Hitch Carrier

[WhiteNoise]

Well, I sprung for one of these: a versa haul VH-55 RO hitch carrier and have it half assembled. I'm moving out of FL and will be propping the PCX on it. Not really comfortable with the idea as I have a uni-body vehicle (Honda Ridgeline truck) to hitch it to (I've read now that a body on frame vehicle is proper to use for the VersaHaul).
So, yep I do have questions and I'm sure hoping someone here can help me out.
1) will it be okay to rig this to my "uni-body" frame? being it's not the other mentioned? (if it helps, I can tow 5,000 lbs)
2) where on the Rear of the PCX's body frame can I hook some tie downs? Only place I located was underside of
the seat pan. Would that be strong enough to put two ties on? that part of the frame looks welded at each end.
3) okay, assuming I could tie down to that underseat frame, how do I get around the muffler area with my 1 1/2" wide cambuckle strap? Should I remove the muffler?

maddie, I know you have experience with hauling scoots and have seen pics too, but not of your PCX on trailer. Where do you tie it down in the rear?

I bought a Cycle Cynch for the handlebars so I can put straps from those points to the front mounts on carrier, I think that will be okay. If not, please jump in and save me Thanks guys and gals
Here's a picture of the Cycle Cynch and Versa Haul carrier I got...
(Gosh I hate packing!)

[maddiedog]

The Ridgeline has roughly the same chassis as the Pilot. We've hauled the PCX on the back of the Pilot several times on a hitch hauler that is much less nice than the Versa-Haul. We also hauled the PCX on the back of our tiny (compared to the Pilot) 1998 Honda CRV dozens of times.

The important factor here is, you shouldn't exceed the manufacturer's recommended TONGUE WEIGHT for towing. Keep in mind ALL the weight of the hauler + scooter is on the hitch, so really your towing capacity doesn't matter as much as the maximum tongue weight allowed by the trailer hitch itself.

As far as strapping down the rear, I have found that the bike is SIGNIFICANTLY more stable if you leave the rear sprung, but secure only the tire and rim to the hitch hauler. For some reason, leaving the rear not cinched down, but with the tire secured so that the bike stays in the channel, it bounces less. If you absolutely want to secure the bike by the top, you should run a strap over the seat, and put a couple of towels between the ratcheting straps and the seat / body so that it doesn't get marred up.

Really, I should do a how-to tonight. I'll do that...

[maddiedog]

Hey WhiteNoise, I posted a how-to for you here: http://hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=319

If you have any questions or need clarification, ask in there.

I should also mention that you made a good choice getting the Versa Haul. They're a lot more stout and a lot more durable than the crappy hauler I use.

[WhiteNoise]

Yeah!!! thanks Dave, I'm on my way over (to that thread) !!! What a guy!

[duive01]

Real men drive their PCX, not strapping them to the back of their car!

Our European cars are too light for these kind of solutions so we have to take a trailer for these kind of things!

[maddiedog]

You Europeans carry some HUGE caravans or trailers with such tiny cars. I find it hilarious...

[duive01]

Most of us like to go with a huge mobile home!

[gn2]

A pod caravan is a better option imo.

[maddiedog]

We call those "teardrop trailers" here in the USA. I almost built one, but decided to build a full-sized camper instead. It's still under construction though...