That Harbor Freight is absolutely SKETCHY thin!!.....LOL......just look at Real haulers like Black Widow, the frame is waaayyyy thicker aluminum. There's no way in hell I would use that HF crap.....they're notorious for snapping too, shocker.
From what I see the hf one looks like about 1/4 the price, and I have a few minor mods in mind that will make it more stable and it looks like I could push the bike on from the right side and off of the left side instead of backing it off. And as far as the holes for the straps , a drill will take care of that in about 2 minutes.
I bought the harbor freight one and it wobbles too much and the tires get stuck which makes it incredibly difficult to unload the bike with a lifted jeep. I will be upgrading.
Sorry to say I have that Harbor Freight unit. I have never ever been able to load or unload a WR on there by myself. Always need help. My hitch might be slightly higher than yours however. The thing I dislike most is the removable pins; they must be removed or the bikes sits too high. Remove them and not all bike wheels fit in the openings, and they end up sitting down ten inches and it takes three guys sometimes to lift the bike front and rear and roll off safely. I have hauled bikes to Arizona two times on this system and always worried at night I would look back and find it gone on the road it moves so much. One thing you might have missed is the rear straps can go on the center-rear and go left and right for better leverage. Yes, there are hooks for straps behind the ramp when it is in its resting place. Man what a pain though---only use it when I must. I have an "MX hauler" also. Way better. The bike rests on its skid plate and special bolts go through the pegs and holds the bike down securely. No lifting or rolling; just get bike it into position, bolt it down, and a small built in hydraulic jack gets it up off the road. Straps aren't even required---but why not!
I have the Harbor Freight hauler as well. I haven’t used it yet. I did install it on my 21 Chevy Silverado which is a tall truck and attempt to load my 21 KLX300 as a test. Yes, it’s not as easy as I thought. The wheels fall too deep in the opening where I removed the pins. I was fresh and it was a pain to get the bike on and off the rack and I almost dropped it a few times. I was considering would I be able to load the bike safely after a long ride when I’m hot and fatigued. Let alone if I fell and was slightly injured. For my next test I plan on putting all the pins in place and having the bike ride on top and not drop in the openings. I also replaced all the standard nuts and bolts with grade 8 which attaches the hauler to receiver shaft for more piece of mind. It does twist when loading but that’s due to the construction, it’s only bolted on. I also had to drill out the strap connection openings as my heavy duty straps are too large for the stock opening. Something I found out after I loaded the bike. But that’s why we test before we hit the road.
@@markshortridge8291 absolutely agree with testing first before taking out on the road. if you haven’t used it yet you may wanna return it and check out the versa haul or the mx hauler that @darrellhay mentioned above. If you have a slope somewhere I would suggest loading it from higher ground to compensate the taller truck to make it easier to load. Most orv places also have load ramps that help after hitting the trails too. Good luck and ride safe!
For the price difference I would just get an MX Hauler and make things even easier. The versa looks stable but the price is so close to the jack style I would just go with the different style.
Hey Joel, I just bought a new-to-me WR250R. I am starting to get my accessories. Where did you purchase the front disc brake guard. If you happen to have a part number, that would be great as well. I know this video was posted a couple years ago, but that type guard is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks and I hope to hear from you.
I have a dedicated motorcycle trailer, and Still dont use it, lol. Bearing and tire failures are common....its just More shit to fail, i always worry about a blow out and fish tail, Boom, there goes your bike!
Great video thanks! What’s the longest drive you’ve done with the bike on the back? I’m thinking of getting the VH and transporting the WR for 800+ miles. Would you have concerns for that type of journey or no?
Thanks man! I’m pretty sure the 2 door could handle it but maybe not as well. I’d do some additional research in a Jeep forum to see if other 2 doors had issues or not.
