So I am looking for an enclosed trailer for motorcycles / Quads.
Anyone have one? What should I look for.
I was thinking 6x12 but not sure.
Single axle or double?
Way too many options.
Jim
IMO, a double axle is easier to handle/back and transmits less motion to the tow vehicle.
How many bikes/quads would be necessary to haul at once?
JM
I have two bikes and a quad. I would like to be able to haul an extra bike if going away.
The double ale might be tough for me to get in the driveway because I have a tough swing to back it in.
On the other hand the 2 axles are normally wider.
Quote from: GotDuc on February 23, 2009, 07:24:58 AM
So I am looking for an enclosed trailer for motorcycles / Quads.
Anyone have one? What should I look for.
I was thinking 6x12 but not sure.
Single axle or double?
Way too many options.
Jim
8x12 will allow the motorcycles to be loaded sideways giving you a lot more storage capacity and you can fit two quads side by side.
The 2-axle won't turn in quite as fast, but can be turned as tight as a single axle once you get it started turning. I hate backing single axle trailers because they turn so quick. If you have a neighbor or friend with both types, but both on your vehicle and see how the tighter maneuvers feel.
JM
What are you pulling it with?
I have a 7x14 w/ 3' v/nose Wells Cargo that I pull with my '06 F150 super crew and it works just fine, but I probably wouldn't go larger. A 6x12 is pretty small once you start putting a couple of bikes in it, along with gear and such. The larger 8 1/2x16 or 20 may be nice, but can be difficult to maneuver in small places as well as making it harder to see around when on the highway. Also remember as you go larger like the tandem axle, you'll need to invest in a brake controller.
Oh, and the V-nose will cut the wind resistance which will REALLY help with mileage.
Quote from: Roscoe on February 23, 2009, 08:20:37 AM
The larger 8 1/2x16 or 20 may be nice, but can be difficult to maneuver in small places as well as making it harder to see around when on the highway.
They make mirror extensions for this purpose. Also a brake controller is needed more depending on weight than size. I've pulled plenty of 2-axle trailers w/o a controller, but they were loaded light ~
JM
my buddy has a 6X12....cant fit a monster and his repsol in there...
of course, i supposed if it were set up differently..?
Quote from: silentbob on February 23, 2009, 07:51:47 AM
8x12 will allow the motorcycles to be loaded sideways giving you a lot more storage capacity and you can fit two quads side by side.
an 8-wide is more of a handful to tow,though. your margin of error when it comes to lane placement is significantly less. you'll also definitely need mirror extensions.
The widest I would go is 7'
to get two in there you have to stagger them
Not a lot of help here, but I have a 6.5'x10' flat utility single axle and it's good for two street bikes... that's it. The posts about a wide trailer being tricky is 100% correct. My trailer is pulled either by my older Suburban or my new crew cab Silverado. The trailer is definitely wider than either vehicle and the bed of the trailer is only 6.5' wide. On narrow inner city streets you really have to watch it! Major street lanes are OK but you immediately know it when the lane narrows.
The V-shaped noses on enclosed trailers really does help with wind resistance and fuel economy. Sounds like your tight driveway situation could be a deciding factor. Also, remember when you aren't using it you have to store it so I assume you have room in the drive at home.
A guy in my neighborhood had a really nice new m/c trailer about the size of mine in his driveway. I saw it (and sometimes him) everyday walking my dog. We talked scooters and trailers several times. One day it had a for sale sign on it, the next day it was gone. I saw him soon afterwards and said "wow, sold that trailer fast" to which he said "nope, still have it, but after the bast#@ds tried stealing three times in one month I decided to sell it"!! He has it stored at his son's house now. The first day he put the for sale sign on it they tried for the third and last time!! Luckily they never got it. They would have eventually. Sad, can't have anything nice without someone wanting to steal it. :P
Whatever you get secure it!!
Storage is not a problem.
I would like to go with the 6x12 but the 7x14 is not out of the question.
When I get one I will invest in some good locks for sure.
Quote from: GotDuc on February 23, 2009, 05:15:02 PM
Storage is not a problem.
I would like to go with the 6x12 but the 7x14 is not out of the question.
When I get one I will invest in some good locks for sure.
