Utility trailer for hauling bikes

[Dozer]

This is how I get her around. Usually to go to the dealership for safety inspections, scheduled maintenance, service and such.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

So. One of those little single rail moto-specifc trailers. Think I'd be okay hauling that with say... my little Scion tC?

4banger? What is the tow capacity and tough weight?

EDIT: I just looked it up. Oh dear... you got nadda most likely. Now... realistically, you can pull you ninja on the smallest of trailers avail. Maybe a 4x6 open, single axle. Like they sell at HF. If.... you can get someone to install a hitch that is capable AND you take it easy.

[Klondike1020]

Originally Posted by Dozer

This is how I get her around. Usually to go to the dealership for safety inspections, scheduled maintenance, service and such.

Do you use that because its easier for a lobe person to load and unload instead of putting it in the truck bed ?

Do you use another set of lights ?

I use a set if led trailer lights on my hitch carrier

My friend got tickets for - obscuring license plate/tail lights

Be careful out there

[subxero]

think I'm set on a 6.5x12 footer single axle with wood floor. Should be more than enough for my general use and good enough for other odd ball uses.

Looking at tandem's with brakes and it seemed like more work than it would be worth for what I need. Trailer would require more upkeep and more inspections ect...

[csmith12]

Now all ya gotta git is a pit-bull trailer restraint or two with the proper pins to hold your beauties down.

[choneofakind]

Dude, those pitbull trailer restraint stand things. Super convenient. I wish I had a sweet setup with those. Just push the bike up into the pitbull restraint, put the pin in, and you're done.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by subxero

...........Looking at tandem's with brakes and it seemed like more work than it would be worth for what I need. Trailer would require more upkeep and more inspections ect...

What is the advantage of the tandem?

[csmith12]

Axle weight or max load of the trailer.

[subxero]

better tow stability on highway and easier to maneuver as well, plus they generally come with trailer brakes. But again, it seems at least in PA if you have trailer with brakes, all that needs inspected yearly.

[Motofool]

I see.

Thank you both.

[Knolly]

I've got an open trailer that I built and customized to carry as much crap as possible. Tows like it's barely even there behind a dinky little hatchback and I still get over 30 mpg.

[csmith12]

^^^ dat right there is how it's done. $$ spent on the important stuff. (HINTs: check the genni, paddock stands, storage box & trailer restraints)

Having a nice open trailer, about $600. Knowing that all your sheet is going to get to the track ready to go, priceless.

[Knolly]

Thanks! I spent WAY too much time thinking about the right way to arrange it over time so I'm really happy with the final result. I did a buildup thread over here in case it'd be helpful for some people.

I still want to think of a more secure way to carry my rains, right now I just strap them together and then strap them in-between the rear stand and the chock.

[csmith12]

Now now.... you still have room from improvement. WTF is that wire dangling so low for? Tighten that up STAT!

Hope to see you all again at Gateway soon.

[csmith12]

OH!!!! hahahahahaha you're the guy with the ridable cooler!!!!! Can I get closeup pics of that next time around or could you start a thread on how you made it?

Pretty please?

[Knolly]

The wire has since been wrapped up in this braided stuff and no longer looks janky and hangs down:



I knew it was totally a weak point during those first few photos, haha. I'll be at Gateway in June again, this last weekend should be the only one that I'll miss this year so I'll see you then!

If you mean how did I build the cooler scooter, I actually didn't make it, it's from this company here: http://www.cruzincooler.com/

They're pretty pricey but I just waited until I found a good deal on Craigslist. I can't take credit for finding them since I stole the idea from Jerry who has a yellow one that is way faster than mine, haha. Feel free to come say hey to us though and take either one for a spin.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Knolly

I can't take credit for finding them since I stole the idea from Jerry who has a yellow one that is way faster than mine, haha. Feel free to come say hey to us though and take either one for a spin.

I vote for 1 lap cooler races. NO RULES, run what your got. hahahahahaha

Thanks for the link. See ya soon. /crosses fingers

[Knolly]

I got some things to upgrade mine to get a higher speed and longer range, just in time! Time to throw on some Brembos and Ohlins.

I actually took it out onto Blackhawk since I had to retrieve part of my boot that I left after launching off of turn one (front brake failed) and it felt really silly out on that track (only photo I found of it on the track):

[subxero]

got my tow setup and ball in today, its a curt it looks like some serious stuff. Looks solid as a rock really well built. pretty happy with everything and the price. Just need to hook it up all hopefully Saturday. Then maybe go check out a used trailer or two. There is one that is exactly what i am looking for not to far. Seemingly in good shape. Would be nice to save some cash on used vs buying new.

[subxero]

So I missed a killer deal on a nice aluminum utility trailer cuz I was draggin my feet.

But just found a trailer that looks to be in decent shape at a really good price. I need to jump on it ASAP. Need to find a day to go check It out and if I like it to get all the paper work taken care of.

Don't want to miss out on this one, I have a feeling it won't be for sale long
, fingers crossed I can snag it

Ill be ballin with this bad boy

[Sirref]

dude that trailer looks sick, what size is it? I'm also diggin' the black, most trailers that I see are white or an odd off white due to sun fade.

I'm hoping to get an enclosed trailer this winter as that'll make storing my track bike(s?) a lot easier along w/making getting to track days a lot easier and finally being able to de-clutter my parent's shed and garage lol

Once I have my hands on that the only kind of bikes the truck bed will ever move will be mountain bikes and dirt bikes

[subxero]

^ its not that big, I think dimensions in post were 10' long x 5.5' wide x 6' high. (interior dimensions I would imagine?) But that is perfect for me. I don't want anything to big as that = more weight and I just don't need anything that large either.

