Match the bracket to your hitch receiver class -- not the carrier class. Class II receivers have a 1.25-inch opening. Class III and IV have a 2-inch opening. Class V have a 2.5-inch opening. The class is printed on a sticker on your hitch receiver tube. VersaHaul makes brackets for Class II (VH-071-HD), Class III (VH-070-HD), Class IV (VH-074-HD), and Class V (VH-075-HD). If you are using a hitch extender or riser between the receiver and the carrier, match the bracket to the receiver you are inserting the extender or riser into -- not the extender's output size.

Reflectors ship free with every VersaHaul carrier and satisfy some state requirements on their own. However, many states require active brake lights and turn signals when any object extends beyond the rear of the vehicle -- and a motorcycle, ATV, or scooter on a carrier almost always extends well beyond your motorhome's tail lights. If you travel through multiple states, the safest and simplest approach is the VH-TK-LP, which satisfies every state's requirements. It costs $77 and installs in minutes. If you are ever stopped and asked about your rear lighting, having an active taillight kit ends that conversation immediately.

Both kits include brake lights, turn signals, and running lights that mirror your motorhome's signals in real time. The VH-TK-LP adds a license plate light. Some states require an illuminated license plate when the rear of the vehicle -- including the carrier -- extends beyond a certain point. The VH-TK-LP covers that requirement. If you carry a license plate on the carrier or if your state requires plate illumination, choose the VH-TK-LP at $77 over the VH-TK at $59. The extra $18 covers you in every state without having to research individual laws for each route.

A hitch riser raises the height of the carrier connection point -- it moves the carrier up relative to your vehicle's bumper. You need a riser when the carrier sits too low, causing the platform to scrape on inclines, or when your motorhome's bumper is so high that the carrier geometry puts the bike's weight at a bad angle. A hitch extender moves the carrier farther back horizontally -- away from your vehicle's bumper -- giving you more rear clearance when the bumper is very close to the hitch receiver. Some setups need one, some need the other, and some need both. If you are not sure which applies to your situation, call us at 877-736-2267 with your motorhome's hitch height and bumper position and we will tell you exactly what to order.

Three common reasons. First, physical damage -- a bent or cracked main tube from an impact or overloading needs to be replaced rather than used with compromised structural integrity. Second, you want a different length -- upgrading from a 24-inch to a 30-inch single tube gives you more rail length for a larger bike or a longer wheelbase. Third, you want the raised tube variant -- the raised main tube lifts the rail height to give a heavy touring bike more clearance from your motorhome's bumper during loading and transit. Replacement tubes let you reconfigure the same carrier hardware rather than purchasing an entirely new carrier.

Inspect straps before every trip. Look for fraying at the edges, cuts or abrasion in the webbing, corrosion or deformation on the hooks and ratchet mechanisms, and any stitching that has separated. Straps that show any of these should be replaced before the trip, not after. As a general rule, straps used regularly in outdoor conditions -- UV exposure, moisture, road grime -- have a practical service life of two to three seasons of active use. The V-STRAP 8-piece kit is designed specifically for VersaHaul carriers and is the correct replacement set for all standard models.

In most cases yes -- VersaHaul has maintained consistent hardware compatibility across their carrier line for many years. Anti-tilt brackets, taillight kits, wheel stops, and straps are designed to work with current and older carrier models. Main tubes are more model-specific and you will want to confirm the tube you are ordering matches your carrier's frame configuration. Call us at 877-736-2267 with your carrier's model number and we will confirm compatibility before you order.

Yes. Free shipping applies to all orders over $100 shipped within the contiguous United States -- accessories included. Most accessories are priced well under $100 individually, but if you are ordering a taillight kit, a replacement main tube, a hitch riser, and a set of straps together, the order will almost certainly qualify. If you are ordering a single low-cost item and want to confirm shipping before placing the order, call us at 877-736-2267.