How To Load a Vespa Scooter on a Hitch Mount Hauler

[@Jub9000]

Robot! I hope you understand how helpful your videos are. I used to live right next to your shop. I would stop in once in a while just to gawk. Now I live in AZ with my first Vespa and I wish I could stop by regularly. Your videos are a great resource, especially for novice enthusiasts.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Wow, thanks!

[@vetteb96c]

I cross my tie downs. Inside to outside and vise versa. Provides more stability. I use 4 not two. No issues on a 2400 mile trip. I also use a small brace you can buy for $10. Takes all the slop out from the hitch to receiver. No movement! Great Video.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@DonaldKHoaty]

I didn't really expect to learn anything from this video, but there were some good tips in there, especially if you're doing the job by yourself. Thank you!

[@VespaMotorsport]

Cool, glad it was helpful!

[@williefufu2985]

This helped me a lot, I bought the motorcycle/scooter rack from Harbor Freight and the wheels fell or fit in the space for wheels, to I’ve only used it once and it held up fine, taking the scooter off was tough because of the weight of the GTS 300 and the wheels being in those spaces, I used a cinder block and a hydraulic floor jack to raise the back wheel and managed to finally get the scooter off of the rack. Now that I’ve seen your video here, I will make modifications to my rack. Thank you for this video. By the way, this rack that I bought from Harbor Freight is very sturdy.

[@wendynewdeck5584]

Can you share the modifications you made? I have a similar situation with my GTS 300 and this same rack from HF. How did it go?

[@williefufu2985]

@@wendynewdeck5584 sorry for the slow reply. No modifications, I have a suburban, it’s a good idea to cover the right end of the Handle bar because it can rub against the vehicle. I watched several videos on how to secure the scooter. I’m happy with my purchase. I hope this helps.

[@lizstrangesavage7948]

Robot, you are a wealth of information. So glad I found your channel. Thanks!

[@randygravel2057]

Strap the front wheel to the “chock” (part that angles up), keeps it from rolling back and forth. Don’t for get the keys too

[@shermananderson700]

For parking lot scenarios I have found that two traffic safety cones carried in my truck, placed at each end of my hitch carrier give better visibility to motorists passing by my vehicle.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Good tip! They're especially hard to spot when they're not loaded with a bike 😳

[@NoelDiotte]

I did haul a Piaggio Liberty 150 on a 96 Ford Windstar Minivan (without the middle seat and temporarily removed the back seat) through the side loading door. It's higher 54" than the back hatch 49". There are six floor strong tie downs for the quick-release seats. Removed the back seat. Removed mirrors and small flyscreen. Put the loading door next to a high curb. Two guys rolled into the van with a couple boards on the grass curb, jumped the gap, no ramp. 4 straps. Slid back seat on either side of the scooter. Same way, to backed down to get another curb, then roll to driveway.

[@macmovieman1]

I’ve been trying to find a solution for my Tesla model Y performance. I was hoping to find a nice light aluminum solution and Tesla mentioned that it can go up to 350 pounds.

[@mikejones-go8vz]

Such easy videos to follow and understand, you would make a great school teacher, but would be missed by the scooter community 😳

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

We have a trailer but when transporting a smaller bike the length of the truck and trailer makes unloading at repair shops hard. I bought an adapter that drops the hitch 4” to make loading easier. I do have to remember that when backing up and dealing with curbs.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Sounds like a good setup!

[@mustardgreen6312]

Great video. I have to load my 2009 GTS 250 by myself and your loading and tying instructions was very helpful. I wish you guys were in Nashville :-)

[@VespaMotorsport]

That's great, glad this helped you out! ✌️

[@williamgwathmey4728]

I am using that type of carrier on a RV to carry my Vespa. Works great.

[@oakdalegirl57]

Nice Video! I own the same Canyon Dancer handlebar device and it's been a great tie-down helper for even motorcycles. Great design.

