In such situations, your only shot is to call the motorcycle towing service or use your friends motorcycle to your advantage. It is completely legal to tow a motorcycle with a car if you follow all the towing rules and regulations. It is usually indicated in the manual or on the drivers door. There are multiple ways to tow a motorcycle. Thats way better than adding an extra 250-300 pounds for a whole towing trailer. Youll want to make sure that you use the smallest possible trailer to haul your motorcycle is you are using a sedan to tow it, not a truck. mcparadise September 7, 2008, 2:16am #6 I'd put it on a trailer or in the bed of a pickup. The next option and perhaps the safest one is using a trailer to tow your motorcycle. The Tandem Tow ST is the workhorse of our product line. Motorcycle carriers are a good method of towing a single motorcycle on a regular basis. Remember, the weight of your trailer shouldbeaddedinwhencalculatinghowmuchyourcaristowing. How Much Is A Motorcycle? It may end up overheating the engine or causing undue stresses to your chassis. Most hitches will come with all the hardware you need as well as the instructions to properly install this specific item. How to load your vehicle on a Tandem Tow Dolly and Safety Check. These cradles allow safe passage for motorcycles across roads. As you can see, youll need to use a lot of ratchet straps. Include the total weight of the passengers and cargo you intend to transport at the same time. Every car has an engine that is designed to provide adequate amounts of power and torque to move a particular weight. The only aim is to stabilize the front wheel and restrict its movement while avoiding contact from the road. To do so, the motorcycle must be neutral to avoid any issues on the road. Must weigh at least 750 lbs. To secure the bike, youll first need to pull down the kickstand to keep the bike from falling. The tow bar slides into your car's hitch receiver. You can get the fancy ones online or in a motorcycle store. At the top of the slideshow, our most capable vehicle offers 13,400 pounds of towing capacity. The biggest reason I love the idea of a motorcycle tow dolly is its weight. So, how to tow a motorcycle? But in some cases, a wheel chock can also be attached to the trailer hitch on a vehicle, for the same effect. How do you tow a motorcycle with a car on your own? You can also rent small enclosed trailers if your transportation needs are infrequent. If you have a lot of extra gear on your motorcycle, consider slimming down and taking all that extra stuff off to make things a little easier for your car. You cant learn how to tow a motorcycle with a car without knowing these three popular towing methods: Perhaps, one of the easiest ways to tow your motorcycle is with a towing trailer. If you dont want to attach the ratchet straps directly to the bike, you can make a loose loop using a soft strap and attach the strap to it. Is It Necessary to Have Moped Insurance? However, did you know that you can get one for your motorcycle as well?! Before making the purchase, verify if the hitch of your choice is compatible with the vehicle you own. Once the wedge is secured under the wheel, one end of the strap is attached to the wheel chock and the other to the towing vehicle in front. Thanks for looking!..p988-8x12. This is not the time to find out that your brakes are going out or that your brake pads are wearing thin. The general rule is that you need 80 lb-ft of torque for every ton you tow. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Your motorcycle may have broken down and you want to take it to the repair shop, or you want to take your motorcycle to a track, or an off-road trail. If you have a pickup, you might not need anything else, given that your trucks bed is big enough for your motorcycle. Every state has different rules for towing, so be aware of that before heading to the expressway. If you are towing using a tow dolly, then you must ensure that the vehicle behind you has a clear idea of where your motorcycle ends. Stopping it being one of the biggest concerns, you can tow a heavier and bigger trailer with a trike or a car. You can easily find the hitch thats compatible with your car online. Then, you need to know the weight of the car or . To tow the motorcycle, youll need a towing vehicle. You can also try using a weigh station found off the side of the freeway. Can I Use a Motorcycle Carrier with a Car? Click here to see my article for more information. Cars can tow motorcycles if the bike is secured to a trailer that the vehicle pulls. If you dont have a truck or SUV, you may be caught in a pickle, wondering if you can tow your motorcycle with the car that you do have. Now that you know