Best 5th Wheel Motorcycle Carriers: Which is Right For You?
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In this guide, we will give you a comprehensive overview of the 7 best 5th wheel motorcycle carriers available on the market in 2021.
A 5th wheel motorcycle carrier is a sturdy and reliable structure to mount behind your RV and carry your motorcycle. There are many different types of motorcycle carriers available today, and choosing one will depend on your specific needs and the type of motorcycle you have.
Before we delve into the specifics of each brand and model, let’s start with an overview of our top 7 picks of fifth-wheel motorcycle carriers we are going to be looking at today.
| Motorcycle Carrier | Loading Capacity | Build Material | Price |
| VersaHaul Bike Hitch Carrier | 500 lbs | Powder-coated steel bars | Check price |
| Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier | 500 lbs | Epoxy powdered steel bars | Check price |
| TMS T-NS-MRC001 Carrier Hitch Rack Trailer | 500 lbs | Heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated frame | Check price |
| Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier | 400 lbs | Aluminum | Check price |
| Versa Haul VH-SPORT Sport Bike Carrier | 600 lbs | Stainless steel with black finish | Check price |
| Goplus Motorcycle Carrier | 600 lbs | Alloy steel | Check price |
| Best Choice Products Hitch Carrier Rack | 500 lbs | Steel | Check price |
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Why You Need A Motorcycle Carrier
To answer this question in simple terms, if you have a motorcycle (especially a dirt bike) and you want to ride it on different terrains that you go to in your RV, then you need a carrier.
A 5th wheel motorcycle carrier is designed to help you carry a motorcycle with your RV safely and conveniently.
A motorcycle hauler can be installed in the back of your RV along with the 5th wheel attached in the trunk. It is usually installed by a professional but lucky for you, there are some DIY models available on the market that can be easily bolted onto the chassis frame by following the instructions.
RV motorcycle carriers today are usually built with durable materials which can handle extreme climates, humidity, snow, and ice. They are designed to be installed and tucked away.
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Things to Consider When Picking a Motorcycle Carrier
Below I have listed down some factors you should consider before choosing a motorcycle carrier.
Motorcycle Weight
You should know how heavy your motorcycle is before you even start looking for an rv bike rack. Each bike rack is designed to take a certain load, so please make sure you know how heavy your bike is.
Many RVers I’ve come across put in extra stuff along with the motorcycle in their stand. I wouldn’t recommend this as the motorcycle trailer is installed according to the bike’s weight. This can cause problems in the long run so keep that in mind.
The dimensions of the motorcycle also play an important role as the carriers are designed to their width and length. Most bikes are in the length range of between 75 and 95 inches which works with almost all generic carriers, but I would suggest you double-check the dimensions before buying a carrier.
Most RVers usually take a dirt bike along for their excursions, which weighs around 400-600 lbs. So a carrier with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs can do the work. But if you are getting a little adventurous and want a heavier bike on the trip, then consider a robust carrier for your RV.
But make sure you adhere to the motorcycle’s weight as the carriers can snap if extra load or tension is applied.
Hitch Capacity
Hitch capacity refers to the maximum weight an RV’s tongue exerts on the vehicle towing it. A hitch is a knob placed at the end of almost all towing vehicles for a trailer tongue to be placed for towing it.
The tongue of the trailer usually exerts around 10% -15% of the total weight of the RV. So say if you have an RV weighing around 8000 lbs, your towing capacity should be at least 1000 lbs to be on the safe side.
The trailer hitch capacity is important before you buy any motorcycle stand because you need to know the maximum capacity your trailer can sustain. A motorcycle carrier along with the motorcycle can easily add 800 lbs to your RV.
That said, hitch capacity is less of a problem for RVs and is a bigger problem for moving homes. As the RV is designed to pull enough weight and adding up to 1000 lbs extra should not be a problem. I will advise you to know about the towing and hitch capacity of your RV before you choose a carrier.
