Motorcycle Trailer?

[dennykyser]

I have a 5X12 open utility trailer I was going to use to trailer my bike from Northern Pa to Florida at the end of January. Yesterday when looking at storage sheds I could not believe the price, I believe I can get an enclosed 6X12 trailer for about the same price.

Thinking of selling my 5X12 open trailer and buy an enclosed trailer and using that to store the bike until I add on to the garage next year.

With the plow on the wheeler, going to be way to close to keep them both in the garage, know I will bang up, or knock over the bike.

Anyone have advice on open vs enclosed trailers for transporting a bike?

[BrianTSmith99]

Enclosed would give much better protection. There is a lot of stuff comes up off the road just behind a tow vehicle. A Fiero buddy of mine bought an enclosed to haul his car. Found that the car would fit in a "utility" trailer that was MUCH cheaper than a "car enclosure". The difference was the utility box rides inside the trailer wheel wells, and the "car enclosure" rides on top for the extra width. Something to be said for small vehicles He has turned the trailer into a small "workshop/storage" unit.

Brian

[dennykyser]

Any trailers to avoid, do not find a lot of pros or cons on different makes.

[dennykyser]

I believe I am going to get a Car Mate enclosed trailer, they seem to be very well built but not sure if I want a ramp door or double door. I thought for sure I would want a ramp door but would limit it to only a bike hauler, where as the double doors with a ramp could have multi functions.

Any advice?

[Jerrysea]

make sure it has ventilation and a light inside. make sure it has enough room that you wont have to leave the bike in a stand. it will rest on it and put weight on the componet it is leaning on. it would be better to rest on its kick stand.

[dennykyser]

I just purchased a 6X12, did go with a ramp just to make it easier.
It does have lights and vents.

for this year I will store the bike in there, I am guessing on the kickstand is the best way to store it unless traveling.

[mittens01]

I am guessing on the kickstand is the best way to store it unless traveling.

I keep mine in the garage on a wheel chock from Harbor Freight. It works great, and the bike stays exactly where it's supposed to.

[Mercury]

when i bought my american hauler trailer... i got it home and found out one of the rear brake magnets was not hooked up (the place i bought it from was at fault) and also watch out for the under coating... mine is missing some

kenny

[Hardwire]

Originally Posted by dennykyser

Yesterday when looking at storage sheds I could not believe the price, I believe I can get an enclosed 6X12 trailer for about the same price. Thinking of selling my 5X12 open trailer and buy an enclosed trailer and using that to store the bike until I add on to the garage next year.

I was just thinking about that myself for this winter... sounds like you went with the 6x12... did you get a single axle?? Can you move it by hand???

The double door was $2500 and the ramp door is $2800...

[nhshadow]

Another option that I used, was a horse trailer. I do have horses, and was "looking" for a cheap trailer, but it wasn't until we took a trip for the bikes that I bought one. Nothing special, just a two horse ramp load with a wooden floor and enough room for two bikes and all our luggage.

[dennykyser]

Originally Posted by Hardwire

I was just thinking about that myself for this winter... sounds like you went with the 6x12... did you get a single axle?? Can you move it by hand???

The double door was $2500 and the ramp door is $2800...

Its heavy but I can move it by hand. I got the additional 6" of height makes it easy to drive in and not close to hitting my head.

[puckoach]

There are a few different trailer threads on this site, that I found to have good info. Do a search, as you can't expect people to post the same things over and over again.

From what i just read, I would suggest against leaving it on the kick stand. I know you think that the trailer will never move, and it would be okay. But, I would secure it in at least an inexpensive nose chock with straps.

What if some one drives into it when they slide in some ice....

BTW, the best part of an enclosed trailer is when you don't have to clean your bike after trailering it home in the rain !!!

[Mick327]

I have a 6 X 12 Enclosed I bought this May. I love it. It has the drop down ramp rear door and we have taken it on a couple of trips. The bikes stay clean and dry and secure. It has a door on the side for easy access to the bikes when you don't want to put down the ramp or don't have the room to put down the ramp. It has lights and a roof vent. It also came with a spare tire and a little fold down flap on the rear ramp for easy loading. I painted the inside to make it easy to clean. All I have to do is hose it down. I put 2 wheel chocks in there for both bikes. It is a Transhaul. I think it is great.

[GregsVulcan]

How much for the open trailor and do you have pics?

[northernman]

Enclosed trailers are great.

I have an 8 x 31 enclosed and love it.

[Jerrysea]

Originally Posted by GregsVulcan

How much for the open trailor and do you have pics?

If you are talking about the kendon trailer. Go to Kendon.com you will see the trailer and accesories they ofer.

[GregsVulcan]

Originally Posted by Jerrysea

If you are talking about the kendon trailer. Go to Kendon.com you will see the trailer and accesories they ofer.

Do you have a kendon trailer?

[Jerrysea]

Originally Posted by GregsVulcan

Do you have a kendon trailer?

Yes. The two bike size.

[GregsVulcan]

What bikes do you have and have you taken the trailer on any long distance trips?

[mkelley]

I've got a Kendon dual bike trailer too. I've hauled my 1600 Mean Streak, 1500 Drifter, Suzuki 800 Intruder, and son's 883 Sportster on them. Longest trek was about 1000 mile round trip to pick up my Drifter. Trailer bounces around a lot when empty, rides great with Intruder aboard (385 pounds) or heavier bikes.

Since they're often sold by H-D dealers, keep your eyes open for a used one. I got mine virtually new for half price.

My only complaint is I think the rear tie-down points are in the wrong place (way too far forward). Still use them though.