Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: 1313 on April 22, 2009, 07:11:37 AM

Title: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: 1313 on April 22, 2009, 07:11:37 AM
Where can I find one? I have a VW GTI and all I can tow is roughly 1K pounds. The most I will probably ever tow is my bike to the track and back when I finally get off my ass and get the proper track attire and sign up for the local track days.
I'm trying to keep everything small and compact.

Something like this.
(http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3B4%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E%3A46%3E%3A%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D32443%3B656933%3Anu0mrj)
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: Munch on April 22, 2009, 07:44:30 AM
Craigslist is your friend. I got mine there for more than half off retail.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: 1313 on April 22, 2009, 07:45:15 AM
I didn't even think about CL. I'll check it out.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: Grampa on April 22, 2009, 07:53:21 AM
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=65890 (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=65890)

(http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/65800-65899/65890.gif)
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: 1313 on April 22, 2009, 08:06:22 AM
During my searching I ran across "Trailer in a Bag". Looks pretty neat.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: swampduc on April 22, 2009, 08:29:29 AM
Quote from: 1313 on April 22, 2009, 08:06:22 AM
During my searching I ran across "Trailer in a Bag". Looks pretty neat.
I have a friend in Austin who swears by that thing. He only tows a single SV650 to and from the track, as you were planning to do.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: trenner on April 22, 2009, 08:29:57 AM
If money is no object, the Stinger trailer:

http://www.stingertrailer.com/ (http://www.stingertrailer.com/)

Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: sugarcrook on April 22, 2009, 08:36:25 AM
I got mine for a cross-country move from here:

http://www.sportutilitytrailers.com/ (http://www.sportutilitytrailers.com/)

Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: BK_856er on April 22, 2009, 09:07:14 AM
Here is something similar to the "in a bag" unit:

http://www.bikelug.com/ (http://www.bikelug.com/)

They have a torsion suspension option, which takes some of the stress off the bike.

BK
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: 1313 on April 22, 2009, 09:13:10 AM
Thanks for the links guys. I'm REALLY digging the Bikelug trailer. It's compact enough to fit in my hatch and easy enough to keep in my backyard shed.  [clap]
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: TAftonomos on April 22, 2009, 09:38:43 AM
I bought a 6x10 enclosed Pace trailer in decent shape with brakes and torsion suspension for $1200......I would hope you could get a single bike open trailer for less than half that if you look. 
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: 1313 on April 22, 2009, 09:47:43 AM
I leaning towards the compact/foldable trailers now. My garage is full and the only other place I can put the trailer is in my backyard. I have no where to store a regular trailer as cheap as they are. I guess I have to pay a premium for the ability to tear them down.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: JEFF_H on April 22, 2009, 02:19:30 PM
i like the way the kendon trailers fold and roll for storage
(not cheap tho...)
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: Alexandre on April 22, 2009, 02:33:00 PM
Quote from: JEFF_H on April 22, 2009, 02:19:30 PM
i like the way the kendon trailers fold and roll for storage
(not cheap tho...)

I like the Kendon trailers a lot. I tow a 2 moto kendon behind my mini cooper s with no issues. It tracks well, stores on end, and I trust it.

For some reason, I dont like the idea of a "foldable" trailer.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: Munch on April 22, 2009, 03:29:25 PM
I have this... http://www.discount-trailers.com/motorcycle_trailer.htm (http://www.discount-trailers.com/motorcycle_trailer.htm)

The tilt feature makes loading and unlaoding a breeze for a single person at the track!
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: NAKID on April 22, 2009, 04:25:41 PM
Quote from: Munch on April 22, 2009, 03:29:25 PM
I have this... http://www.discount-trailers.com/motorcycle_trailer.htm (http://www.discount-trailers.com/motorcycle_trailer.htm)

The tilt feature makes loading and unlaoding a breeze for a single person at the track!

I'm blind from all the chrome!




j/k Looks kind of expensive...
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: swampduc on April 22, 2009, 05:58:56 PM
Quote from: NAKID on April 22, 2009, 04:25:41 PM
I'm blind from all the chrome!

j/k Looks kind of expensive...
Saw something similar at a local trailer dealer today. They wanted $3500 for it  :o
Somehow, I think there was a little markup...
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: jestor00 on April 22, 2009, 06:19:14 PM
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33983_-1______14297|14337|14342|33983?listingPage=true&Special=false (http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33983_-1______14297%7C14337%7C14342%7C33983?listingPage=true&Special=false)

good and cheap, but dont think they ship.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: mbalmer on April 23, 2009, 10:05:11 AM
Quote from: sugarcrook on April 22, 2009, 08:36:25 AM
I got mine for a cross-country move from here:

http://www.sportutilitytrailers.com/ (http://www.sportutilitytrailers.com/)



...and I own it now. Great trailer. Holds both motorcycles, my bicycles, scooter, and unicycle! (I like toys)
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: mitt on April 23, 2009, 01:58:09 PM
Quote from: JEFF_H on April 22, 2009, 02:19:30 PM
i like the way the kendon trailers fold and roll for storage
(not cheap tho...)

