sleeping, which you can address by add grip tape on the ramp.
Pros
Cons
The TMS T-NS-MRC001 offers heavy-duty construction, a high-performance loading ramp, and hitch versatility at an attractive price, making it our best budget motorcycle hitch carrier.
Made using powder-coated steel, the carrier is protected from chipping, scratching, and fading, and capable of supporting heavy bike loads of up to 500 lbs. The load capacity makes it very versatile, allowing you to also carry scooters, road dirt bikes, and motocross bikes.
This budget carrier boasts of some premium features including an anti-tilt locking device, that's designed to prevent wobbling during bike transportation. It also offers tie-down sites on both sides of the track, to boost secure carrying.
Another reason to get this carrier is that it is compatible with multiple trailer hitch classes. It's designed to fit a 2-in square receiver for class II, III, IV, and V hitches.
You may, however, find it cumbersome to align the anti-tilt pin of the TMS T-NS-MRC001. Consider welding it permanently if it becomes an inconvenience. Also, assembly instructions are not very clear.
Pros
Cons
Black Widow SMC-600R is a heavy-duty motorcycle hitch carrier that's designed for intensive and regular hauling of large bikes.
This high-mounted carrier will support dirt bikes, motorcycles, and scooters of up to 600 lbs. in weight, thanks to a strong build combining steel and aluminum, for dexterity. Also, it accommodates considerably large wheels of up to 7.5 inches in width.
To help you load heavy bikes with ease, this carrier comes with an extra-long 72-in. ramp. When not in use, you can store the ramp on the carrier, conveniently.
Stability is a major concern when carrying heavy bikes. That's why this carrier comes with a seven-position adjustable wheel chock, to enhance the grip on your bike. It also has a reverse anti-rattle device for wobble reduction.
The Black Widow SMC-600R is, however, notably pricey and may not appeal much to budget buyers or those with light bikes.
Pros
Cons
Black Widow AMC-400 is a unique motorcycle hitch carrier, which is build using lightweight but strong aluminum, making the entire unit easy to mount and unmount.
The aluminum construction supports weights of up to 400 lbs., which makes the carrier ideal for motorcycles and dirt bikes. It's worth recognizing that the carrier will hold bikes with considerably large wheels with widths of up to 5.5 in.
Another handy feature of this carrier is its self-storing ramp, which can be installed on either of the rack's sides. The ramp's roll-off design allows for easy bike loading and unloading.
There's also an anti-rattle device and spacer bar adapter, which have been optimized to fit 50 - 80cc bikes. You can use this carrier with class III or IV hitch receivers.
An issue we encountered with the Black Widow AMC-400 is that its bolts don't come with washers, and they tend to loosen frequently. Also, the carrier has no reflective tape for enhanced visibility.
Pros
Cons
The steel construction of Black Widow MCC-500 makes it a durable and heavy-duty motorcycle hitch carrier capable of transporting bulky bikes securely.
This carrier is made using durable powder-coated steel, which makes the entire unit capable of carrying up to 500 lbs. of motorcycles, scooters, or dirt bikes with wheels of 5-in widths.
A self-storing ramp has been included with this carrier. It is 45.5 in. long and attaches on either side of the extra-long 75.35-in track, for ease of loading and unloading.
When not in use, the ramp can be stored conveniently on the carrier, saving you considerable storage space and effort.
Tilt and wobble have also been addressed using an anti-rattle device. Even when hauling heavy loads, the carrier remains firm and stable.
We did notice, however, that the assembly instructions for this Black Widow motorcycle hitch carrier are not very detailed. Also, its nuts and bolts do not come with washers.
Pros
Cons
The MotoGroup ST3401, our most versatile motorcycle hitch carrier, supports multi-loading, is compatible with most vehicles, and fits multiple classes of trailer hitches.
This carrier's ramp can easily load your bikes from either side of the rack. This ability cuts down the loading time and effort, significantly.
Wobble resistance is another area where this carrier excels. It utilizes 3 locking screws to enhance stability. There's also an anti-tilt trailer hitch locking device added to prevent the carrier from rocking.
You can use this carrier on pick-up trucks, RVs, vans, campers, and SUVs. You don't have to get multiple carriers for all your vehicles. Another reason this carrier is highly versatile is its compatibility with 2-inch class II, III, IV, and V trailer hitches.
An issue we noticed with the MotoGroup ST3401 is that its bolts and fastening hardware are not very strong. Overtightening them can cause stripping. It's best to replace these with stronger ones.
Pros
Cons
The Versahaul VH-55 DM motorcycle hitch carrier has been designed to maximize the stability of your bikes, during transportation.
It comes with four retractable tie-down bars, which you can use to securely anchor your dirt bike or motorcycle, onto the carrier, without any risk of collapse or wobbling.
Besides the bars, this carrier also comes equipped with an anti-tilt lock bracket, and 2 wheel stops to ensure that once the bike has been loaded and secured firmly, it remains in that position during transportation.
The entire unit is very durable, thanks to its heavy-duty steel constriction, which guarantees the carrier provides a lifetime of service.
We were a bit disappointed by the Versahaul VH-55 DM's high cost. Also, you don't get a loading ramp with this carrier.
