Smaller SUVs with Class III hitch

[OVerLoRDI]

Been getting into motorcycle track days a little bit, and by a little bit I mean I've done 10 in the last 2 months. I'm getting really sick of riding my bike back and forth to the track. For the foreseeable future I'll be stuck in SF without a place to store a trailer. So I'm looking into smaller SUVs that can handle a Class III hitch so I can use one of these carriers:

http://www.mototote.com/mototote-mtx-sport-motorcycle-carrier.html

The best vehicle I've found so far is the Jeep Liberty (KJ) CRD from 05-06, but they are a bit rare. Anyone have some other suggestions or know of some awesome website/database that lets you filter by hitch/tongue weight?

 

[NutBucket]

Maybe an Xterra? Wrangler? FJ40? I'd guess you'd need to find one with a real frame.

 

[drnickriviera]

No way to use something like a kendon fold up trailer?

 

[OVerLoRDI]

No way to use something like a kendon fold up trailer?

Sadly not really, my current living situation (which won't be changing for at least 1-2 years) doesn't provide me with a real garage. I have a corner of a small garage that I can fit motorcycles in, but getting one of those fold up trailers in and out would be a feat of strength. That's why I'm looking at those hitch carriers because they typically weigh 60-100 pounds, I can move that and store it.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Beater S-10 or other compact truck with a ramp and tie downs to put it in the bed?

 

[Triumph]

Uhaul rents motorcycle trailers for $15 a day. Do that instead of buying a whole new car or dealing with a trailer that you have to register, store, and maintain.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Uhaul rents motorcycle trailers for $15 a day. Do that instead of buying a whole new car or dealing with a trailer that you have to register, store, and maintain.

Not a bad idea and that would be my first choice, but my biggest issue is the logistics of doing that in San Francisco. It would look like this:

(Day before)
Go rent the trailer during business hours, Drive it home (with no where to park a vehicle of car + trailer length), mount bike, drive to track (55mph), camp,

(Day of)
unmount, ride, remount, camp again (I'd get home from the track after Uhaul closed)

(Day after)
drive home (55mph), unload bikes at home (with no where to park again), return trailer.

Or, w/compact SUV and tongue weight of 500 pounds

(Day of)
Mount, drive to track (65mph), unmount, ride, remount, drive home, unmount

Plus, it is kinda time for a new car. The Camry is pushing 20 years old and is surprisingly 190 inches long, making parking challenging at times. Most compact SUVs are around 175 inches and would make the wife happy.

 

[Triumph]

i hate those hitch mounted bike racks. they always look like they're going to bust.
don't be this guy.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Is there a particular reason you want to mount the whole thing on the back hitch instead of just the front wheel?

Lighter, easier to stow when you're not using it, and can probably get away with a Class I hitch.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Is there a particular reason you want to mount the whole thing on the back hitch instead of just the front wheel?

Lighter, easier to stow when you're not using it, and can probably get away with a Class I hitch.

That could possibly work, my initial thought was to preserve tires. Although, I do have a spare rear wheel, I could put some high mileage tire on it and it would last quite a while. I'll do some research into those types of hitches, could be a good temporarily solution for a year or so until I can move.

 

[jlee]

That could possibly work, my initial thought was to preserve tires. Although, I do have a spare rear wheel, I could put some high mileage tire on it and it would last quite a while. I'll do some research into those types of hitches, could be a good temporarily solution for a year or so until I can move.

Without any acceleration or braking load, the tire may not wear as quickly as you'd expect.

 

[NutBucket]

Agreed. Just some extra bearing wear.

 

[Scarpozzi]

You can probably get any SUV and have a class III added. The real issue with adding a class III hitch is 2 things....ground clearance when the tongue weight is too great (makes stuff drag) or transmission wear. Hauling a bike probably won't cause either of those issues....unless it's a big bike and you're going straight up a mountain.

Transmission coolers and spring jacks can help...like I said...most of those bikes are under 600 lbs.

Honestly though, I don't like the hauler. I'd probably get a low-boy trailer and make a bracket to hold the bike upright....then use ratchet straps. It has better resale value and would come in handy if you don't own a truck or want to haul yard equipment...