Motorcycle Lifts?

[Teknobel]

So we have a short bed RAM 2500 pulling 31ft 5er. We’d like to take our motorcycle along for scenic rides and getting around destination areas. The only options I’ve found without upgrading to a toy hauler (which DW and I don’t care for) are:
1 - a motorcycle trailer towed behind the 5er, or
2 - a motorcycle lift like a HydraLift attached to the 5er.

Anyone have any thoughts on the pros/cons of these or alternatives?

Tom

[sourdough]

Just some thoughts;

What is the payload on your truck? Maybe 2300lbs.? Your trailer is 10300 gvw x 23% = pin weight of 2369. The trailer alone is going to be as much or more than your truck can handle weight wise when loaded not counting people, gear, tools, hitch etc. in the truck.....and then add a motorcycle? I think I'd either carry that bike on a trailer or get that toy hauler....and a one ton.

[bsmith0404]

I’ve towed my Harley behind my 5er on a trailer, but didn’t like the length of the overall package, I was almost 70’, definitely over the 65’ limit that most states have. I would have been ok if I had a 35’ 5er instead of a 40’.

I switched to a swivel wheel trailer which keeps me under the 65’ limit. It requires a double receiver which I built myself. It’s short, follows well and you can back up with it since it doesn’t have a pivot point. The only thing I don’t like about the swivel wheel is something that you just have to be aware of and watch closely is the tail swing. It adds about 6’ behind the trailer and really swings out wide. I have an observation camera to keep an eye on the Harley while traveling down the road, it also comes in very handy when watching the tail swing in corners. Sorry about the orientation of the pics. That’s the way the site adjusts them based on how they’re sized.

As for a lift, I don’t think I’d feel comfortable putting that kind of weight hanging on then frame of the rv, they’re not designed for that. It was just recently that Lippert started approving towing a trailer behind without voiding the warranty, and they only approved 300 lb tongue weight with 3000 lb tow.