[@docalexander2853]

I made a hauler one time that I turned a piece of steel round to just fit into the square hitch. Then I cut a flat about half way thru the round bar so I could weld the channel Iron to the pin. Then I made a short 2 foot piece of channel Iron that would fold under the top channel iron piece. Then I drilled a 5/8 hole thru the round bar so a regular pin would fit thru. To load my Vespa, I pulled the round bar pin and rotated the channel Iron to the ground after I unfolded the 2 foot piece of Channel Iron. I wealed 4 short pieces of pipe to the CI to use as tie downs. Roll the Vespa up on the CI to an angle piece of iron I welded to the front for the tire to go against. Then you rotate the CI up level and put the pin in . Tie down regular way and put strap across the seat. I hope you can under stand. Easier to draw.

[@allens7476]

I have the old Canyon Dancer without the cups, and yes, it pulls the grips into the center. I'm in the 'more is more' camp, so once I tied a motorcycle down with eight straps, but was going cross country. The Versa Haul does have a rear tie down bar also.

[@buffering7612]

I’m still looking for the video too turn my $40 hitch cargo rack from harbor freight into a scooter hauler!! I was quoted $650 at my local scooter dealer for one like this… half of what the scooters worth….priorities haha.

[@johnkilroy5300]

Very helpful.The best info on scoots is on here with Robot.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Glad you think so, thanks for watching!

[@danielquillinan3509]

Anywhere a strap may be contacting metal, or almost any even slightly rough surface, really, put a little scrap of cardboard in between. Even a tiny little bit of jagged surface area can cause damage to a strap, especially if it's a known factor that sliding of the contact points may be involved.

[@dougtrattner]

Hi. Thank you so much for your amazing videos. I just bought a Primavera 150 and a Versa Haul for my camper. When I purchased both, the dealer loaded and strapped down the scooter and told me to wrap/depress the brake to prevent the bike from moving laterally. Is that necessary or even possible with Canyon Dancer (which I just purchased) in place?

[@KaraSellsHomes]

Need to haul 2 scooters…anyone have ideas of what carriers will fit 2??

[@CamerondeGrey]

Nice handlebar grips

[@c7uk]

Nice rack 👍 Shouldn’t the rear wheel be chocked (as well as strapped) to stop the Scooter rolling? I wouldn’t feel safe with that movement

[@rahulmaron]

scooter has the handbrake to prevent from rolling. I have it in mine

[@shawnpahl4070]

link to chock you suggest?

[@mikejones-go8vz]

Tape the brake levers down 🤔

[@roywalls5595]

I like your trailer hitch but it will not work on my Jeep compass because Piaggio weight 945lbs

[@ScooterDano]

Just me, but I'd never use those tie down cams on the handlbars, seen too many work loose before. Ratchet straps don't cost too much more and the extra security is worth it. Love your videos btw.

[@allens7476]

I agree. Although nothing is foolproof. I once loaded a bike in a trailer where the handlebars weren't straight. By bouncing and movement of the suspension, the chock shifted and one strap was just hanging unhooked. Luckily, the other six saved it. I switched to straps with security hooks, a spring closure on one end.

[@jonweaklend4912]

Where did you get the hitch mount hauler that you are using in the video.

[@webcini27]

Strong & steady!

[@jamesg8540]

Based on this video, I bought a Canyon Dancer. What is not said in the video is one of the cautions in the instructions: that the bolts holding the caps on the end of your handlebars might not be strong enough and could break if there is too much pressure applied during the tie down process. So, I am returning mine. The cups that fit over the end of the handle bars are a little too big for a vespa and don't fit snuggly, so they will torque on the end of the cap, especially if the vespa is bouncing on an uneven road. I have bought a bunch of stuff based on Robot's recommendations. This wasn't a good one.

[@tenders]

Sounds like you're referring to bar end weights, which are usually add-on accessories. They are not structural to the handlebars and are easily removable. Same applies to bar-end mirrors. In my experience the convenience of the Canyon Dancers makes it more than worth the minor hassle of removing that stuff.

[@jamesg8540]

Vespa has weighted chrome caps at either end of the handlebar. Those can be changed out for heavier chrome caps which are recommended if you have a top box. In either case, the chrome cap is attached by a single bolt, and that is problem with using this product: the loose caps will torque on the bolts, hence the warning. You could remove the caps before application. That's inconvenient.

