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Last updated: September 2026
A hitch-mounted motorcycle carrier lets you haul a dirt bike, pit bike or small motorcycle on the back of your truck, SUV or RV without a trailer. It slides into your hitch receiver, and most have a ramp for loading and a wheel channel to hold the bike upright while you strap it down. The catch is weight: a bike plus the carrier can exceed your vehicle’s tongue weight limit fast, so this guide covers that first, then compares four carriers and a lighting kit.
How we chose: this is a comparison based on Amazon listing titles, brand and listed capacity, not hands-on testing. Always check your hitch’s tongue weight rating and your vehicle’s owner’s manual before loading a bike.
Before You Buy: The Tongue Weight Rule
Everything on the carrier (the carrier itself plus the bike and anything else) sits on your hitch as tongue weight. Check three things: the bike and gear must stay within the carrier’s listed capacity; the bike, gear and carrier together must stay within your hitch’s and vehicle’s tongue weight ratings; and that tongue weight, plus passengers and cargo, must stay within your vehicle’s payload. Many cars and small crossovers can’t safely carry a motorcycle even when the carrier itself is rated for it. A carrier rated at 400 lb doesn’t make it safe to put 400 lb on your hitch.
Quick Picks: Best Motorcycle Carriers
- Dirt bikes: Black Widow aluminum dirt bike hitch carrier with ramp (400 lb)
- Longer, easier loading: Black Widow aluminum motorcycle carrier with 6′ self-storing ramp (400 lb)
- Sport bikes: Versa Haul VH-Sport sport bike carrier (no ramp)
- Lighter bikes: CRAVOT Motorack M1 with ramp (350 lb)
- Lighting: CURT 53201 auxiliary LED trailer lights for cargo carriers
Motorcycle Carrier Comparison
| Carrier | Listed capacity | Ramp | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Widow dirt bike carrier | 400 lb | Yes | Dirt bikes |
| Black Widow motorcycle carrier | 400 lb | Extra-long 6′, self-storing | Dirt bikes and small motorcycles; 2″ receivers |
| Versa Haul VH-Sport | See listing | No | Sport bikes |
| CRAVOT Motorack M1 | 350 lb | Yes | Lighter bikes |
| CURT 53201 lights | n/a | n/a | Visible brake and turn signals |
Best Motorcycle Carriers
1. Black Widow Aluminum Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier
- Versatile Bike Hauling: Transport motorcycles, e-bikes, and fat tire bikes with ease using your Class III or IV 2-inch h…
- Lightweight & Durable: Made from high-strength aluminum, this carrier is both lightweight for easy handling and tough en…
- Convenient Loading: Roll-on, roll-off ramp installs on either side for effortless bike loading and secures flat on the c…
Bottom line: An aluminum dirt bike carrier with a loading ramp, listed at 400 lb capacity. Aluminum keeps the carrier’s own weight down, which leaves more of your tongue weight for the bike.
What to know: Check the wheel channel width against your bike’s tires, and add up the bike and carrier weight before you load.
2. Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier with 6′ Ramp
- Hitch-Mounted Carrier: Connects directly to 2-inch Class III or IV receivers to haul a single dirt bike, eBike, or fat-t…
- Extra Long 6-Foot Ramp: Extended roll-on track creates a gentle, reduced incline for easy, low-stress loading and locks …
- Bilateral Loading Action: Loading track attaches quickly to either side of the main carrier tray, offering bilateral fun…
Bottom line: A hitch-mounted aluminum motorcycle and dirt bike carrier with an extra-long 6′ self-storing ramp, listed for 2″ hitch receivers and 400 lb capacity. A longer ramp gives a gentler loading angle.
What to know: A 2″ receiver is required. Heavier street bikes may exceed what your vehicle can carry on its hitch.
3. Versa Haul VH-Sport Sport Bike Carrier
- Transport 1 dirt bike or motorcycle using a vehicle hitch receiver
- For 2″ Class III/IV hitch receivers only, 600 lb. maximum capacity
- (4) Eyelet tie-down points for securing the dirt bike or motorcycle
Bottom line: A carrier listed for sport bikes, sold without a loading ramp.
