Not sure where to post this, so I'll try here...

I'm looking into getting a small flatbed trailer to haul my sporty and a friends bike. I'm not sure what is a good size to get. I've been looking at 4x7 and 5x8. They both have fold down ramp, mesh floor, and a 2000gvwr. What is a good size for two bikes and ample room to tie them down? What do you guys use or suggest? I appreciate any tips or ideas. Thanks.

I have/use a snowmobile trailer. It a 2 place trailer 101" wide by 10' long. I have never hauled 2 bikes on it, but there would be plenty of room 2, maybe even a third one. Plus its a good size for anything else you might need to haul around. I orginally bought it for my snowmobile, but I have used it for a lot more things than that.

Rebil

Mine is 4x8 and I think it would be cramped trying to haul 2 on it. I would at least go with a 5' to 6' wide.

Why Haul Ride Them

Rent a Uhaul 5x8 {covered}.

I have two trailers: a 4x8 that hauls my Sporty and a 6x12 that I used to haul my ATVs. There is no way that I could put more than one bike on my 4x8. 2 bikes would be no problem on the 6x12. The 5x8 may haul 2 if you stagger them but then length may be a problem. Also, the mesh floor will be a problem when it comes to tying down. Make sure you install eyelets with iron underneath.

If you get a trailer get one with a wood floor. I hauled two bikes to sturges. and apparently every bump we hit the trailer floor flexed toward the center and the bikes were touching. I ended up with some scratches on my cam cover and a broken reflector on the engine guard of the other bike. there is not enough support in the floors on most trailers to support the weight of two bikes unless its a flooring made out of boards.

Ok, thanks for the tips. I will look for a 5' or 6' wide bed. Thanks for noting the flexing steel floor - I'll definately look for wood.

Does it work to just tie it down to the flatbed against the front rail with ratchet straps - or do I need any special equipment to help hold it up and secure?

I'd rather ride them, but need to haul the kids to relatives on the way to Sturgis this year.

There are a number of wheel chocks you can buy.
Mine locks the front wheel in place so that I can load/unload and tie it down by myself.

If you do get a covered UHaul, don't tell them you will have bikes in it. They can't rent it if they think you have any gas powered engine inside.

Also something to consider is getting a drop axle trailer. The axle (and therefore the floor) is lower to the ground and the gate that lowers has less of an incline. It makes the transition from gate to trailer floor not as severe and your bike is less likely to catch on that transition.

Rent a Uhaul 5x8 {covered}.

I agree! With U-Haul, you don't have to store it!

http://www.kendonusa.com/

I've been looking at these, they stand on end to store, and don't take up much room, plus I can get it out of the weather.

aluminium motorcycle trailers (click me) (http://www.alumaklm.com/sections/products.php?product_category=2)

Those aluminum ones are sweet but have got to be very expensive.

For the best open trailer Biker Farm Boy is right on with Kendon and for the cheapest Harborfreight
and for an enclosed trailer
Haulmark is tops
don't do cheapest :doh
:tour

I bought a 6x12 Top Brand landscape trailer for like $1100. It's a great trailer and I use it primarily for ATVs but could haul two good size bikes with no problems.

http://www.kendonusa.com/images/rtdual05-a.jpg


MSRP 2,399.95



I'd bought a 5x10 V-nose trailer with side door and drop down tailgate for work and play made by a local trailer manufactor here in NC
for the same price which is rated for over 3200 pounds.


http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a84/xllent01/th_DSC01495.jpg

I use a 5x8 utility trailer, with a steel floor that was put together by a local welder. Works fine for me, but I don't trailer too often though. I brought a project bike home from 500 miles away, with no problem.

Thanks for the posts guys, I appreciate the help.

My main concern is would my '00 sporty and a softail fit on a 5x8 utility trailer? It has a ramp and can handle the weight, but would there be enough room to secure them safely? Or do I need to look for a bigger one? if so, wider or longer?

The aluminum one and the Kendon wouild be ideal, but I will be using it for other things too - mower, snowblower, lumber, furniture, ect. So I'll be getting a utility trailer, just not sure on the size.

A 5x8 will probably only hold like 900 lbs. of bikes, which I believe is less than what you are trying to haul especially if you plan to go more than a couple of hours away. A good rule of thumb when buying a trailer is to buy more than your immediate need (but obviously don't go buy a 20 ft. trailer).

I have a 5 x 8 snowmobile trailer I bought off ebay for $200 and it's great for two bikes(Sportsters). I purchased pingel wheel chocks and both bikes fit perfectly on it. Plenty of room for tie down anchors and the ramp to be stored in between the two bikes.