I just bought a 6X10.5 Interstate (interior dimensions); overheight about 7'-6" with a 4" drop axles (ie I can stand inside 6' very nice) I spent about 6 months debating what trailer and what size. You should consider .... interior length, width & height (plenty of room for 2 ducs + gear; or more if loaded at an angles); overall length is more like 14'; and overall width is 8' (this I knew but forgot about ... &**^$$#@) height; just remember that anything over 7' will not fit in a standard size garage ... weight of what you want to carry ... GVW = 1200 + ? = 3000lbs Max for a single axle; I can pull this no problem with a 3.3 L Pathfinder; although I havn't had it fully loaded and I am cautious pulling the trailer and breaking ...
I find that the trailer weights 1200 lbs and is a chore to maneuver but I can do it myself with a wheel attachment on the front lift point;
A couple of options I wish I got - roof skylight / vent; RV style lockable side door; so you can close / lock it from the inside & out.
Note if it was shorter I wouldn't have as much drag; I haven't done too many trips but have found the weight & drag gives me about 25% less gas milage ...
Look on line; I found that "Trailers plus" (interstate direct seller) gave me excellent service, warranty and price $2500! ;D; and that's from a savvy internet shopper ... best of luck; my 2 cents. Post your purchase.
I have pulled a 7x20 with the truck. it was a little wide but that doesn't really bother me too much. I drive a 10 wheeled dump truck and on occasion pull a trailer as wide as the truck. Lane fitment really doesn't bother me because I am used to "just" fitting in the lane with the truck.
I would like to stay in that 6x12 size. Ceiling height will matter because I would like to be able to stand straight up. I will probably stagger because I have a monster and a DRZ so the times that I bring two DRZ's it will be tight width wise.
As long as I can get two inside it will work. If I have to take a third I can always use the truck bed.
The V-nose would also be nice. But hey I drive a crew cab silverado so I am very used to using gas.
I want to get the roof vent.
Thanks for the info on the RV style door I had never heard of that. [thumbsup]
Thanks for all the info so far. IF you have more or personal experience please let me know.
Jim
Quote from: herm on February 23, 2009, 04:08:49 PM
my buddy has a 6X12....cant fit a monster and his repsol in there...
of course, i supposed if it were set up differently..?
He's loading it wrong.. I can fit my ZX into my friends trailer along with his CBR... and still have room for gear, cots, generator, tools, etc...
Quote from: Tim on February 23, 2009, 08:53:15 PM
For the record, I can carry the two 800SS racebikes, a Kymco full-sized scooter/pitbike, a generator, a 30-gallon air compressor, 2 10x10 EZ-ups, six folding chairs, a rolling tool chest with top case, four race stands, 2 coolers, two complete sets of rider's gear, and several boxes of tools and spare parts in the 6x12, BEFORE loading anything into the bed of the truck.
Man you carry alot of extra poo!
Quote from: Tim on February 23, 2009, 08:53:15 PM
I don't stagger two faired 800SS racebikes in my 6x12. I can carry two fully faired 800+ pound Harley baggers in it, staggered. Wind resistance wise, the 6x12 blunt nose lowboy seems to be an easier tow than my previous 7x14 V-nose. Also, tows behind a short wheelbase standard cab shortbed Chevy 2wd Pick-up like it wasn't even there. Single axle WITH brakes. Sweet!
For the record, I can carry the two 800SS racebikes, a Kymco full-sized scooter/pitbike, a generator, a 30-gallon air compressor, 2 10x10 EZ-ups, six folding chairs, a rolling tool chest with top case, four race stands, 2 coolers, two complete sets of rider's gear, and several boxes of tools and spare parts in the 6x12, BEFORE loading anything into the bed of the truck.
Same here. 6X12. Two racebikes side by side with bins of gear and spares in between them. Pitbike, toolbox, generator, pop up, stands, spare wheels, tires, etc. I think the actual inside length of mine is only 10'.
You probably do the same as me...load it like tetris. Floor to ceiling! [thumbsup] I would recommend a ramp rear door so that you don't have to haul a ramp also.
Quote from: DuciD03 on February 24, 2009, 09:30:34 AM
Man you carry alot of extra poo!
it's only extra if you don't need it.
OH.. I should also add that having a strapless restraint system helps out alot. You can pack more in without having to work around straps
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 25, 2009, 06:37:29 AM
OH.. I should also add that having a strapless restraint system helps out alot. You can pack more in without having to work around straps
yup...
the original strapless stands were designed by an old racing buddy of mine: http://ststands.com/
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 25, 2009, 06:37:29 AM
OH.. I should also add that having a strapless restraint system helps out alot. You can pack more in without having to work around straps
Good point D! If I didn't have so many straps and Baxley Sport Chocks I seriously look into that set up. Pretty neat! [thumbsup]
Quote from: fastwin on February 25, 2009, 07:48:39 AM
Good point D! If I didn't have so many straps and Baxley Sport Chocks I seriously look into that set up. Pretty neat! [thumbsup]
You could give me your baxley chocks if that helps.
