Hitch cradle By richardv (Read 669 times)

[richardv]

I don't have a place to store a trailer as a renter and I see Trailer-in-a-Bag is out of business (a bit expensive anyway). So I've been looking for one of those things that mounts to the hitch and has a cradle to hold the front tire of a motorcycle with the rear wheel on the ground. I know they're not recommended for larger motorcycles but that's all I can find. Nothing for the simply little ones for small dirt bikes and the like.

I drive a 4x4 pickup with a class 3 receiver so hook up is easy, except it would be a bit high. I also have magnetic towing lights for the back of the towed vehicle and ratchet straps to tie it down. All I need is a source for the hitch cradle if they are still available.

I'm assuming that the drive system on scooters wouldn't have issues with this method over a short (30 miles) distance.

[beebo]

Google tow-ster.com. They have one for around $275.

Ive been looking at these hitch mounted bike haulers.

www.ebay.com/itm/Sport-Bike-Motorcycle-Rack-Carrier-Hitch-Hauler-Ramp-Aluminum-truck-M600C-/291084919773?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

They are around $179. It would haul my 150 for sure, maybe my 250, but not my old Sportster, at least not on the back of our T and C van.

Now, for the price of 2 or 3 nice trailers you can buy one of these:

www.carid.com/blue-ox-trailer-hitches/blue-ox-trailer-hitch-cargo-carrier-16503760.html

[jct842]

Probably be pretty easy to lower one a little to tow a scooter. A scooter would be perfect for towing and unlike a motorcycle with a chain, there simply are no moving parts out side of bearings on a scooter back end. (Engine has to be at over idle before the clutch kicks in)

[JR]

Disagree. If the back wheel is turning the entire gear assembly in the back wheel assembly is turning also. If you put the scooter on the kickstand and turn the wheel by hand you know this by feeling the drag on the wheel.

[richardv]

The tow-ster is much like what I'm looking for. It is a bit more advanced with the swivel joint. The old ones simple mounted on the hitch and the swivel was provided by the front wheel of the bike. And a lot cheaper.

[jct842]

Gear is turning yes but is not under any load. Rather have that than a chain or a drive shaft going around.

[Guitarman]

I'd rather just ride it to where I'm going.

[richardv]

So would I if it's running but then, how do you get back?

Guitarman, I was going to ask about your getting up so early in the morning but then remembered where you live. I'm seeing you posted at 3:59am, what time would that be for you?

[kz1000st]

Hawaii is five hours behind Eastern time. 3 AM for us is 10 PM for them.

So would I if it's running but then, how do you get back?

Maybe this will sound a little cocky but if I set out for somewhere on any of my scooters I expect to ride home. Between doing the scheduled maintenance and knowing your equipment any trip should be do-able. If you think there's a weak spot then it should be fixed. If I had to ride to California tomorrow on my Fashion I know it could use a new belt and back tire. Otherwise I don't doubt it would make it there and back. Even Rocket (50cc Cub clone) is ready to go......anywhere.

I've always thought towing a bike to a Rally, riding it a few miles and then towing it home missed the point. Heck, Jack rode a 257 Roketa 800 miles a few times. You know a long hike is possible if done correctly.

[richardv]

Sorry I don't know Jack. And I'm looking for an inexpensive and easy to do, for a semi-disabled person, way to transport a DISABLED scoot/cycle.

[richardv]

This is more elaborate than I was looking for but will work fine. But unfortunetly I must wait till the end of the month for the money.

www.ebay.com/itm/Lightweight-Portable-Motorcycle-MX-Trailer-Carrier-Tow-Dolly-Hauler-Rack-Hitch/311043873715?_trksid=p2050601.c100271.m3466&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140716145905%26meid%3D9008031437964043654%26pid%3D100271%26prg%3D20140716145905%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D360741837790%26clkid%3D9008035662480706201&_qi=RTM1562570

[jct842]

A whole lot better than trying to lift said broken scoot into a truck. Wonder what happens if you have a rear end problem, tire, wheel, axle, You get the idea? I doubt if it is going to tow good backwards as the steering of bike is used to tow with.

[richardv]

Well as far as motorcycles go, I have witnessed a bike with no rear wheel have the swing arm set on the step of a pu's step bumper and ropes run from the ends of the bumper to the front to the bikes frame. The front wheel was left free to just follow along. I would never do it but, it did work.
We hillbillies of the north have been known to do unusual things from time to time.

As far as a scooters go, if the rear wheel don't turn and then that being the major part of it, wouldn't it be OK to just trow it in the ditch. After all they are just cheap play things.