The 5x8 utility trailer is raited for 1600 lbs or 2000 lbs (depending on the model). I'd think either would be fine for 2 bikes. But I will be hauling it 400+ miles on the interstate at 80mph...

I had thought of a snowmobile trailer, but thought it would be too high, making loading difficult. That's why I'm looking at a lower utility trailer with a fold up ramp. How high is the bed on your snowmobile trailer?

17" high. Bought a tri-fold ramp from Harbor Freight for $69 and that work great. It over 3 feet wide and very light. I towed two Sportsters from New Jersey to Daytona for bike week with no problems at all.

The 5x8 utility trailer is raited for 1600 lbs or 2000 lbs (depending on the model). I'd think either would be fine for 2 bikes. But I will be hauling it 400+ miles on the interstate at 80mph...

I had thought of a snowmobile trailer, but thought it would be too high, making loading difficult. That's why I'm looking at a lower utility trailer with a fold up ramp. How high is the bed on your snowmobile trailer?

That's cool. Just remember that the rating includes the weight of the trailer.

Definately go with the 5x6 covered. 4x8 will only hold one as GVW
is around 900lbs w/ 8" tires. And make sure you anchor it well!!!
Best to 4 point it.

That's cool. Just remember that the rating includes the weight of the trailer.



I have never heard that. Are you sure? :geek

Oh, my 2 cents.....having towed a bike on one of the U-Haul motorcycle trailers I will recommend that you get a trailer with larger wheels than the 13 inchers that came on that. Suspension would be nice, too.

I about shit my pants when I saw the trailer, with my beloved sportster strapped to it, BOUNCING behind the suv we were towing it with, going down I-10 at about 70. The road gets really bad really fast for a long way between Houston and Baton Rouge...

Yup, if you check the decals on the u-haul trailers, the recommended speed is 45mph (or it used to be). And they really don't have much give to the suspension, if you want to call it that. If you really have to use a u-haul, then there should be at least a six point tie-down. And I'd try to do something so the bike doesn't slip sideways in the straps; maybe at least four individual straps with a fifth one across the middle (under the seat).

Yup, if you check the decals on the u-haul trailers, the recommended speed is 45mph (or it used to be). And they really don't have much give to the suspension, if you want to call it that. If you really have to use a u-haul, then there should be at least a six point tie-down. And I'd try to do something so the bike doesn't slip sideways in the straps; maybe at least four individual straps with a fifth one across the middle (under the seat).



When I turned that trailer in I saw one that would've been better. It is a small equipment hauler that actually has 4 wheels, probably 15 or 16 inch wheels, and some suspension. If I am ever forced to use a Uhaul again, that's what I'd use.

They do have the ridges running lengthwise, so that keeps the tires from sliding out from under the bike on bumpy roads. You do have to check those straps often, tho.

The utility trailer I was looking at is made by a local trailer builder and is rated for a 1600/2000 load - the GVWR is even higher. It has 13" wheels and leafspring suspension. Now that I know two bikes will fit on a 5x8, I'll be looking into getting one of those... Thanks for the help guys.

The utility trailer I was looking at is made by a local trailer builder and is rated for a 1600/2000 load - the GVWR is even higher. It has 13" wheels and leafspring suspension. Now that I know two bikes will fit on a 5x8, I'll be looking into getting one of those... Thanks for the help guys.



Seriously, I'd change the wheels out for 15" wheels. Shouldn't be an expensive conversion....

I use a 5x8 from tractor supply. took my 2 sportys to sturgis on it. Kind of nerve racking to have a $800 trailers maiden voyage to be 500 miles hauling $17,000 worth of bikes!

I use a 5x8 from tractor supply. took my 2 sportys to sturgis on it. Kind of nerve racking to have a $800 trailers maiden voyage to be 500 miles hauling $17,000 worth of bikes!

THAT'S exactly what I was wanting to know... Looks to be the same trailer I'm looking at. I assume everything fit fine? Does the trailer have a wood or steel mesh floor? Would you haul two bikes with it again?

Hey! Mr. JIMI. I got one of them "cheapest" Harbour Freight $150 jobs. Bolted on some eye bolts, a 2x12 & a $15 chock & it works fine for one Sporty. Ran it from Myrtle Beach to Prospect Ohio at Freeway speeds, no problems. Won't hold 2 bikes tho.

Hello All :)

From time to time I get these out of town work assignments where I am 3-6hrs from home for a week or 12 days at a stretch.

My dad just got a truck/camper rig, it is a '89 F-250 2wd, a 460 FI engine, with a Lance LC900 11'3" FSC Camper on it. I am considering using this when I go out of town, My mileage reimbursment will cover the gas (8 mpg I imagine :( ). I can park it for a small fee at a nearby RV park, and pocket some $$$ from my food/hotel per diem.