[@tenders]

@@jamesg8540 Yes. Those caps are called bar end weights. One bolt per weight. Not all Vespas have them stock, and not all Vespas need them at all. You're suggesting using multiple straps and possibly chafing the body is more convenient than just removing the bar end weights and using the Canyon Dancers? I would not share that opinion. The cups aren't designed to be tight around the handlebars, just against the handlebars as the opposing straps are tensioned. I bought the CDs on the basis of Robot's recommendation, and I think they're quite clever!

[@robynm8952]

Did you buy Canyon Dancer model 1 or model 2?

[@tenders]

Robyn Mitar Me: 2, with the plastic cups that go over the bars (not just straps).

[@robertduesler8594]

Another helpful post-thanx!

[@VespaMotorsport]

You bet!

[@ponchosan9180]

Thanks for the tip. Very helpful.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DCDrummer82]

Have been needing this video. Thank you. Where can I buy those things you put on the handle bars? Also any recommendation for cam straps but some at Home Depot but think they might be questionable. Love your idea of tying the knot. Thx

[@VespaMotorsport]

Check description for the link to the Canyon Dancer tie downs. Thanks!

[@usedvespa63]

nice, really interested and help full, keep continue this.

[@VespaMotorsport]

More to come!

[@usedvespa63]

@@VespaMotorsport please pinned my comment

[@theoldman8877]

Hitch need to be rated for 500 lb tung weight. Important! You mite find it difficult to steer the car.

[@DCDrummer82]

What do you think the best way to tie the rear tire down as you did to a ramp that doesn’t have holes? I have the Versa-haul 55. It doesn’t have holes. Thank you!

[@docalexander2853]

Great video. Learned a few things.

[@Heroshifoxx]

Would that ramp work with the Versahaul carrier? If so, what brand is it? It looks longer than the Versahaul ramp which is too short and steep for me to get any momentum going and I can’t park my truck at the tip of the driveway or curb to decrease the angle.

[@kevinhadfield7840]

Excellent, very informative

[@VespaMotorsport]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching...

[@man0sticks]

My Class II hitch doesn’t support enough tongue weight for this kind of rig. Are there any tow hitches for scooters that you can recommend?

[@jakelozano3497]

what about securing the back part just like the front.

[@coujunque]

Great video, Robot.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Thanks!

[@annarivera2528]

Thanks, really work for me.

[@VespaMotorsport]

Glad to hear that

[@cliffmauck510]

Great video. Thanks for the info.

[@roywalls5595]

Mr Robot I got a question on Piaggio mp3 250ie what is ie means!

[@ro63rto]

'Iniezione Elettronica' Electronic Injection

[@roywalls5595]

@@ro63rto Thank you Mr. Robot! Yesterday I order more parts from west scooter & next month I be order tilt lock sensor because the Chris unhook it he said was beeped!

[@jdacosta443]

Good video but; through the cam locks away, use ratchet straps. I use dog collars to strap the wheels to the carrier

[@hattorneyonwheels]

Is it okay to tie both brake levers?

[@Del_Monico]

I always attach my tie downs to the BIKE first then roll it up onto the ramp. It's much easier.

[@romeosantiago]

When you travel with a scooter on the hitch, do you remove the key? No chance of it falling off from all the bouncing?

[@tsfurlan]

@Escape From Zombie Island lol

[@hellcat3483]

Nice Video! Good Job !

[@VespaMotorsport]

Thanks for the visit

[@Jimo368]

Tacoma looks nice not having to drive in six months of salt

[@joeyjojojunior4886]

What’s the recommended Versahaul carrier?

[@VespaMotorsport]

The Single Motorcycle Carrier. Link in the description.

[@andrewwhitehead1330]

Hey Robot, another great video! A question, at kzbin.info/www/bejne/faPQp5Z7Zcmtrdk you lift the scooter by the body frame. If you are moving a GTS, how do you lift the rear of the scooter without ripping off the lower plastic body trims?

[@Stewartthorp]

I'd put a strap through the rear wheel and grip both ends of strap

[@luxuryhomes8889]

yea thats rachet alright....whta'z happenin

[@theoldman8877]

Robot, you have shown how to haul a robot with a Vespa many times, now I want to see the robot Hall the Vespa

[@carl-emilsteilborghansen3945]

firs like, first comment

[@er.dr.muratguvendi]

NOPE

[@AA-rc4zr]

Make it shorter Robot! Too much talking.