Cargo Carriers?

[Rams]

Hoping to do some coddlewompling this Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter on one of my Valkyries.   I believe I'll need a bit more cargo space for a few of my "hoped for" journeys.   I've noticed a few others have (what appears to be home built) cargo carriers that slip into their receiver hitches.   In that both of my Valkyries and my Solstice have the 1.25 inch receivers, I thought it makes sense to ask those who have already built one what they used, the best dimensions and what material they used.  Obviously, one must be careful about putting too much weight back there but, asking those that have gone before only makes sense to me.

Chromed is not required.     Aluminum would be nice but, simply asking the how, what and materials used.   Any and all (most) advice would be appreciated.   Have been looking on the internet but, all that I've found are way bigger than I think I want or need.

Rams

[f6gal]

Talk to Psycho... his brother built one from a Harbor Freight car top carrier. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

This would work for those that are looking to be thrifty.

https://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-atv-cargo-carrier-69858.html

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Plastic-27-Gallon-Stacker-Tote-Yellow-Lily/280713381?athcpid=280713381&athpgid=AthenaItempage&athcgid=null&athznid=siext&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=00-847c40eca22937f4b38327f5753aca6f-9c799219dcdda96d-01&athancid=null&athena=true

[old2soon]

        H/F trailer. All you'll have weight wise on the hitch is enough tongue weight to hold it down. You decide to go that way pull the wheels disassemble the bearings flush COMPLETELY and use good wheel bearing grease. You do that those 8" wheels be good to go. I've since put 12" wheels on. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

Talk to Psycho... his brother built one from a Harbor Freight car top carrier.  

Will do, thanks.

This would work for those that are looking to be thrifty.

https://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-atv-cargo-carrier-69858.html

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Plastic-27-Gallon-Stacker-Tote-Yellow-Lily/280713381?athcpid=280713381&athpgid=AthenaItempage&athcgid=null&athznid=siext&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=00-847c40eca22937f4b38327f5753aca6f-9c799219dcdda96d-01&athancid=null&athena=true

Thanks, will look into that.  Thrifty?   Yep, the fact that I squeak when I walk might be applicable.

       H/F trailer. All you'll have weight wise on the hitch is enough tongue weight to hold it down. You decide to go that way pull the wheels disassemble the bearings flush COMPLETELY and use good wheel bearing grease. You do that those 8" wheels be good to go. I've since put 12" wheels on. RIDE SAFE.

Yeah, already have a tag-a-long pull behind trailer for the bikes and Solstice but, that's for really long trips.   My bike are basically naked of cargo and I prefer it that way.   No, not me, the bike.  
And yes, checking and lubing those bearings is very important on that tag-a-long.

Rams

[f6gal]

I think I misunderstood what you meant. 

[Rams]

I think I misunderstood what you meant. 

No Problem, I'm used to that.   It's probably that Venus/Mars thing. 

Rams

[f6gal]

I think I misunderstood what you meant. 

No Problem, I'm used to that.   It's probably that Venus/Mars thing. 

Rams

Only if you're the Venus.

[Rams]

I think I misunderstood what you meant. 

No Problem, I'm used to that.   It's probably that Venus/Mars thing. 

Rams

Only if you're the Venus.

  

Rams 

[Rams]

This would work for those that are looking to be thrifty.

https://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-atv-cargo-carrier-69858.html

Unfortunately, my hitches are 1.25 inch receivers.

Receiver size (in.)  2 in.

I actually like that design, but don't want to add an extension/adaptor.  That would move the load farther back than I like.

Rams

[Serk]

Anything on this list what you're looking for:

https://www.amazon.com/1-4-Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/s?k=1+1%2F4+Hitch+Cargo+Carrier

[Rams]

Anything on this list what you're looking for:

https://www.amazon.com/1-4-Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/s?k=1+1%2F4+Hitch+Cargo+Carrier

Serk,
Been through that already, I may have missed the one I'm looking for but, all are much bigger than I want behind my Valkyrie.   Width can't be wider that the saddle bags.   Around 24 inches in width and 14 inches front to rear.  And, that may be too big.   That's why I asked the dimensions others have used/built.   I most surely don't want anything wider than the saddle bags.   I also wouldn't put a huge about of weight back there.   Don't want to ride all the way to Billings or anywhere else on just the rear wheel.  
But, thanks for searching.

Rams

[Jess from VA]

I realize the expense issue, but have you considered buying one as close as possible to what you want, then having it cut down to your specs?

I've seen of few of these cooler racks (what I've seen most often carried on them) and the weight (and location of weight) always looks like an issue to me.  A car tire and full length 13" shocks looks like a good idea.

All (or mostly aluminum) would also seem optimal.  

In a related matter, I can carry more total gear on my solo rack on the supervalk, than I can in my trunk (and will not pile stuff on top the trunk even with my rack).  What about pulling the pillion and adding a flat rack there?  That is a better place to add weight. 

A flat rack would be so much better than that stupid curved solo rack (which looks nice, but stacking gear on it is a chore, gear wobbles around on it, and I have to use a bungee net to make sure it doesn't fall off, or over on once side.     

[ridingron]

If you go the luggage rack over rear fender direction, somewhere I have a couple pictures of one. It seems like it was 17" X 25" and a smaller one. If I remember right it replaced the top box on an IS (SuperValk).  A Valk owner was selling them a bit ago. He said he was putting it back on the shelf if I didn't buy it.