Usability
Motorcycle carriers can be attached to your RV in two ways; one is the regular bolt-on and the other can be torching and welding your stand onto the RV. Both have their ups and downs.
Due to the increasing demand for motorcycle carriers, many manufacturers offer a simple DIY installation of the carrier and provide instructions for easy installation.
Motorcycle carriers weigh around 40-100 lbs depending on the load you are planning to put on them. Lighter carriers are easier to install because you can navigate them easily as compared to heavier ones.
If it is your first time installing one, I would recommend you take some help from a professional or an experienced friend, especially if the instructions are a little complicated.
To make sure the carrier is user-friendly, you have to check if you can load and unload the bike easily. Many carriers have a drop-down bridge on the side where you can just slide the bike in a matter of seconds.
Some carriers don’t have it so you may have to lower it manually. If you have the money, there are models which have a hydraulic option such as the Hydralift 5th wheel motorcycle carrier.
Durability
A good carrier comes with all the strapping options there are for keeping your motorcycle intact in the carrier.
While on the road, a motorcycle is vulnerable to all kinds of jumps, bumps, and off-road conditions, so make sure to strap it on well. Most of the major manufacturers supply straps and other accessories along with the carrier so don’t expect anything less.
The durability of the carrier also depends on the materials used. A solid steel frame will be much more durable than an aluminum frame. So make sure to get a carrier that is made of a strong frame so that your investment can last you for a long time.
Personal Preferences
The color of the carrier, the ramp features, the design, and the lights on the carrier for safety will be more based on your personal preferences. There are options for loading two bikes at once, so one can consider going for that if there is more than one bike in the equation.
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7 Best 5th Wheel Motorcycle Carriers in 2021
Now let’s have a look at the 7 best motorcycle 5th wheel carriers available on the market to help you find the best one for your RV!
VersaHaul Bike Hitch Carrier
VersaHaul is a trusted name in the carrier segment and the VersaHaul Bike Hitch Carrier is known for its heavy-duty, durable, and well-designed build.
Safety is one of the best features of the VersaHaul carrier. It has a built-in wheel chock for safety that allows you to load and unload the motorcycle conveniently. It also features a well-built box-beam ramp.
The VersaHaul carrier comes with self-storing tie-downs to prevent you from hurting your legs when unloading your bike. It also has ready-to-use license plate accessory holes.
The hitch installed in the motorcycle carrier is a perfect match for Class III and Class IV hitches. The built of the carrier is also impressive, featuring powder-coated steel bars and reversible rails which are very sturdy and rust-proof as well.
The carrier is designed to have a maximum laid capacity of 500 lbs. It also comes with an anti-tilt lock bracket, a wheel stop, four tie-down, one snap pin, two reflectors, and a ramp. It is completely equipped with all accessories you would need to safely transport your bike from point A to point B.
One drawback is that it takes a little extra space compared to the other carriers, and the stabilization could be better. That said, it is a safe carrier and a very reliable option.
Pros
- A good load capacity of 500 lbs
- 4 retractable tie-down keeps the bike immobile
- It fits Class III and Class IV hitches perfectly
- Integrated wheel chock for loading and unloading single-handedly
- Ramp included for easy unloading and loading
Cons
- The stabilization bracket could be better
- Takes a little more space than other options
Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier
Another top pick in the motorcycle carriers is the Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier. Known for its performance and reliability in the outdoors, this motorcycle carrier can handle up to 500 lbs of weight.
Direct Aftermarket Carrier is designed for sportbikes, scooters, and dirt bikes. It is very versatile and you can load a bunch of other stuff onto it if need be (though not recommended). It offers extra hauling capacity for the vehicle and gives us RVers peace of mind when packing for a trip.
The Direct Aftermarket Carrier is very durable. It is made of epoxy powder steel bars which makes it extremely weather-resistant and sturdy. The material used is of premium quality and gives you a scratch-free experience.