Pros
Cons
Bikes and motorcycles come in different sizes. The first step in getting the right carrier is understanding the size of your bike in terms of length, wheel width, and weight.
If your bike is long, from wheel to wheel, then a carrier with a long track is the most ideal fit.
Also, if your bike has extra-wide wheels, typically above 5 inches, then a wide track such as the 8-in one of the Black Widow MCC-600 should accommodate such widths comfortably.
Your bike's destination plays a major role in determining the carrier you ultimately get.
If, for instance, you'll be taking your bike off the freeway then it's best to go for a carrier that secures its load firmly.
Carrier with anti-wobble and anti-tilt devices boost load stability, especially when off-road. The Versahaul VH-55 DM is a highly stable carrier that features multiple tie-down for secure bike transportation.
Trailer hitch classifications can be confusing, but classes essentially denote the size of hitch opening and the weight capacity. The classes range from I to V. Class I has the lowest weight capacity while class V has the highest.
As for weight capacity, hitch classification is also affected by gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW). GTW refers to the weight of the loaded trailer, while TW is the downward pressure the coupler applies on the ball.
The table below shows a breakdown of the 5 classes, their receiver sizes, and associated capacities.
Naturally, you want to get a carrier that can support the unit weight of all vehicle types you intend to carry. Such may include dirt bikes, motorcycles, and motocross bikes, among others.
Most heavy-duty carriers will securely transport motorcycles ranging between 400 lbs. and 600 lbs. in weight. Therefore, you can check the weight of your bike to determine the most ideal carrier for it.
We recommend getting a carrier whose weight capacity slightly exceeds your bike's weight, to accommodate any unaccounted weight such as fuel and possible enhancements.
The best carriers in the market are made of either aluminum or steel. By choosing a model with either of the two, you are guaranteed carrier strength, durability, and reliability.
It's worth noting, however, that aluminum tends to be lighter than steel, and Black Widow AMC-400 is one of the most premium aluminum carriers available today.
Steel is strong but may need an extra coating to prevent destruction by elements such as rust and corrosion. You can check out the Black Widow MCC-500, a heavy-duty powered-coated steel carrier built to last.
The easier way to load your motorcycle on a vehicle-mounted carrier is through a ramp, which is a standard inclusion in most models.
We recommend going for the longest possible ramp, especially if you own a heavy bike. A long ramp, such as the 71-in one of the Black Widow MCC-600 makes for a comfortable loading and offloading process.
Some carriers support onboard ramp storage, especially when they aren't occupied by a vehicle.
We all appreciate tools and accessories whose assembly and installation are easy, fast or both. And motorcycle hitch carriers are no exception.
Most carriers come with full assembly kits complete with the necessary assembly hardware. If your carrier also includes an instruction guide, then you're almost guaranteed a hassle-free assembly process.
MOTOTOTE MOTO TOTE Sport Bike Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Rack RAMP LED Light - Walmart Link
KAC Overdrive Sports K2 2" Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, - Walmart Link
TMS T-NS-MRC001 500-Pound Heavy Duty Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Carrier Hitch Rack - Walmart Link
Black Widow MCC-600 Steel Motorcycle Carrier - 600 lb. Capacity - Walmart Link
VersaHaul Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier With Ramp - Walmart Link
Versa Haul VH-55DMRO Double Motorcycle Carrier with Ramp - Walmart Link
Black Widow Hitch-Mounted Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier - 400 lb. Capacity - Walmart Link
Black Widow MCC-500 Steel Motorcycle Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity - Walmart Link
the Black Widow MCC-600 - Walmart Link
The Versahaul VH-55 DM - Walmart Link
the Black Widow MCC-500 - Walmart Link
the heavy-duty Black Widow SMC-600R - Walmart Link
MOTOTOTE MOTO TOTE Sport Bike Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Rack RAMP LED Light - eBay Link
KAC Overdrive Sports K2 2" Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, - eBay Link
TMS T-NS-MRC001 500-Pound Heavy Duty Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Carrier Hitch Rack - eBay Link
Black Widow MCC-600 Steel Motorcycle Carrier - 600 lb. Capacity - eBay Link
VersaHaul Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier With Ramp - eBay Link
Versa Haul VH-55DMRO Double Motorcycle Carrier with Ramp - eBay Link
Black Widow Hitch-Mounted Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier - 400 lb. Capacity - eBay Link
Black Widow MCC-500 Steel Motorcycle Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity - eBay Link
the Black Widow MCC-600 - eBay Link
The Versahaul VH-55 DM - eBay Link
the Black Widow MCC-500 - eBay Link
the heavy-duty Black Widow SMC-600R - eBay Link
Undoubtedly, motorcycle hitch carriers are essential tools for transporting your bikes on different vehicles, whenever necessary.
If you're looking for the best motorcycle hitch carrier, go for the Black Widow MCC-600. It has a class-leading weight capacity, a long track, and heavy-duty construction.
The TMS T-NS-MRC001 offers you great value in terms of class versatility, a high weight capacity, and reliable anti-wobble features, for a budget price.
And if you do intensive motorcycle and bike carrying, the heavy-duty Black Widow SMC-600R should get the job done.
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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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