Trailering 3 bikes?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 1,348
From:
Side by side bikes fit better if one is backwards; make sure the backwards one doesn't have a fairing or windscreen.
One in the bed with a Condor-type device through-bolted to a piece of 3/4" plywood cut to end at the end of the open tailgate works with short wheelbase bikes on shorter beds; check the wheelbase on line (as well as overall length for front set-back and rear overhang) and then measure the bed with open tailgate. You will obviously need to bring a ramp and look for appropriate terrain to assist you.
All that being said, if future use for the trailer is in the cards, getting a 16 or 18 foot enclosed trailer makes sense. Fenders on the outside offers a narrower profile but I like fenders on the inside for the extra width. You'll always have more crap than you think you'll have and that size trailer is very useful for many things. An F-250 will pull it without too much difficulty but high speeds and high trailers equals poor fuel economy. Within reason more trailer is better than less trailer.
One last thought: trailer tires suck. I switch over to LT (Light Truck) tires sooner than later. High speeds kill trailer tires, UV kills trailer tires, trailering kills trailer tires. See a pattern here? Dual axles (four total tires) is easier on the tires than only one axle and two total tires even if the weight is within limits - less heat.
One in the bed with a Condor-type device through-bolted to a piece of 3/4" plywood cut to end at the end of the open tailgate works with short wheelbase bikes on shorter beds; check the wheelbase on line (as well as overall length for front set-back and rear overhang) and then measure the bed with open tailgate. You will obviously need to bring a ramp and look for appropriate terrain to assist you.
All that being said, if future use for the trailer is in the cards, getting a 16 or 18 foot enclosed trailer makes sense. Fenders on the outside offers a narrower profile but I like fenders on the inside for the extra width. You'll always have more crap than you think you'll have and that size trailer is very useful for many things. An F-250 will pull it without too much difficulty but high speeds and high trailers equals poor fuel economy. Within reason more trailer is better than less trailer.
One last thought: trailer tires suck. I switch over to LT (Light Truck) tires sooner than later. High speeds kill trailer tires, UV kills trailer tires, trailering kills trailer tires. See a pattern here? Dual axles (four total tires) is easier on the tires than only one axle and two total tires even if the weight is within limits - less heat.
Last edited by Jehu; Dec 27, 2018 at 02:07 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 646
From: Saint Charles, Missouri
3 or 4 baggers, same size trailer, 22' x 8 1/2' trailer, also gives you room for fuel, cooler, clothes, dual axles with brakes on both axles for safety and carrying capacity. If you get a long tongue model (motorhome tongue), you can mount a generator on it, have rooftop AC and camp in the trailer..
Last edited by Slingshot383; Dec 27, 2018 at 06:35 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 600
From: The 1980's
To do it right, this is pretty much the answer. I can get 4 bikes plus tools and luggage into a 7x18 enclosed. Keep in mind that it's a V nose and the trailer dimensions generally are only for the rectangular part, not the V. Also, my bikes do not get moved without being in a wheel chock in the trailer.
As far as the post with that snowmobile trailer, no way in hell would I load 3 bikes onto a bouncy, tiny wheel trailer like that. Make sure your insurance premiums have been paid if you do.
I agree with Jehu & Slingshot about dual axle. 4 tires to take the load instead of 2. In case of blowout you can limp it to the side much easier. You can also use a Trailer Aid type block to drive or back one wheel up onto to change a tire instead of crawling under with a jack. Not fun if you're on I95 or someplace similar.
As far as the post with that snowmobile trailer, no way in hell would I load 3 bikes onto a bouncy, tiny wheel trailer like that. Make sure your insurance premiums have been paid if you do.
I agree with Jehu & Slingshot about dual axle. 4 tires to take the load instead of 2. In case of blowout you can limp it to the side much easier. You can also use a Trailer Aid type block to drive or back one wheel up onto to change a tire instead of crawling under with a jack. Not fun if you're on I95 or someplace similar.
Last edited by 2goldens; Dec 28, 2018 at 07:37 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
....
I agree with Jehu & Slingshot about dual axle. 4 tires to take the load instead of 2. In case of blowout you can limp it to the side much easier. You can also use a Trailer Aid type block to drive or back one wheel up onto to change a tire instead of crawling under with a jack. Not fun if you're on I95 or someplace similar.
I agree with Jehu & Slingshot about dual axle. 4 tires to take the load instead of 2. In case of blowout you can limp it to the side much easier. You can also use a Trailer Aid type block to drive or back one wheel up onto to change a tire instead of crawling under with a jack. Not fun if you're on I95 or someplace similar.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
Likes: 7,137
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Any regular 3 rail trailer will do the trick. Check the tires and trlr wheel bearing as those are usually neglected. My Aros 3 rail trailer is perfect for 3 bikes. Sorry, no pic.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
Rent a uhaul lowbed truck one way big enough to fit your 3 bikes.... screw the trailers and your car/truck to pull them.....do the same on the way back.....or rent a uhaul trailer big enough for all of them...
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,433
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
The soul of a motorcycle dies a little everytime it goes on a trailer for a road trip, you really want that on your conscious ?
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Road Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 188
From: West Chester, Ohio
I put 3 bikes on a 7x14 enclosed vneck trailer. Two up front and one in the rear, It was really tight but it can be done. I should note, none of these were full dresser, I had a street glide, road king and a sporty in the rear. We installed tie downs where needed before the trip, most important is to get wheel chocks installed on the trailer. Proper tie downs with soft straps is a must as well, I was hauling them for a motorcycle dealer so we had all the proper things needed.
I personally never put my bike on a trailer unless it's broken down. Everytime you you haul your bike it seems some kind of damage is done to it.
I personally never put my bike on a trailer unless it's broken down. Everytime you you haul your bike it seems some kind of damage is done to it.
Last edited by show-n-go; Dec 28, 2018 at 03:32 PM.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2014
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This is the biggest UHaul 6x12. It tows easily with tandem axles. Rear ramp makes easy loading. Has 1 ton towing capacity. Your bikes may weigh more.
https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/6x12-...amp-Rental/HO/
I’ve put 2 Quads and 1 Dirt Bike and it was tight. It may work with 2 Harleys in front and Vulcan staggered with front wheel between 2 front bikes rear tires. If front bikes do not have saddlebags.
My dirt bike was 7 foot long. Your Vulcan is 7.5. Front bike handlebars may hang out sides. You will need chocks. Harbor Freight has rubber chocks work well.
Stage the layout in your garage first. Width of fairings may be issue.
You may find 7 foot wide trailer somewhere.
Last edited by user 7172984932; Dec 28, 2018 at 04:43 PM.
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