Trailer Suggestions/Reviews

[GypsyRR]

I need to buy a trailer in the next couple of months to trailer both my RR and my FZ1. I don’t even know what questions I should be asking, so I could use some help and suggestions and reviews. I don’t have a lot of experience towing, so that might figure into your recommendations. All I know is that I want it to be stable, easy to tow, and easy to load and off load, and compatible with my vehicle.

I guess the vehicle I have will figure into your suggestions as well.
I have a Honda Element AWD 5 speed manual transmission;
Engine: 160-hp 2.4 liter dohc 16v inline 4
HP: 160 @ 5500 Torque: 161 @ 4500
Wheelbase: 101.4
Length/Width/Height - 166.5/71.5/74.0 in.
Track, f/r : 62.1 in/62.3 in.
Turning Circle : 34.2
TOWING CAPACITY: 1500 lbs.
Suspension f/r - independent
Curb weight: 3414 lbs

I also have access to a Ford F350 Diesel 4X4, but it is not really very dependable and I don’t own it. Besides that, I HATE driving it. Really, hate driving it. I know it could tow a house, but I would prefer not to have to depend on that truck.

So, do you think the Honda Element could tow two bikes? And if so, what should I be looking for in a trailer? I just need a good set-up.

If the Honda can't do it, then there is the option of the F350, or I could possibly trade in the Honda on something that would be adequate to tow and not as big as the 350.
Thanks for any suggestions, help, pointers, or reviews.

[Paul Mihalka]

With any trailer and the two bikes, you will be at or over the weight limit of the Honda, but it can be done. I would suggest a standard utility trailer with a mesh steel tail gate that makes riding up onto the trailer easy. I would try to find a trailer to do a test load. You may be able to fit the two bikes onto a 5'x8'. If to tight, you'll need a 6'x8' or a 6'x10'. For longer distance towing make sure that it has at least 13" wheels.

[sjbmw]

It is highly doubtful that your Element is going to handle that load.

Search this board for some answers.

http://www.elementownersclub.com

[machew01]

Gypsy,

The trailers used by my retired parents and their friends to haul their golf carts to the golf course would be good for motorcycles - with minimal modifications. Loading and unloading would also be easy; the trailers are low and have a full width ramp. Like Paul said, with both bikes, you would be at the limit of the Element's towing capacity, but the Element would do it. If you look on the web a little, I believe that there are a couple of motorcycle-specific, minimal weight trailers available.

On a related note, most people who pull small trailers behind cars or pickups think that they are experts at doing so. Very few are. Be careful whose advice you choose to follow. And backing a small trailer is easy, but few people learn to do it correctly or easily.

Good luck!

mac

[R4R&R]

As for an inexpensive trailer that is strong, look at Tractor Supply - they offer some decent trailers for good prices. That is, if they are in Texas. I bought a 5x10 utility trailer from them years ago for $700 new. It has a solid wood floor, 15" wheels and a 4' mesh gate, which is easy to use. It's been used for a variety of motorcycle related things (never the BMW!) but may be tight for two full sized street bikes - although you could stagger them a bit and it would probably work good. The only problem is the trailer is probably 500~600 pounds alone, and with the two bikes, you would be pushing the limits of the Honda as a tow vehicle. Some of the factors in a tow vehicle is the ability to safely brake in an emergency situation, and as light as that Honda is, may be the weak link.

[GypsyRR]

Okay – Scrapping the idea of the Honda Element for hauling my RR and FZ. I’m looking into trading it. It is paid for, in good condition, and has relatively low mileage, so I should be able to trade it for a better towing vehicle (used) without much expense.

Thanks for the help so far. I like the idea of the enclosed trailer best for my purposes. I know I can pick up a used one easily here in Texas.

Two more questions:
1) If it is not already rigged for hauling motorcycles, will there be more than the wheel chocks and D-rings needed for making it ready?

2) When looking at a used trailer, what do I need to look for to make sure it is a good trailer?

[Lost Rider]

Seems to me you'd be increasing your chances of something going wrong and costs on a long trip by trailing your incredibly reliable RR.
6 or 8 tires instead of 2, more moving parts, terrible gas mileage, damage while loading or driving, etc...... on top of the dangers associated with towing a trailer.
Not to discourage you, I'm sure you have your reasons, I'm just sayin'.

I have extensive experience with trailers, grew up helping my dad trailer our boat, years on the road hauling a small trailer (just like the one you need) behind a bus, and I had a A class CDL for 7 years. I know more than I care to about trailers, and what can go wrong with them, trust me.
Trailers are a pain in the ass, dangerous, unreliable and should be avoided as much as possible, especially on long distance runs by someone with no experience.
I'm sure you're up to the challenge, I know you're smart enough and a good planner to figure this out, I'm just thinking of all the many times I've been on the side of the road with trailer problems, cursing them, and the thought of trailering a perfectly good motorcycle is something I just can't understand.

If you must haul your bike I would look into a 2wd midsize pickup, something low, and just big enough to fit it. Then you can bypass the whole trailer thing and all the bad things that come with it.
Maybe a nice El Camino.........

