As fun and exhilarating as riding your dirt bike can be – that’s why you bought it – the unfortunate truth is that you can’t ride it everywhere. There are going to be times when you need to use a different method to get your bike from point A to point B. For example, if you’re moving or going on a long trip somewhere, you’re probably going to need more packing space than your bike can offer.
There are plenty of ways of transporting your dirt bike without actually riding it, but a lot of those ways aren’t exactly safe for your precious bike. The best option is to use a dirt bike hitch carrier. If you’re looking for a reliable way to bring your bike with you on your big trip or move, then you’ll need to get a good hitch carrier for the back of your car, and we want to help you do just that.
Carry on reading to see our full list of the best dirt bike hitch carriers, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.
What Should You Look For in a Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier?
First time buying a hitch carrier for your dirt bike? You might not know what to look for. But don’t worry, we want you to feel as prepared as possible, and we want you to understand how we picked the hitch carriers on our list. This way, you’ll be more informed and ready to make your own decisions, and if you don’t like any of the products on our list, you can do your own further research and find the hitch carrier that’s perfect for your needs.
Criteria #1: Load Strength – Dirt bikes tend to be pretty heavy, and your hitch carrier needs to be able to support a lot of weight. You probably don’t want to cut it close either; if your bike weighs 200 pounds, you don’t want a hitch carrier that can hold exactly 200 pounds. Everything else being equal, it’s a pretty straightforward case of “more is better.” We want to help you find the strongest dirt bike hitch carrier that money can buy.
Criteria #2: Durability – Anything that’s just hanging on the back of your vehicle is going to take some abuse. Whether it’s from potholes and poorly paved roads or the occasional fender bender, hitch carriers don’t exactly have a luxurious job, and the hits will inevitably come. We want to make sure your hitch dirt bike hitch carrier can handle those hits, and we’re looking for a product with a long “shelf life”. If you’re spending your hard-earned money on a good hitch carrier, we want to make sure it lasts more than one or two trips.
Criteria #3: Ease of use – Not everyone is a professional mechanic, and that’s okay. Every hitch carrier is designed a little differently, and we want to find the ones that are easiest to use and accessible for beginners. Depending on how handy you are with tools, and how much experience you have with hitch carriers, this criterion might not be so important to you. But if you’ve never set up a hitch carrier before, you probably want something that’s relatively easy to set up. We’re going to help you find an easy-to-use hitch carrier that won’t force you to ask your brother-in-law for help.
Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well. All of that being said, while you should be ready to spend more than a few hundred dollars on your new dirt bike hitch carrier, you don’t have to expect to pay an arm and a leg.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Dirt Bike Hitch Carriers
We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best dirt bike hitch carriers” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We’ll also make sure to include a wide variety of products that covers different niches and price points. This way, everyone can find the perfect product that will satisfy their needs and their budget.
And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best dirt bike hitch carriers on the market.
#1: Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier (Best Value – All-Purpose)
You’ll learn very quickly that – when it comes to motorcycle hitch carriers – there’s Black Widow, and there’s everyone else. That should make it no surprise that the best dirt bike hitch carrier on our list is a Black Widow product. The Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier has just about everything you can ask for, and it comes at an affordable price that will leave you wondering, “What’s the catch?” Don’t worry though, this motorcycle hitch carrier is the real deal, and there’s no catch.
The Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is made from heavy-duty steel that will be able to take more than its fair share of bumps and bruises, and our top-ranked motorcycle hitch carrier boasts a maximum carrying the weight of 400 pounds. Since, as per dirtbikeplanet.com, the average adult-sized dirt bike weighs about 215 pounds, you can be pretty sure that the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier will leave you more than covered, and you can be on your way without any doubt in regards to the security of either your dirt bike or its hitch carrier.
The Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is designed for “bikes with wheels up to 5.5″ wide, including electric bikes and fat tire bikes,” and it’s compatible with class III and IV receivers. If you’re not sure what that means, don’t worry, we’ll explain it later on. As far as design goes, this Black Widow motorcycle hitch carrier features an incredibly user-friendly design that includes a simple ramp to help you slide your dirt bike onto the hitch carrier. When you’re done with the ramp, you can easily attach it to your hitch carrier for convenient storage. And for extra security, our go-to hitch carrier boasts an anti-tilt locking device.
As we mentioned earlier, the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier has one of the most competitive prices on the market. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a similarly-priced motorcycle hitch carrier anywhere, and if you’re expecting this level of quality, well then, just forget about it. Finally, for just a few extra bucks, you can make sure that your Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is covered by a warranty of up to three years.
Almost every list of the best motorcycle hitch carriers will feature multiple Black Widow products, and it’s pretty easy to see why. They really are the best in the business. And the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is their quintessential motorcycle hitch carrier. This hitch carrier is the full package, and it was an easy choice as our best dirt bike hitch carrier.