Seriously though these should work fine with a baxley in front and you would be able to get rid of the straps.
Pitbull also makes a similar version.
Quote from: derby on February 25, 2009, 06:53:14 AM
yup...
the original strapless stands were designed by an old racing buddy of mine: http://ststands.com/
Yep... those are the ones in the trailer good stuff and alot cheaper than the pitbull ones
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 25, 2009, 09:18:39 AM
Yep... those are the ones in the trailer good stuff and alot cheaper than the pitbull ones
How do those work? In other words, what raises the rear end up off the ground?
mitt
Not sure what raises it up, but it is held in place by the axle IIRC ~
JM
From the STStands website
QuoteStep ONE:
Make sure the stand is securely installed into the mounting plates and the lock is engaged. And insert the correct Axle bar and spacers into the rear axle of your motorcycle. Then position the motorcycle directly in front of the STS (Strapless Transport Stand).
Step TWO:
Now stand directly in front of your motorcycle facing the tail section and grab the handle bars, hold the bike straight up and down. And roll the bike backwards into the STS, the rear tire will need to be rolled up and over the Load Riser (the small round bar located in the middle of the flat brace towards the front of the stand). The bike must be straight up and down and centered to the STS to load easily. Once the center of the rear tire has passed over the Load Riser the Axle Bar will rest on the Ramped hoops on either side of the STS.
You can either walk around to the back of the motorcycle and grab the rear wheel and pull the motorcycle the rest of the way into to the STS (recommended when first using the STS). Or you can simply give the motorcycle a good shove backwards and it will slide up the Ramped hoops the rest of the way into the STS (Bike has to be perfectly centered and a smaller rear tire diameter will require more force).
Step THREE:
Insert the Axle bar Slide locks into the top of the STS uprights, so the slot is inline with the Axle bar. The Slide lock slots need to bottom out on the Axle bar for the bike to be secured. If you wiggle the handle bars of the bike just slightly while pushing down on the Slide Locks they should fall into place. If the bike is at to much of an angle you will have to grab the bike by the front wheel and slide it which ever direction to get the bike inline with the stand.
It doesnt lift it per say. it just has the appearance that its lifted a little because its resting on the riser bar. the bikes suspension will move as it would while you're riding it. But it doesn't put any unnecessary stress on the parts that would cause premature damage or wear.
(http://www.ststands.com/gallery/R1sts1.JPG)
that is an awesome stand.
I have a condor and really like it. But no straps would be outstanding
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 25, 2009, 01:05:48 PM
From the STStands website
It doesnt lift it per say. it just has the appearance that its lifted a little because its resting on the riser bar. the bikes suspension will move as it would while you're riding it. But it doesn't put any unnecessary stress on the parts that would cause premature damage or wear.
(http://www.ststands.com/gallery/R1sts1.JPG)
Looks good, are they adjustable or bike specific?
Quote from: crankmonster on February 25, 2009, 04:07:07 PM
Looks good, are they adjustable or bike specific?
According to the website they have different adapters for different axle sizes.
I like this design better. It looks much easier to load.
http://www.pit-bull.com/trailer-restraint.shtml (http://www.pit-bull.com/trailer-restraint.shtml)
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 25, 2009, 09:18:39 AM
Yep... those are the ones in the trailer good stuff and alot cheaper than the pitbull ones
Only $25 difference.
Quote from: derby on February 25, 2009, 08:53:47 PM
$30, but who's counting. ;D
$24.95 for the 1098. I didn't check the others.
I used to fit 2 race bikes and gear into a 6x12. I could fit a third bike but I had to really want to make it work. I don't think that you're going to fit a quad and three bikes into a trailer this size unless you put the quad on its end. You're probably going to end up putting a bike or the quad into the bed of your truck.
The one thing I liked about my single axle was that I could maneuver it around by myself without having to hook it up to the truck. I would have preferred a double axle for towing and for piece of mind in case of a blowout.
My next trailer is going to be a bumper pull or fifth wheel toy hauler but if I had to get an enclosed cargo trailer again I'd get a 7x14 dual axle and I'd definitely add brakes to the trailer.
*Edit to add*: definitely get the rear ramp-gate and a separate access door on the side.
-R.