BTW, here's a quality trailer company if you still must have one, kind of an industry standard, but there's plenty of other companies out there

http://www.haulmark.com/

Good Luck!

my 2 ¢

[NachtRitter]

Check out WebBikeWorld for a good collection of motorcycle trailer links.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-trailer/

[slowpoke 04]

Buy the best trailer you can afford, better if it used, you'll see why. Look for square tubing construction instead of angle iron. Avoid tail gate ramps (puts too much stress on the trailer). Most of the trailer companies now, don't seem to interested in building a quality product. So, plan on upgrading the axle and adding brakes, also changing the springs. Take it to a welding shop and have gussets installed on all stress points. Throw the wire away they use to wire it and get 5 or 7 wire cable from a NAPA or truck stop. anytime you run a wire make sure it is in a vinyl tube and solder all connections. Properly secure all wiring with adel clamps. Use locking nuts on all bolts. Figure on doing monthly checks on the entire trailer for cracked welding, in-op brakes-lights-etc. buy covers for the tires if it sits out, change your tie down straps every year, and slow down when you tow it. Everytime something becomes a potential problem upgrade that item. Buy a proper towing rig for the weight you are towing. I have been towing all kinds of trailers for years. If they are set up right, and properly maintained (which most people don't think they need) they are worth their weight in gold. And try to avoid driving in less than ideal conditions, cause even when you do everything right .....there's always something to get ya!!!

[wncbmw]

I have nothing to add, since I know nothing about trailers. But with all the cautions from people who seem to know what they are talking about, I'd say ChiTown was on track. Load it on a truck or ride! I hate trailers too!

Or ride your bike to Bike Week at Daytona and get a 'I Rode a Motorcycle to Trailer Week' sticker!

[12bar1]

I bought a Kendon trailer that will stand up in my garage when not in use. I have hauled a single bike and two bikes on it and it worked out really well. I am towing it with an F150 so weight was not a problem.

[ProductUser]

Go to the bmw sport touring web site; they have a whole section just on trailering bikes.

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/p ... trailering

ProductUser

[R4R&R]

Pickup trucks are nice but when it comes time loading a motorcycle, the higher bed and the lack of a fixed ramp make it difficult for one person to do. When I had my pickup I had a couple dirtbikes and it was a long process to get them safely loaded/unloaded. Then I realized that my 6.5x6 (or even a fullsized 8x6) bed was smaller than a 5x10 trailer.

I bought the trailer new so I knew the condition from the start. Yes there are all ranges of build quality/strength, but you can get a decent one for not a lot of money. If you have the time, shop around and get a good idea of what you'll use it for. My trailer pulls real nice and isn't any wider than my 'tow' vehicle ('97 Yukon). I usually don't know it's back there unless it's loaded down with a lot. The nice thing is, I still use it as a pickup (buy bulk mulch/take crap to the dump, etc.) when I need to.

I know everyone has different needs and Gypsy, make sure you know what all of your needs are for a trailer/bike hauling.

[wncbmw]

Gypsy - John is right. Your needs are different than mine. Heck, I can only afford one bike! Plenty of people trailer with success. Please ignore any of my flippant comments.

[jb44]

...just call me trailer guy... a small utility trailer is a most useful item, I've had one or another for as long as I can remember.

...used for transporting:

bikes
furniture
appliances
golf cart
lawn tractor
load of dirt/mulch (using plywood sides)
and more...

My current one is a 5x10 with 4" drop axle and 4 foot ramp. Hooks up in minutes... can ride the bike right on... tows easily with 6 cylinder vehicle. This one's been all over the southeast, and has been borrowed many times by friends.



jb

[coyofmo]

Lot's of good advice in these posts...here's my $00.02..
I've had two trailers in the last 12 years, a 4x7 "golf cart tilt, and for the last 10 years a 5x10 tilt necessatated after buying a bigger lawnmower. 5 years ago I realized I just did not need a pickup anymore, sold it, and have used the trailer exclusively since. Tilt trailers are great for easy loading big, heavy stuff like gunsafes, refridgerators, lawn mowers and 1150 Rocksters. Wood floors are nice, but can be slick in rainy or snowy weather. Be sure to use treated wood and let it season in the sun for a month before replacing to avoid shrinkage. I bolted two 2x4's to the floor about 6" apart to run my bikes tires between, and eye bolts through the floor also, but remember to use locknuts. Be careful to keep the load foreward and weight on the hitch..nothing worse than unexpected swaying. I like the idea of full size tires and found a pair of used 6 ply light truck tires for $30...they've lasted 7 years with hardly any wear. It's good PM to repack the bearings on a trailer at least annually. I bet I've busted the taillights 8 times (Yeah, I'm backing challenged) so having an inexpensive common style made replacement ea$y. I've used a 98 jeep cherokee (5K towing load) since 2000 and the straight 6 engine with auto trans has been bullitproof. I like to eyeball what I'm towing and I can check six out of both side mirrors and view the trailer wheels pretty easy. Hope this helps. Coy

[CycleRob]

I'd take 1 bike and make 2 trips. That way you could keep the Element and trailer only 1 bike at a time on a small light trailer like the John Deere Green one above. That won't go over your Honda's tow weight limit and it sure will keep the cost down . . . . unless you just want to bring both bikes to the Bash (?)

[Biff's R]

My dad has or had a trailer that had three rails for bikes that would raise and lower so that you could load and unload the bikes while the rails were on the ground and then it cranks up off of the ground for when you move. He towed 2 bike from Ohio to Arizona and back with a VW Eurovan, and then a Toyota Siena.

I will find out the details on the trailer, but it was by far the best open trailer for hauling bikes.

[NachtRitter]

My dad has or had a trailer that had three rails for bikes that would raise and lower so that you could load and unload the bikes while the rails were on the ground and then it cranks up off of the ground for when you move. He towed 2 bike from Ohio to Arizona and back with a VW Eurovan, and then a Toyota Siena.

I will find out the details on the trailer, but it was by far the best open trailer for hauling bikes.

Sounds like it could have been a Baxley ... ?

[Boxer]

Saw it in Alabama at the Stagecoach Ridein



Sorry, I don't have a line on where it came from but you can probably search it our if interested.