9 Essential Towing Accessories for Flat Towing a Scooter Behind Your Motorhome

Setting up camp in a spacious state park or a tight BLM spot is incredibly rewarding, but navigating nearby town roads in a 36-foot Class A motorhome is a recipe for stress. Towing a lightweight scooter behind the rig offers the perfect “runabout” vehicle for quick grocery trips and scenic detours without breaking camp. Accomplishing this safely requires more than just a basic hitch; you need a dedicated system of towing accessories to protect your investment and ensure highway safety.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Key Rules for Safely Towing a Scooter Behind an RV

While “flat towing” technically refers to towing a vehicle with all wheels on the ground, small scooters cannot be safely flat-towed this way without destroying their transmissions. Instead, “towing” a scooter behind a motorhome almost always means using a receiver-mounted hitch carrier that keeps the scooter completely off the pavement. This method keeps the scooter secure, minimizes tire wear, and prevents mechanical damage to the drivetrain.

Safety when hauling a scooter on an RV bumper starts with understanding your motorhome’s rear axle weight rating (GAWR) and hitch tongue capacity. Every pound hanging off the rear receiver exerts a leverage effect, shifting weight away from the front steering axle. Keeping the scooter close to the coach and securely anchored is critical to preventing dangerous sway or steering instability at highway speeds.

Finally, never compromise on visibility. A scooter mounted on the rear of a wide motorhome can easily block tail lights and license plates from the view of following motorists. Ensuring your setup has auxiliary lighting and clear clearance indicators is not just smart safety practice; it is a strict legal requirement in most states.

Motorcycle Carrier – Black Widow MCC-600 Steel Carrier

The foundation of your scooter transport setup is the carrier itself, which must support the dead weight of the scooter while handling the constant bouncing of highway travel. The Black Widow MCC-600 Steel Carrier is a heavy-duty, hitch-mounted platform built to shoulder the load of everything from lightweight 150cc scooters to beefier maxi-scooters. It slides directly into a standard 2-inch receiver, transforming your RV’s rear bumper into a stable transport deck.

What sets the MCC-600 apart is its rugged steel construction and integrated loading ramp. The ramp attaches directly to the carrier during loading, allowing a single person to roll the scooter up onto the track without awkward lifting. Once the scooter is secured, the ramp stores flat alongside the carrier frame, saving precious storage space inside your RV’s basement compartments.

Keep in mind that steel is heavy; this carrier weighs nearly 100 pounds on its own. Installing and removing it is a two-person job for most, and it requires a robust Class III or IV hitch receiver to handle the combined weight of the steel and the scooter. If you own a heavy scooter and want absolute structural peace of mind over thousands of miles of bumpy roads, this carrier is the benchmark choice.

• Weight Capacity: 600 lbs
• Material: Heavy-duty powder-coated steel
• Track Length: 78.75 inches
• Ramp Length: 71 inches

Tie-Down Straps – Rhino USA Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps

A premium carrier is useless if your scooter can wobble, slide, or tip over during a sudden highway maneuver. Heavy-duty ratchet straps are the primary safety mechanism holding your scooter down, compressing the suspension to prevent the bike from bouncing off the track. Cheap, light-duty straps from local big-box stores will quickly fray under UV exposure and road vibration, risking a catastrophic failure on the interstate.

The Rhino USA Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps offer professional-grade security with an impressive break strength of over 5,200 pounds. Featuring padded ergonomic handles and swiveling, spring-loaded safety clips on the hooks, these straps ensure that road bumps will not cause the hooks to slip out of their anchor points. The kit includes soft loops, which are essential for wrapping around handlebars or triple-trees without scratching delicate chrome or plastic body panels.

When using these, remember that over-tightening can damage your scooter’s fork seals or bend handlebars. Secure them until the front suspension is compressed about halfway, ensuring a snug fit without bottoming out the springs. This kit is perfect for any RVer demanding ultimate reliability, though users with very limited hand strength might find the heavy-duty ratcheting mechanism slightly stiff during the first few uses.

