Recommend A Hitch Carrier?

[Scratch33]

I want to get a hitch-mounted carrier for my SUV that'll hold my Madass 125 (about 210 lbs wet), or possibly a larger bike such as an SV650 (430 lbs).  I see a bunch of 'em advertised on the 'net, anywhere from around $80 to $250.

What is anyone's experience and recommendations here?

[Lawn Dart]

I have a Harbor Freight one (rated 400#)  and it works great on my 300# Yamaha WR.  No complaints at all - and cheap!

[blakebird]

I've used an AMC-400 for 7 years without issue, but that's hauling XR650R, KTM 525, etc. The heaviest dirtbike that's been on it was probably my Husqvarna TE 630 at just over 310 lbs.

For a 430# bike I'd check out Versa-Haul or Moto-Tote, they make very stout units.

You said SUV - what's your tow rating (your hitch rating will be roughly 10% of that - likely 650 lbs or more. That would be the other main consideration if you have a smallish SUV.

My Jeep Commander has a Class IV 2" receiver, you barely know there's an XR628 hanging off the back.

[Scratch33]

I've used an AMC-400 for 7 years without issue, but that's hauling XR650R, KTM 525, etc. The heaviest dirtbike that's been on it was probably my Husqvarna TE 630 at just over 310 lbs.

For a 430# bike I'd check out Versa-Haul or Moto-Tote, they make very stout units.

You said SUV - what's your tow rating (your hitch rating will be roughly 10% of that - likely 650 lbs or more. That would be the other main consideration if you have a smallish SUV.

My Jeep Commander has a Class IV 2" receiver, you barely know there's an XR628 hanging off the back.

I've got a Class III Hidden Hitch (model 87414) mounted to a Hyundai Santa Fe.  The max tongue weight is listed as 525 lbs.

[X1Glider]

I've got a Class III Hidden Hitch (model 87414) mounted to a Hyundai Santa Fe.  The max tongue weight is listed as 525 lbs.

Are you sure the rating on the Santa Fe is #525?  I have a Kia Sorrento with a full frame rather than a unibody and it is only rated at #350.  Mine is a class III as well.

Granted, class III can go up to #600 but that is truly vehicle dependent.  

[Scratch33]

Are you sure the rating on the Santa Fe is #525?  I have a Kia Sorrento with a full frame rather than a unibody and it is only rated at #350.  Mine is a class III as well.

Granted, class III can go up to #600 but that is truly vehicle dependent.  

Yes, that's the tongue weight of the Hidden Hitch.

The car itself has a 350 lb. rating stock, however I have a Coil-Rite air spring kit installed to handle my Kendon 2-rail.

[buls4evr]

 I have had very good luck with my Rage which comes from discountramps.com   . They make 2 sizes and are very reasonably priced. That tongue wgt can become an issue with a streetbike though. I run mine on a big pickup.

[Scratch33]

I'm leaning towards the Moto-Tote.  I like the design better in that the bike's wheels don't "sit" in a valley; would probably make it a little easier to unload a bike by myself.

[Cablebandit]

Yes, that's the tongue weight of the Hidden Hitch.

The car itself has a 350 lb. rating stock, however I have a Coil-Rite air spring kit installed to handle my Kendon 2-rail.

I would think the fact that the hitch probably only uses a couple threaded holes in the frame to hold the hitch is more the issue.  It's a pretty lightweight installation.

[Cablebandit]

Oh and +1 to the moto-tote.