Complete Waste of Money? Black Widow Motorcycle Tow Hitch Hauler: Review, Load & Unload, How To
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- Опубликовано: 14 июн 2019
- Here's a quick review of the Black Widow Motorcycle Trailer Hitch Ramp. These have a load capacity of 600 lbs. I used it to trailer my 330 lb. Suzuki drz400sm super moto from Arizona to Utah. I'll go over the ease if use, loading and unloading, the tie down process (somewhat), and my overall thoughts and impressions on the ramp. Is it worth the cash?
Black Widow Ramp Review, tow hitch motorcycle hauler how to load unload stabilize tie down, haul, trailer, worth it, review, likes and dislikes 
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You are missing the most important piece of this carrier. There is a stabilizer that uses 4 bolts to tighten the carrier arm and the hitch together. They must have lost it before they sold you the ramp. Once you get that you won’t have to use those extra straps to stop the sway.
The ramp on that model will store on on the cross bars just inboard (towards the vehicle) of the main tray.
Just needs the wing nuts.
bingo - signed on to advise & saw superfly already covered it
At the end of the video, when you store the ramp on the bike rail, I saw that the hauler has 2 pins on the tiestrap arms and the ramp has 2 holes on the center that match. I think you can store the ramp on the hauler tiestrap arms, between the bike rail and the cars front bumper. So the ramp can be stored on it and not be placed inside the car when you have the bike on.
You're spot on! I had a few others point that out as well! Good looking out!
Most important observation of this video is that Jon is a patient father. Well done!
9k subscribers!😎🤘🤘 good job bubba, your hard work is to thank...hope y'alls mini vacation was great!
Thanks, man! Its always nice getting out of the az summer heat!
The rack needs to be closer to your truck, the further out the more strain and leverage working against the carrier.
Jon - that ramp bolts on top of the rear tubes where the tie downs connect - the ramp has slots in it to put on top of the bolts
Good looking out! I had a few others point that out as well. Lol. 🤘😎
There are 2 pins behind the actual bike rail for the ramp to bolt to once the bike is loaded. Can you load the bike with 1 person?
The ramp has 2 holes centered @10” from each end. The hold down bars have a wing nut on each side, between the wheel track and the hitch. From other videos, I believe the ramp can be secured there. Fun part of buying used is not having the manual... I would not trust the ramp just laying in the wheel track, and not bouncing off... now, see what your little guy is up to! They grow up fast! All the best!
yes the ramp can go there
@@scottandjessicacline6386 Sooooo he didn't even look up reviews on this to see where to put the ramp... really??!! wowza....
Dude! I was just looking online for one of these for our beach coming up, and this video was inline when I opened RUclips later!! Weird I’d say your RUclips push is working good bro!
Is the any issue with blocking the radiator and or the headlights (using it the carry a 290# dual purpose motorcycle)
Was driving at night a problem for the headlamps? Also, it it possible to slide the ramp under the motorcycle (or without) for stowage?
Hey Jon, do you think a 350 lbs bike would work on a smaller car like Prius? I know people have done successfully 250 lbs mini bikes like Grom on a Prius (3000 lbs, 135 hp) or dual motos in the same range. Not sure about full size bikes though. What do you think? The mount would be done custom though I don't think they sell commercially hitches of a higher class (because of nut cases like me I guess ...).
What hitch mount did you use for this setup? Any issue wkth cops because of the headlights being blocked?
I see a lot of extra length on the tubing going into the receiver, shortening that up will relieve a lot of stress on both the receiver and ramp.
I wondered about that. Lol. Good call!
Yea, good call. mine was pretty wobbly with it sticking that far out using the predrilled holes. I drilled new ones as close as I could until my bike was just not touching the van. Much less wobble and better weight distribution.
@@timdeegan3823 mine came with an anti wobble brack.
Hi, how many inches between handlebars and vehicle? Thanks.
Anti wobble bracket is what mine came with. Also my ramp mounts alongside the bike, and that is why the beam is so long. Yours has the butterfly nuts also.
Looks like the loading ramp would attach right next to the bike?
Did the bike affect your vehicle temp with the bike blocking radiator did you notice any increase engine temperature thx
How long have you been running this? I just added one to the front of my e450 short bus. Definitely sticks out further than i expected it to
Hey Jon a alternative is MOTOW loads from ground level tows from the bike's rear wheel so safe for the drive shaft and weighs 33 lbs.
I'll reach out once back in town! Thanks!
I'm building one of these for my Honda Monkey. Have you monitored your engine temp while driving to see if having the bike made a difference in the air getting to the radiator?