I have a 2 door jeep set up. 2006 tj rubicon, for the tj the payload is 800lb-900lb(depending on modle x, sport, rubi) Payload is a stock jeep empty.. key word STOCK JEEP. So do this. Add the weight of the hitch, the human passenger, food, bags you have, bike. If it all under 800lb , your fine. If your at 900lb or 1000lb. Remove the hard top for a soft and remove the back seat to save 250lb(which give you 250lb in payload). Also the tire you have on the back is added in with payload FYI
Nice! I have 33’s but can’t remember the offset of my wheel. I know they stick out way more then stock. With the versahaul you should still be able to clear 35’s. May need to tuck you peg up on your bike so it doesn’t scuff your wheel. Had to do that when I used the harbor freight one. My next tire will 35’s and feel confident I’ll be able to still fit my bike with the versahaul :)
How did you get that much twist loading up the HF carrier, ive had mine for years now and over 3k miles, not once have i had it twist that much on loading, only thing i can think of is you aren’t running a hitch stabilizer on your extension, i have mine on a lifted ram 2500 and while ill agree the ramp they give you is useless on a lifted vehicle, i dont get 1/4 of the twist you do loading up
I wont argue that a $150 carrier is sub par to the $600 carrier, but after alot of experience with the HF carrier, it feels like the problems shown here were exaggerated to make the higher end carrier look even better. The HF carrier definitely lacks in tie down points, but the way you showed the bike strapped on the HF carrier was wrong, the holes you refer to are for pins to help seat the wheel and if your wheel sits low enough it will also act as security, the proper way to strap on the HF carrier is a triangular setup to the main beam, not the aluminum itself, and as i already said, your setup has something very wrong with it to twist that much upon loading, 5 different vehicles and ive never had anything close to that
Hopefully, you see this question Im also a Jeep owner and was wondering how the frame on the Jeep handle that weight after 2 years ? Anything you would reinforce or modified? Im in the process to get a similar setup with approximately same size of motorcycle
Tough to say as It might be a tight fit. I don’t remember the offset of my wheel but I know my tires are 11” wide and I had to use a bungee to tuck my foot peg in from hitting the wheel.
You didn't correctly use or understand the HF rack... The holes you mention "that are too small for your straps", you use those with the pins to secure each tire into the rack. The tires droop down into the rack,. Thats why it's not a 100% solid base piece of metal like the versahul, its so the tire sits in the frame and a pin can be inserted. Secondly, the anti-rattle device was not installed properly, and resulted in all of your sway. This is a very poor representation of the HF rack. Even your versahaul demo showed the bike in a pretty loose configuration.
@@DoArtTheMovement the holes are not where the straps go, they are for the pins. Look in the manual and it will show the strap points, but who reads the manual these days? 🤷♂️
Whats max tongue weight on the jeep? I have a DRZ, bought. Black widow carrier. I feel like the 37s on 3.5 " lift might require a drop hitch. How lifted is your jeep?
Believes it’s 350lbs. Mine is 3.5” with 33.5’s (295/70/r17). I could see it being a little tall. Could try a drop hitch or bring a bucket or stool to step on when loading is another thought.
@@joelwallisadv thanks ! I have a Smittybilt XRC gen 2 bumper with carrier. Hard to find specs. I think its rated for 500lb tongue weight. The DRZ wieghs about 300lbs, carrier is around 60lbs. im looking at a 10" drop receiver but that will push out the carrier even further. Makes me nervous.
@@NSTY109 I agree with having it further out making it more nerve racking. In theory it should be fine but there’s always that fear of seeing your bike not on the back of your rig anymore and tumbling on the road. Id do the stool or bucket method and scratch the drop hitch to give more peace of mind. Another idea that may or may not work and prob more practical if you have onboard air is you could drop your rear tires air pressure to see if that gives you enough clearance.
@@NSTY109I also have the Smitibuilt XRC Gen 2 on my 3.5" lifted Wrangler with 37" tires. I plan on loading a KTM 500 EXCF. Have you found your bumper load rating to be adequate on that Smitibuilt?
what size hitch do you have??? looked like 1 1/4?? and how much does the bike weigh??? i'm looking to carry a Honda adv 150. My vehical says it's not a good idea to tow anything lol. so, looking to carry it lol. it's just the hitches that fit my car are 1 1/4... and I was told it WOULDN'T hold the weight of the bike and carrier. grrrrrr
@@joelwallisadv well that's my dilemma... Says I shouldn't tow a trailer, doesn't say I shouldn't CARRY ... Lol I'd need to have a custom hitch 2in hitch made I guess to handle the weight on the tongue.
@@rayrivera2541 if the manufacturer does not recommend towing a trailer then I prob would not do a hitch carrier then. Depending on the type of vehicle you might be able to modify your suspension to accommodate… I am not a professional in this area so you will want to do more research on this.