Those are cool.

Their work stands look nice too

(http://www.kendonusa.com/images/Sport-Bike-Lift-Up.jpg)
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: Le Pirate on April 23, 2009, 04:34:20 PM
Quote from: jestor00 on April 22, 2009, 06:19:14 PM
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33983_-1______14297|14337|14342|33983?listingPage=true&Special=false (http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33983_-1______14297%7C14337%7C14342%7C33983?listingPage=true&Special=false)

good and cheap, but dont think they ship.

I have a 4x6 from tractor supply with a rear loading ramp....It's a great little flatbed trailer...useful for the bike, and other stuff as well
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: Bald Shaun on April 23, 2009, 07:29:08 PM
QuoteThanks for the links guys. I'm REALLY digging the Bikelug trailer. It's compact enough to fit in my hatch and easy enough to keep in my backyard shed.  applause

If you go with the Bikelug, please give us a review.  I am thinking about getting this one myself.  Pricey, but, living in an apartment, I have no place for a conventional trailer.  Plus taking the bike on trips, and being able to throw the trailer in the back of the car when not in use sounds awesome.

Another idea, if your use is only occasional, just rent a trailer from u-haul.  I think it's like $20 a day.  That's a whole lot of towing before it becomes cheaper to buy your own.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: caboteria on April 28, 2009, 12:55:05 PM
Quote from: Bald Shaun on April 23, 2009, 07:29:08 PM
Another idea, if your use is only occasional, just rent a trailer from u-haul.  I think it's like $20 a day.  That's a whole lot of towing before it becomes cheaper to buy your own.

That's a good option, but if you're doing track days you have to pick up the trailer the day before in order to make it to the track when they open, and you won't be able to get it back before uhaul closes so you end up paying for two days rental for each day trip to the track.  With insurance it's like $56 for two days.  So depending on how many days you do each year it might make sense to buy a trailer.  At least that's what I've been telling my wife.

Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: vw151 on April 30, 2009, 02:02:25 PM
I have a MKV GTI and this it pulled this trailer with 2 bikes up to Mid OH last weekend with no problems.  It's a 5x8 utility trailer from tractor supply.  Works great. 

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/vw151/Picture186-1.jpg)

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/vw151/Picture187-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: DuciD03 on May 01, 2009, 08:49:42 PM
I was considering all of the above a one point; the one thing I heard about the smaller trailers with a high centre of gravity was they were romours of them flipping, so take er easy on the corners when your bikes on there .... I endeed up with a 6X10 interstate 6'-1 interior height; its like a garage on wheels ... used for dry storage, and camping also ...

I'd be intrested in hearing feed back on how the folding trailers work; exp loading and stability.

Also consider the "bike hitch"; which is designed to go into a 2" trailer hitch reciver; originally designed for drit bikes to be transported sideways on the rear of a vehicle ... I'v seen prices 150 to 400; but havent heard reports on how well they work or dont; loading looks like a hastle ...
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: red baron on May 02, 2009, 10:11:55 PM
Quote from: DuciD03 on May 01, 2009, 08:49:42 PM
Also consider the "bike hitch"; which is designed to go into a 2" trailer hitch reciver; originally designed for drit bikes to be transported sideways on the rear of a vehicle ... I'v seen prices 150 to 400; but havent heard reports on how well they work or dont; loading looks like a hastle ...

I had one, they work great for dirt bikes, That's a lot of tounge weight to have a street bike on. Waaay too much tounge weight for the OP.
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: vw151 on May 05, 2009, 07:22:14 AM
I've never had a concern about flipping, but I do think you need to use common sense when loading them, like putting the bikes in the center of the trailer if there is 1 bike or on the sides if there is 2.  Also, I'd say it goes with out saying that you'd go around corners slower than if you didn't have a trailer.  Either way.  Whatever you end up getting I'm sure it will be fine. 
Title: Re: Super compact single bike trailer
Post by: Munch on May 05, 2009, 05:45:27 PM
My bling bling trailer!

(http://ng0snw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pBDNU3-6fC8_ys3U9yQFMDURrLZ-akxowRvvwr3QJFG9EEfwEUFl2KJwrNFknZR_bOZ2DnXaEC6Yq0S1QJfXaiN23oYly2_X4/IMG_0477.jpg)

It was only 8 bills...