A real limitation: You’ll need a separate, compatible ramp rated for your bike’s weight to load it. Sport bikes are often heavy, so check your vehicle’s tongue weight carefully.
4. CRAVOT Motorack M1 Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
- 350lbs Capacity: CRAVOT motorcycle carrier is possible to hold up to 350lbs. Fitting vehicle equipped with a 2-inch rece…
- Enhanced Stability: With V-shaped front wheel cradle, accommodate a variety of tire sizes. With an anti-rattle device an…
- Foldable & Heavy Duty: Crafted from durable aluminum and steel, it offers top-notch anti-rust capabilities, ensuring it’…
Bottom line: A hitch carrier with a ramp, listed at 350 lb capacity. It suits lighter dirt bikes, pit bikes and small motorcycles.
What to know: The lower capacity rules out heavier bikes. Weigh your bike (or check its spec sheet) first.
Don’t Forget Lighting
5. CURT 53201 Auxiliary LED Trailer Lights
- INCREASED SAFETY. These automotive LED indicator lights add safety and more visibility on the road when driving with a h…
- VERSATILE. These LED light strips can be used anywhere they’re needed. With an adhesive backing, they can be installed o…
- EASY TO INSTALL. The adhesive backing of this cargo carrier light kit makes it easy to install on virtually any surface….
Why it matters: A loaded carrier can block your tail lights and license plate. These CURT auxiliary LED lights are listed for cargo carriers and bike racks, so drivers behind you can still see your brake lights and turn signals.
What to know: Check your local rules on visible lights and license plates when using a hitch carrier.
Who a Motorcycle Carrier Is NOT For
- Cars and small crossovers with low tongue weight limits: most can’t safely carry a motorcycle. A small trailer is the better option.
- Heavy street bikes and cruisers: they usually exceed what any hitch carrier setup can safely hold. Use a trailer.
- Vehicles with a Class 1 or Class 2 hitch: you’ll typically need a Class 3 or higher hitch with a 2″ receiver.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Carrier
Do the weight math first
Keep the bike and gear within the carrier’s capacity. Then add the carrier’s own weight and compare the total with your hitch’s and vehicle’s tongue weight ratings, and remember that it also counts toward payload along with passengers and cargo. Our best trailer hitch guide explains hitch classes.
Aluminum vs steel
Aluminum carriers weigh less, which leaves more of your tongue weight for the bike. Steel carriers are often heavier.
Ramp length
A longer ramp gives a gentler loading angle, which makes pushing a bike up easier and safer.
Tie-down points and stabilizing
Look for solid tie-down points, and use quality ratchet straps and soft loops. An anti-rattle hitch tightener reduces sway in the receiver.
Loading and Driving Tips
- Load on level ground with a helper, and never ride the bike up the ramp.
- Strap the bike down at several points and compress the suspension slightly so it can’t bounce loose.
- Re-check the straps after the first few miles and at every stop.
- Watch your ground clearance on driveways and dips, since the carrier sits low behind your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a motorcycle on a hitch carrier?
Often a dirt bike or small motorcycle, yes, if the total weight stays within your hitch’s and vehicle’s tongue weight limits. Heavier street bikes usually need a trailer.
What hitch do I need for a motorcycle carrier?
Usually a Class 3 or higher hitch with a 2″ receiver. Check the carrier’s listing and your hitch’s rating.
Do I need extra lights on a motorcycle carrier?
If the bike blocks your tail lights or license plate, auxiliary lights are a good idea. Check your local rules.
Is aluminum or steel better?
Aluminum saves weight, which matters for tongue weight. Steel is often heavier.
How do I stop the carrier from rattling?
Use an anti-rattle hitch tightener and make sure the hitch pin is secure.
Carrying gear instead of a bike? See our hitch cargo carrier guide.
Final Thoughts
For dirt bikes, the Black Widow aluminum carriers are the most straightforward picks, the Versa Haul VH-Sport suits sport bikes if you can load without a built-in ramp, and the CRAVOT Motorack M1 suits lighter bikes. Before any of them, do the tongue weight math and add auxiliary lights if the bike blocks your tail lights.
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