#2: Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier (Best Overall)
We told you to get used to the name “Black Widow.” The second motorcycle hitch carrier on our list comes from the same company as our best value dirt bike hitch carrier, and (spoiler alert!) this won’t be the last you see of Black Widow. While the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier may be the best product for most customers – and it’s certainly the best hitch carrier compared to its price – but plenty of riders will prefer the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier. It costs a bit (okay, a lot) more, but you’ll soon see that this premium-grade hitch carrier is worth every penny. If you’re the type of customer who’s willing to splurge for the best product out there, then the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier is calling your name. Keep reading to find out why it’s worth breaking the bank for this Black Widow motorcycle hitch carrier.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Two-Bike Support
Two is better than one, that’s just simple math. If you have a good friend or significant other who doubles as your go-to riding partner, then you’ll definitely want to make sure your car is equipped with the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier. As the name implies, this motorcycle hitch carrier can hold two dirt bikes, so you’re getting two motorcycle hitch carriers for the price of one! Now that’s a pretty hard deal to pass on. The Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier will let you save some money on gas by leaving one car in the garage, and you’ll still have room for everyone’s dirt bike or motorcycle. If you understand that riding is a group activity, then the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier is the right motorcycle hitch carrier for you.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product: More Support Than You’ll Need
It stands to reason that a hitch carrier designed for two bikes at once would have some extra strength to it, but Black Widow really went above and beyond with their double hitch carrier. The Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier has a carrying capacity of 600 pounds, and if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that the average bike weighs 213 pounds. That means that even if both of your bikes are almost 100 pounds heavier than average, you’ll still be able to hold both of them with the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier. You’d pretty much have to try to go over the weight limit of this amazing Black Widow hitch carrier.
On top of the double bike design and the amazing weight limit, the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier features an anti-tilt locking device to keep your bikes as safe as possible, and it comes with the same loading ramp as our previous Black Widow hitch carrier. Since there’s only one loading ramp, you and your partner will have to take turns loading and unloading your bikes, but that’s hardly a noteworthy flaw.
Just like the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier, our second hitch carrier gives you the option of paying extra for a warranty, though the warranty is more expensive than that of our first product. If you don’t need the extra bike space, then there’s no reason to buy the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier, and the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is the right motorcycle hitch carrier for you. But if you want to easily travel and ride with a partner, then the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier is hands down the best motorcycle hitch carrier out there. It’s more than worth it to bust out your credit card for this double dirt bike carrier.
#3: Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier (Most User-Friendly)
Yet another heavy-duty hitch carrier from Black Widow. If you really just need a hitch carrier that’s as easy to use as possible, then the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier is the best motorcycle hitch carrier for you, and it’s not particularly close. While both the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier and the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier come with a separate loading ramp that can be easily stored on the hitch carrier, the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier simply cuts out all the middle steps. Holding true to the “tilt-a-rack” part of its name, the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier lets you easily tilt the rack downwards to load or unload your dirt bike as quickly and easily as possible. You barely even need to know what a screwdriver is to use this hitch mount carrier.
Just in case you were worrying that the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier is a one-trick pony, this bad boy boasts a carrying capacity of up to 600 pounds. With room for only one bike on this hitch, I really don’t think it’s possible to go over the weight limit of the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier. Of course, if you agree, you can opt for a slightly cheaper model of this product that “only” supports 400 pounds, which is still double the average dirt bike weight. You definitely are not limited to a lightweight dirt bike with the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier.
Though it’s a bit pricey – it’s much closer to Black Widow’s double-bike hitch carrier than their standard single-bike model – the accessibility of the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier might just be too tempting for a lot of customers. If you’re a die-hard dirt bike rider who’s not so great with tools, this just might be the best motorcycle hitch carrier for you. Of course, the wobble-proof design and the high carrying capacity might entice some customers as well. If you appreciate user-friendly and you don’t mind paying a few extra bucks for a great product, then go ahead and buy the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier. Traveling with your dirt bike has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions? Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for. We know that not everyone is a certified expert on hitch carriers, and we want to make sure that all of your questions are answered before we send you on your way. After all, it’s our job to make sure that you feel you’ve understood everything we’ve said in this article, and that you feel comfortable conducting your own further research if we couldn’t help you find the hitch mount carrier of your dreams. That’s why we made sure to cap off our article with this FAQ section. We can’t promise that your question will be covered – we do not mind readers, unfortunately – but we tried our best, and we hope that in just a few short paragraphs you’ll feel so confident in your hitch carrier knowledge that you’re helping your friends pick out dirt bike carriers of their own.
What Are the Different Classes of Hitch Carrier?
Pretty simple, the class of a hitch carrier signals how strong it is. Of course, the class of your hitch carrier also changes what type of receiver you’ll need to attach it to the back of your vehicle. Only certain classes of hitch carriers will be compatible with your vehicle, so it’s very important to double-check what classes your car or truck accepts.
