I am planning on getting a motorcycle carrier but was told that I will need to install this air bags
Anyone there have any personal experience using the carrier?

What type/size of bike are you planning on carrying?

Koz

In my search for a bike this year I have been looking at several motorcycle boards and saw a thread about the hitch-based motorcycle carriers.

(I didn't read the entire thread and skipped over alot so this may be totally wrong! (but I am posting it anyway))

The thread went on about how you were planning to carry anything around a 650cc bike which may weigh around 400+ lbs. wet you should have no less than a Class IV hitch (I think). Which is usually only found on 3/4 ton trucks.

I thought the V6 has a weight carrying hitch and the V8 has a semi-weight-distrubuting hitch (class 3 - right)? I don't think I would put anything larger than a 125CC bike on the back of the V8 4runner.

If I see the thread again I will post the linky.

I guess it would depend on the size of bike you got. I run a rack called the Versa-Hauler. Perfect for the 275bl KTM but I would not put the 500lb VMax in it. It's great, slips right in the hitch. Never had a problem. I did add some air bags then upgraded to some OME springs. So nice I forget it's there. I have see some that just fit under the skid plate and you bolt the bike down. think it's called Moto Jack??Mine has a ramp and supports both wheels with 4 straps - I run a geek strap from one frame rail throught the bikes frame to the tow loop - I figure if I evere loose the bike I will drag it?

You can also see that I run a set of break and turns up top because the bike kind of blocks them a bit.

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The V8 has a class IV hitch. The class III hitch is rated up to 500lbs. tongue weight.

Koz

If you plan on carrying more then a 300lbs. bike you may need the air bags to prevent the rear from sagging. I have carried my ZX12R (weighing just over 500lbs.) with no problems. I do have the OEM auto leveling rear air susp.

Koz

will be putting an R1 which is about 500lb I believe or abit lower.
I have the 05 sport v8 so what hitch do I have? III or IV

I was thinking about getting the air bag system but thats spending more then what I wanted to so not to sure if I will end up buying the carrier.

You should have the class IV hitch. You can get a set of air bags for $100. Without the air bags you will be sagging and you will lose some of your susp. travel. This will affect the ride. Get the air bags, see post below.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...592#post129592

Koz

thanks Koz

Nice, looks like I will end up ordering the airbags. also planning on getting this toytec
looking at the

3RUN-FRC (firmer by 40%)
3RUN-FRCC (firmer by 10%)

I was told that 3RUN-FRC was just to firm and said that the 3RUN-FRCC was the way to go.

I run a 3" OME lift and I added Airlift 1000 air bags to give the added lift for pulling a trailer. I like it and it works great. Air them up for towing and air them down for daily driving with no added weight.

I have a 2012 4 runner limited v6. I was thinking of getting a motorcycle carrier and hauling a cr250 - maybe about 275 lbs. Do I need to get air bags or new springs for that set up?

could I just get stronger springs and forgo the airbags?

Thanks

You probably know you're in the 4th Gen forum, but to answer your question: You could get away without the airbags, but why would you. Don't forget, you also have to add the weight of the carrier which will be between 100-150 pounds. I have a KTM 530EXC-R which weighs around 275 full of gas. Without air bags, the ass end sags and it doesn't drive as well. With airbags, it's like the hitch carrier isn't there (except when braking).

Get a set of Airlift 1000 bags and either install them yourself or have them done at a shop. The bags are around $100. I was charged $100 to have mine installed by a local shop but I get a great deal from them.

I carried a cafe style bike and that made my runner sag and i felt i was carrying it in the back. But i carry a yamaha wr450f as well and i didnt feel it. With my ome 895e springs.

I have a 2010 4Runner Limited and have been looking at buying an aluminum manual carrier with a 500-pound capacity to transport my power wheelchair that unfortunately weighs 435 pounds. I have been hesitant to purchase the carrier because the combined overall weight of the chair and the carrier is 516 pounds and the tongue-load weight capacity is 500 pounds. The carrier weighs 81 pounds.

I realize it is only 16 pounds over the tongue-load weight capacity but I am concerned about the stress that 516 pounds will have on my 4Runner and the potential effect on stability while driving.

I have read the very helpful responses to the individual asking a similar question for his motorcycle carrier exceeding the tongue-weight capacity and I would appreciate any response as to whether installing the Airlift 1000 airbags, as has been suggested, would be a safe way for me to increase the 500-pound tongue weight capacity so my existing Class III hitch and the rear axle are not over-stressed. Any suggestion will be truly appreciated. Thank you.

just get a 5x8 utility trailer, its simpler, easier, and will be 10 times more useful to you. on most holidays tractor supply puts the wire mesh floor ones on sale for $550 and you just screw a sheet of treated 1/2" plywood on it.

the problem with bike carriers is they max out at 500 lbs and you are at the max, is it really worth losing your bike over?

plus, with the utility trailer you have the ability to haul your lawn mower, refrigerator, freezer, washer, drier, or whatever you need to haul.

I have been riding motorcycles for 45 years and I would NEVER trust my bike on one of those flimsy carriers, they are only designed for carrying light weight dirt bikes and not street bikes, they are not easy to load your bike onto by yourself without dropping it on the ground or on your car, damaging both, and they don't hold the bike very well teetering on a 2" square bar and very little to tie it down to secure it.

just my 2 1/2 cents on this