Full-time RV living is an adventure, but it comes with its share of logistical challenges—especially when two people share a single vehicle. Managing errands, supplies, and travel logistics with only one set of wheels can get complicated fast. The solution? A second vehicle. But not just any vehicle—something light, versatile, and practical. Enter the motorcycle.
Rather than towing a second truck or car, which would be cumbersome and expensive, a front-mounted motorcycle carrier offers a more efficient solution. YouTube Channel Living For A Living‘s plan? Install a front-mounted hitch on the truck, attach a motorcycle carrier, and get a lightweight, off-road-capable bike to complete the setup.
Choosing the Right Hitch for the Job
There are a few different front-mount hitch options on the market, with brands like Curt and Reese offering similar designs. After the folks at Living For a Living narrow down the choices, it’s time to unbox the hitch and get to work on the installation.
The first thing to check is whether all the necessary hardware is included; bolts, washers, and lock washers, all in different sizes for specific mounting points. The next step is the installation! The problem is, while installing, a small oversight in the hitch design became apparent—no built-in safety chain attachment points. This was strange, considering that safety chains are a standard feature on most trailer hitches. But no dealbreaker.
Prepping for the Installation
Working on the truck while relying on it for transportation meant that every tool and part used by Living For a Living had to be ready before starting. Fortunately, the RV park where they were currently staying was conveniently located across the street from a Tractor Supply store, with an Ace Hardware within walking distance.
A quick trip to both stores made sure our RV Enthusiasts had everything they needed. With hardware in hand, it was time for a test fit. The hitch aligned well, but, as experience has proven, nothing mechanical is ever as “easy” as it seems. The key to a smooth installation? Proper hardware organization. Laying out bolts, nuts, and washers in the correct order ensures nothing goes in the wrong place—because in the world of DIY projects, mistakes are easier to make than they are to undo.
Weighing the Load
One important consideration before installing a front-mounted motorcycle carrier was ensuring the truck’s front axle could handle the extra weight. The manufacturer’s Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) set the limit at 6,000 pounds, but real-world figures needed to be checked. The best way? Taking the truck to a CAT scale or RV weigh station.
On paper, the combined weight of the hitch (35 lbs), the carrier (50 lbs), and the motorcycle (250 lbs) should be within the limit. But real-world weights are often different from manufacturer specs, so a weigh-in has been planned for later to confirm everything stays within safe parameters.
Installing the Hitch
The actual installation involved threading bolts through the frame rails and securing them with washers and nuts. Some of the work had to be done in tight spaces with limited tool access, making the process tricky.
One of the more challenging aspects was aligning the hitch while managing its 35-pound weight. Without a proper jack stand, a sturdy box proved to be the next best thing, holding the hitch at the right height while securing the bolts.
However, one unexpected challenge arose: the front sway bar was blocking the hitch from fully seating into position. A minor setback, but nothing a little strategic force couldn’t fix. With the sway bar temporarily pushed back, the hitch could finally fit into place.
The Fish Wire Trick
To get bolts into the tightest mounting points, a special fish wire tool was used—essentially a coiled wire that helps guide bolts through hard-to-reach holes. The process required patience, but after a few adjustments, the bolts were threaded through and secured with washers and nuts.
With all bolts in place, the final step was torquing them down to the manufacturer’s specifications. This required the right sockets—turns out, the hitch required 7/8 and 15/16 sockets, not the 9/16 and 5/8 originally expected. But once the correct tools were on hand, the job was completed successfully.
A Step Toward More Freedom
With the front-mounted hitch installed, the next steps are clear: build the motorcycle carrier, get the bike, and start adding more flexibility to life on the road. A second vehicle—especially a compact, fuel-efficient motorcycle—will make errands, scouting locations, and exploring new places significantly easier.
Full-time RV life is all about adaptability. While one vehicle worked for Living For A Living for a while, adding a motorcycle to the setup will unlock a whole new level of convenience. Stay tuned for the next phase: building the motorcycle carrier and getting out on two wheels.
For more RV living tips, DIY projects, and travel adventures, check out Living for a Living on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livingforalivingRV.
About Living for a Living