• Break Strength: 5,208 lbs
• Strap Width: 1.6 inches
• Included Accessories: Soft loops and heavy-duty storage bag
• Hook Type: Chromoly S-hooks with safety clips

Wheel Chock – MaxxHaul 70103 Heavy Duty Wheel Chock

Trying to balance a two-wheeled scooter on a narrow metal carrier track while simultaneously reaching for tie-down straps is an exercise in frustration. A wheel chock acts as an extra set of hands, clamping the front tire the moment you roll the scooter into place. It prevents the front wheel from twisting or sliding forward and backward during transit, which is a major cause of strap loosening.

The MaxxHaul 70103 Heavy Duty Wheel Chock is a sturdy, automatic-locking chock made of heavy-duty steel with a durable powder-coat finish. It features a pivoting cradle that uses the weight of the scooter to lock the front wheel firmly in place as soon as you roll over it. While designed for garage floors or trailers, it can be bolted directly onto the steel track of carriers like the Black Widow with a minor amount of DIY drilling.

Note that standard scooter wheels are often smaller (10 to 12 inches) than standard motorcycle tires, so you must adjust the pivoting cradle to its lowest setting for a snug fit. If your carrier does not have pre-drilled holes for a chock, you will need to spend some time measuring and drilling before your first trip. This accessory is a non-negotiable addition for solo travelers who need to load and secure their scooter without assistance.

• Material: Heavy-duty steel
• Wheel Size Compatibility: 15 to 22 inches (adjustable for smaller wheels)
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant powder coat
• Base: Pre-drilled anchor holes for easy mounting

Hitch Tightener – Roadmaster 061 Quiet Hitch

The connection between your RV’s receiver and the scooter carrier’s shank inherently has a few millimeters of clearance play. At 65 mph, this tiny gap translates into violent shaking, side-to-side sway, and a nerve-wracking clacking sound echoing from the back of your rig. A hitch tightener clamps these two metal components together, turning them into a single, rigid unit to eliminate movement.

The Roadmaster 061 Quiet Hitch is a brilliantly simple device consisting of a heavy-duty steel U-bolt and a thick collar plate that clamps over the receiver split. By pulling the carrier shank tightly against the inner wall of the receiver, it stops all vertical and horizontal play instantly. It is built from zinc-plated steel to resist road grime and rust, making it tough enough for full-time travel.

To install it, you will need a basic socket wrench to tighten the nuts during setup, meaning it adds a couple of minutes to your hitching routine. It is a universal fit for 2-inch receivers, though you should verify clearance around your bumper trim before buying. Anyone tired of watching their expensive scooter sway in the rearview mirror will find this to be the most cost-effective upgrade in their towing arsenal.

• Receiver Compatibility: 2-inch receivers
• Material: Zinc-plated heavy-duty steel
• Function: Eliminates wobble, rattle, and vertical movement
• Installation Tool Required: Standard socket wrench

Hitch Lock – Bolt Lock 5923624 Receiver Lock

Leaving your motorhome parked at a trailhead, grocery store, or highway rest stop makes your expensive scooter carrier an easy target for opportunistic thieves. Standard hitch pins can be pulled out in seconds, allowing someone to slide the entire carrier—and your scooter—right out of your receiver. A robust hitch lock is your primary line of defense against theft, securing the carrier to the RV chassis permanently.

The Bolt Lock 5923624 Receiver Lock offers a clever solution to the problem of carrying too many keys on your ring. This lock permanently programs itself to your RV’s ignition key the very first time you insert and turn it. Constructed with a solid stainless steel pin and a weather-resistant auto-return shutter, it is designed to withstand the harsh spray of road grime kicked up by your rear dualies.

Because it codes to your ignition key, you must select the exact part number that matches your RV’s chassis manufacturer (such as Ford, GM, or Ram). If your motorhome is built on a Class A custom chassis with a unique keyway, you may need to opt for their universal key version instead. This lock is ideal for travelers who hate fumbling through a crowded key ring and want automotive-grade security for their gear.

