Hauling a dirt bike or scooter on a hitch carrier saves you the hassle of loading it into a truck bed or renting a trailer, but the wrong carrier can sway, tilt under load, or fail at the welds when you least expect it. We looked closely at how each tray handles a real bike, how steady it stays on the highway, and how easy the ramp makes loading a heavy machine by yourself.
The seven carriers below cover everyone from the casual scooter owner to the rider hauling a full-size dirt bike across the state. We focused on weight capacity, steel gauge, anti-tilt hardware, ramp design, and how well each one fits a standard 2-inch receiver. Every pick here is a carrier we would trust under our own bike.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Black Widow MCC-600 Steel Motorcycle Carrier Best Overall 600 lb capacity, steel construction, fits 2-inch receiver, includes loading ramp |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
VersaHaul VH-55 RO Steel Motorcycle Carrier Best Heavy Duty 600 lb capacity, all-welded steel, ramp-off design, made in USA |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
MaxxHaul 70271 Steel Motorcycle Carrier Best Value 500 lb capacity, steel build, fits 2-inch receiver, includes ramp |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Discount Ramps RAGE Powersports Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier Best Aluminum 450 lb capacity, aluminum construction, lightweight, fits 2-inch receiver |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Ultra-Tow Steel Motorcycle Carrier Most Durable 500 lb capacity, heavy-gauge steel, anti-tilt locking device, includes ramp |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Goplus Steel Motorcycle Carrier Best for Scooters 500 lb capacity, steel frame, foldable loading ramp, fits 2-inch receiver |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Joy Mangano Tow Tuff Steel Motorcycle Carrier Best Compact Fit 400 lb capacity, steel construction, removable ramp, fits 2-inch receiver |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Black Widow MCC-600 Steel Motorcycle Carrier: Best Overall
The Black Widow MCC-600 is the carrier we kept coming back to because it nails the basics that matter most. The 600 pound rating gives you real headroom over lighter scooters, and the steel frame did not flex or creak once we had a bike strapped into the wheel chute. The included ramp clips onto the carrier for transport, so you are never hunting for it in the garage, and the anti-tilt locking pin removes most of the up and down play that makes lesser carriers feel sketchy.
The honest weakness is weight. This is a heavy unit, and sliding it into the receiver by yourself is a two-handed wrestling match the first few times. The bare steel finish also asks for a little maintenance, since any deep scratch will start to surface rust if you leave it exposed to road salt. Neither issue is a dealbreaker, and for the value you get a carrier that feels like it will outlast the bike you put on it.
- Rated for up to 600 pounds, enough for most dirt bikes and mid-size machines
- Comes with a removable steel loading ramp that stores on the carrier
- Built-in wheel chute and anti-tilt locking pin reduce wobble on the road
Pros: Strong 600 pound rating handles heavier dirt bikes; Ramp and wheel chute make solo loading manageable; Anti-tilt pin keeps the tray steady at highway speed
Cons: Heavy enough that mounting it alone is awkward; Bare steel needs touch-up paint if you scratch it to avoid rust
2. VersaHaul VH-55 RO Steel Motorcycle Carrier: Best Heavy Duty
The VersaHaul VH-55 RO earns its heavy duty badge with a fully welded steel frame that has no bolt-together joints waiting to rattle loose. On rough back roads where other trays start to chatter, this one stayed dead quiet with a bike loaded. The long wheel channel is the standout feature for anyone hauling a full-size dirt bike, since it cradles the entire tire footprint rather than balancing the bike on a short stub of track.
What you trade for that rigidity is weight and storage hassle. This is a substantial chunk of steel, and finding a spot for it in a crowded garage takes some planning. It also sits toward the upper end of the market in terms of value, so a casual scooter owner may find it more carrier than they need. For serious haulers who want something that simply will not fail, the extra mass is the point.
- All-welded steel frame with no bolt-together joints to loosen over time
- Ramp-off design lets you roll the bike straight off the back
- Long wheel channel supports the full footprint of a large dirt bike
Pros: Welded construction is extremely rigid with no rattle; Generous wheel channel fits long-wheelbase bikes; Reputation for surviving years of heavy use
Cons: One of the heavier carriers to handle and store; Premium build means it sits at the higher end for value
3. MaxxHaul 70271 Steel Motorcycle Carrier: Best Value
The MaxxHaul 70271 is the carrier we recommend when you want the most useful capacity for the least outlay. The 500 pound rating comfortably handles scooters and small to mid-size dirt bikes, and the powder-coated finish does a noticeably better job fighting rust than the bare steel you find on some pricier trays. Assembly was quick and the instructions were clear, which is not always a given in this category.
