Well now, you wanna haul a motorcycle with your Jeep, huh? It ain’t rocket science, but gotta do it right, or you’ll be in a heap of trouble. I’ve seen some things, let me tell ya. So listen up.
First thing’s first, think about what kinda bike you got. A little putt-putt scooter is different than a big hog, you know? And how far you goin’? Just down the road or clear across the county? Makes a difference, it does.
Now, the safest way, and the way I like best, is usin’ a trailer.
- You got them fancy trailers made just for bikes, all strapped down and secure. Real nice.
- Or you can get a regular ol’ utility trailer, as long as it’s big enough and strong enough. Make sure the bike fits, and you got good tie-downs. Don’t want that thing bouncing around, no sir.
Trailers are good ‘cause they keep all the weight off your Jeep, mostly. Just gotta make sure your Jeep can handle pullin’ it, you hear? Check that hitch, make sure it’s rated for the weight. Don’t wanna go rippin’ that thing off, now do ya?
Another way, if you got a smaller bike, is one of them hitch carriers.
These things stick right into your hitch, kinda like a big ol’ arm sticking out the back. The bike sits up on that arm, all strapped in. Now, these are handy, I’ll give ‘em that. Easy to hook up, don’t take up much space.
But gotta be careful, real careful. That bike hangin’ way out back, it puts a lot of strain on your hitch. And you gotta make sure your Jeep can handle that weight, especially the tongue weight. That’s the weight pushin’ down on the hitch. Too much, and you’ll be draggin’ your bumper on the ground.
And listen here, you gotta think about the weight of that bike, and the carrier too! Don’t just guess, look it up! The hitch has a weight limit, and you don’t wanna go over it, no sir. I heard of a fella once, overloaded his hitch, and that bike came right off, smashed all to pieces. Lucky nobody got hurt.
Some folks, they talk about tow dollies. You know, them things with two wheels that lift the front or back tire of the bike off the ground. Me, I ain’t so sure about them. Seems like a lot of fussin’ around, gettin’ that bike strapped down just right. And if you don’t do it right, that bike can wobble all over the place. I’d stick to a trailer or a carrier, myself.
Now, whatever way you choose, you gotta make sure everything’s tight and secure. Check them straps, check them chains, check everything twice, maybe three times. You don’t want that bike comin’ loose on the highway, do ya? Cause a whole lotta trouble, that would.
And don’t forget about your lights! Make sure them trailer lights are workin’, or them folks behind ya won’t see ya brakin’. And that’s a recipe for a disaster, I tell ya. So check them lights, make sure they’re bright and blinkin’ like they should.
So there ya have it. Trailers are the best, safest way. Carriers are good for smaller bikes, but watch that weight. And whatever you do, make sure everything’s strapped down tight and your lights are workin’. And take it slow, no need to rush. Better to get there late than not at all, that’s what I always say.
And one more thing, before I forget. Practice makes perfect. If you ain’t never hauled a bike before, maybe try it out in a big empty parking lot first. Get the feel of it, you know? Better to learn there than on the highway.
Hauling a motorcycle ain’t hard, but you gotta be smart about it. Take your time, do it right, and you’ll be just fine. Now go on, get that bike where it needs to go.
Tags: motorcycle hauling, jeep towing, motorcycle trailer, hitch carrier, motorcycle transport, safe towing, jeep wrangler, motorcycle safety, towing tips, trailer hitch