how to tow your motorcycle, theres no time to waste. Drivers can tow a motorcycle with a car if they follow all rules and regulations. Expedition Bee is a blog for motorcyclists and riders, who are searching for tips & tricks and products to make their experience great, here we review different kinds of products related to Motorcycling. This will affect the weight of the trailer that you plan to use for your trip. Our staff at Pippin Towing & Recovery are ready to take your phone call at 636-937-0797. This can make a huge difference in the handling aspects of your car. As long as everything is tied down correctly, you should have no problem towing a motorcycle with a hitch carrier. If the route you plan on taking has a lot of inclines and steep roads, increase the safety margin to accommodate for reduced braking and engine performance. The general rule is that you need 80 lb-ft of torque for every ton you tow. gross towing weight and 200 lbs. A motorcycle carrier is a raised steel platform that attaches to the hitch. They also require drivers license certifications and additional registrations depending on the length of the trailer. You will love it! If your bike weighs less than that, this third option for towing might work in your situation. But many laws allow towing motorcycles with a trailer behind a car, provided the vehicle can handle the weight. (When Buying Used), 10 Best Motorcycle Grips (Reviewed & Compared For Comfort), How To Tow A Motorcycle (Safely With & Without A Car), Cruiser Vs Touring Motorcycle (Which One Should You Buy? Though its a bit time consuming, its totally worth saving the money. In your owners manual, you should be able to look up the towing capacity of your vehicle. Is It Legal to Tow a Motorcycle with a Car? That means the bike must be secured to the trailer. There are many options for this; you can borrow a trailer from a friend or family member, rent one from your local U-Haul or Home Depot, or simply purchase one yourself if your know youll need it enough and have the storage for it. Tie down soft straps on the bike and attach them to the ratchet straps. Also make sure your car's tongue-weight capacity will not be exceeded by the combined weight of a tow bar and your motorcycle. link to 15 Things To Look For When Test Riding A Motorcycle. And on that note, you should know how to tow a motorcycle with a car. Though it is being attached to a truck and a scooter is being used, it can still be used on a regular sedan with a motorcycle. In essence, it is like a car dolly but with space for only one wheel. So, theres no correct answer to this question. What happens if you dont have a car? Here are the most common scenarios: A vehicle being towed striking another car alongside it while the driver of the towing truck is trying to switch lanes. It is durable, sturdy, and perfect for towing your motorcycle. tongue weight unless noted otherwise. Expected Charges Per Mile When you Take a Motorcycle Towing Service, Differences You Should Know Between a Standard and Dirt Bike Insurance. But how do you use one to tie down your bike? Tow Up to 600 lb. Its a ramp that you place the motorcycle on top of so the motorcycle is towed on back of the car. And make sure the weight holding capacity of your cars backside, because if your motorcycle is too heavy then it can damage the base of the car. If you tow it on a U-Haul trailer, it will cost the rate of the trailer hire. The carrier can attach to almost any vehicle and help you tow or transport your motorcycle to any destination. Motorcycle. Most towing companies have a minimum charge of $50 for the first 5 to 10 miles, then $2 to $4 per mile after. The vehicle must be fitted with the appropriate hitch and ready to tow up to two thousand pounds. 6) Use soft covers over straps to prevent straps from ruining the finish from chaffing against your bike as you tow. If it is a one-time requirement, you can rent trailers or else purchase one from a store near you if you have a regular requirement as well as the space to store it. But if you don't own a truck or a car and your friends are also unavailable, then calling the towing company is the safest option. When you have all the right items in one place, you can put your motorbike on the trailer and attach it to the towing vehicle. Choosing the option that suits you best depends on the weight of your motorcycle, the towing specifications of your car, and other such factors. Please remember though, just because the motorcycle tow dolly is only connected to half your motorcycle, that does not mean you only count half the weight of your motorcycle being towed. Chris has to remove the luggage racks from the bike prior to driving it onto the Hydralift. Low fuel levels