Bracing a motorcycle against the camper

[srileo]

Hello All,
I have been in love with the idea of taking a dirt bike with me on extended trips with the truck camper. I finally did take my bike on uhaul trailer through Nevada and am absolutely sold on the idea of having a motorcycle as an additional toy for the more exotic terrain. However, the uhaul trailer is a bit too big and unweildy to be taking regularly.

For those of you that have carried a dirtbike on a hitch carrier/tray, how did you brace the bike such that the handlebars did not poke into the back of the camper?

I used the AMC400 hitch carrier (a very popular one for dirt bikes) and loaded up my WR250r on the back. The handlebar end was about 2-3 inches away from the camper. I was worried that when going over bumps, the handle bar end might poke into the camper back. I found some photos where people used soft cloth or foam pieces at then end of the handlebar to cushion it from poking the camper. However, I'd like to see if there are some other ways of bracing the motorcycle against the camper more tightly without damaging either.

I plan on taking short trips with the dirt bike initially, and if whatever system works out, take it on longer trips. Here is a thread I started last year...
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/9497-motorcycle-carrier-and-airbags/

Thank you for the advise,

Shridhar

 

[Taku]

Think about using a hitch extender to keep it further away from the camper. A friend carries his KTM 650 with a carrier that extends out and then welded a step across the extension that is braced on the hitch underneath the truck. Very solid and also can carry extra gas and water containers.

 

[Squatch]

You might try locating the framing inside the wall. Then getting a small sheet of 3/16" aluminum cut to span from frame mamber to frame member where the handle bar end is. I'm thinking like the diamond plate panels they put on Jeep corners ect. That should do a good job of protecting the outside skin and not cost too much.

 

[srileo]

Think about using a hitch extender to keep it further away from the camper. A friend carries his KTM 650 with a carrier that extends out and then welded a step across the extension that is braced on the hitch underneath the truck. Very solid and also can carry extra gas and water containers.

Interesting. Something like this one? http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_12632.jpg
The little platform for holding a gas can would be super welcome!

I only worry about moving the weight of bike even further back and introducing maybe more wobble... but for short runs it might be ok i suppose. Its a very doable compromise though.

 

[srileo]

You might try locating the framing inside the wall. Then getting a small sheet of 3/16" aluminum cut to span from frame mamber to frame member where the handle bar end is. I'm thinking like the diamond plate panels they put on Jeep corners ect. That should do a good job of protecting the outside skin and not cost too much.

That is a very good idea indeed! Having a protector of some sort will also give me the space to screw on a soft rubber surface on the plate.
Any idea how to locate the framing? I dont think there are any blueprints... Given that its all aluminium, the old magnet trick wouldnt work, correct? Is there any kind of a stud finder?

 

[Advmoto18]

Versa Haul makes one of the better hitch carriers. While I do not own one, several riding buddies have one for their dirt bikes. Looks like a very stable platform going down FS roads. Both use the Curt 8" extender sourced from eTrailer.com. Note, the comment regarding a 50% overall weight rating reduction when using an extender. That should not be a factor when using an extender on a Class IV/V hitch carrying a 350# motorcycle. Class IV is 1000-1200# tongue weight and an overall weight rating of 10,000#. Not much of an issue with the 50% weight reduction for the extender and a motorcycle/carrier.

You should always use a hitch stabilizer if carrying a motorcycle or other heavy load off the receiver. Prevents the very wobble previously mentioned.

Be very careful selecting an extender for carrying a motorcycle off a single point; the receiver. All extenders are not the same! I have seen several extenders twist under load due to soft or low Rockwell rated steel. If it is an inexpensive extension compared to others, you can probably rest assured it has a low Rockwell rating or wasn't even tested/rated.

 

[ETAV8R]

I'd suggest using a trailer. It will cut down on the weight your truck has to carry. Harbor freight has a few different types that are used quite a bit.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123255

 

[srileo]

I'd suggest using a trailer. It will cut down on the weight your truck has to carry. Harbor freight has a few different types that are used quite a bit.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123255

ETAVR,
the trailer is probably the safest idea all around, but there is simply no garage space left here. I can barely put in the ramp for the bike :-(

 

[srileo]

Versa Haul makes one of the better hitch carriers. While I do not own one, several riding buddies have one for their dirt bikes. Looks like a very stable platform going down FS roads. Both use the Curt 8" extender sourced from eTrailer.com. Note, the comment regarding a 50% overall weight rating reduction when using an extender. That should not be a factor when using an extender on a Class IV/V hitch carrying a 350# motorcycle. Class IV is 1000-1200# tongue weight and an overall weight rating of 10,000#. Not much of an issue with the 50% weight reduction for the extender and a motorcycle/carrier.

You should always use a hitch stabilizer if carrying a motorcycle or other heavy load off the receiver. Prevents the very wobble previously mentioned.

Be very careful selecting an extender for carrying a motorcycle off a single point; the receiver. All extenders are not the same! I have seen several extenders twist under load due to soft or low Rockwell rated steel. If it is an inexpensive extension compared to others, you can probably rest assured it has a low Rockwell rating or wasn't even tested/rated.

ADVmoto18,
Is the function of the extender only to get the moto further away from the camper to avoid unintentional bumping? If so, I wonder if i need it because my motorcycle handlebars do clear the back of the camper by 2-3 inches. If i can figure out a way to brace the bike against the camper, then i have the additioanl advantage of keeping the weight forward.

Got you on the anti-wobble device. That is an excellent find. The AMC-400 ramp i have coems with one, and it works, but it requires a wrench to tighten 3 bolts. The one you linked to is better, with just wingnuts. Great!

 

[srileo]

I am veering more and more to ditching the AMC-400 ramp and getting an UltimateMXHauler hydraulic carrier instead.
No straps needed, and more importantly, the handlebars can be freely turned away from the camper and not need any bracing. Also, much more compact to store than a ramp. Single person operation too.

Lets see if the wifey will consider this for my b'day gift!

Anyone interested in my brand new AMC-400? ;-) I'm in the SF bay area

 

[Advmoto18]

ADVmoto18,
Is the function of the extender only to get the moto further away from the camper to avoid unintentional bumping?

Yes.

I would be inclined to not want my mc touching the camper.

More weight aft can be problematic, so I understand your desire to get the mc as far forward as possible.

Perhaps slipping on a piece of pipe foam insulation on the camper side grip to cushion the handlebar against the camper? The insulation is readily available at Lowes or HD.

I looked at a Versa-Haul. But, keep scratchy my head. I'm a little, old man (<150#) and wrestling a 315# (dry wt) scoot up a ramp onto a hauler while I'm standing on the ground sound like a visit to the hospital in the making...for me. I use a utility trailer rigged for motorcycles.

 

[srileo]

Decided that i dont care for the ramp mounted hitches and am getting one of these bad boys for my birthday!!


http://www.ultimatemxhauler.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=9

 

[Ace!]

I know, resurrecting an old post, but just wondering why you don't mount it to the front of the truck?