[Rams]

I realize the expense issue, but have you considered buying one as close as possible to what you want, then having it cut down to your specs?

I've seen of few of these cooler racks (what I've seen most often carried on them) and the weight (and location of weight) always looks like an issue to me.  A car tire and full length 13" shocks looks like a good idea.

All (or mostly aluminum) would also seem optimal.  

In a related matter, I can carry more total gear on my solo rack on the supervalk, than I can in my trunk (and will not pile stuff on top the trunk even with my rack).  What about pulling the pillion and adding a flat rack there?  That is a better place to add weight.  

A flat rack would be so much better than that stupid curved solo rack (which looks nice, but stacking gear on it is a chore, gear wobbles around on it, and I have to use a bungee net to make sure it doesn't fall off, or over on once side.    

Jess,
Every thing you said makes sense to me if one finds the right cargo carrier.   Getting one cut down and then massaged to the right dimensions is as (if not more) costly than just designing and having one built.   Another issue with many of the commercially produced versions is they will ride directly in the path of the exhaust.   I'm thinking that's not good.

I'll figure it out or won't do it.   Just one of those projects I'd like to get done.  

Rams

[Serk]

This seems to mount by clamping to the hitch instead of directly in the receiver, but might be worth a look see:

https://www.kuryakyn.com/products/338/trailer-hitch-rack



Edit to add another flavor of the same theme:

https://www.motorcycleid.com/show-chrome/receiver-hitch-rack-mpn-52-828.html?view=905814

[Rams]

Serk,
Thanks, I appreciate your efforts.

That's about the right size but, I won't be removing my hitches and the fitment notes are pretty clear.

FITMENT NOTES +
This product is not intended to be used while pulling a trailer. Suggested weight limit is 35 lbs. for appropriate handling & cornering. Will not install with Trailer Hitch Receptacle, P/N 9183.

Rams

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

[signart]

I'm thinking that you might want to find/locate the actual waterproof baggage, container or whatever you intend to use to carry your cargo in and build around that size. This way you can make the hardware very minimal and use this container for the lightest and bulkiest cargo. (Like your blankie or Teddy Bear )
Aluminum would of course be best and skeletal in construction and use bungies for the rest. Just my thinking.
I can help with .100 sheet aluminum pan with flared holes knocked out for weight reduction and bungie attachment, (similar to below) also know a guy here handy with a tig. Lot of scrap aluminum sheet and tubing laying around here of all description.

[f6gal]

Serk,
Thanks, I appreciate your efforts.

That's about the right size but, I won't be removing my hitches and the fitment notes are pretty clear.

FITMENT NOTES +
This product is not intended to be used while pulling a trailer. Suggested weight limit is 35 lbs. for appropriate handling & cornering. Will not install with Trailer Hitch Receptacle, P/N 9183.

Rams

"Simply install the mounting plate beneath your trailer hitch ball."

[f6gal]

Who makes that one Joe?

[Rams]

F6gal,
Decided to just build my own version.   Thanks.

Rams

[f6gal]

F6gal,
Decided to just build my own version.   Thanks.

Rams

Ok, as long as you can operate a level correctly.

[Rams]

F6gal,
Decided to just build my own version.   Thanks.

Rams

Ok, as long as you can operate a level correctly.

I assure you, I will have adult supervision. 

Rams

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Who makes that one Joe?

Revco it slides in and pins on the trailer hitch.

[Jess from VA]

Where do you guys carry the piano?                  (apologies in advance)

[..]

Where do you guys carry the piano?                  (apologies in advance)

Next to the kitchen sink.

[gordonv]

I bought the aluminum HF one for my trip to Spearfish SD Inzane. Cut it down to the width of my bike. Worked well, was going to add extra lighting to it. But when I over loaded it, and had a rear passenger on the bike, the front wheel was too light, almost felt like no steering.

Now I have a pull behind trainer. Can carry a lot more, and that keeps the wife happy, and it stays drier. Don't even notice it on the back.



couldn't find a better pic of the trailer.

[Rams]

I bought the aluminum HF one for my trip to Spearfish SD Inzane. But it down to the width of my bike. Worked well, was going to add extra lighting to it. But when I over loaded it, and had a rear passenger on the bike, the front wheel was too light, almost felt like to steering.

Now I have a pull behind trainer. Can carry a lot more, and that keeps the wife happy, and it stays drier.

Yep, I agree about the potential of overloading.  For me, it's more about being able to carry and extra gallon or two of fuel.   Seems like some I ride with (to include myself) always push the envelope on fuel stops.   Of course, there's always a good reason to take along a cooler of cold drinks.   I already have a tag-a-long trailer for the really long trips but, prefer using it behind the trike over the bike.

I'm thinking that you might want to find/locate the actual waterproof baggage, container or whatever you intend to use to carry your cargo in and build around that size. This way you can make the hardware very minimal and use this container for the lightest and bulkiest cargo. (Like your blankie or Teddy Bear )
Aluminum would of course be best and skeletal in construction and use bungies for the rest. Just my thinking.
I can help with .100 sheet aluminum pan with flared holes knocked out for weight reduction and bungie attachment, (similar to below) also know a guy here handy with a tig. Lot of scrap aluminum sheet and tubing laying around here of all description.

Art, there's some good ideas there that you've got.   I'm in no real hurry, next time I'm up that way, I'll try to make a point into stopping by to see you.   BTW, let's leave my blankie and teddy bear out of this. 

Rams