Best Motorcycle Carrier Hitches for 2021 [TOP 5 PICKS]
When it comes to carrying a motorcycle on the back of our vehicles, we all want a fast, effective solution that is easy to operate and strong enough for the task.
And while there are a number of carrier hitches available today, the range of weight capacities, price points, and other features can make it difficult to decide which is the best for you.
That’s where our top 5 round-up comes in. We have selected what we believe to be the best motorcycle carrier hitches available on the market today.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For a full review of each of our chosen picks, plus a detailed buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Best Motorcycle Carrier Hitch – Top 5
NAME |
CARRIER |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Editors Choice:TMS T-NS-MRC001Heavy DutyMotorcycle Carrier |
 |
Capacity: 500lbs2" Sq ReceiversClass II, III, IV,or V Trailers |
|
Goplus MotorcycleDirt BikeRack HitchCarrier |
 |
Capacity: 600lbs79” Long RailsFits 2" Receivers 3/4" Pin Included |
|
Best Budget:Best Choice ProductsSKY1375PowersportsLoading-Ramps |
 |
Capacity: 500lbs2" Sq ReceiversClass II, III, IV,or V Trailers |
|
Versa HaulVH-SPORTROSport Bike Carrier |
Capacity: 600lbs77.5"L & 8" WClass III or IV HitchTrailers |
||
Black WidowFolding HitchDirt BikeCarrier Rack |
 |
Capacity: 500lbs7" WidthClass III or IV HitchTrailers |
Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Reviews
The following 5 motorbike carriers have been selected on the basis of cost/performance ratios, overall build quality, price point, and any other features that they have to help stand out from the competition.
From this list, we are confident you will find the best carrier hitch for your specific needs.
1. Editors Choice: TMS T-NS-MRC001 Heavy Duty Motorcycle Carrier
Our top pick motorcycle carrier hitch for 2020 is the TMS T-NS-MRC001. While these guys might not be the most well-known brand around, they have managed to balance quality construction, with a really competitive price point to bring you a great carrier hitch solution.
It is designed to take all manner styles of the motorcycle up to 500lbs in weight. As long as you have a 2″ square receiver for class II, III, IV, or V trailer hitches you will be able to use this carrier.
The robust, heavy-duty steel frame has been powder-coated. This helps provide much-needed resistance to chipping, scratching, fading, and general wear and tear.
The TMS features a dual-sided loading ramp. This, of course, aids you in loading even the heaviest of bikes.
Other excellent additions include the anti-tilt locking device, (this keeps your motorbike and the carrier from excess movement while in transit) and extra secure tie-down side straps.
High weight capacity at 500 lbs- Extra sturdy 100% steel frame with a black powder-coated finish for increased durability
- Fits 2″ square receivers for class II, III, IV, or V trailer hitches (highly versatile)
- Affordable price point
- Extra safety features such as anti-tilt locking and tie-downs
High weight capacity at 500 lbs- It can be awkward to use on raised vehicles.
- A small minority of users had trouble with the installation
It can be awkward to use on raised vehicles.Bottom Line
The TMS T-NS-MRC001 motorcycle carrier hitch is our editor’s choice for 2020 for a number of reasons. Essentially, it is well built, provides secure carrying abilities, and all at a great price.
A top-quality solution to your motorcycle carrier needs.
2. Goplus 600 LBS Motorcycle Carrier Dirt Bike Rack Hitch Mount
For those looking to spend a little more money for increased carrying capacity, the Goplus 600lbs motorcycle carrier hitch could well be the answer.
With that increased load ability, this product can manage motorcycles of real heft.
This is made possible by all Steel construction which has been treated for increased strength. The steel is also impermeable in order to prevent rust from weakening the integrity of the metal.
The large load-bearing capacity does mean that you are not advised to travel over 55 MPH with a fully loaded hitch.
This unit is also very versatile. Being compatible with 2″ receivers you will be able to utilize the carrier on a wide range of vehicles.
The hitch pin included is 3/4″ while the loading rail is 79″ long. This has been fitted with a raised adjustable wheel stop in order to act as a stabilizing wheel chock for your motorcycle.