As far as weight goes, Class, I can handle the least weight – this class is really only intended for kayaks and other light objects – while Class V can handle the most. If you remember, most of the products on our list are compatible with classes III and IV, which is what you’ll need for most dirt bikes. The unfortunate reality is that if your car isn’t compatible with Class III or IV hitches, you’ll need to find another way to transport your dirt bike.
Why Would I Use A Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier Instead of a Trailer?
Since a trailer offers more room than a hitch carrier, you may be wondering why you’d decide to opt for a hitch carrier. There are a few reasons, though it will come down to a pros and cons situation when all is said and done. Hitch carriers are both smaller and cheaper than trailers, and they’re also more secure.
Since your bike isn’t completely locked in on a trailer, you run the risk that your bike will get knocked over and take some damage. Of course, there’s also always the risk that a particularly intense storm or something else may even knock your trailer over, and you definitely don’t want that. Plus, it’s much more annoying to store a bulky trailer in the off-season than it is to put away a small hitch carrier.
Can I Use my Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier for Different Types of Bikes?
Since the most important factor with any hitch is whether or not you’re under the weight limit, you can definitely load different types of bikes onto your dirt bike carrier. Of course, when loading a different motorcycle or a bicycle onto your hitch carrier, you should probably be extra careful that it’s fastened in properly. Whenever ever you’re using a product in a way outside of its intended use, you’ll want to be extra careful.
Finally, if you already have a dirt bike carrier then it may be convenient to transport your bicycle on it, but buying a dirt bike carrier for an old-fashioned two-wheeler is quite frankly a waste of money. You can buy a hitch carrier specifically designed for lighter bicycles for a fraction of the price of any of the products on our list. If you don’t need the extra space and carrying capacity that trailers offer, then you’re better off being nicer to your bike and buying a compact, cheap, and convenient hitch carrier.
Verdict: Your Best Dirt Bike Hitch Carriers
We’re reaching the end of our list, and you’re hopefully starting to get a good idea of which of our products is best for you. But if you haven’t made up your mind yet, not to worry. We don’t want to rush you, and we know how important it is to make sure you’re getting the dirt bike hitch carrier that’s perfect for you. That’s why we’re going to recap all of our dirt bike hitch carriers and focus on their standout features. This way, you’ll be able to see the highlights and really know what each product has to offer for you.
If you want the best value for your money, pick the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier.
It’s pretty hard to give a reason why the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier isn’t the best dirt bike hitch carrier out there. This incredible dirt bike carrier boasts a carrying capacity of 400 pounds, a heavy-duty steel frame, and a convenient loading ramp that’s easy to use and even easier to store. And we didn’t even mention the amazing price yet or the fantastic warranty options. There are no two ways about it; the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is just the best value out there amongst hitch carriers.
So if you’re the kind of customer that wants to make sure that you’re getting every penny’s worth of what you pay for, the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is one of the best motorcycle hitch carriers you’ll find. This Black Widow product should be the first hitch carrier any riding enthusiast checks out.
If you need to load two bikes at once, pick the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier.
Sometimes one just isn’t enough. Maybe you have a significant other or a friend that you like to ride with, maybe you’re trying to introduce someone to the amazing world of dirt bikes, or maybe you just have two dirt bikes and you to be able to transport both of them. Whatever your reason is for needing a double-rack hitch carrier, you won’t find anything better than the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier.
With its loading ramp, its two racks, and its carrying capacity of 600 pounds, there’s just nothing to complain about with this Black Widow product. Well…maybe the price, but this hitch carrier is worth every penny. Black Widow is the best hitch carrier manufacturer out there, and the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier is their best product. Don’t you want the best of the best?
If you want the most user-friendly hitch carrier, pick the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier.
If you’re new to hitch carriers you shouldn’t be expected to fumble around with confusing equipment. Or maybe you’re an expert who just appreciates a well-designed and easy-to-use product. Either way, anyone who’s looking for a good design and a streamlined experience will love the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier. And a nice little side-benefit of this super simple hitch carrier is its high weight limit. Just beware of the price. But if simplicity is key for you, then go ahead and buy the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier.
That about wraps it up, we’ve shown you the three best hitch carriers on the market, and we hope that at least one of them is the right choice for you. Remember, each one of our hitch carriers has a defining trait that sets it apart from the crowd, and that’s what you’ll want to focus on when making your decision. If you think about what you need before splitting hairs, you could really speed up the buying process.
If you want a cheap and reliable option, go with the Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier. If you need to transport two dirt bikes at once, buy the Black Widow Aluminum Double Motorcycle Carrier. If you want something easy to use, then get the Tilt-A-Rack Aluminum Tilting Motorcycle Carrier. If none of these hitch carriers are quite what you’re looking for, head to Google and find exactly what you’re looking for.
That’s all for now. We hope our list helped you find the perfect hitch carrier, and we hope you enjoy your travels!