• Pin Diameter: 5/8 inch (fits Class III, IV, and V receivers)
• Keying System: Auto-programs to your ignition key
• Material: Stainless steel with a weather-resistant rubber jacket
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Auxiliary LED Lights – Blazer C8020 Magnetic Towing Kit

Mounting a scooter transversely across the back of a motorhome almost always blocks the visibility of your factory tail lights from certain angles. If drivers behind you cannot see your brake lights or turn signals, you face a serious rear-end collision hazard. Auxiliary LED lights extend these vital signals to the outermost edge of your load, ensuring complete legal compliance and highway safety.

The Blazer C8020 Magnetic Towing Kit is a reliable, plug-and-play lighting solution featuring two high-visibility red lights connected by a 20-foot wiring harness. The lights plug directly into a standard 4-way flat trailer connector on your RV, instantly synchronizing with your tail lights, turn signals, and brakes. The heavy-duty magnetic bases hold fast to steel surfaces, making them incredibly easy to mount and reposition.

Because scooter bodywork is mostly plastic, you cannot simply stick these magnets to the scooter itself; instead, you must mount them to the steel frame of the carrier or use heavy-duty zip ties to secure them to the scooter’s passenger grab rails. Ensure the wiring harness is zip-tied securely along the carrier frame so it does not drag on the asphalt or get pinched by moving parts. This kit is a safety essential for anyone driving after dark or through poor weather conditions.

• Connection Type: Standard 4-way flat trailer plug
• Harness Length: 20 feet
• Mounting Base: 20-pound pull-strength magnets
• Function: Run, stop, and turn signals

Scooter Cover – Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus Cover

Traveling at highway speeds creates a high-velocity vortex of wind, rain, road salt, and exhaust soot directly behind your motorhome. Leaving your scooter exposed to this harsh environment can ruin its paint, clog its fuel systems, and degrade its electrical components. A heavy-duty, trailer-rated cover acts as an impenetrable shield against this destructive road spray.

The Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus Cover is engineered specifically to survive the intense wind buffeting experienced on the back of an RV. Made from heavy-duty, waterproof ClimaShield 300-denier solution-dyed polyester, it features taped seams and moisture-guard vents to prevent condensation buildup underneath. It also includes a soft cotton liner to protect your scooter’s windshield from scratches and a snug elastic hem to keep the fit tight.

A loose cover will flap violently at 60 mph, which can tear the fabric or chafe your scooter’s paint down to the bare metal. You must use the integrated belly strap and potentially add a few extra bungee cords or cinch straps around the middle to eliminate any loose fabric. This cover is an absolute must-have for long-distance RVers who want their scooter to arrive at camp clean, dry, and ready to ride.

• Material: 300-denier solution-dyed polyester
• Waterproofing: Sealed seams with ClimaShield fabric protection
• Securing System: Underbelly web strap and elastic bottom hem
• Sizing Options: Multiple sizes to fit 50cc up to large maxi-scooters

Dual Hitch Adapter – Roadmaster 077-8 Dual Receiver

Many motorhome owners face a dilemma: they want to haul a scooter on a carrier, but they also want to flat-tow a small car or attach a bicycle rack. A dual hitch adapter splits your single receiver into two stacked openings, allowing you to run two hitch accessories simultaneously. This unlocks incredible utility, turning your rear bumper into a multi-sport gear hub.

The Roadmaster 077-8 Dual Receiver is a heavy-duty, solid steel adapter designed specifically for the high forces of motorhome towing. It features a 2-inch top receiver for your scooter carrier or bike rack, and a 2-inch bottom receiver that is fully rated for flat-towing a tow bar. With its black powder-coat finish and reinforced collar walls, it is built to handle heavy tongue weights without flexing or cracking under pressure.

Using any hitch adapter reduces your RV’s total hitch weight capacity, typically by about 33%, due to the increased leverage on the receiver. You must do the math to ensure the combined tongue weight of your scooter, carrier, and tow bar does not exceed this reduced rating. This adapter is perfect for travelers who refuse to choose between their scooter and their dinghy tow vehicle, but it is overkill for those who only travel with a scooter.

