We typically prefer to tow the bike to any events, but didn't attend any this year. We usually tow with the Expedition.
As it turns out, I bought a pair of used, loaded rear tires for my old (ancient) Ford backhoe. I drove up to Cleveland for them, and loaded them on the trailer and headed home. I was about to turn onto the freeway on ramp, but heard a "creak" I didn't understand, so I went to the gas station I saw just up the road to take a last look to be sure everything was ok, and as I turned into the station, the trailer hitch let go. Not something I'd expected. Had to have Lisa drive the pickup up (2hrs) so I could tow the trailer home. I ripped the hitch completely off and headed home. I climbed around under there, finding that the frame is solid, but that cheesy hitch (factory) had completely rusted through. Musta been made in China. I tried a few junkyards, but found that this is a common problem and replacements are really hard to find, 'cause they're all badly rusted. The aftermarket hitch manufacturers don't build them as "This vehicle comes with a factory hitch" Ford considers it part of the frame.
SO....I had a piece of heavy channel laying around that looked like it would make a pretty good hitch, so that's what I did. I'll guarantee it's stronger than the factory one ever was.