Motorcycle Trailer Hitch Carriers
Best 2" Hitch Mount Motorcycle Carriers
No trailer, no problem! At Black Widow, we know transporting your ride shouldn’t be a hassle. Our selection of hitch-mounted motorcycle carriers are easy to install and easy to use. Designed to be compact yet dependable, our carriers feature a self-storing ramp, so loading and unloading is a breeze. With multiple weight capacities, styles, and steel and aluminum options, a low-maintenance, cost-effective solution is waiting for you and your next adventure.
Which Motorbike Carrier is Right for Me?
The biggest factor that comes into play is the weight capacity. The second is probably the size of your bike's tires. At a glance, consider these carrier options for the bike type that best matches what's in your garage:
- Dirt bike or similar motocross style bike: AMC-400 series for smaller bikes up to 400 lbs.
- Street bike or small motorcycle: MCC-500 series for midsize bikes up to 500 lbs.
- Medium to large motorcycle: MCC-600, MX-600X, SMC-600R for larger bikes up to 600 lbs.
Avoid any unpleasant accidents by doing the math! Know your bike's wet weight, vehicle's tongue weight rating, and carrier weight capacity. Learn more by diving into our Buying Guide for Motorcycle Carriers.
How to Determine Your Vehicle's Tongue Rating
Your vehicle's tongue weight rating is the amount of downward force that the tongue of the hitch-mounted carrier exerts on the hitch itself. Generally, the tongue weight shouldn’t be more than 10% of the weight of the object that you’re towing. For Class III 2" hitches, it can be anywhere from 350 - 600 lbs.(think minivans, most pickup trucks and SUVs); for Class IV 2" hitches, it will be somewhere between 1,000 - 1,200 lbs. (large pickup trucks and SUVs).
To find it, locate the manufacturer's towing rate rating for your vehicle and calculate 10% of that. Keep in mind that if your suspension is saggy, there's a good chance your actual tongue weight rating won't be as high as it would be if your suspension was in tip-top shape.
Black Widow carriers are only compatible with 2" hitches as Class I/Class II hitches are not strong enough to support the weight of a carrier and motorcycle.
How to Find Your Bike's Wet Weight
With all fluids fully topped up, you have two options:
- Commercial public scale: Ride to the nearest public commercial scale (search the internet for "public scales near me" to find the nearest CAT Scale, Certified Scale, Inc. or similar local scale). Either hop off your bike while steadying it, or simply weight yourself in all your gear when you get home and subtract it from the weight registered at the scale.
- Bathroom scale: On level ground, place one wheel on the scale and record the weight. Then move the scale under the other wheel and record the weight. Add the weights together for the total weight of your vehicle. Raising the tire that's not on the scale has been proven to be less important than ensuring that the ground in general is as flat as possible.
What Makes a Good Motorcycle Carrier?
- An anti-wobble device helps keep your motorcycle carrier stable by reducing the side-to-side movement that can happen while driving. It fits between the carrier and your vehicle’s hitch, locking things in tight so your bike does not bounce or shift during transit. This added stability is important because it protects both your motorcycle and your vehicle from harm. With an anti-wobble device, you also get a quieter and smoother ride, since there is less shaking and rattling along the way. Many anti-wobble devices are easy to install, and they work with most 2-inch hitches, making them a smart addition for anyone hauling a motorcycle, dirt bike, or even a heavy e-bike.
- Self-storing ramp: If you can store the ramp on the carrier, you'll never have to worry about losing it, forgetting it, or not having room for it.
- Roll-on/roll-off track on carriers without a wheel chock: A really nice feature that means you can always roll forwards for better stability when loading and unloading.
- Aluminum and steel carriers are both sturdy, and each material has its own strengths when it comes to holding up under the demands of hauling a bike. While aluminum is lighter and more resistant to rust, steel is generally more robust, making it a good choice for heavier motorcycles. No matter which material you choose, always look at the quality of the welds and construction overall. Well-made welds mean your motorcycle carrier will remain strong after many uses and help avoid accidents caused by weak points in the frame. If you plan to use your carrier often or for long trips, picking one with solid, professional welding can give you peace of mind that your bike will stay safe every time you travel.
- Built-in tie-down points: Anchor points make it easy to secure your motorcycle to the carrier at specific locations for a consistently tight setup.
- Folds up when not in use: Some models feature a folding hitch adapter so they can be folded up against the vehicle when empty.
How to Tie Down a Motorcycle on a Carrier
Before you start, think about grabbing another person to assist you. Although it can be a one person job, it's always easier with two. For a fully detailed explanation of the process, read How to Tie Down a Motorcycle on a Hitch Carrier.
- Before loading the bike, place soft loops on each handlebar and hook your tie down straps into the anchor points on the carrier.
- With the bike in neutral, roll it up and onto the carrier. If the carrier has a chock, make sure the front wheel is securely in the chock.
- Attach the front tie-down strap to the soft loops on each handlebar.
- Attach the rear tie-down straps.
- Tighten the ratchet straps evenly until the bike is firm between them and cannot be moved.