Options for Carrying a 900 lb Motorcycle with a Motorcycle Carrier on a Motor Home

Question:

I have a motorcycle lift that I want to use with my motor home, it currently has a Reese hitch, do I need to add support or do I need to change the hitch. The motorcycle weighs 900 lbs not including the motorcycle lift.

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

The first step that you will want to take before attempting to carry your motorcycle is to contact the manufacturer of your motor home to determine tongue weight capacity of the motor home. The tongue weight capacity of your motor home must exceed the weight of your motorcycle and lift combined. Most motor homes do not have very high tongue weight or towing capacities.

If you find that your motor home can support the weight of your bike plus the weight of the lift, you will need to determine the tongue weight capacity of your Reese hitch. There should be a sticker or stamp on the hitch that gives the tongue weight capacity. If you have a part number for the hitch, I can find the weight capacities for you.

If you cannot find the weight capacity of the hitch or a part number, I recommend replacing the hitch. Most motor homes do not come with heavy-duty trailer hitches. You will need a heavy-duty hitch to carry your bike.

We do offer some universal fit weld-on hitches like the Draw-Tite Class IV Weld-On Hitch, # 41990-07. These types of hitches are designed more for service trucks and Class A motor homes and must be welded to the frame and bumper fascia trimming may be required if the bumper fascia hangs below the frame rails of your RV.

Another option that you may want to consider is a motorcycle trailer. Because of the size of your bike, this will be a much safer option over a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier.

expert reply by: John H