Harbor Freight rack

[Quadjeeper]

Loaded my 125 on a Harbor Freight rack to see how it looked. Didn't tie it down much just for a look see. Will use 8 straps for taking it down the road. Does wobble a good bit even with tighteners in place. I do have to use a 12 inch extension to clear the spare. That also adds extra wobble. May try to add straps to reduce that some.

 

[AZ7000']

Rack and bike around 300#’s. Double that (at least) with your 12” extension, what is your hitch rated at?

 

[Quadjeeper]

Rack and bike around 300#’s. Double that (at least) with your 12” extension, what is your hitch rated at?

350# tongue officially. However and this is from a friend in Jeep 392 engineering and development, the JL frame and factory hitch assembly is rated for 500 tongue and 5000# gross but is derated for the the 392 due to stability tests and also on the pre '24 due to rear axle rating. Show me the specs for "doubling" with the 12" extension. Yes I'll agree it is added leverage but nothing approaching the leverage my 3500# loaded trailer puts on it. And it is at limit spec.

 

[NMCoyote]

Get a small trailer, That set up is kinda spooky. I have a Jeep and thought about one of those for about two seconds, not worth the risk in my opinion. They make a small aluminum trailer that folds for storage if you don’t have the room to store it.

 

[oldskool]

Rack and bike around 300#’s. Double that (at least) with your 12” extension, what is your hitch rated at?

Ya you have to wonder what an unexpected dip or pot hole at 70 mph will do with that extension..more to it than weight..something to do with leverage and shock loads...... Probably a moot point if it was me driving as I would end up in a ditch or worse because I would be staring at the rear view mirror watching the bike buck bounce and twist

 

[Quadjeeper]

Get a small trailer, That set up is kinda spooky. I have a Jeep and thought about one of those for about two seconds, not worth the risk in my opinion. They make a small aluminum trailer that folds for storage if you don’t have the room to store it.

I have a motorcycle trailer. Selling it. I have studied and researched this, with the reinforcements I have done to the frame and hitch area, I'm good. I previously ordered a shorter extension, just hasn't arrived yet.

 

[SneakyDingo]

Looking at the responses, it's obvious you're hard committing to this setup. So based on that, I'm gonna add three things.

1. It never hurt anyone to have an abundance of good luck with towing their vehicle. Good luck.
2. Please don't add to the horror stories we have on the forum for bikes dragging behind vehicles. The last one caused me physical pain reading it.
3. If you read that thread, you'll know the guy had a really tough time with insurance. So like... before you venture out, please check your coverage or accept your fate.

Good luck!

 

[m in sc]

oh, hell no id never run that. the hitch isn't the issue, its that extension. no bueno. good luck.

 

[Quadjeeper]

oh, hell no id never run that. the hitch isn't the issue, its that extension. no bueno. good luck.

Just so everyone knows, I do have a 6 inch extension ordered that is rated for flat towing a vehicle behind a motorhome. AND I have reinforced the rear frame and hitch cross bar. Thanks for all of the concern.

 

[JPMcGraw]

How's the quality on the front basket? I have been looking at it for a while to put small stuff in like a water bottle or an insulated lunch bag for when i get to-go food so i don't have to take my backpack. I'm almost certain its perfect burrito size. I just haven't bought it because i'm really good at talking myself out of stuff.

 

[Quadjeeper]

How's the quality on the front basket? I have been looking at it for a while to put small stuff in like a water bottle or an insulated lunch bag for when i get to-go food so i don't have to take my backpack. I'm almost certain its perfect burrito size. I just haven't bought it because i'm really good at talking myself out of stuff.

Good solid basket. Had a good black finish on it but I wanted it to match. Hardware correct too.

 

[RedRyder]

I sprung for the MotoTote. The Harbor Freight was too sketchy for me. I managed to get it at a good time on sale for about $100 off retail. The hitch has an anti-wobble connection that works very well. The tongue weight on the Kia is 350lbs. Combined, the hitch and Trail come out to a little over 300lbs. 6-point tie down.

 

[Quadjeeper]

View attachment 7487

I sprung for the MotoTote. The Harbor Freight was too sketchy for me. I managed to get it at a good time on sale for about $100 off retail. The hitch has an anti-wobble connection that works very well. The tongue weight on the Kia is 350lbs. Combined, the hitch and Trail come out to a little over 300lbs. 6-point tie down.

I put aux. lights on my rack as the vehicle lights were blocked a good bit. Looks like you may consider that as well.

 

[RedRyder]

I put aux. lights on my rack as the vehicle lights were blocked a good bit. Looks like you may consider that as well.

A wise suggestion. Thanks.

 

[ROGER4314]

I looked at that cycle rack and even decided to buy one but they were out of stock. I have a small Ford Ranger truck, but couldn't load the CT 125 in the bed by myself. Sorry to hear that it wobbles a lot. I may reconsider the purchase.

Flash

 

[oldskool]

I looked at that cycle rack and even decided to buy one but they were out of stock. I have a small Ford Ranger truck, but couldn't load the CT 125 in the bed by myself. Sorry to hear that it wobbles a lot. I may reconsider the purchase.

Flash

Why not get a set of ramps so you can load it into the bed of the truck? Very handy to have around anyway.

 

[ShieldArc]

Loaded my 125 on a Harbor Freight rack to see how it looked. Didn't tie it down much just for a look see. Will use 8 straps for taking it down the road. Does wobble a good bit even with tighteners in place. I do have to use a 12 inch extension to clear the spare. That also adds extra wobble. May try to add straps to reduce that some.View attachment 7464View attachment 7465View attachment 7466

I think you need to remove the spare while hauling the Honda.

 

[Quadjeeper]

I think you need to remove the spare while hauling the Honda.

Then I'd just leave the Jeep home and drive something else.

 

[Plotus]

The obvious drawback is the leverage force twisting down just past the reciever.

 

[Quadjeeper]

The obvious drawback is the leverage force twisting down just past the reciever.

Well with the short extension I have on order, the connection point will be where my hitch ball is when I'm towing my 3500# camper with approx. 350# tongue weight. That is with a slightly longer than normal ball mount. I'm thinking that the camper exerts a good bit more force than the bike and rack.