trailer options

[desotodino]

I love riding, she loves the RV so the natural compromise is to tow the bike behind the RV. When she hits the casino, I hit the roads.

I've been using by 4x8 utility trailer which is old, rusty, and ready for replacement. I'm also getting tired of strapping and unstrapping ramps and have been looking at aluminum trailers with the integrated ramps. I've ruled out M/C specific trailers as I still need something to haul wood chips, wood, and other big items. I've also ruled out full enclosure trailers, seems to be more bulk than I need to deal with. So I'm down to a 5x8 aluminum vs a 5x10, both with integrated ramp and hard sides.

I want this to be my last trailer. Dealer says that 8' is typically too short for hauling bikes though it would hold my airheads just fine. I'm 52 and have been in love with airheads since I was 22 so I'm doubtful that I will suddenly lust for a K1200LT or something else that exceeds 8' in length. Therefore I'm leaning towards the 8' but thought I'd ping the "gang" to see if anyone has gone through a similar process. Thoughts?

[GRLambert]

You can always put small stuff in a big trailer... but you cannot always put big stuff in a small trailer. If it is really a toss up...get the big one. You will need the extra size sooner or later.

[20774]

Something of a similar thread here:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61104

[kantuckid]

I have an 8' "Gator" utility trailer. It has a wood floor, tilt bed, Harbor Freight chock bolted in place & has been repainted several times w/left-over paint. I haul you name it in it and if needed I can ride my bike on alone and chock it up w/o help. They are cheap and useful. I had mine sent w/o a floor so I could put my own floor in it instead of SPF regular wood. I floored mine with white oak planed to 1" thickness exact and it has been in there a looooong time. Many use treated 2x6 for floor. No ramps needed.

[jstrube]

8' vs 10', I'd go 10'. It isn't as if you are looking at 8' vs. 20', you won't notice the 2', plus, you might even like it. My experience is that longer trailers pull better & are easier to back. With that short of a unit, I would say that the 2' would help more than say, a 20 vs. a 22.

I would love one of those aluminum trailers! Much better than dealing with wood & steel. I say go for the added 2' & be done.

John.

[mohler]

I have a 6x10 Aluma with drop down ramp. It's just big enough for two K bikes, with about 3" between sadlebags. At the time I bought it, the difference between it and the next smaller size was only $300. Glad I got the larger one.

[desotodino]

I hadn't thought about the improved handling of towing a longer trailer and have also found the additional cost of 10 over 8 foot length is only $300 as well. I think I'll go the longer route, that way I could also easily throw the bicycles in there as well. Mohler, you brought up the 1 vs 2 bike question. I have wrestled with that as well. Though I"d like to be able to have the option of towing 2 bikes if I go with a buddy or my son, to date that hasn't happened. Of course, if I had plenty of parking area at my home I wouldn't hesitate to go bigger but that is not the case. For 95% of the time, this think will sit in my driveway and I'll have to maneuver it or maneuver around it. I think what I'll do is if the 2 bike need arises, we'll just rent a 2 bike trailer.

[flymymbz]

I bought one of these to haul behind my Pontiac Vibe. I added the ramp to the back and mounted three Condor trailer adapter plates. One is forward and centered for one bike, the other two are on either side, one is slightly rearward of the other, so the handlebars don't conflict.

Trailer is 4x8, and it will haul one Guzzi California, or a pair of F650GSs.

http://www.ironeagletrailers.com/iro...lers/economax/

http://store.condor-lift.com/products.php?product=Pit%252dStop{47}Trailer%252dS top-Adaptor-Kit

[Lee]

Last year I bought a Aluma 6810 utility trailer. The bed is 68" by 117" and weighs 440 lbs.








They sell optional side racks I may buy in the future.
http://www.alumaklm.com/single-axle-...y-trailer.html

The salesman gave me extra tiedown loops to bolt or weld on.


http://www.alumaklm.com/single-axle-utilities.html

I paid a little under $2,000 for the trailer. I think a 6x10 without the heavy duty frame was around $1,700.

[toooldtocare]

Last year I bought a Aluma 6810 utility trailer. The bed is 68" by 117" and weighs 440 lbs. I paid a little under $2,000 for the trailer. I think a 6x10 without the heavy duty frame was around $1,700.

I have been following this thread because I just bought a Kendon trailer for about $1,000 more. Wish I had known about this one, it looks perfect. Add some side stakes and you have a full utility trailer too. Nice.

[Rpbump]

Look at BAXLEY Trailers made in Alabama. Ride Safe