@@joelwallisadv yeah I will definitely look more into it. It's a Hyundai venue, but the KONA, also doesn't suggest towing, and etrailers has a video of them installing a hitch. It's for bikes , not as heavy, but..... But I think, not sure, that if I get one stronger and thicker, bolted to the frame in the right way, I think it'll work..I think it's all about the tongue weight, that downward force. At least that's what my brain wants to believe lol. But yeah I will double check. Thanks for the feed back, much appreciated 👍
@Joel Wallis Adventures Unknown ya I have 35/12.5/20 with -44 offset. I ordered the black widow. Hopefully it fits so I don't have to take the spare off.
The lightest aluminum HF Haul Master compared to the Steel Versa Haul is not really a fair comparison. HF also has the Steel Haul Master. Also, you are talking $170 vs. $600
Great comparison, saved me some money on not wasting on the HF
That Harbor Freight is absolutely SKETCHY thin!!.....LOL......just look at Real haulers like Black Widow, the frame is waaayyyy thicker aluminum. There's no way in hell I would use that HF crap.....they're notorious for snapping too, shocker.
From what I see the hf one looks like about 1/4 the price, and I have a few minor mods in mind that will make it more stable and it looks like I could push the bike on from the right side and off of the left side instead of backing it off. And as far as the holes for the straps , a drill will take care of that in about 2 minutes.
Interesting I’ve watched a couple videos about the hf one and it was nice and tight with no movement.
Maybe user error 🤷♂️ my versahaul never issues
I bought the harbor freight one and it wobbles too much and the tires get stuck which makes it incredibly difficult to unload the bike with a lifted jeep. I will be upgrading.
Sorry to say I have that Harbor Freight unit. I have never ever been able to load or unload a WR on there by myself. Always need help. My hitch might be slightly higher than yours however. The thing I dislike most is the removable pins; they must be removed or the bikes sits too high. Remove them and not all bike wheels fit in the openings, and they end up sitting down ten inches and it takes three guys sometimes to lift the bike front and rear and roll off safely. I have hauled bikes to Arizona two times on this system and always worried at night I would look back and find it gone on the road it moves so much. One thing you might have missed is the rear straps can go on the center-rear and go left and right for better leverage. Yes, there are hooks for straps behind the ramp when it is in its resting place. Man what a pain though---only use it when I must. I have an "MX hauler" also. Way better. The bike rests on its skid plate and special bolts go through the pegs and holds the bike down securely. No lifting or rolling; just get bike it into position, bolt it down, and a small built in hydraulic jack gets it up off the road. Straps aren't even required---but why not!
It’s quite the struggle to load and unload by yourself for sure! But for a budget option it will do the job. The mx hauler sounds pretty sweet!
I have the Harbor Freight hauler as well. I haven’t used it yet. I did install it on my 21 Chevy Silverado which is a tall truck and attempt to load my 21 KLX300 as a test. Yes, it’s not as easy as I thought. The wheels fall too deep in the opening where I removed the pins. I was fresh and it was a pain to get the bike on and off the rack and I almost dropped it a few times. I was considering would I be able to load the bike safely after a long ride when I’m hot and fatigued. Let alone if I fell and was slightly injured.
For my next test I plan on putting all the pins in place and having the bike ride on top and not drop in the openings.
I also replaced all the standard nuts and bolts with grade 8 which attaches the hauler to receiver shaft for more piece of mind. It does twist when loading but that’s due to the construction, it’s only bolted on.
I also had to drill out the strap connection openings as my heavy duty straps are too large for the stock opening. Something I found out after I loaded the bike. But that’s why we test before we hit the road.
@@markshortridge8291 absolutely agree with testing first before taking out on the road. if you haven’t used it yet you may wanna return it and check out the versa haul or the mx hauler that @darrellhay mentioned above. If you have a slope somewhere I would suggest loading it from higher ground to compensate the taller truck to make it easier to load. Most orv places also have load ramps that help after hitting the trails too. Good luck and ride safe!
get some aluminum and just jb weld in some more of those little cross bars so the wheels move easier maybe?
My wr400f loads great. My xr600r even works great. Using the harbor freight cycle carrier.
For the price difference I would just get an MX Hauler and make things even easier. The versa looks stable but the price is so close to the jack style I would just go with the different style.
Hey Joel, I just bought a new-to-me WR250R. I am starting to get my accessories. Where did you purchase the front disc brake guard. If you happen to have a part number, that would be great as well. I know this video was posted a couple years ago, but that type guard is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks and I hope to hear from you.
Congrats on the new bike! I think the disc guard is discontinued but I would recommend checking out the Zeta brand.
I tried the HF unit my self. It sucks. Taking it back. Crf 250L
Good call! Go with the VersaHaul or something like that design and you will be much happier with it.