Agreed with the color, lots of white ones... meh

talked with the guy quick yesterday, seemed like a middle aged guy who used the trailer on occasion to cart around his motorcycle, most likely a cruiser.

Gonna call again here in a minute to see if I can't take a peak at it today after work. I got the moniez out of the bank so all systems go.

I still need to hook up the trailer light wiring on my SUV though before I could pick it up. That or just borrow some ones truck to get it taken care of quickly

either way I'm excited to snag this

[Sirref]

do you have to pay insurance on the trailer in PA? we do in MD, it's going to be a pain not as bad as uhaul rental prices but still a pain.

for me so long as it will fit 2 bikes, my gear and a few toolboxes I'd be fine with whatever size I'd get, actually I think that size will fit 2 bikes side by side if you get a pair of pitbull trs systems. No need for tie downs? hell yes

[subxero]

Yeah, definitely need insurance, but that's not a bad thing, sucks paying for it but if you ever need it you are glad you have it. Plus you can insurance what's inside which might be worth more than the trailer.

Yeah this trailer will fit all my bikes no problem with room to spare. Just need to take good care of it and it should be good to go for quite some time.

[Old Lemon]

Originally Posted by Knolly

you trailer that with that blue hatchback?

[subxero]

checked out the trailer today, gonna buy it. Will do the title transfer on Monday and it will be all mine.

It is in good shape, could be a little better but it is what it is. Only thing i will really need to do to it and no super rush is sand down a little bit of rust here and there to be proactive and it should last me quite a long time.

Already set up to haul bikes with ramp door, anchors for tie downs and even a wheel chock

Been looking for a trailer for a few months now, wanted an enclosed but didn't think i would actually end up getting on. Super excited

[Knolly]

Originally Posted by Old Lemon

you trailer that with that blue hatchback?

Yep, tows like it's barely there and can still get over 32 mpg easily.

[kdogg2077]

Looks to be in good shape. Def be handy once winter rolls around and for general bike transportation.

[C-Bass]

Here's my rig. Recently went on a trip to the west coast with it...

[Old Lemon]

Originally Posted by Knolly

Yep, tows like it's barely there and can still get over 32 mpg easily.

thats awesome, do you think a mazda 2 could tow something like that? a smaller trailer even

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by Old Lemon

thats awesome, do you think a mazda 2 could tow something like that? a smaller trailer even

you'd have to look up the vehicle specs, it'd probably have to be one of those harbor freight trailers with nothing but a bike on it to work though.

that's why I got my hands on a pickup truck, makes my life so much easier when dealing with that sort of thing and I use my bike as my daily anyway so I don't need to worry about gas mileage

[Yakaru]

I haul my 300 on a 3 rail Kendon with my Honda Fit. Works like a charm

[Knolly]

Originally Posted by Old Lemon

thats awesome, do you think a mazda 2 could tow something like that? a smaller trailer even

Definitely. I can almost guarantee that your car isn't recommended for towing, but as long as you keep the trailer light, balance the load nicely, and are smart about stopping distance and whatnot it shouldn't be a problem at all.

Disclaimer: Do this at your own risk, I'm not responsible if your car explodes, yada yada.

[subxero]

check out my new digs, picked it up today got the paper work taken care of.

$1700

[r6boater]

We pull a 4x6 tilt utility trailer with a vr6 VW jetta. On the trailer we carry: one ninja 250, one honda aero80, an easy-up, Stanley fat-max tool box, pit bull front and rear stands, two large totes, folding table, 5 gallon fuel jug and 2 or three camping chairs. The coolers, tent, bedding, clothes, food and fans go I n the car trunk and/or back seat. We get 21-24 mpg depending on how hard I drive.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by subxero

check out my new digs, picked it up today got the paper work taken care of.

$1700

Nice, now find some aircraft cargo netting and build you a loft for soft items; tent, sleeping bags, folding chairs, ect... ect.. Basically, the stuff you don't want on the floor of the trailer. You also want a couple of d-rings on the wall just wide enough to hold the ezup in place in a standing position to take less room. Start figuring out your lights too, at least one on the inside and outside.

Have fun pimpin' your trailer.

[subxero]

cargo net is an awesome idea for utilizing that vertical space

As well as the clamps for a pop up on the outside

Definitely need to get things set up on the inside. It already has lights wired up on the inside that get powered from the car, another power source would not be a bad idea though.
Lights outside, will think about it. I'm a big fan of utilizing those solar LED garden lights, I use them for all sorts of things. A few brackets on the outside to hold a few might be just the thing

Top things on my list though are to go over the entire trailer before to long, paint the wood on the bottom inside and out, sand and paint the frame. Check wheel bearings and do as needed.

Very pleased with my pick up should get lots of use out of it and im sure it will come in handy in areas I have not even thought of

[csmith12]

Solar led lights xmas style lights for mood lighting at the track is an awesome idea. Imma get some myself. Thanks for the tip.

Make sure you scrutinize the weight of everything you buy for the trailer and think of a low weight alternative. Enclosed trailers cost a lot to haul, so save every pound you can. Get some helmet hooks for the walls and some of those rear stand hangers that also double to hang your gear/suit. I will take a pic of mine when I get back home.

Throw up some other retractable hooks to hold other things like extension cords and other what nots. A hanging box also goes a long way to hold those stray little things that seems to find their own way around the trailer when not secured. lol Lastly, you want some stray rings somewhere low to bungie strap your gas cans or other liquids. It sucks to open the trailer to find a gas/oil mess. Ask me how I know...

[subxero]

maiden voyage yesterday to take the dirty bike to the trails. Loading the bike is obviously a lot easier than my old truck.

Good thing i got this big trailer for all my stuff

[choneofakind]

lol! OVERKILLLLLL!