Motorcycle carriers vs. in bed

I have a DCSB w/ the V6 tow package. I am adding a camper shell, both for sleeping and for lockable/waterproof storage.

I could take off the camper shell any time I want to transport my dirt bike, and load the bike diagonally in the bed. But that would be a PITA, and I couldn't sleep covered in the bed.

I have a small utility trailer I have transported my bike on in the past, but it is also a PITA because it is a folding trailer, and it isn't the most sturdy thing so I get nervous hauling it long distances.

How about a carrier? Spec-wise I ought to be clear. Tongue weight is 650lbs, bike is 250lbs, so even if the increased leverage of a carrier vs. a ball hitch doubles the force, that's still 500lbs, or 150lbs less than max spec. Would it be silly to use one? Foolish?

At first I thought, "But carriers are expensive!". Then I remembered I don't have ramps yet, so I have to spend ~$100 either way

 

shameless bump

 

i always put mine in the bed since i don't have a camper shell (yet) i really want one to sleep in also when i need too, but if i had a camper shell i'd definitely get a carrier.

 

a carrier isnt a bad choice, especially if you have a camper shell. I throw my bikes in the bed but i have a bed buddy, and no shell. If you only have one bike to move around, a carrier is the most convenient to easiest way to move it around.

 

I'm an old dog and don't like ramping my bike into the Prerunner so I bought an ultimate mx carrier. Works great on my Wr250r with Flatland racing bash plate.

 

Bought my carrier for $90.00 on sale. Works like a charm on the ktm 300xc holds the bike better then putting it in the back of the truck.

 

I like the idea behind those, but I hear the bottle jack goes bad in no time flat, and the platform wobbles around when you are driving. Can you confirm or deny either points?

 

Haven't had it long enough to have any bottle jack problems but the jack is a common size, nickel dime item.

Yes it wobbles around slightly but it's not going anywhere.

For me it's a lot easier than the rail style rear carriers. You can wheel the bike into position over the lift platform put the side stand down move to the jack and raise it up. Three hands are not required.

Pricey? Yes but well made. Heavy? Yes but well made!

 

For a dirt bike I think you are fine going with a carrier. If it was for a street bike, I personally wouldn't trust it.

 

100% agreed, my street bikes have all weighted 400lbs+. Most rail-style carriers supposedly carry the load about twice as far out, compared to where the ball hitch would sit. I'm told this effectively doubles the tongue weight, so well over 800lbs+ for a street bike. The best tow package (which I thankfully have) is only 650lbs tongue weight.

 

here's my setup I like my bike carrier, I used to take my cage in and out but this is a lot more convenient

 

i'm not a big fan of the carriers, i think the bike is to precariously perched and it's a lot of weight really far back, esp with my street bike. i prefer the bed or a trailer, but that's just me.

 

I rock the three-rail trailer. It's light, easy to pull, easy to load. Stable on the road.



dp

 

^ i <3 ducati! have a 749Dark currently, but looking at trading it in.

 

Put mine in the bed with a canyon dancer strap and a strap around the rear wheel. Works great!


photo (2) by njohnson565791

 

I always just rent a uhaul

 

Ill be doing both this weekend. My full size CRF250 in the bed and a Crf150 for some flat track motos on the hauler. Doing a camping trip for some racing up about 4 hours from me. Ill get some photos.

 

Yeah, mine goes into the bed occasionally, but you have to make some upgrades first.



I reinforced the tailgate and installed a bed-beddy so there are strong tie down points. I've also had two dirt-bikes in the bed, side-by-side, thanks to the Bed Buddy.

dp

 

I usually just throw my bikes in the bed

 

alright...fast forward to 2022....like to chime in a bit on this subject.

I haul my bike on the bed without issues for years, better yet, I've added features to make the loading and unloading so much easier and simple with secure lockdowns, such as TRS, see attached here.





Recently, I see the progressive designs of carrier has stepped up a bit and induced more engineering to adapt to cars that don't have a truck bed.

so, I have adapt the idea of having a carrier as well, looking at various brands and remarks, will eventually post some pictures and feedback soon.

going back to OP, I think it is a great idea how the truck can be transferred to more versatility and expand the storage of the truck bed by using the hitch to carry the motorcycle load.