Triumphrat

capoanj · 09-27-2007

Ok, I'm anticipating the 'ride it don't tow it' comments...yeah, yeah, Paul Smith tows his bikes...now I need input from my fellow Rats. I'm getting a trailer for long hauls, vacation use of the Bonnie with the family, and for dirt bikes with my 10 year old son. Just wondering if anyone has experience and comment on open versus closed trailers. Highway handling, speed limitations, et al. Many thanks....also posted this in the Bonnie Forum

geoff587 · 09-27-2007

Bought a trl last year to tow behind the motorhome on tour. Best advice given was to buy a 3 bike trl instead of the 2 bike trl i was going to buy. Reason being should the need come to move 1 bike it goes central on the trl making it more balanced to tow.
Got an open trl, closed was not an option with my budget. And regardless of what the experts tell you, you cannot have too many straps

Eyun_G · 09-27-2007

Open or closed is all a matter of personal preference. If you go with an open trailer, you may want to make sure that you've got adequate rock protection (dings are bad)

. Open trailers are going to be lighter and cheaper. The site below has a folding trailer with motorcycle ramps for about $530. The fact that they fold is tops when it comes to storage

. Only downside to these is that they tend to be more specific for hauling bikes, so you lose a bit of utility that you would have with your normal flat-bed trailer.

http://www.redtrailers.com/Trailers.asp?type=folding

Catenaccio · 09-27-2007

I use a 5'X10' utility trailer with adjustable tie downs. I've considered closed trailers but can't seem to get passed the idea that they're single use in most cases. A good ramp on the trailer makes a huge difference. IMHO.

welshrob · 09-28-2007

I have this T-shirt. Anyone who went to 'Gold Coast Bike Week' will appreciate how funny it is.

ziaduck · 09-28-2007

I just use a small utility trailer with an attached loading ramp. I can haul 1 or 2 bikes pretty easily. I like the fact that it isn't M/C specific so that it can be used for nearly anything.

Shawn · 09-30-2007

I also use a utility trailer, a Polar Bear brand trailer purchased from Home Depot.

Fitted a wheel chock and use an aluminum ATV ramp for loading. On long trips I take off the sides to reduce wind drag and weight.

The rest of the time, it hauls just about everything else, nice to have.

Tbirdnz · 09-30-2007

I have a standard 8x5 light utility trailer with an aluminium ramp that can take 3 bikes. I have a couple of front-wheel stands I can put in that makes loading easier solo. Those and tie-downs and it's all that's needed.

Better IMO than a speciality trailer that restricts you to just bikes.

---------------
Ride on !

stanegoli · 09-30-2007

I used a Ziman three-bike open trailer for my dirt bikes.
Worked very well. No complaints.
Gear box is essential. Good quality straps too

jimballard · 09-30-2007

I bought a 5' X 8' landscaping trailer and have used it for 3 trips to Florida, so far. Stretched metal mesh floor and tailgate which is made to load mowers, etc. and places to tie down in front and on the sides. Pulls easily, and doesn't seem to be affected by side winds too much; just have to wrap the bike in a tarp after covering it with a blanket to protect it from chafing by the tarp in the wind. This year, I put a wooden floor in it and made a ramp out of 3/4" plywood, just to make the process of loading and securing it easier. Used some eye-bolts in the process to make additional tie-downs while I was at it. It has 12" wheels which are a lot better than some of those dinky ones I see being used on the interstates. Only had to replace one set of wheel bearings, and I may not have even had to do that. I would re-pack the bearings when I bought a new, or used, one if I were you; use the best grease you can buy. Also, buy a spare tire and a complete hub set, as well. You never know... Mine was made by Carry-On and parts are available from Home Depot.

Hope this helps: Jim