Trailer hitch cradles

[139679]

Has anyone had experiance with using a hitch cradle to haul their bike? I see them advertised hauling cruise sized bikes plugged only into the hitch receiver, it looks scary. Are they stable with say an RT or LT?

:blush

[TomBarnhart]

I carried a 250# 125cc Yamaha scooter on the back of a 36' Airstream motorhome for several years. I would not ever try to haul anything heavier for several reasons.
First is that, unless it is a rear engine diesel pusher, you have about 8 feet between the rear axle and the bike. I do not know the math to calculate the leverage multiplier effect of the 250 pound scooter but I do know it affects handling and makes minor bumps a real experience. It ruined a pair of shocks in less than a year.

The second and most important factor is that you are putting the entire weight of the bike and cradle on the receiver. If you check the tongue weight limit (not towed weight rating) you will find the bike is about 3 times the recommended weight. You are really stressing about 3" of welded joint where the receiver tube is mounted to the hitch. I had mine re-welded and gussetted twice, which probably further weakened the joints.

Conclusion: OK for a light bike on short trips. Anything else is too much risk.

[139679]

I was talking about the type that you put the front wheel in and the rear rides on the pavement. Has anyone tried one of these?
Uni-Trail Motorcycle Trailer Front Wheel Cradle

[ArthurKnowles]

I was talking about the type that you put the front wheel in and the rear rides on the pavement. Has anyone tried one of these?
Uni-Trail Motorcycle Trailer Front Wheel Cradle


I looked in to these a long time ago, let's just say they are not a good idea. They put a lot of stress on parts that shouldn't be stressed and those stressed parts have been know to break.

If you want to do it right, just get a real motorcycle trailer (1 ~ 3 beams) or a flatbed.

[GrafikFeat]

I looked in to these a long time ago, let's just say they are not a good idea. They put a lot of stress on parts that shouldn't be stressed and those stressed parts have been know to break.

If you want to do it right, just get a real motorcycle trailer (1 ~ 3 beams) or a flatbed.

Aside from uneven wear of tires, etc.
If yer gonna drag it, ya might as well ride it!

My 2 centavos...

[rmarkr]

Here is my homemade bike hitch - crappy photo.
I use it only for short hauls and emergencies. I think it can put a lot of load on the steering head, also, don't even think about reversing. The drive line, chain or shaft, is also going to be in motion, and I'm concerned that the bike could engage a gear at a sharp bump - then you've got a problem!. There is a risk of the brake disk damage as well.

13617

[139679]

thanks for the input on the hitch. i decided to purchase an aluminum trailer to haul my RT. i would love to just ride it to MI but the whole family is going for the first leg then my wife and i are taking 6 days to riding around the entire MI coastline. I hope to post info after the ride next month.