could also be a reason why your bike isn't starting. Here are the most common ways of towing a motorcycle using your vehicle. A motorcycle wheel chock is a sturdy wedge that holds the bike in place and stabilizes it so there is no lateral movement. The first option on our list is a motorcycle tow dolly, which is perhaps the most cost-effective way to tow a bike. Tow hitch ratings: Class 1 style hitches have a 2000 lbs. gtag('js', new Date()); The dimensions are about 3 feet by 2 feet-ish and it weighs no more than 35 pounds, giving you the freedom to store it away yourself with no help. Keep your shocks compressed so that the straps dont come loose when your vehicle hits a bump. A safe practice is to have a margin of 20% for safety. Using a U-Haul car carrier or tow dolly to transport your vehicle on a long distance move will save you money. This would be a fantastic addition to your collection! In this method of towing, the bike is placed horizontally across the back of the car. If you are going for a ride across multiple states with your motorcycle in the back, be sure to read the rules of the states you will be driving in. Is There a Difference Between Mens and Womens Motorcycle Helmets? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you're in need of towing services in Seattle, WA area, we can help! If you are indecisive about which towing straps to buy, you can try out our personal favorite, theRhino USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps. However, you will need a ramp, as that is the only way to load your motorcycle onto the truck's bed. A Local Chicago Towing Company Providing Motorcyle Towing Services including Roadside Assistance Chicago, Emergency Towing in Chicago, Motorcycle Towing, Commercial Towing Services, Accident Recovery Towing, Car Refueling Service Chicago, Car Lockout, Show car Towing, Ignition Key Replacement, Off Road Vehicle Recovery, Vehicle Jump-Start Chicago, Tire Change or Replacement services, Long . Accept Read More, What Youll Need Before You Tow Your Motorcycle, If you are indecisive about which towing straps to buy, you can try out our personal favorite, the. Get Your Quote Today! It's important that you keep your keys safely in your pockets or another safe place. Every few minutes, take a glance at your temperature gauge if you have one. Minor damage can be caused by one just falling, and worse damage will occur if one falls with existing damage. If you have a specific type of trailer in mind that youll be using to haul your motorcycle, make sure the hitch is compatible with it. If you are planning on taking your car into the shop to have the hitch installed, expect to pay several hundred dollars for the job. But if you want to improvise, you can likely use any type of standard ramp as long as its wide enough for your bikes tires. Our team is committed to making sure your bike is serviced properly and safely . Whenever you are hauling or towing anything, youll need to plan on doubling the amount of time to brake compared to how you normally would. The rest can be brought down to technique. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you dont want to use a trailer, some drivers can use a tow dolly to transport their motorcycle as an alternative option. Flatbeds are only one trailer option. Do not worry. With motorcycles standing on two wheels, tow operators don't have the luxury of balance like they do with cars. Your jobs done! However, you will need a ramp, as that is the only way to load your motorcycle onto the truck's bed. We have tried and tested them several times and found them to be the perfect accessory for riders. It allows you to hook the front of the bike to the vehicle while the back wheel is left on the ground to roll freely behind. Park the car in front of the motorcycle and turn the wheel so that the car is facing the same direction as the motorcycle. It's quite common nowadays, and many people use it. Dirt Bike vs. Motorcycle Whats the Difference. There are several manufacturers of tow bars, so when shopping for one make sure you are getting one that will support the weight of your motorcycle. AAA Towing's specialized equipment eliminates any risks of your motorcycle tipping during the loading, transporting, and unloading process. If you are interested in learning more about the same, do read on as I give you the detailed information in the coming sections regarding the same. We have one for our personal use, and let us assure you, this carrier does not disappoint. Most motorcycles have larger front wheels, meaning theyre bigger in diameter and skinnier, to help with movement and steering. This secures the ball mount (or other towing apparatus) to the vehicle. So, when you are stranded, you