Modern Vespa

I am taking my kid to Ithaca, NY for college, with all his stuff, so we need to pack it in the ol' family minivan (2000 Honda Odyssey w/ Class III hitch).

I would LOVE to take a ride around my old stomping ground on the scoot, and was thinking about one of these to haul it there, but wondering if it is worth the hassle. I would rather just ride there, but not in the cards.

I have one of these ... barely make the weight limit with my BV 500 and longest haul was 60 miles, mostly freeway. No problems. Make sure you have an anti-rattle device to take off the slack on the hitch.

Thanks. What's an anti-rattle device? Straps to stabilize the rack and scoot, or something more specific?

I would avoid any light duty unit like that pictured. I bought the Vers-A-Haul which is a substantial unit and fairly costly. However, it is rugged and very well made.

If you decide on a hitch carrier, make sure the tongue weight rating of the vehicle is not exceeded.

Parting thoughts on quality and ruggedness..........................if you are going to hang your scooter off the ass end of your rig, don't squeeze nickels.

Edit: The anti-rattle device fits on the square bar that goes in the receiver. It has a couple of bolts that are tightened to take the play out of the connection.

I hauled my GTS from southern New Jersey to Long Island on a Moto-Tote. Rode like a charm. The vehicle you have it mounted to will make a difference. I had it mounted on my Lincoln Aviator. I don't think I'd recommend it on a Mini.

My kid wants to have my scooter when he goes to college in '09, so we figured we'd rent a U-Haul trailer big enough to load it into and just move all of his stuff that way.

My kid is getting a good chunk of my bank account in the form of tuition but NOT THE GTS!!!!

Ah, but that's when I upgrade from my baby Fly 50 to something more like a GTS!

I have the versa-haul. It works fine, but the loading ramp is a little flimsy

I have used a Tilt-A-Haul to carry as large as a GT on the back of a Lexus LX. Probably 5000 miles or so. Worked great. Is easier to operate than the Versa Haul. They have an aluminum model now which takes a lot of the weight off the hitch. Ditto on the stabilizer bolt, you really need it.

I think the anti-rattle device bit has been answered.

As for straps, I use 2 different types. First, there are the handlebar straps to tie down the handlebars to the carrier. Canyon dancers are good. Second, I use a set of truckers' rubber bungee cords to tie down both wheels to the "rail" of the carrier. Prevents it rolling and hopping. Ordinary rubbber cords are not strong enough. You need the thick black rubber ones.

And do watch the weight limit of the hitch as well as carrier. Some class III are 400 some 500 lbs.