Folding trailer and car trailer hitch

[Ninja_Wendy]

Anybody have one of those folding trailers? (like this - Folding Utility Trailers, Trailer Kits, Parts and Accessories - RedTrailers.com) I can't have a trailer in my driveway (neighborhood rules - blah blah). So I thought that would be a good compromise. Then I guess we will have to fashion something to hold it to the wall so it doesn't fall on my car. Also, I was going to add a tow hitch to my car. The one that I saw for my car bolts onto the wheel well under the trunk.

Anybody with experience with any of those that could give me some tips or advice, I'd appreciate it.

[Spok]

i've seen fold up trailers advertised in mags & whatnots but i'm not fully convinced.

i'll leave it for others to comment as to their expeirence

i hate CCR's and so much so, it kept us from buying a new home a few years ago, can't stand the thought of a bunch of folks on the "committee" telling me what i can and can't do with MY property...

sorry for the diatribe

[mkelley]

I've got a Kendon dual-bike trailer Kendon Industries - Manufacturer of Kendon Trailers Motorcycle Trailers and Motorcycle Maintenance Lifts and it's a stand-up design. I'm very pleased with it and it's gotten a lot of use. If I had a smooth concrete driveway and a shop with available space, it would be easy to store it inside. I've got a gravel driveway and a shop full of woodworking/gunsmithing/motorcycle stuff, so the trailer stays outside. You definitely would want to have a eye bolt screwed into a stud so that you could chain/cable it to the wall for safety.

[Michael600r]

i've seen fold up trailers advertised in mags & whatnots but i'm not fully convinced.

i'll leave it for others to comment as to their expeirence

i hate CCR's and so much so, it kept us from buying a new home a few years ago, can't stand the thought of a bunch of folks on the "committee" telling me what i can and can't do with MY property...

sorry for the diatribe

You and me both brother.

[Bob Brooks]

Anybody have one of those folding trailers? (like this - Folding Utility Trailers, Trailer Kits, Parts and Accessories - RedTrailers.com) I can't have a trailer in my driveway (neighborhood rules - blah blah). So I thought that would be a good compromise. Then I guess we will have to fashion something to hold it to the wall so it doesn't fall on my car. Also, I was going to add a tow hitch to my car. The one that I saw for my car bolts onto the wheel well under the trunk.

Anybody with experience with any of those that could give me some tips or advice, I'd appreciate it.

I am impressed with these trailers on the Net, and plan to buy one in the near future. My trailer-saavvy friends advise upgrading to the largest wheel size they offer to reduce wheel bearing wear; I think that's 12". Kendon's seem cooler than these, but new are too pricey for me and the used ones are always 9 states away.

There is a gross weight upgrade offered by one of the mfgrs, which might be worth considering although it bumps the price by about 40%. I lean towards engine upgrades, bigger hard drives, etc. if they're offered. Don't tell me what "most folks buy"; I ain't interested in that.

[CTRider]

That looks similar to the type of folding trailer Home Depot sells. If so, I'd stop by there and kick the wheels and other parts of one a bit to see how well it's built. In the case of the Home Depot model, you have to supply your own bed material (plywood, metal grid, etc), though.

The one issue I have with them is how light they are. I wouldn't be too quick to do much highway driving with something like that, especially empty. They tend to bob around a lot.

As far as the hitch, I'd look into a true frame hitch if your car will accept one. It sounds like the one you're looking at bolts onto the suspension mounts. I wouldn't dare do that.

Honestly, unless you plan on hauling stuff more than a couple of times a year, I'd just rent a small U-Haul van or a pickup when you need it. They're around $20 a day plus fuel and mileage. You can do that several times before you add up to the cost of the trailer and hitch.

[Ninja_Wendy]

Honestly, unless you plan on hauling stuff more than a couple of times a year, I'd just rent a small U-Haul van or a pickup when you need it. They're around $20 a day plus fuel and mileage. You can do that several times before you add up to the cost of the trailer and hitch.

Yeah, I've rented trucks from Home Depot, Lowe's and U-Haul. I want something we can trailer our bikes with (to the mountains, beach or wherever).

We looked at getting an old truck but then you have to insure it, maintain it, etc.

[mkelley]

You might also check with a few of your local trailer/pickup truck cap places. One place near me in MD sold new all-aluminum folding stand-up motorcycle trailers that were cheaper than the Kendon's, but they were still pricey ($1500 for a dual-bike trailer vs. $2300 for the Kendon). I got lucky and bought my Kendon used from a guy that worked only 5 miles from my home. Unfortunately, stand-up trailers aren't cheap.

[zedx11]

I have a folding trailer from harbor freight. works good for one bike. don't think it is really wide enough for two though.

[CTRider]

I have a folding trailer from harbor freight. works good for one bike. don't think it is really wide enough for two though.

Not to mention 2 bikes may exceed the weight limit of the trailer.

[zedx11]

I think the rated capacity of my trailer is around 900lbs. could almost carry 3 of my bikes.

[Ninja_Wendy]

The Red Trailer has a capacity of 1100 pounds and it is $550 for 5x8. But now I'm worried since it seems a lot cheaper than the trailers y'all have mentioned. I am a strong believer in "you get what you pay for". So maybe they are not so great.

[tai42]

Their folding trailers look like just the one I got from Harbor Freight. (If you have a store nearby you can get it for $250 as it's on sale in their current mailing.) All you have to add is some decking material from a local hardware store, and a good wheel chock. Of course it's a little more work than the specific-built motorcycle trailers, but a lot less expensive and very versatile.

[mkelley]

The Red Trailer has a capacity of 1100 pounds and it is $550 for 5x8.

I bet this would serve you well if you're hauling a couple of sport bikes. Remember to count the weight of wheel chocks and flooring in the weight capacity (Maybe you could get a local shop to cut and bolt diamond plate for you!) You'll appreciate the ramp, because with that solid axle, you've got a higher deck height.

[Ninja_Wendy]

Thanks guys. When I finally get something, I'll post up pics and let you know how it goes.