The compromise shows up in the ramp and the receiver fit. The folding ramp is on the shorter side, so loading a tall bike creates a steeper angle than we would like and takes a confident push. There is also some play where the shank seats in the receiver, and we strongly suggest adding an anti-rattle pin to quiet it down. Address those two things and you have a carrier that punches well above its weight for everyday hauling.
- 500 pound rating covers scooters and small to mid dirt bikes
- Folding ramp stores against the carrier when not in use
- Powder-coated finish resists rust better than bare steel
Pros: Strong capacity for the value it offers; Powder-coat finish holds up to weather; Straightforward assembly with clear instructions
Cons: Ramp is shorter, so steep loading angle on tall bikes; Some play in the receiver without an anti-rattle pin
4. Discount Ramps RAGE Powersports Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier: Best Aluminum
The RAGE Powersports aluminum carrier from Discount Ramps solves the single biggest complaint about this category, which is weight. Because the frame and ramp are aluminum, one person can lift the whole thing into the receiver and hang it on a garage wall without strain. It will never rust, which makes it the smart choice if you live near the coast or drive on salted winter roads where steel carriers slowly corrode.
The honest trade-off is structural. The 450 pound rating is lower than the steel champions on this list, and under a heavier bike the aluminum flexes a bit more than rigid welded steel. That flex is well within safe limits for the loads it is rated for, but riders hauling a full-size machine should size up to a steel unit instead. For scooters, small dirt bikes, and anyone who values easy handling, the aluminum build is a genuinely smart pick.
- Aluminum frame weighs far less than comparable steel carriers
- Will not rust, ideal for coastal or salted winter roads
- Includes a matching aluminum loading ramp
Pros: Light enough to mount and store by one person; Rust-proof aluminum is great near salt and moisture; Easier on fuel economy thanks to lower weight
Cons: Lower 450 pound rating than the steel heavyweights; Aluminum can flex more under a heavy bike
5. Ultra-Tow Steel Motorcycle Carrier: Most Durable
The Ultra-Tow steel carrier is the one to buy if durability is your top priority and you do not mind the extra heft that comes with it. The heavy-gauge steel feels overbuilt for its 500 pound rating, which is exactly what you want in a part that holds your bike inches above the pavement at speed. The included anti-tilt locking device clamps down on hitch play, and the wide wheel chute grips the front tire so strapping the bike is quick and predictable.
Durability has a cost, and here it is weight. This carrier is heavier than others with the same rating, so mounting and storage take a bit more muscle. We also noticed the finish tends to chip first at the welds, where a dab of paint now will save you rust later. Those are minor gripes against a carrier that genuinely feels like it could be passed down to the next bike owner.
- Heavy-gauge steel frame built to take repeated abuse
- Anti-tilt locking device clamps out hitch play
- Wide wheel chute holds the front tire firmly in place
Pros: Thick steel feels overbuilt for the load; Anti-tilt device noticeably reduces road wobble; Secure wheel chute simplifies strapping down
Cons: Heavier than average for its capacity; Finish can chip at the welds over time
6. Goplus Steel Motorcycle Carrier: Best for Scooters
The Goplus steel carrier is the pick we hand to scooter and moped owners who want a complete kit without overthinking it. The tray is sized for smaller machines, so it is easier to handle and store than the big dirt bike haulers, and the box includes the ramp, anti-tilt pin, and tie-down straps you need to get rolling the same day. For a light scooter, the 500 pound rating leaves plenty of margin.
The limitation is in the details. The wheel track is shorter than what a long-wheelbase dirt bike wants, so it feels cramped under a full-size machine even if the weight rating allows it. The included hardware also sits a notch below the premium brands, and we would replace the straps with name-brand ratchets for reassurance. Keep it to scooters and small bikes and it does its job well for the value.
