Load a motorcycle onto a hitch carrier by pushing it up the ramp on level ground, securing it with straps rated for its weight, and rechecking every tie-down before travel.
For the full breakdown, see our best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier guide.
Using a motorcycle hitch carrier the right way comes down to three things: loading on level ground, pushing rather than riding the bike up the ramp, and securing it with straps rated for its weight. Skip any one of those steps and you risk a damaged bike or a dangerous load on the highway.
Step-by-Step: How to Load and Secure Your Motorcycle
Every carrier works a little differently, but the core sequence is the same. Read your specific manual before the first use — the assembly steps and ramp operation vary by model.
- Mount the carrier to the hitch. Slide the carrier into a properly installed 2-inch receiver hitch and secure it with the pin and clip.
- Position the ramp and straps. Attach tie-down straps to the handlebars and pre-set their length before loading. If your carrier has a tilt-down feature, lower it now so the loading angle is as shallow as possible.
- Push the motorcycle up the ramp. Walk the bike up slowly by hand, keeping the front wheel centered in the cradle or chock. Never start the engine and ride it onto the carrier — one slip of the throttle and the bike goes over the side.
- Secure the motorcycle. Tighten the handlebar straps, then add tie-downs to the rear tire, frame, or wherever your manual specifies. Use straps with a load rating at least equal to the motorcycle’s weight.
- Raise the carrier and lock it. Return the carrier to its travel position and reinsert any carrier pins or locks.
- Recheck everything. Tug each strap, confirm the front wheel is still centered, and verify the carrier hasn’t shifted against the hitch. Check that your taillights and plate are visible, then re-tighten after the first few miles.
You’ll know the load is correct when the bike stands straight, the straps have no slack, and the carrier sits level against the hitch without wobble.
Safety Checks Before Every Trip
- Park on solid, level ground. Put the vehicle in gear, set the parking brake, and turn the engine off before loading or unloading.
- Inspect the carrier each use. Look for cracks, bent metal, or loose hardware. Don’t use it damaged — tighten or replace parts first.
- Never sit on the motorcycle while it’s on the carrier, and never ride it on or off.
- Confirm your hitch rating. The combined weight of the carrier and motorcycle must stay under the vehicle’s receiver rating and the carrier’s capacity — whichever is lower wins.
Compatibility and Capacity: What Fits What
Before you buy or borrow a carrier, match it to your bike and hitch. Most carriers fit a 2-inch square receiver, but the required hitch class and tire width limits vary by model.
| Carrier | Capacity & Hitch | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Black Widow MCC-600 | 600 lb; Class III or IV, 2-inch | 79 in long, 7-3/4 in track, 5’11” ramp, 98 lb |
| Harbor Freight 62837 | 400 lb; Class III or higher, 2-inch | Aluminum construction |
| Erickson 07508 | 500 lb or hitch capacity, whichever is less | Per manufacturer instructions |
| SwitZer SZ-MH01 | 220 kg (~485 lb); 2-inch | Tires up to 177 mm wide; single-bike only |
If your bike runs a fat rear tire, verify the track and chock width before committing.
Mistakes That Bend Frames and End Trips
The failures that show up in forum threads and garage conversations follow the same patterns. Riding the bike onto the carrier tops the list — it’s faster, but one miscalculation puts the motorcycle through the tailgate. Loading on a slope is the second classic error; the bike rolls sideways the moment the strap goes slack.
Under-rated straps are the third. A 400-pound motorcycle needs straps rated for 400 pounds or more, not the skinny tie-downs from the trunk of the car. And once you’re rolling, never assume the load stayed put — recheck strap tension at the first fuel stop.
References & Sources
- Erickson Manufacturing. “07508 Instruction Manual.” Details hitch pin requirements, capacity limits, and securement steps.
- Discount Ramps / Boss. “Boss Motorcycle Carrier Instructions.” Covers loading procedure, strap placement, and safety warnings.
- Trackside (via RevZilla). “Trackside Motorcycle Carrier Instructions.” Documents tilt mechanism lock-out and tie-down requirements.