Dirt Bike Mounted w/ FWC

[jimmygle]

Hi, I apologize if this is in the wrong section--I just joined this forum and have already learned a ton.

I'm getting a FWC this winter/next spring and am wondering what the best options are for mounting my dirt bike to my truck with the camper on, while still being able to access the camper. What I've been thinking about is a combination hitch extender with a hitch mounted carrier/ramp. Something like these two:

• amazon.com/Best-Choice-Products-SKY1375-Motorcycle/dp/B00916MMJG/
• etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Reese/RP11004.html

Has anyone done anything like this before? Think it'd work, or am I being a dip****?

Thanks for the help!

 

[westranger29]

Scroll down through this guys instagram I follow, he has a nice set up with a FWC and dirtbike rack set up on the back.

https://www.instagram.com/ardenwolftrap/?hl=en

May be worth reaching out to him in a message on there and seeing what his set up is specifically.

 

[SDDiver5]

Best option might be to install a hitch on the front of your truck and have the bike in the front and not even mess with an extender or anything else that could possibly fail.

Also, Get an anti rattle block for your bike carrier like this one. https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70283-Anti-Wobble-Adapter-Stabilizer/dp/B008CE0TO8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1473350121&sr=8-7&keywords=anti+rattle+hitch

Best $12 I have ever spent.

 

[1stDeuce]

I built a rack for the front and one for the back for our Baja trip... We just used the one on the back for a Yellowston/Glacier trip too. It does block access somewhat, but by loosening the strap on the bike, I can lean it back and get in for a snack or something. I pull the bike when we make camp, and use the rack as a step to get into the camper.

If your bike is 250cc or smaller, it'll be OK on the front, though headlights may be somewhat covered. (We try not to drive at night anyway)

I suppose I should update my thread with better pics... So many projects, so little time...

 

[jimmygle]

Thanks for the replies!

If I mounted to the front, would I need to beef up the front suspension at all? My truck is a 2015 Sierra 1500 1/2 ton with airbags in the rear for the camper. The bike is a Kawasaki 250 KLX Dual Sport... weighs about 250-300lb I think.

 

[robert]

The airbags may suffice in the rear but the front will definitely need some help. It's "only" 250lbs, but it's cantilevered past the front wheels. I carried a DRZ400s on the back of my Tacoma with OME Dakar springs and while it rode fine, the single point hitch mount, even with a bolt on clamp, still moved some. If I were doing it over, I'd make a custom bumper and carrier with dual receiver hitches to better stabilize it. Be sure you use a fork brace to keep the front suspension from compressing and causing slack in your tie-downs. Also, make sure that the bike can't bounce/move back into the camper. I always leaned the bike outwards a little to make sure the bars couldn't hit the rear window on my camper shell.

 

[Motafinga]

This is what I did with my Alaskan
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/144432-Home-brewed-folding-rear-motorcycle-carrier

 

[jimmygle]

This is what I did with my Alaskan

Damn, this is awesome!

 

[dawnhoyden]

I've got an MX Hauler - it's hydraulic and I can lower it and have access the my FWC without having to unload the bike.

 

[lzpup]

how sturdy is the mx hauler?

 

[dawnhoyden]

It's solid. The only thing I worry about - so make sure to tie down - are the handle bars, which if left loose, can hit the camper back.

 

[Godomore]

How much weight can you put on it?

 

[dawnhoyden]

Their website ( http://ultimatemxhauler.com/product/ultimate-mx-hauler/ ) says "This carrier sports a 375 pound capacity and has been loaded tested to over 4000 lb."

 

[lzpup]

I like the design , seems easier to load then the ramps and looks like you can mount it a bit higher