Hitch Motorcycle Carrier for 2012 Honda Odyssey Touring with Class 3 Hitch

Question:

I have a 2012 Odyssey with a class 3 hitch. It has a tongue weight rating of 525 lbs. I want to use a rear hitch carrier to haul a DR650 2500 miles round trip. The wet weight of the bike is 365lbs. Is there issue carrying a bike for that long at that weight and are there any issues of a bike hitting the rear glass of the van?

asked by: Jonathan T

Expert Reply:

You can safely transport your Suzuki DR650 on a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier as long as the combined weight of the carrier and motorcycle does not exceed the hitch's 525-lb tongue weight rating or the Odyssey's if one in noted in your manual. The hitch carrier I recommend is the Ultra-Fab Carrier # UF48-979033 since it includes a loading ramp and provides a foot of clearance from the hitch pin hole to help avoid the bike contacting the vehicle. You can use ProGrip Cam Buckle Straps # 317-412080 to secure the bike to the carrier.

For your long trip I do recommend using a support strap to help steady the carrier/bike. You can use Curt strap # 18050 which attaches to the hatch. I recommend using two straps in a criss-cross pattern to avoid the straps putting pressure on the roof spoiler. If you have a roof rack you can use the strap between the bike and the roof rack which will allow you to avoid pressure on the spoiler.

expert reply by: Adam R