I have wondered this too as I’m mounting my bike in a similar fashion, I assume highway speeds you would be fine with all the turbulent air coming up under the bike. But slow speeds on an especially hot day could negatively effect the radiator’s performance
Do you have a video on the bike build?
Much respect from me Jon. With all that you got going on in your life, looks like you have a handful. Good luck and don`t burn out.
Thanks, brotha! I try to remain calm. Hahaha!
Maybe I'm doing it wrong but when unloading I start the bike and stand next to it and drive it forwards off the Carrier. Pretty easy.
Wouldn't tongue weight of the hitch have to be considered when using a carrier like this? I'm afraid to use one because my hitch is rated at 500 lbs and my bike weighs a little more than that plus weight of carrier would put it significantly over the rating.
Great points! You definitely want to take all that into consideration. This method is limited depending on vehicle and motorcycle.
Thx for sharing. How much does that bike that you had on there weigh? And could you push it up that ramp by yourself? My bike is 400-415lbs I don't think I could do it on my own and I'm prob Jons size.
The suzuki drz weighs around 350-400 lbs. I did it solo but it would be safer and easier with one extra set of hands. 👍
Been checking carriers like that online when the bikes loaded the ramp is supposed to mount on the studs right next to the carrier
Good looking out! A few people have pointed that out. Lol.
Also if it's possible to shorten the distance between the bike and the hitch it will put less stress on the hitch
hey I gotta van too, to haul my grom on adventures in Arizona's parks
Nice video, thanks.
You could spin the front wheel with your left hand while supporting the handlebars with your right hand to start rolling it more easily. Nice review, thank you!
I've got thousands of miles on mine, hauling a 400 lb. superbike around. There's a square brace missing with four bolts that tighten onto the hitch receiver and tube to keep the thing from rocking.
CONGRATULATIONS for 9000 sub's!! 🎂🎶⚡🍻🍻🙋
Next week you can celebrate your first 10k 💪👌👍
Wooohoooo! Thanks, man! 💥👏🤙🤘Couldn't have pulled it off without y'all!
The loading ramp goes next to were the bike sets on those screws
It Looks like you bolt the ramp on to the carrier . You have tw0 holes that look to match two studs on thr ramp frame
Yes, you're totally right! Someone else had pointed that out as well. Lol. Sometimes the simplest solutions are right in front of your eyes. Good lookin out!
Weld a bracket between the bike and the bus and put the ramp there 👌
*Edit: hey! Isn't it so that you can put the ramp there already?
It looks like it's a hole in the ramp which will fit the Bolt/nut on that bracket towards the car?
You can see it at 6:13 ?
I'll check it out. I wondered about that.
@@JonsMotoGarage you can do it!💪
And after that gather your family and celebrate that you have 9k sub's after the weekend🤘🎶🎶🎂
I just checked and you're totally right! Lol. There are slots in the ramp and spots on the hitch carrier to secure it in place. Hahaha. Good looking out fron across the big blue sea!
@@JonsMotoGarage Yeah as an mechanic/technician who invent stuff al Day Long My eye catched that because that was exactly what I meant you to do. 😂
I would not trust that having my bike in the back of a Ute is scary enough for me. But having to look at the my bike wiggle as I drive down the road I would shit myself
Hahaha! Took me a minute to get used to it.
Looks like you could pin the ramp on the car side of the hold downs arms??
You're right. I missed that when I was doing the vid. Lol. Live and learn.
@@JonsMotoGarage overall do you like the carrier? I have bmw 1250 GS and looking for something to carry it 1000 miles one from Tennessee to SD where some of my friends live, they do several ride a year north and west. Dont want to ride a 1000 mile (two days) then ride for 8 to 10 days then another 1000mile home..lol.
@@glenns6923 I've only used it the one time so far but didnt have any major complaints. I would double check weight limits though, especially with a bigger bike like yours.
@@JonsMotoGarage Enjoyed your video and thank you for taking the time replying to me.
Amazon has a hitch tightener for $17 bucks "Stowaway" I think . Also, I believe the ramp bolts to those two bolts through the existing holes in it.
Good looking out! I'll look into that! Gracias! 🤘😎 And you're correct, there was a spot for the ramp all along. Lol.
The one from Harbor Freight has a hitch stabilizer that keeps it from swaying.
How much are the headlights blocked at night?
Didn't have any issues traveling at night in terms of vision/headlights doing their job.
Been thinking about getting one of these for my truck
It would be perfect for the grom or a light dirt bike. A bit of a headache loading/unloading solo though.
@@JonsMotoGarage yeah that was one of my concerns. As It would be difficult to do I just don't think I can even fit a dirt bike in the back of my truck at all with my tool box it might be my only option unless I get lucky and the bike fits with the tailgate down.
