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is motorcycle carrier a trailer, speed limit 55 or 65?

a_fierce_lion

a_fierce_lion

nYt rYd3r
Joined
Jun 29, 2007
Location
San Francisco
Moto(s)
05 Triumph Daytona, 06 Suzuki SV650S (Sold)
Name
Vik B
I am wondering what my speed limit should be while I am carrying a motorcycle using a motorcycle carrier as this below:

http://www.discountramps.com/smc-600-motorcycle-hauler.htm

Can I still go at the highway's auto max speed limit, usually 65 or sometimes 70? or does it get restricted to the truck with trailer speed limit, usually 55?

Can a LEO please tell me?
 
Interesting...are you technically "towing" another vehicle?
 
Unless you need to haul a bunch of stuff in the bed in addition to the bike it's so much easier (and safer) to just put the bike in the bed. I got the Big Boy ramp from discountramps and it's the best purchase I've ever made. I load and unload my bike by myself from start to go in 15 mins.
If you haven't purchased that hangover carrier yet I strongly recommend that you consider the Big Boy.
aluminum-cycle-ramp-2.jpg
 
i am debating, whether to get the ramp or the carrier. The problem is, my truck's bed is 6'3" long but the bike length is 6'7". So either I have to buy a bed extender so the other stuff I keep in the bed while moving, boxes etc don't fall.... or i go with the motorcycle carrier.

Any LEO here? please confirm the speed limit of truck carrying a carrier. To the best I know it should NOT be considered a trailer because it doesn't have its own wheels.
 
Trailer
630. A "trailer" is a vehicle designed for carrying persons or property on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon any other vehicle. As used in Division 15 (commencing with Section 35000), "trailer" includes a semitrailer when used in conjunction with an auxiliary dolly, if the auxiliary dolly is of a type constructed to replace the function of the drawbar and the front axle or axles of a trailer.


Amended Ch. 542, Stats. 1984. Effective January 1, 1985.
 
a_fierce_lion said:
i am debating, whether to get the ramp or the carrier. The problem is, my truck's bed is 6'3" long but the bike length is 6'7". So either I have to buy a bed extender so the other stuff I keep in the bed while moving, boxes etc don't fall.... or i go with the motorcycle carrier.

Any LEO here? please confirm the speed limit of truck carrying a carrier. To the best I know it should NOT be considered a trailer because it doesn't have its own wheels.
Click to expand...


Why would you want that thing?

Not only does it expose your bike to being destroyed in a rear ender, but it blocks your rear lights and license plate from view.
 
a_fierce_lion said:
i am debating, whether to get the ramp or the carrier. The problem is, my truck's bed is 6'3" long but the bike length is 6'7". So either I have to buy a bed extender so the other stuff I keep in the bed while moving, boxes etc don't fall.... or i go with the motorcycle carrier.

Any LEO here? please confirm the speed limit of truck carrying a carrier. To the best I know it should NOT be considered a trailer because it doesn't have its own wheels.
Click to expand...

I posted in your other thread for another alternative.
 
gixxerjoeca said:
55? Why? Its not a trailer, it doesnt have wheels so I cant see why you would have to go by the towing speed limit?
Click to expand...

Well CRAP.

OP, I misread your post. You're carrying the item, not towing it.

Therefore, as long as your load is secure, you can do the maximum speed limit.

See, even a LEO can admit when a mistake is made. :teeth
 
a_fierce_lion said:
i am debating, whether to get the ramp or the carrier. The problem is, my truck's bed is 6'3" long but the bike length is 6'7". So either I have to buy a bed extender so the other stuff I keep in the bed while moving, boxes etc don't fall.... or i go with the motorcycle carrier.

Any LEO here? please confirm the speed limit of truck carrying a carrier. To the best I know it should NOT be considered a trailer because it doesn't have its own wheels.
Click to expand...

You can put the bike in on the right or left third of the bed, tie down the front, and then just swing the rear wheel to the opposite corner. That will allow you to put the bike in, close the tailgate, and hold your other stuff w/out a bed extension being needed.

I do it with 2-3 dirt bikes all the time, and did it with two track bikes at one time.
 
so if license plate is blocked, wats wrong with that? How can i handle this if i were to choose this route? I'm frankly thinking of buying a carrier than paying shipping cost for bike.

i can get rear lights for carrier, right?
 
a_fierce_lion said:
so if license plate is blocked, wats wrong with that? How can i handle this if i were to choose this route? I'm frankly thinking of buying a carrier than paying shipping cost for bike.

i can get rear lights for carrier, right?
Click to expand...

Just a little section called...

5201 V.C. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from
swinging, shall be mounted in a position so as to be clearly visible,
and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible.
 
bojangle said:
Just a little section called...

5201 V.C. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from
swinging, shall be mounted in a position so as to be clearly visible,
and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible.
Click to expand...

Alright... so I asked how do I handle this situation? Can you give me a legal solution here?
 
Lots of comments,,, lots of people saying what I can NOT do... will someone come out and solve the problem?

This carrier thing can not be illegal, companies are surviving in manufacturing these. As much as these will violate the law, there will be solutions that don't. I need those.

Be productive please, I am here to seek help from you LEOs, to hear solution to my problem.

And I appreciate your help in advance.
 
serazin said:
Why would you want that thing?

Not only does it expose your bike to being destroyed in a rear ender, but it blocks your rear lights and license plate from view.
Click to expand...

I use one because my bike won't fit in the back of my Jeep. The license plate is still visible and I added lights to the back of the carrier so they would be visible, too.

bojangle said:
Just a little section called...

5201 V.C. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from
swinging, shall be mounted in a position so as to be clearly visible,
and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible.
Click to expand...

So, what about towing a "real" trailer? Wouldn't that block the license plate and be technically illegal?
 
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