Motorcycle Hitch Carrier vs. Trailer: What’s Right for You?
When it comes to transporting your motorcycle, there are two primary options: a motorcycle hitch carrier or a motorcycle trailer. Both solutions have their benefits and drawbacks, but for many riders, a motorcycle carrier is the more convenient and cost-effective choice—if your vehicle and motorcycle allow it.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each and help you decide what’s right for your setup.
Why a Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Is Better for Most Riders
For most applications, a motorcycle hitch carrier offers clear advantages:
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Compact & Easy to Store: Unlike bulky trailers, a carrier mounts directly to your vehicle’s hitch. No extra parking space or storage area needed.
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Quick Setup & Less Hassle: No trailer lights, plates, or extra registration to deal with. Just mount the carrier, load your bike, and go.
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Better Maneuverability: With no trailer to tow, your vehicle handles more like normal—easier to drive, park, and back up.
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Perfect for Travel Flexibility: Whether you're heading to the mountains, the track, or a cross-country road trip, a motorcycle carrier gives you the freedom to go just about anywhere without the burden of towing.
Limitations to Consider: Vehicle and Bike Compatibility
While hitch carriers are a game changer, they’re not for every situation. The key factor is your vehicle’s towing capacity, especially its tongue weight capacity.
What is Tongue Weight Capacity?
Tongue weight is the amount of downward force your carrier and bike put on the hitch. Most vehicles can handle 10% of their total towing capacity as tongue weight.
Example:
If your vehicle has a 2,000 lb towing capacity, it can support 200 lbs of tongue weight. A MotoTote motorcycle carrier weighs about 60 lbs, which means you’re left with 140 lbs for your motorcycle. That’s enough for a small dirt bike or lightweight electric bike—but not a full-size street bike.
If your motorcycle weighs over 600 lbs, like many Harleys or adventure bikes, you’ll need a trailer regardless of your vehicle.
When a Motorcycle Trailer Makes More Sense
If your motorcycle is too heavy, or your vehicle has a low tongue weight capacity, a motorcycle trailer may be your only option.
Trailers spread weight across an axle, so you can technically tow more bike weight with a lower-capacity vehicle. However, there are tradeoffs:
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Higher Cost: Trailers cost more up front and often require ongoing maintenance.
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More Storage Space: You’ll need room to store it when not in use.
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More Setup & Licensing: Trailer lights, wiring, license plates, and sometimes extra registration are all required.
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Harder to Maneuver: Towing and parking with a trailer isn’t for everyone—especially in tight or remote spots.
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Tolls & Travel Restrictions: In many areas, towing a trailer means paying additional toll fees. Some roads, bridges, and parking lots restrict trailers altogether, making them inconvenient for everyday travel or urban areas.
The Bottom Line
A motorcycle hitch carrier is usually the better option if:
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Your motorcycle weighs less than your vehicle’s tongue weight limit (after accounting for the carrier)
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You value convenience, ease of use, and travel flexibility
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You have limited space to store a trailer
A motorcycle trailer is better if:
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Your bike exceeds the weight limits for a hitch carrier setup
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Your vehicle has a very low towing capacity
Not Sure What Works for Your Setup?
MotoTote offers the most heavy-duty motorcycle carriers on the market, designed to safely haul bikes up to 600 lbs. We can help you determine whether your vehicle and motorcycle are a good fit. If you’re unsure, contact us or check out our carrier fit calculator to get started.