can use the harness to attach your motorcycle to a car or another motorcycle and tow it safely. Towing a motorcycle with a car is your only option if you need both vehicles to arrive at a destination if youre the only person around. Aside from causing transmission and other mechanical issues, hauling loads exceeding your towing capacity will also make your trailer sway or fish tale which can be extremely dangerous for other drivers around you. Once the bike is in place, the next thing motorcycle towing service professionals do is strap in the bike and secure it as much as possible. If you are using a towing company, you might need them later. The maximum load the tow dolly can carry is 800 pounds (meaning the weight of the entire bike, even though it is just the front of it weighing on the dolly). With a Trike or a small car, you can haul a larger pull behind trailer behind your bike/car without the concerns that a 2-wheeler has when pulling a trailer. Tow Motorcycle With Truck or Car. capacity. Be aware of the maximum towing weight of your vehicle, depending on whether it is a sedan or SUV. In case your present vehicles dont fit the criteria, you can always rent a small half-ton truck. Its a smart and easy solution, which is why many riders have opted for this method. Now you know how to tow a motorcycle with a car. You may also be able to look at the vehicles towing capacity on a sticker inside the drivers side door frame. I was not sure if it was legal to tow a motorcycle with a car. What is a Good Motorcycle for a Small Female Beginner? For example, if your vehicle owners manual states that it has a maximum towing capacity of 1,200 pounds, do not plan on towing more than 960 pounds altogether. We have found that the, Extreme Max Standard Motorcycle Wheel Chock. Ratchet straps are the most accessible types of straps when it comes to compressing the suspension. Try to find a trailer that weighs no more than 250 pounds 300 pounds. There are two key factors to consider here: the ground clearance and the wheelbase. They may not be required all the time, but youll need one if youre loading the bike alone or on a hill. But if you want to improvise, you can likely use any type of standard ramp as long as its wide enough for your bikes tires. Can You Add Water to a Motorcycle Battery? This will help you make the journey with a tow in the back without facing any issues with the authorities. I just got back from a weekend track event towing a motorcycle with my 2014 Mazda 3 sT (2.5L motor) and wanted to share some of the process to hopefully help somebody else that wanted to install a trailer hitch for the purpose of doing some light towing. You can click here to go to my recommended trailers page for a link to find the motorcycle tow dolly. Whats more, some trailers come with backlights and indicators too. Some trailers may offer spaces to tie down the bikes to prevent them from falling. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Before you start loading your bike, be sure to buy come ratchet straps and wheel chocks beforehand. Look no further than Priority . Trucks and SUVs are often given a higher rating, but you might not need a trailer in that circumstance if the motorcycle fits into the flatbed or in the back. Towing instead of driving will protect your vehicle from wear and tear, reduce fuel costs and eliminate the necessity of a second driver. All thats required is the power of the human bodys leg muscles. From large pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade, all of the options on this list can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Imagine you are going out with your friends on your . However, there is a lot of danger for the other rider as there is always a chance for their foot to slip. Are you searching for some tips that can help you to compress the front suspension of your motorcycle at the time of towing? Next, attach the wheel chock to stabilize the bike and use the straps to tie the wheel to the far ends of your truck. combination motorcycle car dolly dealers, motorcycle and car dolly trailer, motorcycle hitch tow dolly, tow dolly and motorcycle trailer, motorcycle car dolly combo, car dolly with motorcycle, car and motorcycle . Save BIG! Your friend can also prove helpful in towing your motorcycle, so you are not left stranded on the side of the road. Sometimes it might not be possible to arrange a vehicle to tow your motorcycle. It is a low-cost and effective option that does not need additional permissions of registration. Regular sedans have an average towing capacity of 1,750 lbs. But is it legal to do so? Well, we are here to answer just that, and this guide will help you decide the best way to tow your motorcycle safely.