It can carry up to 500 lbs and thanks to the excellent design, the unloading and loading can be done from either side of the carrier. The carrier is 76 inches wide and 36 inches long. It can be securely mounted on your RV which makes it less wobbly. It also has an anti-tilt mechanism that keeps the carrier in place.
This model can be used with Class III or Class IV hitches. The carrier also comes with all the necessary accessories you would require to use your carrier comfortably. It’s my favorite from the lot, but the fact that the hitch pin has to be purchased separately is a bit of a downer.
Pros
- Versatile
- Made of durable materials
- Easy installation
- Loading and unloading can be done from either side of the RV
- The anti-tilt mechanism prevents wobbling
Cons
- It does not come with a hitch pin which has to be purchased separately
TMS T-NS-MRC001 Carrier Hitch Rack Trailer
Another great motorcycle carrier is the TMS Carrier Hitch Rack Trailer. It’s functional, reliable, and mobile. It offers one of the easiest ways to pull your motorcycle for your next camping trip.
It is a very portable motorcycle carrier for RVs and is also quite durable. The carrier is built with heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated frame to avoid any chipping, scratching, or fading. It is highly compatible and can easily attach to hitches from varying classes.
The TMS carrier features a dual-sided ramp for loading and unloading from either side. It can take up to 500 lbs of weight which is pretty decent for loading your motorcycle. It also features an anti-tilt locking device which puts a stop to unnecessary wobbling. Furthermore, the carrier has tie-down sites for securing your motorcycle.
The TMS carrier is easy to install and can be done even by a new user thanks to the instructions manual. It’s also lighter than most of the carriers on the market.
One drawback in this carrier is that you have to be careful while tightening the bolts, as over-tightening them can deform the carrier. Other than that, it’s a great lightweight option to carry your motorcycles.
Pros
- Comes with a dual-sided ramp
- Has an anti-tilt feature
- Can carry up to 500 lbs
- Lightweight
- Easy installation
Cons
- Over tightening the bolts may cause deformation
Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier
Staying with the lightweight category of motorcycle carriers is another great option called the Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier. It is made of aluminum and weighs around 36 lbs. Despite that, it is very sturdy and can mount up to 400 lbs on it.
Black Widow is weather-proof and impervious to rusting thanks to the material used in the build. This lightweight carrier can be installed without a hassle and takes very minimal space due to its size.
The carrier also comes with a loading ramp which can be installed on either side for ease in loading and unloading. The ramp can be stored in the carrier when not in use to further save space.
While the user guide mentions that it can’t be used as a 5th wheel trailer, many users have tried it that way and loved the results. However, due to the relatively low weight capacity, I would advise not using this for heavier bikes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Made up of aluminum to be weatherproof
- A ramp can be installed on either side for ease in loading and unloading
Cons
- Not ideal for heavier bikes
Versa Haul VH-SPORT Sport Bike Carrier
Versa Haul VH-SPORT is one of the best sports bike carriers that can load up to 600 lbs.
The Versa Haul VH-SPORT is versatile and allows you to load a sports bike, dirt bike, scooter, or any other motorcycle. It has an 8-inch wide and 77 inches long platform along with a 31.5-inch carrier tube for storing standard bikes.
For additional safety, it has four tie-down points, allowing you to securely store your motorcycle. Even if you are on rough terrain, the carrier will not wobble.
It also features an adjustable tire stop which adds to the bike’s stability. It has a stylish black paint finish that makes it look great.
One drawback is that it does not include a loading ramp which must be bought separately. Also, the installation might be a little tricky for first-timers. Other than that, this is a fantastic carrier for sports bike riders.
Pros
- 4 tie-down points to secure the bike
- Stylish, anti-scratch black paint finish
- 600 lbs load capacity
- Ideal for Class III and Class IV users
Cons
- Loading ramp must be bought separately
- Tricky Installation
Goplus Motorcycle Carrier
The Goplus Motorcycle Carrier is great for storing your bike securely and has unique design features that make it stand out.
The Goplus carrier can hold up to 600 lbs, making it a versatile option that allows you to carry different loads of motorcycles such as dirt bikes, sports bikes, and more.
