Trailering my Dyna?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 274
From: Milton, Delaware
I had the same trailer for a while. Had to sell it because it turned out to be just a couple of inches too short for my bike. I had to fashion different straps to hold the ramp up.
I agree with StreetBob, the wire mesh will not stand up to the weight of a bike on it. You'll need to put down something to set the tires on.
I then found a used Kendon stand up trailer, spent a little bit to paint it and put a new wiring harness on it. It's a two bike trailer and pulls two beautifully.
I have a center rail that I put on for hauling one bike. I hardly know the one bike is back there. lol
Look closely, there's also an EG on there.
I agree with StreetBob, the wire mesh will not stand up to the weight of a bike on it. You'll need to put down something to set the tires on.
I then found a used Kendon stand up trailer, spent a little bit to paint it and put a new wiring harness on it. It's a two bike trailer and pulls two beautifully.
I have a center rail that I put on for hauling one bike. I hardly know the one bike is back there. lol
Look closely, there's also an EG on there.
Last edited by Deucedog; Jun 22, 2013 at 10:14 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
do some research and you may find a better trailer about the same costs.
There is a trailer sales a few miles from me and you can get a 5x10 with drop down ramp with 15inch tires for under $700. these are one of the best trailers I have ever used.
I traded my 5x10 for a 7x12 and it will hold 2 bikes easy or 3 if one is on backwards.
I use a regular tie down on the rear and wrap it around the wheel and ratchet it firm. This will aid in not having to worry about the front tire being firmly in place. The bike is supported in every direction this way. I use soft tie downs from Harley.
I also use a 4x6 block of wood and place it under the frame so the forks doesn't bottom out. If the forks are bottomed you are putting pressure on the fork bushing which can and will cause the seals to leak.
There is a trailer sales a few miles from me and you can get a 5x10 with drop down ramp with 15inch tires for under $700. these are one of the best trailers I have ever used.
I traded my 5x10 for a 7x12 and it will hold 2 bikes easy or 3 if one is on backwards.
I use a regular tie down on the rear and wrap it around the wheel and ratchet it firm. This will aid in not having to worry about the front tire being firmly in place. The bike is supported in every direction this way. I use soft tie downs from Harley.
I also use a 4x6 block of wood and place it under the frame so the forks doesn't bottom out. If the forks are bottomed you are putting pressure on the fork bushing which can and will cause the seals to leak.
+1 on this
or buy the damn bike hitch that is like a lugage rack for you bike on your trailer hitch
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 32
I just hauled my Dyna to Asheville and then to Destin on a 5X8. It has 15" tires but still only has a 2000 lb axle. The floor is 2x6 treated. I bolted a Harbor Freight wheel chock to the floor and use 4 self looping 1500 lb ratchet straps.
I am presently rebuilding a galvanized tilt boat trailer into a MC Trailer. I am installing an aluminum deck on it to make a 5X10. It only has 12" tires on it and has hauled a 16' Fiberglass Chapparal Ski Boat with a 4 Cylinder Inboard. I believe the boat probably weighs 2000 lbs or more. The 12" tires carried the boat well for 37 years without a problem. New 5.3X12.00 6 ply rated tires and 5 lug rims are only $44 at HF. The axle is a solid axle and the hub bearings are greasable.
A 5X8 is the shortest trailer that you can use. Take a piece of 8" C-Channel and bolt to the wire mesh floor. I would not recommend using plywood as it really does not support well for a flooring except on 16" CTC supports. Even a 2X10 PT 8' long board will support the Dyna well on the trailer.
Cargo Trailers are nice but the cheapest I have seen are about $1800 at Lowes and TS. There are some Specialty Built MC trailers that only run on 12" tires and cost about $2000.
The main things on a trailer are to look at the axle weight rating and the tngue weight.
I am presently rebuilding a galvanized tilt boat trailer into a MC Trailer. I am installing an aluminum deck on it to make a 5X10. It only has 12" tires on it and has hauled a 16' Fiberglass Chapparal Ski Boat with a 4 Cylinder Inboard. I believe the boat probably weighs 2000 lbs or more. The 12" tires carried the boat well for 37 years without a problem. New 5.3X12.00 6 ply rated tires and 5 lug rims are only $44 at HF. The axle is a solid axle and the hub bearings are greasable.
A 5X8 is the shortest trailer that you can use. Take a piece of 8" C-Channel and bolt to the wire mesh floor. I would not recommend using plywood as it really does not support well for a flooring except on 16" CTC supports. Even a 2X10 PT 8' long board will support the Dyna well on the trailer.
Cargo Trailers are nice but the cheapest I have seen are about $1800 at Lowes and TS. There are some Specialty Built MC trailers that only run on 12" tires and cost about $2000.
The main things on a trailer are to look at the axle weight rating and the tngue weight.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 52,957
Likes: 44,476
From: SW OH.
Buy one with a treated wood floor and bigger is better. If you put a Wheeldock chock in it you can simply ride into the chock,step on the lever and get off of the bike. One strap on each side of the shocks or rear frame is all you need. Carry a spare tire and wheel.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I've got a cheap 5x8 trailer with 15" wheels and it bounces like crazy with every bump. Not sure if adding shocks would be worth the trouble. Hard to keep the straps secured. Wish I had a longer trailer of some kind.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 258
Likes: 2
From: Millington NJ
Motorcycle carrying trailers may be open or enclosed. They may be wide, for two bikes side-by-side, or narrow, for just a single bike. The main features that distinguishes them from other flatbed or enclose trailers, are tracks to keep the wheels from sliding side to side and sufficient tiedown points to keep the motorcycles from tipping. They may also tilt, or include ramps to facilitate the loading and unloading of motorcycles. Trailer manufacturers often offer trailers specifically designed for carrying motorcycles.
Enclosed trailers have the advantage of protecting motorcycles within from the weather and from prying eyes, and of being able to lock the motorcycles up securely. However, they are heavier than open trailers and create more wind resistance, decreasing the mileage of the towing vehicle. An enclosed motorcycle-specific trailer can be built low enough so as not to increase resistance due to wind, and therefore mileage, substantially. I have a flatbed, you need a rock plate protect in front to protect your bike. I also have 15 inch tires for speed and distant. I also would have purchased a enclosed trailer if I had the money
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...railernew.html
Enclosed trailers have the advantage of protecting motorcycles within from the weather and from prying eyes, and of being able to lock the motorcycles up securely. However, they are heavier than open trailers and create more wind resistance, decreasing the mileage of the towing vehicle. An enclosed motorcycle-specific trailer can be built low enough so as not to increase resistance due to wind, and therefore mileage, substantially. I have a flatbed, you need a rock plate protect in front to protect your bike. I also have 15 inch tires for speed and distant. I also would have purchased a enclosed trailer if I had the money
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...railernew.html
Last edited by Lennyone; Jun 28, 2013 at 07:22 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Deming, NM
I just towed my Dyna 2500 miles including Mexico on a Tractor Supply 5x8 mesh trailer that I put plywood down on. No problems with the 13" wheels or tracking.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
One thing I'll clue you in on, If it is not an enclosed trailer, put some kind of screen affair in front so rocks and road junk doesn't hit your bike and ding the paint. Ask me how I know this.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
For a good while in sc I borrowed a trailer like that to take my bike back n forth to work.
It was 100+mi one way. I went through a lot of tires. 12" tires suck for long distance.
Definitely try to find something with larger, highway worthy tires.
It was 100+mi one way. I went through a lot of tires. 12" tires suck for long distance.
Definitely try to find something with larger, highway worthy tires.