Installing A Motorcycle Trailer Hitch

by: Brent Martorella


It isn’t just big trucks and cars that haul utility trailers, recreational trailers, or other cargo. Believe it or not a motorcycle can easily have a motorcycle trailer hitch installed and then haul several hundred pounds of materials.

Most motorcycle hitches can be attached to your motorcycle without making any changes to the motorcycle. It’s a perfect addition if you are planning a long distance trip where you might need more supplies or perhaps you might even want to invest in one of the motorcycle tent trailers.

There are special trailers that are made specifically for motorcycle and there are specific hitches for different types of motorcycles. It is very important that you buy the right hitch for you bike to ensure it fits properly and that you are towing safely. It’s also very important to ensure that the hitch is correctly installed.

Besides ensuring the ball hitch is correctly installed you will want to cross s pair of chains under the tongue before you connect the chains to the hitch. Make sure the chains aren’t too long so the tongue is able to reach the rear tire.

Don’t use cheap spring connecters on the chain ends. If the chains are supporting the tongue of your trailer and you stood on the tongue it has to hold. That’s the real test.

In fact in almost all of the states you must by law have two chains when you are pulling a trailer. And if your trailer causes damage that will be your responsibility.

The maximum weight for a motorcycle hitch is 500 pounds and it can be much less depending on the size of the motorcycle. The hitch is actually very similar to that used by pickup trucks.

When installing a trailer hitch it’s all about choosing the right one and towing safely. After all you wouldn’t try to tow your RV trailer behind your motorcycle would you?

Here are just a few tips to remember:

1. Safety should always come first.
2. Make sure that you always attach the safety chains properly.
3. Make sure your cargo load does not exceed the weight restrictions.
4. Make sure that your trailer wiring harness is correct.
5. Make sure that all parts of your hitch are correctly installed.
6. Practice towing your load before heading out on a long trip.
7. Make sure your brakes are properly installed and operating correctly.
8. Check the tire pressure on your motorcycle. Remember tire pressures need to be adjusted when you are towing.
9. Make sure your load is correctly balanced.
10. Ensure you have your mirrors correctly adjusted to avoid any blind spots.

Now all that said, there is another type of motorcycle trailer hitch and that is the style that allows you to tow your motorcycle behind your vehicle or recreational vehicle.

A motorcycle trailer is specifically designed to transport your motorcycle. They attach to your vehicle using a standard ball hitch and are excellent for hauling your motorcycle over long distances or hauling a non operational motorcycle.

Some of these trailers are large enough to haul two or more motorcycles. Great for those motocross getaways. They are often open air which means just what it says. They are a platform with no sides or roof so your bikes are open to the elements.

So whether you need a motorcycle trailer hitch to tow your load behind your bike or to tow your bike behind your vehicle there’s definitely one available for you!


About The Author

Brent Martorella has been a car salesman for more than 30 years and has recommended and helped his clients to finding the right automobiles and trailers for their needs. For more information on buying the right trailer for you and your family go to http://www.trail-r.com