- Compact tray sized well for scooters and mopeds
- Foldable ramp tucks away to save storage space
- Anti-tilt pin and safety straps included in the box
Pros: Compact size is easy to handle and store; Complete kit with ramp, pin, and straps; Good fit for lighter scooters and mopeds
Cons: Shorter wheel track is tight for long dirt bikes; Hardware quality is a step below the premium brands
7. Joy Mangano Tow Tuff Steel Motorcycle Carrier: Best Compact Fit
The Tow Tuff steel carrier is built for riders whose tow vehicle is a crossover or smaller SUV rather than a full-size truck. Its lower-profile tray and lighter footprint make it far easier to fit and live with on a modest vehicle, and the removable ramp lifts right off to store flat in a trunk or against a wall. The pre-drilled holes for a license plate bracket are a thoughtful touch that keeps you legal without drilling into the frame yourself.
The clear weakness is capacity. At 400 pounds, this is the lightest-rated carrier on our list, so it is strictly for scooters and small bikes, not heavy dirt machines. The anti-tilt control is also fairly basic, and you will feel a little more sway on the highway than the locking-pin carriers deliver. Match it to a light bike and a smaller vehicle, though, and it is a tidy, practical choice that does not overwhelm your setup.
- Lower-profile tray fits smaller vehicles and crossovers
- Removable ramp lifts off for compact storage
- Pre-drilled holes make adding a license plate bracket easy
Pros: Compact footprint suits crossovers and smaller tow vehicles; Removable ramp stores flat in a trunk or garage; Simple, no-nonsense assembly
Cons: 400 pound rating is the lowest on this list; Basic anti-tilt control allows some road sway
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hitch receiver do I need for a motorcycle carrier?
Almost every motorcycle carrier on this list is built for a standard 2-inch hitch receiver, which is the most common size on trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. A 1.25-inch receiver is generally too light for the leverage a loaded bike puts on the hitch, so manufacturers rarely rate carriers for it. Just as important as the receiver size is your hitch class rating. Check that your hitch is rated for the combined weight of the carrier plus your bike, and remember that tongue weight is the figure that matters here, not towing capacity.
How much weight can a hitch motorcycle carrier hold?
The carriers here range from about 400 to 600 pounds of capacity. Steel heavy-duty models like the Black Widow and VersaHaul top out around 600 pounds, which covers most full-size dirt bikes, while aluminum and compact units sit closer to 400 to 450 pounds and are best for scooters and small bikes. Always confirm two numbers: the carrier rating and your hitch tongue weight rating. The lower of those two is your real limit, and you should never load right up to the edge of it.
Do hitch motorcycle carriers cause sway or tilt on the highway?
Any hitch-mounted load will move a little because receivers have built-in play, but a good carrier minimizes it. The single biggest upgrade is an anti-tilt locking pin or clamping device, which tightens the connection between the shank and the receiver so the carrier cannot rock up and down. Carriers like the Black Widow and Ultra-Tow include this hardware, and on units that do not, a separate anti-rattle hitch pin makes a noticeable difference. Strapping the bike low and tight with quality ratchet straps further reduces sway.
Can I load a dirt bike onto a hitch carrier by myself?
Yes, and it is one of the main reasons people choose a hitch carrier over a truck bed. The key is the ramp and the wheel chute. A longer ramp gives you a gentler angle, and a deep wheel chute catches and holds the front tire so the bike does not roll once it is up. Engage the engine kill switch, use a steady push rather than a running start, and consider a wheel strap or chock to keep the bike upright while you secure the rest. For very heavy machines, having a second person spot you is still the safest approach.
Are steel or aluminum motorcycle carriers better?
It depends on your priorities. Steel carriers are stronger, more rigid, and usually rated for heavier bikes, which makes them the better choice for full-size dirt machines and frequent heavy use. The downside is weight, which makes mounting and storage harder, and the risk of rust if the finish gets scratched. Aluminum carriers will never rust and are light enough for one person to handle easily, which is ideal near the coast or on salted roads, but they carry lower weight ratings and can flex more under a heavy load. Match the material to the bike you actually haul.
Our Verdict
For most riders, the Black Widow MCC-600 is our top pick because it blends a true 600 pound capacity, a smart wheel chute and ramp, and an anti-tilt pin that keeps the bike steady at speed, all at a value that is hard to argue with. If you haul a full-size dirt bike hard and want a carrier that simply will not flinch, the fully welded VersaHaul VH-55 RO is the runner up worth the upgrade. Whichever you choose, match the carrier rating and your hitch tongue weight to the bike you actually ride, and you will haul with confidence.
More Towing Guides
Video Guide
Video: Related tutorial from YouTube