As with our number one pick from TMS, the GoPlus has been fitted with superior locking systems in order to keep the bike in place during transit.
With 2 quick-release locks that will hold the bike fast in even the most demanding driving conditions, you can be assured that you will reach your destination with the motorcycle securely in place.
- The large load-bearing capacity of 600lbs (the highest in our top 5)
- Extra durable steel construction
- Double quick-release locks for secure fastening
- 79” long loading rails with a built-in wheel chock
- More expensive than the top pick TMS
- The overall unit weight is heavy
Bottom Line
The GoPlus Motorcycle carrier is a quality option for those needing that high 600lbs load-bearing ability. It is strong and secure and very well made.
However, if your motorcycle weighs significantly less than this, a lower budget option such as our top pick from TMS could be the way to go.
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3. Best Budget: Best Choice Products SKY1375 powersports-loading-ramps
For those on a very tight budget, our recommended carrier hitch for 2020 is this offering from Best Choice Products.
With an impressive load capacity of 500 lbs, yet coming in with a sub $100 price point there is a lot to like here.
The reduced cost does not mean a significant reduction in build quality either.
The SKY1375 has all the features you need to keep your motorcycle safe and secure while in transit.
There’s an anti-tilt locking device to prevent wobble while on the road. The steel construction has been powder-coated for increased durability. It even features a multi-load configuration, meaning you can load the motorcycle from either side of the carrier.
As with the other carriers in our top 5, the SKY 1375 takes a versatile approach and is compatible with 2″ square receivers (class II, III, IV, OR V trailer hitch).
Finally, everything is easy to put together with the assembly compromising of only 8 nuts and bolts. You’ll have your motorcycle securely hitched to the back of your vehicle in no time.
- The very affordable price point
- Heavy-duty steel construction with powder-coated finish
- Easy to assemble, and mount your cycle from either side of the unit
- Made for a 2″ square receiver (class II, III, IV, OR V trailer hitch)
- Relatively heavy
- Some users have complained about poor instructions
Bottom Line
For those looking for an ultra-budget solution to their motorcycle carrying needs, the Best Choice Products SKY 1375 is the answer to their problems.
With a strong 500lbs capacity, plenty of features for secure transit and easy to assemble dual loading configuration, this carrier really does deliver.
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4. Versa Haul VH-SPORTRO Sport Bike Carrier with Ramp
The Versa Haul VH-SPORTRO Sport Bike Carrier is another model pitched at those looking for a high load-bearing capacity of 600 lbs.
As with the GoPlus option, you do need to dig deeper into the pockets for this, however, if you have the heavier bike you do need to buy accordingly.
The hitch type here differs in that the unit is designed for any class III or IV hitch, (this is due to the extra load potentially being carried).
The carrying platform measures 77.5″ long and 8″ wide. The main carrier tube comes in at 31.5″.
For increased stability, the Versa Haul features 4 tie-down points. There’s also an adjustable tire stop to hold the wheel in place. The loading ramp is fully lockable too.
Designed in the USA the build quality is top-notch here, with the sturdy frame featuring that good old powder-coated finish for increased longevity.
Furthermore, if you are in a situation where you need to tow cargo as well as carry the bike, the VH-Sport gives you a towing capacity of 3000lbs.
- High 600 lbs load capacity (with 3000lbs trailer towing ability)
- 77.5″ long carrier with a rail width of 8”
- An anti-tilt lock bracket (and movable wheel stop)
- Sturdy construction with powder-coated finish
- Adjustable tie-down bars for increased stability
- Inbuilt reflectors for increased visibility
- The most expensive carrier in our top 5
Bottom Line
The VH-Sport is a top-quality motorcycle carrier for those with a large budget and heavy bike to carry.
Similar to the GoPlus for specifications this does come in at a higher price point. Both worthy of consideration if you have a sports bike that needs to be hitched to the back of your vehicle. Be wary of the class hitch compatibility here, however.
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5. Black Widow Folding Hitch Mounted Off-Road Dirt Bike Carrier Rack
The final entry in our top 5 is this offering from Black Widow.