I have a dedicated motorcycle trailer, and Still dont use it, lol. Bearing and tire failures are common....its just More shit to fail, i always worry about a blow out and fish tail, Boom, there goes your bike!
Great video thanks! What’s the longest drive you’ve done with the bike on the back? I’m thinking of getting the VH and transporting the WR for 800+ miles. Would you have concerns for that type of journey or no?
Driven across Washington state with the bike on the back. I have zero concerns with it being back there :)
And you can drive that without needing brake and turn signal lights?
🤷♂️ haven’t been pulled over and beats a trailer
@@joelwallisadv cool I’m just gonna buy the hitch and skip the wiring then 🤣
Tap and thread the three bolts into the hitch and torque it
great video thanks for posting… im wondering if a 2door jeep will handle the extra weight on the back as well
Thanks man! I’m pretty sure the 2 door could handle it but maybe not as well. I’d do some additional research in a Jeep forum to see if other 2 doors had issues or not.
I have a 2 door jeep set up.
2006 tj rubicon, for the tj the payload is 800lb-900lb(depending on modle x, sport, rubi)
Payload is a stock jeep empty.. key word STOCK JEEP. So do this.
Add the weight of the hitch, the human passenger, food, bags you have, bike. If it all under 800lb , your fine.
If your at 900lb or 1000lb.
Remove the hard top for a soft and remove the back seat to save 250lb(which give you 250lb in payload).
Also the tire you have on the back is added in with payload FYI
Great video! thanks for sharing
Just because you put it on improperly doesn’t make it bad. Your anti rattle setup was backwards and upside down.
Yes.
I own a wrangler as well. What size tires are you running? I have 35/12.50/20 I’m worried that the bike will rub
Nice! I have 33’s but can’t remember the offset of my wheel. I know they stick out way more then stock. With the versahaul you should still be able to clear 35’s. May need to tuck you peg up on your bike so it doesn’t scuff your wheel. Had to do that when I used the harbor freight one. My next tire will 35’s and feel confident I’ll be able to still fit my bike with the versahaul :)
How did you get that much twist loading up the HF carrier, ive had mine for years now and over 3k miles, not once have i had it twist that much on loading, only thing i can think of is you aren’t running a hitch stabilizer on your extension, i have mine on a lifted ram 2500 and while ill agree the ramp they give you is useless on a lifted vehicle, i dont get 1/4 of the twist you do loading up
I wont argue that a $150 carrier is sub par to the $600 carrier, but after alot of experience with the HF carrier, it feels like the problems shown here were exaggerated to make the higher end carrier look even better.
The HF carrier definitely lacks in tie down points, but the way you showed the bike strapped on the HF carrier was wrong, the holes you refer to are for pins to help seat the wheel and if your wheel sits low enough it will also act as security, the proper way to strap on the HF carrier is a triangular setup to the main beam, not the aluminum itself, and as i already said, your setup has something very wrong with it to twist that much upon loading, 5 different vehicles and ive never had anything close to that
I agree. He's trying pretty aggressively to sell us the Versa Haul. HF probably sucks, but doesn't suck as much as he's trying to let us believe.
Hopefully, you see this question
Im also a Jeep owner and was wondering how the frame on the Jeep handle that weight after 2 years ? Anything you would reinforce or modified?
Im in the process to get a similar setup with approximately same size of motorcycle
I didn’t have any frame issues. The main thing is you don’t want to go over the tongue weight of the receiver which I believe is 500lbs.
@joelwallisadv sweet tks for the info mine 400lb max
I will give or take 10% i should be fine
Did you have to our an extention on the tow carrier for the rear tire
No extension on the Versahaul. Yes for the harbor freight
Will this work on 35s in the back? I have a JL Xtreme Recon and buying a used one, so wondering if this rack could clear the 35 spare
Tough to say as It might be a tight fit. I don’t remember the offset of my wheel but I know my tires are 11” wide and I had to use a bungee to tuck my foot peg in from hitting the wheel.
You didn't correctly use or understand the HF rack... The holes you mention "that are too small for your straps", you use those with the pins to secure each tire into the rack. The tires droop down into the rack,. Thats why it's not a 100% solid base piece of metal like the versahul, its so the tire sits in the frame and a pin can be inserted. Secondly, the anti-rattle device was not installed properly, and resulted in all of your sway. This is a very poor representation of the HF rack. Even your versahaul demo showed the bike in a pretty loose configuration.
Did you have to use a hitch extender for the versa?