I need one for my minivan.
Heck yeah! The ultimate mini van! I'll try it on the sienna.
I wish they made one that you could still open the back doors on the van.
Position to unload while sloping downward would seem to make more sense!
Looks like you could tie down ramp on frame of carrier
You're totally right! A few others have pointed that out as well. I need to check my vision. Lol. Not sure how I missed it. Hahaha!
@@JonsMotoGarage must have been oversight due to excitement of new toy...lol
@@roycarlson6783 lol. Probably!
Those two studs with the wing nuts are for your ramp man.
At 66 Y.O. I’m thinking this isn’t my best option. Was hoping loading/unloading would be easier.
Be careful ratcheting down when attached to the handlebars. Can easily blow fork seals out. If possible it's better to attach to the triple tree (fork brace). Also best to attach to the frame at the rear if possible as opposed to the foot pegs, sub frame, etc. Soft ties can come in handy. We're glad it worked out for you. Hope you got a great deal. We'll see you on the next one...👍
For sure! I try to so the triple tree when possible. Couldn't find a good spot on the drz though. Same with on the rear. Lol. I do need a nice set of soft straps. Wouldn't be a bad investment. 🤘🙏😎
There are diffrent ways to see how that works, the suspension set Up on that bike is made for fast travel on dirt trails with some jumps here and there.
If the fork would blow because you strap it down once it would have been exploded when you jump with it,
And you can also put it this way: if you don't tie down the bike it can move which will shorten the interval for next time to service your shock-absorbers.
Because if you for example drive for 10h and the bike moves up'n down the suspension have been working like you have been driving for 10h..
My edvice is tie the bike down but with sense, just set some pre tension on the suspension so the bike not can jump around so the straps fall off.
I don’t see how attaching strap to triple trees keep from blowing fork seals? It still compresses the front end. Only place I see plausible is a front axel but seldom are tie straps short enough
@@rolandos64 its amazing the things you see written on stuff like this.... "yeah the triple doesn't pull down on the bike.?????? LOL...."
It worked.
Sketchy, but we pulled it off! Hahaha!
Would you tow your motorcycle this way!?
Jon's Moto Garage no way blocks headlights and turn signals
@@nolanmacdougall1154 that had crossed my mind I tested it at night in the neighborhood and seemed to work fine without blocking visibility (from inside and outside). Maybe the grom would be better since it's smaller. Lol.
Jon's Moto Garage good man just from video looked sketch. Have fun ride safe and fast 👍
I'd be too anxious ...there's a nice warm spot for it IN the van...lol I'd much prefer the mesh decks that are attached at three or four spots...I wouldn't trust the one.
@@RandysRides hahaha! It was the bike or the kids inside the van. I argued for the bike, but Jackie won. 🤣🤣😉🤙
What! No Indian Air off the roof on to the Ramp with the DRz? God you're so boring Jon lol. Looks good to me man and the van looks like a winner so far too. Stay cool
Hahaha! I've still never done an Indian air. That would be sick! 🤘🤙
@@JonsMotoGarageRight! I wouldn't count it out on Jon's Moto
That's not the 600 lb. capacity version. The deluxe model is.
You can put the ramp on the hauler. It mounts towards the van side of the hauler. I had one of the haulers and hated it. They bounced around to much in the Reese hitch. Plus mine would bottom out and drag the ground if I hit bumps.
Good looking out! A few people have pointed that out. I'm all about working hard, not smart. Hahaha! Jk. I'll do it that way on the way home. Lol. 🤘😎
Jon's Moto Garage also loosen the bolts holding the wheel chalk piece that moves. Makes it easier to get the bike out of it. I learned that hard way when my drz fell off of it.
@@YoJewFriend I'll do that! Can't have the drz falling on top of me. Lol.
happy fathers da my guy
Thanks, man! 🤘😎
That's not a ramp. I think buddy just repurposed half an I beam! Lol Awesome video anyway cause I'm looking for something similar to travel with my bike.👊✌
Hahaha! Some scrap metal i found at the yard. Lol.
@@JonsMotoGarage Take those wing nuts off right behind the platform the bike sits on and your ramp attaches right there chief.. It has holes in the ramp for it as well..
I just bought the same carrier to haul my Street Triple back to IL from MS
@@hmruth9267 good looking out! I realized that after the fact. Lol.
That looks sketchy to me. At 15 years old I bought a trailer with a ramp for bikes. I still have and use it at 49 years old. Best $500 I ever spent. Edit: just use the front hitch to tug airplanes around. They aren't good for much else.
