How to drag a motorcycle with your RV (in the right way) – Jalopnik

Your motorcycle in the back of your motorhomes sounds like the type of road trip Instagram -influencers cooking in a fever dream of travel and caffeine. But in reality, dragging a motorcycle with your campers is not only a matter of holding him and beating the road. Do it wrong and you risk your bike, your rig or both to demolish. So here is how you can do it in the right way, with your common sense and suspension intact.

You could have a customized campervan or a huge Brabus Big Boy Luxury RV, but first determine how you want to drag your motorcycle. There are two main approaches of this on your camper assembling using a lift-mounted carrier or dragging with a special trailer. Hitch mounted carriers attach directly to the back of your motorhome and cradle your motorcycle above the ground. These are perfect for space -saving setups, but are limited by weight restrictions. Dedicated motorcyclists, on the other hand, roll behind your camper and offer more stability, capacity and flexibility. The right choice depends on the towing reviews of your rig and your willingness to deal with extra equipment.

You must also take into account the weight of your motorcycle, the weight of the axle, the towing limits of the condition and the total gross vehicle weight of your arrangement. And yes, these figures really matter, because if you exceed them, you not only break the law, you risk a white-knuckle trip with compromised handling and braking.

If you are mounting on the lift, start finding out what kind of hitch your campers and his tongue weight limit. That is the number that really matters, not the towing capacity, because you don’t drag anything. You see, a motorcycle carrier is not a trailer, it is a lever that presses down on the spine of your rig. And unlike towing capacity, you can’t just reinforce your tongue weight with a few bolt-up-upgrades. Do not only push that limit and you do not flirt with damage to your towbar or frame, you ask for squirrelly handling and sketchy braking when it becomes spicy on the road.

Let’s say that your RV has a class III tray with a tongue weight rating from 350 to 600 pounds. A motorcycle carrier is an easy choice. It is compact, relatively cheap and does not require a trailer connection. The only catch is that even a standard motorcycle can push 350 to 550 pounds, and that is before taking into account the weight of the wearer. So you cut it dangerously close to the maximum assessment of your towbar and a lighter motorcycle is ideal.

Heavier or multiple rides that need to be drawn? Flatbed Open Trailers spread the load over two or more axes and emphasize a little less. You still need tie-down points, wheel blocks and a loading ramp, but the peace of mind is worth it. Most campers have sufficient drag capacity to drag a motorcycle on a trailer. Remember that dragging a trailer changes how your RV is dealing and brakes, and knowing the easiest way to back up a trailer is useful.

Dedicated motorcyclists are the gold standard. They are specially built, with low loading heights and integrated tie-down systems. They are also usually lighter than trailers of general purposes, which helps your towing setup to keep within safe limits.

Now that you have chosen your transport method, it is time to actually secure the bike. This is where too much Rvers-wing it, just to find their beloved two-wheeler who leaning sideways at the next rest stop. Don’t be that person.

Use the correct rattles or camera buckles, no bungee cords, and attach four solid points to Leat, with two on the front and two on the back. Ideally, go for the lower triple tree at the front and the frame or swing arm at the back. Combimate the suspension somewhat when you break it so that the bike does not bounce. And use a wheelboard if you have one. It is not only useful, it is almost essential to prevent the front wheel from driving around.

Before you go out, check each belt double. It would help to ensure that the trailer is the same. Check them again after your first fuel stop. Vibrations and bumps can loosen things. And don’t forget that your motorcycle not only drags extra luggage that you drag, but a machine that deserves respect – especially when you drag it behind your moving holiday home in an attempt to enjoy it at the destination.