Best way to move our bikes?

[Proteus]

We're moving to Miami in a few weeks, which means we need to figure out how to get the bikes down there, my ninjette and my wife's Vespa. We're renting an RV to drive ourselves and our menagerie of cats and dogs down and our stuff will be going on a moving truck. I think there's two options:

1. Have the movers take the bikes
This seems expensive from what I've seen, and I'd be concerned about them being handled properly.

2. Trailer them behind the RV
This seems like the best option, but I don't have a trailer and the U-Haul website said it would cost $700!!?!? to rent a motorcycle trailer for a one-way move. This makes it look like buying a trailer is the best option, as I'd like to have one anyway and it seems like I can buy one for less than $700.

I don't have any experience with trailers, though - this one looks like it would work: http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...els-90154.html

Do you just put plywood decking on top and strap the bikes down? I've also seen ones that have a sort of track that the tires go into.

Any other options, experiences, or trailer advice?

[Floki]

A plain open utility trailer by uhaul will work. No need for a motorcycle specific trailer

[psych0hans]

Originally Posted by Proteus

We're moving to Miami in a few weeks, which means we need to figure out how to get the bikes down there, my ninjette and my wife's Vespa. We're renting an RV to drive ourselves and our menagerie of cats and dogs down and our stuff will be going on a moving truck. I think there's two options:

1. Have the movers take the bikes
This seems expensive from what I've seen, and I'd be concerned about them being handled properly.

2. Trailer them behind the RV
This seems like the best option, but I don't have a trailer and the U-Haul website said it would cost $700!!?!? to rent a motorcycle trailer for a one-way move. This makes it look like buying a trailer is the best option, as I'd like to have one anyway and it seems like I can buy one for less than $700.

I don't have any experience with trailers, though - this one looks like it would work: http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...els-90154.html

Do you just put plywood decking on top and strap the bikes down? I've also seen ones that have a sort of track that the tires go into.

Any other options, experiences, or trailer advice?

Try looking for a used motorcycle trailer around your area. You might just find one already setup for your needs and within your budget... Good luck!!!

[Ralgha]

Can you fit them inside the RV? Might be a challenge to find appropriate anchor points for tying down, but if you can that's what I'd probably do.

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by Ralgha

Can you fit them inside the RV? Might be a challenge to find appropriate anchor points for tying down, but if you can that's what I'd probably do.

Hmmmm I hadn't considered this, there might be room. Have to investigate the floorplan and the entry/exit logistics.

[DEFY]

Best Option:
step 1) Don't rent the RV
step 2) Sell the dogs and cats
step 3) Ride bikes down
step 4) Use money from selling animals and not renting RV to buy another bike

lol JK

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by DEFY

Best Option:
step 1) Don't rent the RV
step 2) Sell the dogs and cats
step 3) Ride bikes down
step 4) Use money from selling animals and not renting RV to buy another bike

lol JK

Hahahaha I would have to PAY someone to take these guys.

3 out of 4 cats are streetcats that we took in, and the dogs are large and quite possibly the worst-behaved dogs in the world.

[NevadaWolf]

Check CL, I always see bike trailers around here. My dad picked up a small boat trailer that the owner converted to be a bike trailer by adding a chock up front. Best part it was only around $200.

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by Floki

A plain open utility trailer by uhaul will work. No need for a motorcycle specific trailer

The U-Haul utility trailer is $731 also. The rates are just crazy for one-way trailer rentals.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Floki

A plain open utility trailer by uhaul will work. No need for a motorcycle specific trailer

About $400 at Harbor Freight.

[ForceofWill]

Ya that's how uhaul makes their money. It's $15 if you return it to the same place but "oh you want to return it to a different state? $10,000."

Better off buying the trailer.

[asdfman]

[cookiebug79]

There's also uship.com

[VaFish]

Something like this, make sure you grease the bearings before you leave.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...158398466.html

Or this:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...149542015.html

I'm sure you can find similar in your area.

[ForceofWill]

http://www.keyboardmotorcycleshipping.com/

[Proteus]

I've found a few good ones on Craigslist, that looks like the best option. The only issue is that we'll be renting the RV with a hitch, and I don't have a hitch on my car to pick up one from Craigslist. Maybe I can arrange a delivery.

[Biker's]

Originally Posted by asdfman

That's we called a happy family. Anyhow it's good to see that how they manage there resources for the maximum usage.

[cbinker]

what kind of RV are you getting? Probably could get the Vespa in it. then get a hitch-haul transporter.

Hitch Haul

[adouglas]

The HF trailer is going to be about the cheapest way to go if you can't fit the bikes inside the RV. I have the same one you linked to and it works just fine to transport my bike to the track, behind an econobox.

Yes... you assemble it and put plywood decking on it.

Or just get one used. That's what I did. The trailer itself can be found for $249 with coupon all day long, so they hold resale pretty well. I paid IIRC $280 for a used one... still a good deal because i didn't have to build the thing. Add registration to that.

You'll need ramps, and wheel chocks are a good idea. So is a spare wheel. You don't need rails.

Do your homework on strapping the bike down. You do NOT want to crank it down as tight as you can, unless you really like changing fork seals.

As others have noted, they do make racks for the back of the RV, but they're really made for dirt bikes. Don't know if I'd trust a street bike on one.

To be honest, it's probably smarter to sell the bike and the scooter and just get new ones when you arrive. Ninjettes are entry level motorcycles, not something rare and irreplaceable. Same with Vespas.

[VaFish]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I've found a few good ones on Craigslist, that looks like the best option. The only issue is that we'll be renting the RV with a hitch, and I don't have a hitch on my car to pick up one from Craigslist. Maybe I can arrange a delivery.

I would think most people selling a trailer on Craig's List would deliver it for an extra $50 or so if you aren't too far away.

[Kevin1956]

If you do buy a Harbor Freight trailer: (1) Repack the wheel bearings with grease before so much as moving it. They can come from the factory fairly dry and with a low grade quality of grease.(2) Don't trust their rated capacity to be accurate. I knew someone who bought one, loaded to less than the stated capacity, and at the end of the trip their was a bow in the axle. Personally, I think they're junk. Spend the money to buy a used cargo trailer or pay to have the bikes shipped and insured.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Kevin1956

If you do buy a Harbor Freight trailer: (1) Repack the wheel bearings with grease before so much as moving it. They can come from the factory fairly dry and with a low grade quality of grease.(2) Don't trust their rated capacity to be accurate. I knew someone who bought one, loaded to less than the stated capacity, and at the end of the trip their was a bow in the axle. Personally, I think they're junk. Spend the money to buy a used cargo trailer or pay to have the bikes shipped and insured.

Alternative viewpoint/observation:

I have a 1994 trailer that a buddy of mine bought new and I helped assemble that year. He sold it to me 16 years ago. I've popped the bearing caps a couple of times over the years to inspect the grease, but never had to add any. The last few times I've used the trailer for an 86 mile freeway run, I've checked the bearings post-drive by touching around the bearings to see if they are warm or hot: everything has been fine.

Sorry to hear you got short changed on the grease. My trailer bearings are still ok.

Still, a good cautionary tale and good suggestion to check for adequate grease.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Or just get one used. That's what I did. The trailer itself can be found for $249 with coupon all day long, so they hold resale pretty well.

It'll be around $400 by the time you add the plywood and fasteners and register/title/license the thing.

I bought mine used, too.