The thing is, how will I get from said RV park to the work site? Trailer my sporty along right? :D It seems like a workable deal, but I dont know much about hitches and trailers. From what I can figure out, a class V hitch is real stout, but necessary for my needs? I dont know. There is a receiver hitch on the truck now, and from there the camper extends 4-5 feet back. There is a plate under the end of the camper that has holes that have something to do with extending the hitch rearward, but I also read something about keeping the trailer tounge weight more on the receiver and not on the back of the camper.

Anyway, I am gonna keep on researching this, but if any of you have any experience and tips/direction, I'd much appreciate it. I am trying to keep the costs down, so the nice $2000 trailers are not happening. I'd like to get this set up and working for $500-$700 if I could...

TIA

:cheers

wow this is wonderful topic interesting to read

I used a HF 4'X8' kit trailer and their accessories to make a great trailer for under $500.

I set it up for one 900 lb bike but it can be set up for two middleweights.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh88/lwh4x4/BILD0008.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh88/lwh4x4/002.jpg

I pulled the Honda Rune 1,400 miles on it to do the Dragon and some other roads last year.

The wheel chock, spare tires and mounts, the tie downs, tongue jack and straps were all HF.

It towed very well. I did wait for each item to be on sale to keep the price down. The trailer kit 1,125 lb cap. was $199, the two spares and mounting brackets were $100, the 3/4" plywood floor was $30. The front tongue jack was $30 and the 6 tie downs (3 ton cap ea.) was $36. Some left over clear wood paint and that was it. Oh and $40 for the wheel chock. I did forget the other thing that got it to $500 and that was the set of 6' ramps for $60 at HF.

I used some scrap metal to make a bracket front and rear to carry them underneath but they could easily be carried on top strapped down.

You could save money by not having two spares. I like overkill. More money could be saved by using eye bolts instead of the 3 ton d-rings - again overkill.

I ended up buying a Lowes 5' x 8' trailer (on sale) with mesh floor.
I cut out the mesh floor and installed a sheet of 1/4" tread plate steel floor in its place.

Problem was it was only available in a 4' x 10' sheet so I cut it in half with my plasma cutter (turned it 90*) and re-welded it to make it 5' x 8' . I left the mesh ramp/gate in place for now.

I then proceeded to bolt & weld this floor in.

I then bolted in a Pingle cycle jaws (I highly recommend this unit). It turned out very nice and I can load it myself very easy. Yea its way overkill and I have too much invested in it but it pulls nicely plus very secure with a few ratchet straps. I have a 86 Chevy Scottsdale w/ 5" drop ball receiver and it pulls level.

Secure the front and rear wheels from front to back, up and down and side to side movement. You can't over secure your bike. Besides the regular friction type tie-down straps, I use a lot of 3/8 inch white nylon ropes. It may look Hill-billy but your scoot will stay in one place!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

Sam:D

I have a 5 by 8 I use for 2 bikes plenty of room. Use it from Ny to Florida a couple times a year. I use wheel chocks in front and rachet ties never have a problem. The trailer is wood slates with the big metal gate in the rear.

heres my set up, alum for lower weight
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/sportster1200/Buell10wheel004.jpg

I got a 'hail damaged' 6x10' enclosed in OK a couple years ago. Set it up to haul me and my sons ZX's around for a bit with the PitBull Trailer Restraints.
Have since had P/B cobble up a harness for the Sportster (just in case) but haven't used it yet. Great stuff, no straps...and one person load up....
I prefer the enclosed box so the bike(s) don't get beat up by rocks or bugs on the road, but YMMV....
If you're interested in the trailer restraint rig, check with Charlie at P/B (the owner and all around nice guy) And I'm just a customer..no connections..
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc7/GTZX10R/Pitbull3.jpg
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc7/GTZX10R/Pit-BullPiggieandcat009.jpg
Oh, forgot to add that the trailer harness will only work with bikes that have both rear axle ends exposed. (Most of you will have sorted that out already :)
They ain't cheap but neither are the bikes :)

Just making sure I have this right, is a 5x8 trailer the right size that two Sportster will fit on? I am also looking to haul my bikes to another location, and need to rent one. I have thought about buying one, but don't have any place to put it. I don't always need one either.

what is the cost on some of these covered ones? I was looking at that port-a-chopper one they advertise in AIM, they are asking $1,600 when all is said and done. And it folds up to the size of a large golf bag you can stick it in the corner of your garage when not in use but that is for only one bike the dual bike model is about $2,500.