Having access to or owning a truck with a flatbed can be ideal for those who need larger vehicles for travel, frequently go off-roading, or often haul large loads (like motorcycles, jet skis, or ATVs). However, if you don’t already have access to a flatbed truck, purchasing one solely to haul motorcycles and dirt bikes, isn’t always achievable. Luckily there are hitch carriers, trailers, and ramps that you can invest in to help smooth your motorcycle and dirt bike transporting process.

Prior to purchasing a ramp, trailer, or hitch carrier, it is important to research each loading and storage method to verify what tool best fits your needs. Safety, installation methods, and the product’s purpose are just a few points to consider before finalizing a purchase. Below are explanations of both types of carriers to help you better determine which one is best suited for you.

Motorcycle Hitch Carriers: Compact Transport

A motorcycle hitch carrier is a cargo storage device that is installed on the back of a vehicle to help transport larger items bicycles, ebikes, fat tire bikes, dirt bikes, and motorcycles. To choose a hitch carrier, you should be aware of the size and weight of the cargo you wish to carry, as well as the type of vehicle you wish to install the hitch carrier on. From there, you then choose a carrier style. The Black Widow carriers you can choose from include:

• Double dirt bike carriers that hold two bikes at a time.
• Extra-long carriers for those larger motorcycles.
• Folding motorcycle carriers that store vertically against your vehicle when empty
• Heavy-duty carriers for larger motorcycles up to 600 lbs.
• Single motorcycle carriers for simple transportation of smaller bikes.

Other options include tow hitch dollies, that allow you to tow your motorcycle behind your vehicle with one end in a hitch-mounted chock, as well as carrier racks that are lighter weight and more compact, however don't carry the same weight capacity as a standard hitch-mounted carrier with a track.

If you're thinking about a hitch-mounted motorcycle carrier, definitely look into our Buying Guide for Motorcycle Carriers, which breaks down all the features our Black Widow carriers offer, and makes it super easy to compare and constrast our most popular models.

The type of carrier purchased varies on the type of vehicle you have. For instance, if you have a truck, you are able to get the rack style carrier system since it is installed over the truck bed. Most other vehicles are compatible with the classic motorcycle hitch carrier styles. It is also important to weigh in on the pros and cons of hitch carriers if the wrong style is chosen or purchased without research, it could result in damage to your vehicle and/or motorcycle.

Pros

Aside from being highly portable, motorcycle hitch carriers provide you with a variety of benefits. For example, hitch carriers are:

• Accommodating to various toy sizes
• Budget-friendly
• Compact
• Convenient
• Prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the carrier and the vehicle
• Safe when installed correctly (installation processes vary, contact a hitch carrier company with any questions regarding the proper way to installation process)

Another benefit of a hitch carrier is that they don’t involve any towing, unlike traditional trailers, making it a fast and convenient way to load and unload dirt bikes, ATVs, and motorcycles.

Cons

Although the pros tend to outweigh the cons, there are still additional points to consider before purchasing a hitch carrier. For example:

• Depending on the size of the carrier, it may obstruct the view of the license plate or tail lights on the back of the vehicle. Research local license plate cover laws to ensure all rules are being followed, and read our helpful article: License Plate Compliance by State When Hauling a Motorcycle by Carrier.
• Some vehicles may sway while driving when a hitch carrier is attached.
• They’re unable to carry many motorcycles at once (for most, the limit is two at a time).
• They can be noisy at times.
• Your vehicle may not be compatible with a hitch carrier

Motorcycle Trailers and Ramps: Safer for Larger Bikes

When transporting tourings, cruisers and custom bikes with longer wheelbases, a hitch-mounted carrier probably won't cut it. The track won't be long enough, the weight capacity won't be large enough, and the loading ramp probably won't be long enough. Tow-behind motorcycle trailers avoid those issues, and give you a larger amount of space to transport your bike and gear. If the trailer doesn't come with a built-in ramp, you'll need a quality motorcycle loading ramp to safely get your bike on and off the trailer, as well as a motorcycle wheel chock to help stabilize it for transport, especially if you're doing single-person loading.

Motorcycle Loading Ramps

Most powersports loading ramps are constructed from aluminum, as it's lighter weight with all the strength of steel. There are two main types of surfaces, punch plate (or cut out plate), or serrated rung. Punch plate is better for applications where traction is a concern, such as larger dirt bikes with debris on the tires, or inclement weather. Serrated rungs tend to be more affordable, and lighter weight due to less material used in construction.

Two of the key features for ease of use and handling on longer ramps are whether it has an arch, and if it folds or breaks down for transport/storage. The arch is important on longer ramps because it allows the bikes to get up and over without high-centering, particularly on models with longer wheelbases or tailpipes. And, as you might suspect, having the ability to break down or fold a longer ramp (think 10' or 12' L) into compact pieces makes it much easier to stash it on your trailer or in your garage until you need it next.

Motorcycle ramps also differ in their application based on length and width:

• Full width ramps: These extra-wide ramps are usually made up of three ramp sections and are designed to be ridden up and into trailers or truck beds. They tend to be availble in longer lengths as well because they give those larger motorcycles a better slope for getting up and down the ramp.
• Single runner ramps: These narrow ramps are best used with smaller motorcycles and dirt bikes as they are designed to have someone push the bike up the ramp and into the trailer or truck bed.
• Trailer ramps: These ramps are typically straight and shorter (less than 8' L) as they're intended to only bridge a short loading height from the ground to a trailer deck.

Similar to a hitch carrier, the type of trailer and associated ramp that you need will vary based on your vehicle type. For instance, those who have a truck may simply need a ramp for loading, whereas those with an SUV or other tow-bearing vehicles may invest in a trailer instead. Keep in mind that just as with any additions added onto a vehicle, it is important to ensure any trailers that are purchased are installed and used correctly to maintain the safety of the equipment and those using it.

Pros

Trailers can be helpful for those who often take up a lot of space when traveling with their motorcycles and gear. Aside from providing you with more space, some pros of trailers include:

• More storage room for gear and other cargo
• More weight-bearing capabilities that aren’t achievable with a hitch carrier
• Suitable for trucks and SUVs
• The ability to carry more bikes

Cons

Even though there are few cons, it is still important to consider them before finalizing the purchase of a trailer or ramp.

• In reference to trailers, you may possibly need more equipment, like loading ramps, to get the motorcycle into the trailer, therefore costing more than you initially planned
• Most trailers are only suitable for certain vehicles
• They may take more room to store during the offseason
• They’re large and heavy

So Which Is Better?

It honestly depends on three key things: How large your motorcycle is, whether or not your vehicle can support a fully-loaded hitch-mounted carrier, and your budget.