For sure! I still need a trailer (that'll be my next purchase). Hahaha! Or maybe I'll get an airplane so I can out the front hitch to good use. Lol! 😎🤘🤣
@@JonsMotoGarage
Buy a Beechcraft Bonanza or Baron. I can help with those for sure. Your front hitch could move around a Boeing 737 quite easily though!
Omg so close to 10k dude
Heck yeah! We're getting close! Stay tuned for some good supermoto stuff! I've been ripping around the mountains here in Utah. I'll put some edits together once back on az!
Is it legal though ? Your bike is obstructing the front end of the van. This can abrupt the functionality of air bags sensors which are located at the front and theres high chance of malfunction in the caee of accident. Take care of safety too man. Keep up.
you cannot see kids etc while driving??
Yup...that looks like a PITA by yourself. I could prob manage to put a honda 50 up there. :P :P
Lol. The grom would've been much easier. Lol.
Sport bikes on the front and back take them to PCH and cruise
Done and done! I'll get back to your message now. Lol.
That's exactly what I did when I finally got out of the hospital after 5 months in a wheel chair after they told I was going to die and never walk again. I told them to fu##off ..5 months later got home crutches my way to one of my bikes .slung my leg over and ride off to find an inclosed trailer to pull to san diego..pch was awsome.! I had forgotten how rad it was ..Delmar ect...to Malibu..best ride..405 freeway ...no so much
Tie down straps from SRK cycle in PA no I’m not paid by them but they sell tank straps is their own brand and they are way more solid and safe straps rated for 10k pounds each I believe,,, and they will ship them to you!!!!!!
I should buy and review a set. I've seen their vids on them. Good call!
the tank straps from SRK are pretty legit.
You should really put that on the back so your not blocking your radiator on the van.
That van can do anything
Hahaha! The ultimate rig!
I've had front and rear hitches on my e150 for decade now and never had any problems with towing anything or problems with the front hitch either.
What kind of motorcycle hitch doesnt have a spot for the ramp itself? Thats ridiculous
Turns out it does, I just didn't realize it. 🤦♂️
@@JonsMotoGarage yeah I read the comments and seen that afterwards haha hey it happens 🤷♂️
wow he can speak spanish, thats sooooo coool
That looks so flimsy i think you should build a better one yourself after considering it's weaknesses. Extra mounts going to your bumper brackets being primary and perhaps tilting a bit to load at a lesser angle.
Lol. I'm sure someone could do it better, but no doubt if I built one, it would fall apart before the bike made it up the ramp. Hahaha! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Straps are rotten. The ramp mounts behind the bike lol - RTFM. You can see the mounting points in the video. You're an accident waiting to happen.
"RTFM"? I'm not familiar with that one...
@@JonsMotoGarage “read the f*cking manual”
way too much weight on that long extention tube. It should be as short as possible. You are putting tremendous strain and fatigue on the metal.
Too many distractions when you're trying to film, Jon.
You bought something used from someone that didn’t understand how it worked! Wow
YOU RUINED IT!!!!!!
J/K LOL most hitches are only rated 500 lbs. Be careful overloading it. You said the carrier was rated at 600 lbs.
Hahaha! Yeah, but the bike only weighs 330 lbs or so. I did double check the front hitch though as well. It's mounted to the frame and I forget the exact number, but met the requirements. Good looking out tho. The guy I bought it from had to get a new front hitch cause his wasn't set for it. He had the same predicament of hauling a trailer.
You bought used, incomplete, and used it incorrectly.
The ones I build are way better by far. I build picture and stunt cars and motion picture gags and sets for a living so I can fabricate anything. Mine are a lot more heavy duty to..I haul my gsxr 1000 and with mine you dont have to push or ride up a sketchy ramp. One little girl can load a harly or liter bike with no help at all. I can also customize them in any way ordered..I have interchangeable pieces to change out for what ever you are hauling as well. Unique movieart at gmail
It just amazes me how people, dangerously load a motorcycle on this ramp. You should never compress the bike suspension when transporting as you can blow the seals. You are missing the stabilizer bracket. The ramp attaches to the motorcycle carrier frame. Did you not receive any directions on assembly & the loading & securing the ramp to the carrier? Why didn't you view the Black Widow video that the company puts on RUclips or their website.
Did you do this just for views? Or are you that naive?
ur playing with fire, the front end of these vans are not suitable for this kind of weight and leverage. good luck
This guy wears shades at night, can't see shit with a bike in front of you
hitch rattle stop buy it problem solved
that's a fricking disaster
Yep, complete waste of money.
You’d think you might read the instructions before you do a review. Come on man!
The bikes too tall for you anyway