With a load-bearing capacity of 500lbs, this is another carrier with similar specifications to our top pick from TMS.
However, the design of the carrier hitch means that this is more specifically designed for motocross bikes. The dirt bike tires cannot be any wider than 7” in order to safely fit the carrier.
Installation is relatively easy here and compatibility comes in with the standard fitting for 2″ Class III or IV trailer hitch receivers. The product also includes the hitch pin.
The frame is made from heavy-duty steel construction and features a black paint finish, making this a durable option for your motor cross bike carrying needs.
- Easy to assemble and install
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Good, 500 lb capacity
- Compatible with standard 2″ Class III or IV trailer hitch receivers (with pin included)
- Can only fit bikes with tires up to 7″ wide
- Some users have found the folding assembly function awkward
Bottom Line
The Black Widow Folding Hitch is a good system, especially if you aim to carry a dirt bike. However, for most other purposes the higher scoring products reviewed above should be considered first.
What to look for when buying a motorcycle carrier hitch
There are various things to consider when buying a carrier for your motorcycle. The most important of course being weight capacity, hitch style, and ramp dimensions.
First and foremost you need to buy a product that will be strong and wide enough to carry your motorcycle, and will safely mount to your vehicle.
Beyond that, price point, build quality, and any specific features that could be useful for your needs should also be considered.
If after the top 5 reviews above you remain undecided, the following tips should help you conduct further research in order to purchase the best motorcycle carrier hitch for you.
Weight Limit
As mentioned above, the maximum load-bearing weight of a carrier hitch is the first thing you need to check.
If you own a large and heavy sports or touring motorcycle, the unit you buy has to be strong enough to carry it.
Checking the specifications of your motorbike against those of the carrier is the way to do this.
For smaller mopeds and lighter bikes, you should not have any worries with a weight capacity as most current models have a minimum load-bearing weight of around 500 lbs.
Essentially, once you have checked that the hitch carrier pairs well with the weight of your motorcycle, you can begin to check other factors.
Hitch-Mount
Variable number two is that of the hitch mount. Simply put, the carrier needs to be compatible with your vehicle receiver.
Furthermore, for safe transit, your vehicle and receiver have to adequately carry the load you plan on towing. (This is especially important if you intend to tow a trailer behind your vehicle and carrier hitch).
The first step here is to check the manual of your vehicle to see what type of receiver has been fitted. If it is an aftermarket addition, you will need to check the relevant manufacturing specifications of the particular model receiver.
Then check that the carrier hitch you are interested in is compatible. As you will have seen above, most modern carriers are designed to fit common 2” vehicle receivers.
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Ramp Length and Width
Ramp length and width is another important variable to check. Will your motorcycle wheels be able to roll up the ramp and into position without issue?
Some carriers are specifically designed for trial-bikes and will have ramp widths to suit. Others may be designed to carry sports bikes.
As long as your motorcycle can comfortably fit within the specifications of the carrier, you will be fine.
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Build quality, materials & features
The best material for carrier hitches is treated steel. It is strong, durable, and resistant to rust. As you can see from our reviews section, steel with a powder-coated finish is one of the most popular construction materials. It’s tough and will last a long time.
You can also buy aluminum carriers, however, being a softer material than steel the longevity of aluminum models can be suspect.
Build quality also extends to the way the bike is mounted (durable straps, quick release hooks, etc) and the design of the ramp.
For example, some carriers are designed to allow you to mount the bike from either side of the vehicle, this is a clever feature that can definitely make life easier while loading.
Wheel chocks at the end of the ramp are another good feature, as are little touches such as reflective finishes for driving in poor visibility conditions.
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Price Point
Finally, there is the issue of price point. This, of course, is very much down to the money you have available to spend.
As with any product, (in most cases) you do get what you pay for. A more expensive carrier will generally have a high weight capacity, more features, and will be built with superior materials.
In many ways, it is advised that you purchase the best carrier that you can afford. If this means stretching your budget to the very top of its range, it is often worth doing so in the long run.
You will hopefully end up with a carrier hitch that will exactly suit your needs and will last for a very long time.