I am just getting started and I'll need a trailer to haul my bike and gear. What should I look out for? Size 6x10? 6x12? What are your thoughts on single vs tandem wheels? Obviously a ramp rather than barn doors. What else should I be considering? There aren't too many for sale in the classified right now :noidea:
Questions from the most important down: 1) What beyond cycle and gear transportation do you intend to use this trailer for? 2) Enclosed----Hell yes. All aluminum construction (minus the axle and wheel gear). This includes the wheels. 2A) V-nose construction!!!!! Thanks Paul. 3) Rear drop down ramp door. 4) Full size side door. Curb side preference. 5) 14" tires 6) LED lights 7) Light exterior color 8) Roof vent I have owned several trailers from open to enclosed. Can't stress enough on the importance of purchasing an all aluminum trailer. Unless you turn your trailers over like a 36 month leased car, take my advice. The longevity, ease of pulling/stopping and the resale value far outweigh even a steel framed trailer.
I have a 5x8 v-nose and it's my hauler as well as my camper for the weekend. While it is big enough to fit two bikes, I would need a bigger tow vehicle. V-nose is something I'd recommend no matter what size as it helps out on gas mileage.
High enough ceiling to stand up in. I didn't have this on my first few. Specified it on my latest. Much nicer to be able to stand up in without ducking your head. (Though it does hurt mileage) I do wish I'd have known enough to look at aluminum. I only get between 8-9 MPG when pulling it. "I miss America"
Don't know where you are located but if you are in the south check this out. http://www.usacargotrailersales.com/ I bought my 6x12, single axle, enclosed, v-nose trailer with drop tailgate and paid $1800 out the door. It is a very basic trailer with plywood floors, nothing fancy but a great deal. And it's not hard to fancy it up and customize it to your needs. It was definately worth the 550 mile round trip to go get it.
Thanks everyone. That really helps. Any feeling toward single axle vs tandem? PitDad, did you negotiate that price cos it is closer to $2000 now (with no options). There are a dizzying number of options including a motorcycle package for $500 and wheel chock for $75. BTW I am in the Chicago area
Not that this post will help much, because I don't remember the dealer's name, but taking that detour route home from Putnam last weekend because I65 was down, we drove by some MASSIVE trailer dealership. Maybe someone else knows what I'm talking about. I mean they had like 15 of EVERY kind of trailer. From single motorcycle trailers all the way up to enclosed tractor trailers, like 53'...
i would highly recommend buy trailers from cargo trailers for sale new york recently bought trailers from them and then even provide home delivery with awesome customer suport enclosed cargo trailers new york
http://www.beckstrailerstore.com/ This place sells and stocks a ton of Legend all aluminum trailers. I started with a 6x12 single axle aluminum and bought a legend 7x15 single axle last year. There construction is built to last. Screw less exterior (the bolts always rush and look like crap) RV type door (allows you to camp in it much easier open close from inside) Ramp rear door (less things to be sure you pack) 6" extra height (no bumping head I'm 6'2" easier to get dressed) Roof vent (not a must have but sure made putting roof top a/c on a piece of cake)( the portable a/c won't cool on hot days the roof top will) Torsion Axle (they bounce around much less) Don't waste time with tie downs or wheel chocks. Just Buy Pit bull TRS!!!!!!!! The latches remove in seconds and toss a moving blanket down and inflate you air bed. Add etrack to the side walls to secure your stuff and some piece up high you can buy hooks to hang stuff to keep it off the floor Also http://niceraxx.com/ (again like the pitbull trs thank me later) in the 7x15 legend the box size in 7x13 they count the v nose but I can fit 3 full size bikes and a z125 with my over grown tool box.
What is your price range, and the tow vehicle? you dont wanna buy a bigger trailer than your expected tow vehicle can handle, and turn a trailer purchase into a new tow vehicle purchase unexpectedly. ps, I'm out in Palatine, IL, if you are in Chicago proper, where are you putting the trailer on a regular basis? I have to leave mine out at my folk house way out in Marengo, cause everyone around here wants $100+ per month to park a 6x12
I went through this same challenge recently and settled on these items as a "must have" prior to my purchase. All Aluminum Tandem Axles Torsion Axles Radial Tires 7x12ft or bigger Roof vent V-Nose Ramp door I bought used and found a trailer that had all of those features. Here is what I didn't get when I bought mine, but I wish that I had... Extra height - tall enough to stand up in 3/8" plywood on the walls (mine came with very nice looking all white interior, but the walls are super thin and you can't mount anything to them unless you're using the studs) 7x14 or 7x16 (so that I could haul 4 bikes, some people have been able to fit 4 bikes into 7x12 but it's a no-go in my trailer due to a built in closet in the V-nose)