No I did not need to :)
@@joelwallisadv thank you
You strapped your bike wrong
Didn’t I mentioned that in the vid as i wasn’t the right straps for that specific carrier
@@joelwallisadv simply drill out the stock holes to make them bigger
@@DoArtTheMovement oh got ya :)
@@DoArtTheMovement the holes are not where the straps go, they are for the pins. Look in the manual and it will show the strap points, but who reads the manual these days? 🤷♂️
@@TheDogDad just saying. I drilled mine bigger and used them for straps
I’m lookin to get something for my jeep for my sport bikes (usually my bikes r no more than 300 pounds) idk what to get help??
Versahaul is the one I would look into.
do you have a Class III hitch on the Jeep or a Class II? thanks
I am not sure, how would I find out?
Whats max tongue weight on the jeep? I have a DRZ, bought. Black widow carrier. I feel like the 37s on 3.5 " lift might require a drop hitch. How lifted is your jeep?
Believes it’s 350lbs. Mine is 3.5” with 33.5’s (295/70/r17). I could see it being a little tall. Could try a drop hitch or bring a bucket or stool to step on when loading is another thought.
@@joelwallisadv thanks ! I have a Smittybilt XRC gen 2 bumper with carrier. Hard to find specs. I think its rated for 500lb tongue weight. The DRZ wieghs about 300lbs, carrier is around 60lbs. im looking at a 10" drop receiver but that will push out the carrier even further. Makes me nervous.
@@NSTY109 I agree with having it further out making it more nerve racking. In theory it should be fine but there’s always that fear of seeing your bike not on the back of your rig anymore and tumbling on the road. Id do the stool or bucket method and scratch the drop hitch to give more peace of mind. Another idea that may or may not work and prob more practical if you have onboard air is you could drop your rear tires air pressure to see if that gives you enough clearance.
@@joelwallisadv I have a portable air pump i can use. Yeah im definetely not going to do the drop hitch. Pretty sure you lose 50% tongue weight.
@@NSTY109I also have the Smitibuilt XRC Gen 2 on my 3.5" lifted Wrangler with 37" tires. I plan on loading a KTM 500 EXCF. Have you found your bumper load rating to be adequate on that Smitibuilt?
what size hitch do you have??? looked like 1 1/4?? and how much does the bike weigh??? i'm looking to carry a Honda adv 150. My vehical says it's not a good idea to tow anything lol. so, looking to carry it lol. it's just the hitches that fit my car are 1 1/4... and I was told it WOULDN'T hold the weight of the bike and carrier. grrrrrr
2”. I go would off of the proper specs of your vehicle for safety. My Wr250r bike weighs about 300lbs.
@@joelwallisadv well that's my dilemma... Says I shouldn't tow a trailer, doesn't say I shouldn't CARRY ... Lol I'd need to have a custom hitch 2in hitch made I guess to handle the weight on the tongue.
@@rayrivera2541 if the manufacturer does not recommend towing a trailer then I prob would not do a hitch carrier then. Depending on the type of vehicle you might be able to modify your suspension to accommodate… I am not a professional in this area so you will want to do more research on this.
@@joelwallisadv yeah I will definitely look more into it. It's a Hyundai venue, but the KONA, also doesn't suggest towing, and etrailers has a video of them installing a hitch. It's for bikes , not as heavy, but..... But I think, not sure, that if I get one stronger and thicker, bolted to the frame in the right way, I think it'll work..I think it's all about the tongue weight, that downward force. At least that's what my brain wants to believe lol. But yeah I will double check. Thanks for the feed back, much appreciated 👍
What's the weight limit, 300lb or 600lb?
Think it was 500lb cause my bike was in the upper 200’s and it was rock solid
You sped up the important parts way too much. 🤦♂️ And you needed a regular hitch stabilizer. Mine has zero movement.
Whats the tire size on ur spare?
295/75/17r but don’t remember what the back spacing or offset of the wheel/rim. My after market wheels def stick out more then the stock.
@Joel Wallis Adventures Unknown ya I have 35/12.5/20 with -44 offset. I ordered the black widow. Hopefully it fits so I don't have to take the spare off.
The lightest aluminum HF Haul Master compared to the Steel Versa Haul is not really a fair comparison. HF also has the Steel Haul Master. Also, you are talking $170 vs. $600
It is a fair comparison.....the WHOLE point is showing a cheap carrier vs an expensive one, lol.
Can you lock the rack
The ramp?