It is 71 inches long, 31 inches wide, and 13 inches thick, making it ideal for almost all types of motorcycles.
The Goplus carrier features a strong and durable build thanks to the material used. The carrier is made of alloy steel which is thick and can withstand high pressure. The carrier is weather-resistant and rust-proof.
One more great feature which I liked is having two pieces of quick-release locks to fasten the bike. It helps in reducing wobble and securing the bike. The carrier comes with a complete package of accessories and is easy to install.
One drawback is that you will have to drive slowly to your campsite, as the carrier can be only installed if the speed does not exceed 35 miles per hour.
Pros
- All accessories included with the carrier
- Handles up to 600 lbs
- Quick-release locks help in securing the bike fast and easy
- Durability is ensured with the use of great products
Cons
- Cannot be used if the vehicle is moving faster than 35 miles per hour
Best Choice Products Hitch Carrier Rack
If you’re new to the world of carriers, the 51-pound Best Choice Products Hitch Carrier Rack is a great option. It has a loading capacity of 500 lbs and is made with durable materials.
It is easy to assemble and comes with a 38-inch loading ramp which can be stored in the carrier when not in use. The carrier is made of high-grade steel, making it highly durable. The best part is that it does not weigh as much as other models available on the market.
The Best Choice Products carrier also offers security features for storing your bike in the carrier. It has an anti-tilt feature that keeps the carrier from wobbling to transport the bike safely to your destination.
The hitch is compatible with hitch receivers of Class II, III, IV, and V. The ramp can be hooked to either side for easy loading and unloading of your bike.
A downside of this motorcycle carrier is that it does not have extra tie-down spots, wheel chock, or a hitch pin to attach the carrier. Though these are cheap accessories, it would’ve been nice to have them with the carrier.
Pros
- Can carry up to 500 pounds
- Compatible with hitch receiver of Class II, III, IV, and V
- Features an anti-tilt feature
- Can load and unload from both sides
Cons
- No wheel chock
- No extra tie-down points
- No hitch pins
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Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can a motorcycle be stored in the RV without a motorcycle carrier?
Answer: I don’t think it is possible, nor is it safe to store a motorcycle without a motorcycle carrier. But if you are desperate to load your motorcycle without a carrier, then some people might take the motorcycle into their RV through the door, though it’s not recommended.
Question: What is the best way to clean a motorcycle carrier?
Answer: The cleaning of carriers depends on the materials used in the construction. I would suggest a dry pat-down of the carrier in most cases. Washing the RV and carrier along with each other should not be an issue. Be mindful to dry down your motorcycle carrier for extended use.
Question: Do you need to hook your motorcycle carrier in an electrical outlet?
Answer: Depends on the type of carrier, to be honest. In most cases, you do not need to hook up your motorcycle carrier to an electrical outlet as it is operated manually. Some carriers may feature lighting options, so there might be a need to hook them up in an electrical outlet.
Also, some carriers come with an electrical motorcycle lift to lower down the carrier to load and unload a motorcycle, so you might need an electrical connection for completing the setup.
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What Is the Best 5th Wheel Motorcycle Carrier?
Ensuring the safety of your motorcycle when moving it from Point A to Point B in your RV is paramount. You need to ensure that you get a quality motorcycle carrier that is durable, functional, and safely secures your bike.
Motorcycle carriers come in all different sizes and loading capacities, so you should go for one which meets your needs. I like the Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier because of its ease of installation, durable construction, and easy loading and unloading. Sure, it would be nice to have the hitch pin with the box but it’s something you can buy for cheap.
A close second for me is the VersaHaul Bike Hitch Carrier. It’s very easy to load and unload your bike using the carrier and it keeps it secured like the best carriers out there.
That said, at the end of the day, you should choose a 5th wheel motorcycle carrier depending on your preference, motorcycle specifications, and your budget. I hope this review helped you in making the right decision to buy the best motorcycle carrier for your needs.
