Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best way to transport a motorcycle?

    When transporting a motorcycle, several methods can be used, depending on your needs, vehicle, and budget: Trailers: Traditional trailers are great for transporting multiple motorcycles or additional gear. However, they come with drawbacks such as increased toll costs due to additional axles, hi...
  • Will a MotoTote work with my vehicle & motorcycle?

    To determine whether your vehicle can safely haul your motorcycle with a MotoTote hitch carrier, you'll need to check two key factors: your vehicle's towing capacity and the weight of your motorcycle and carrier. Calculate Your Vehicle's Tongue Weight Capacity: Your vehicle's towing capacity can...
  • What other products do you recommend with a MotoTote?

    MotoTote carriers come with everything except tie-downs. Tie-downs are required to secure your motorcycle to MotoTote. We recommend 3 tie-downs per bike. For recommendations for your motorcycle take a look at our Tie Down Packs. For additional safety & visibility, we also recommend a MotoTo...
  • What tie downs should I get?

    Tie-down recommendations vary based on budget and motorcycle type. For the best value, we recommend our basic tie-down pack. For improved stability we recommend purchasing a tie-down pack for your motorcycle type: scooter pack, sport bike pack, universal pack, deluxe pack or a no fender deluxe ...
  • What advantages does the MotoTote offer versus a trailer?

    Ease of Use: Installing the MotoTote and loading the bike is a snap! Convenience: No worries with backing-up or parking. Storage: You can easily store your MotoTote by hanging it on a wall or ceiling like a bicycle. No Registration: The MotoTote requires no license plate. Legal in HOV lanes: Most...
  • Will my expensive motorcycle be safe on a MotoTote?

    It's understandable to be hesitant about new and unfamiliar things. Once you try it, you'll see that the MotoTote is not only the easiest way to haul your bike but also a safe alternative to a bulky trailer. MotoTote has been manufacturing MotoTote motorcycle hitch carriers since 1997. We provi...
  • How hard is assembly?

    Assembly is easy and can be completed in about 30 minutes. We have easy-to-use online, and printable PDF assembly instructions.
  • Is the MotoTote Legal?

    We don't know of any laws in the United States that prohibit the use of hitch-mounted motorcycle carriers.
  • Why buy from MotoTote.com?

    We love our customers and stand by you! Here are some benefits of shopping with us directly: - Service: We stand behind our products 100% - Super fast shipping: We ship same-day if you order by noon CST Tuesday to Friday (for in-stock products) - Easy return policy: Click for More Info - Warran...
  • Won't this be hard on my vehicle's suspension?

    Your vehicle's suspension is designed to handle up to a specific weight. Your vehicle towing capacity is one expression of this weight. This is why we recommend using 10% of the total towing capacity as the limit of weight-on-hitch. Click here for more details on weights and limitations.
  • What is the length and angle of the loading ramp?

    The ramp length is 57 inches. This is important because the longer the ramp, the less of an incline there will be, thus making loading of the motorcycle or scooter easier. Ramp incline varies depending on height, but with 15-inch ground clearance, the ramp incline is 15 degrees.
  • Will a MotoTote fit behind a spare tire?

    Yes. In most cases, a spare tire is not a problem. The MotoTote is adjustable up to 20 inches from the hitch pin to the center of the motorcycle or scooter. Vertically, the tire prints will be about at the height of the top of the hitch receiver tube. The widest part of the bike is usually the ha...
  • Will it damage my vehicle or hitch?

    Not if you stay within the weight limitations of the vehicle and hitch. Click here for more details on weights and limitations.
  • Will my tail lights and license plate be blocked?

    In most cases, tail lights are not blocked, but if you would like additional visibility we recommend the MotoTote LED Light Kit, which extends tail light functions to the MotoTote. Regarding license plates, they are rarely blocked. From a customer service perspective, it has been a non-existent ...
  • Can you put a dirt bike carrier on a car?

    Yes, it's possible to put a dirt bike carrier on a car, but there are a few important factors to consider: Hitch Receiver Size: Most dirt bike carriers require a Class III or IV hitch receiver, which is typically found on SUVs, trucks, and some crossovers. Compact cars or sedans may not have the...
  • What tools do I need to install a MotoTote?

    For the first step of the assembly—connecting the MTX Platform to the receiver tube—you will need a 3/4" open-end or socket wrench. For the rest of the assembly, a 5/8" open-end or socket wrench will be required. The assembly process is straightforward and easy to complete!