A hitch carrier sits outside, gets rained on, salted, and loaded and unloaded every ride. Most riders don't think about it again after install day. That's fine for the first season — after that, neglected hardware and forgotten straps are how carriers fail early. Here's what to actually check, and how often.
Steel vs. Aluminum: Different Materials, Different Failure Points
The Charge Carrier is laser-cut steel with a black powder coat. The EUC Carrier is lightweight aluminum. They fail differently, so they get checked differently.
Charge Carrier (Powder-Coated Steel)
- Anchor bolts through the foot pegs take the load every ride. Recheck torque monthly if you ride weekly.
- Keep mounting area clean; therefore, it's easier to assemble / dissemble when needed.
EUC Carrier (Aluminum)
- Aluminum doesn't rust, but it does corrode at contact points where dissimilar metals meet (steel bolts, ramp hinges). Rinse road salt off after winter drives.
- Ramp hinge pins wear from repeated roll-on loading. Listen for new squeaks or play.
- Retractable ratchet straps are the first thing to wear out. Check webbing for fraying and the ratchet mechanism for smooth engagement before every haul.
Hardware Checklist
Run this before any trip longer than a quick local haul:
- Anchor bolts and connector plate bolts
- Hitch pin and clip are secure
- Straps are not fraying
- Bracket positions torqued securely
Missing or worn hardware doesn't need a new carrier. Replacement hardware kits are available in the Parts & Accessories collection.
Pre-Ride, Every Time
- Bike or wheel seated and secured before you pull out of the driveway, not just before the highway
- Hitch pin visible and locked
- Straps tensioned, not just looped
- Weight within the carrier's rated capacity. 400 lbs for the Charge Carrier, 200 lbs per bike in a double configuration.
All Velocity Volts carriers carry a Lifetime Warranty against factory defects and breakage under normal use. Maintenance keeps you from ever needing it. Replacement parts for the Charge Carrier, Charge Carrier Add-On, and EUC Carrier are in the Parts & Accessories collection.
