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[PittCaleb]

I have a Subaru Outback with a trailer hitch.  IIRC, the tongue weight limit is 200lbs.  I swear this is the same limit as on my SUV I owned previously as well.

I would like to bring my Zero with me on a trip next month for use while out of town on the daily driving.  But the bike weighs what, 450ish pounds.

I'd like to use one of those hitch carriers rather than a wheeled trailer.  But I just don't think that's possible with my vehicle, and probably for safety reasons if nothing else.

Can anyone confirm this?  That if I want to move the bike, I need a proper wheeled bike hauler?

Just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

PittCaleb

[JaimeC]

That would be a BAD idea.  Rent a small trailer from U-Haul, or borrow a trailer from a buddy.

[Fran K]

I suppose you are missing the pocket thing for the front wheel.

[Moto7575]

A book an online shipping service - cheaper than renting a trailer.

[jnef]

Also note that the weight limit for an 'accessory,' hanging attachment is also generally quite a bit lower than the tongue rating as well.  This is because the weight has a twisting torque to it rather than just straight down-force.  Maybe see if you can replace the hitch and the support structure that it connects to if you want to do this.  Otherwise, yes, you should use an actual trailer.

[PittCaleb]

Thanks all, you confirmed, the tongue weight, plus the rotational effect of a motorcycle - the Outback is not the solution.

The place is 130 miles away, if I can't make it weather-wise and time wise (to recharge en-route) then I'll just leave it at home :-(

Cheers - PittCaleb

[JaimeC]

Consider something like this.  I have the use of an older version of it.  When it's not in use it takes up very little room in the garage, but assembles quickly when needed.  Plus, once you've dropped off the bike you can disassemble it and throw it in the trunk which is a lot easier than dragging it around behind you empty:

https://www.stingertrailer.com/product/trailer-in-a-bag/

[Moto7575]

In Europe a shipping company would do this for less then 100 euros

Thanks all, you confirmed, the tongue weight, plus the rotational effect of a motorcycle - the Outback is not the solution.

The place is 130 miles away, if I can't make it weather-wise and time wise (to recharge en-route) then I'll just leave it at home :-(

Cheers - PittCaleb

[flattetyre]

Just add a 2" receiver to the outback, then carry on the back no worries.

[evdjerome]

The Uhaul motorcycle trailer is $15 / day. I've used it to trailer my Zeros a dozen times over the last 5 years on interstate highways for over 250 mile trips each time. They work very well. My tow vehicle is a 2005 Toyota Matrix. I find it very convenient to rent these. They have a front wheel chock.

[PittCaleb]

The Uhaul motorcycle trailer is $15 / day.

And I could prob return the rental when I arrived and get it again before I left, saving a few days rental.  Didn't realize they were that cheap.  Thx

[JaimeC]

Check first.  I don't know about U-Haul trailers but when renting a car I've discovered one-way rentals cost SIGNIFICANTLY more than returning it to the origin site.  Mostly because it means now the original site has to go through the expense of retrieving their vehicle.  You get charged for that even if you swear on a stack of bibles that you plan on renting it right back.

For one thing, there's no guarantee someone else won't rent it after you've turned it in, and it won't be available again when you need it so you won't be able to bring it back.

[togo]

I towed a Zero SR 2000 miles recently with a gadget that
mounts in a 2x2 reciever and holds up just the front
wheel.  I can't honestly recommend it.  The motorcycle
tilts alarmingly (the wrong way!) when you make a turn,
but it does have the advantage that it's inexpensive and fits
easily in a trunk.