• Receiver Sizes: Two 2-inch openings
• Weight Rating: 10,000 lbs towing / 400 lbs tongue capacity
• Drop/Rise Distance: 8-inch offset
• Material: Solid steel construction

Safety Cables – Curt 80318 Coiled Safety Cables

In the extreme event of a hitch pin shear, structural carrier failure, or weld snap, your scooter and carrier could break free, turning into a deadly projectile on the highway. Safety cables act as the ultimate fail-safe, keeping the carrier physically connected to the RV long enough for you to pull over safely. They are a cheap, simple insurance policy that can save lives and prevent total gear loss.

The Curt 80318 Coiled Safety Cables are made from high-strength, vinyl-coated steel aircraft cable, offering a break strength of 5,000 pounds. The coiled design prevents them from dragging on the ground or getting tangled while maintaining enough stretch to accommodate tight turns. They feature heavy-duty spring-latch hooks that won’t accidentally unhook from your RV’s safety chain loops.

When installing these, do not loop them around the hitch receiver itself, as a receiver-level structural weld failure would render them useless. Instead, loop one end through a solid portion of the RV’s chassis frame and hook the other securely to the main frame of the scooter carrier. They are essential gear for peace of mind, though you must ensure they have enough slack to allow normal hitch articulation without binding.

• Weight Rating: 5,000 lbs break strength
• Cable Diameter: 1/4 inch
• Length: 36 inches (coiled extendable)
• Coating: Scratch-resistant black vinyl

How to Calculate Your RV Tongue Weight Capacity

Calculating tongue weight capacity is the most critical safety step before loading a scooter onto your motorhome. Your RV’s hitch receiver has a maximum tongue weight rating—typically 500 to 1,000 pounds on Class A and Class C coaches—which represents the maximum downward force the hitch can safely support. However, this rating assumes the weight is concentrated on a standard hitch ball located just a few inches from the receiver opening.

When you slide a wide scooter carrier into the receiver, the center of gravity of the load is pushed 12 to 24 inches away from the pinhole. This creates a leverage effect (or torque) that exponentially increases the effective weight applied to your RV’s frame and rear axle. To calculate this accurately, use the standard leverage formula:

$$text{Effective Tongue Weight} = text{Actual Weight} times left(1 + frac{text{Distance from Pin to Center of Load}}{text{Distance from Rear Axle to Pin}}right)$$

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to keep the combined dry weight of your carrier and scooter at or below 60% of your hitch’s rated tongue capacity. For example, if your RV has a 500-pound tongue weight limit, your total carrier and scooter weight should not exceed 300 pounds. Exceeding this buffer can dangerously lighten your RV’s front steering axle, resulting in sloppy steering, reduced braking performance, and unsafe driving dynamics.

Pre-Trip Safety Checklist for Towing a Scooter

Before shifting your motorhome into drive, performing a meticulous walk-around inspection of your scooter towing setup is essential. Vibrations from travel can loosen bolts, shift straps, and settle suspension components, which means a secure setup at departure might become loose after fifty miles. Developing a consistent checklist routine ensures you catch minor issues before they turn into highway disasters.

A thorough pre-trip inspection should cover these critical points:

• Hitch connection: Verify the receiver lock is locked, the key is stored safely, and the hitch tightener is cranked down securely with no play.
• Tie-down straps: Inspect each strap for fraying or burns, ensure the ratchet mechanism is locked in position, and verify that the scooter’s suspension remains partially compressed.
• Electronics check: Turn on your RV’s hazard lights and headlights to confirm that the auxiliary LED lights are working in perfect synchronization.
• Securement check: Tug on the scooter handles to ensure there is zero lateral movement on the carrier track, and double-check that the scooter cover belly straps are pulled tight with no loose fabric to flap in the wind.

Make it a habit to repeat this inspection at every rest stop, fuel station, or driver change. Check the temperature of your ratchet straps and feel the carrier frame to ensure nothing has shifted or loosened. This extra five minutes of diligence keeps your gear safe and guarantees that your scooter arrives at your next destination in pristine condition.

Conclusion

With the right carrier, securing hardware, and safety accessories, hauling a scooter behind your motorhome becomes a seamless part of your mobile lifestyle. By investing in high-quality gear and taking the time to calculate your weight limits, you protect both your road-tripping toys and the safety of everyone sharing the road. Now, you can park your large rig with confidence, knowing a reliable, fun ride is ready to explore the moment you set camp.