7x 14 Trailer
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 52
7x 14 Trailer
Been talking with a local trailer building outfit that will custom-build me a 7x14 trailer for hauling a couple bikes down south every winter. 1 thing I am undecided on is the axles. I have the option of having twin 3500lb Dexters, or for $400 more, twin 5200 Dexters. Pretty sure Id never have more than 3000lbs in the trailer (usually only 2 bikes), and the trailer itself weighs 2400 lbs. Is there any value in me getting the 5200s? The salesman says it wont ride anyrougher with the 5200s and is pushing for me to go that direction, but if it rides smoother with the 3500s, then thats what I want. Your thoughts?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,312
From: Virginia
I can't see how heavier duty axles wouldn't ride rougher.
I would personally go for heavier duty axles, just because I know at some point I would put more stuff in it. But then I'd go for a longer trailer than 14' too. At least a 20' Then I could haul 4 bikes if needed.
I would personally go for heavier duty axles, just because I know at some point I would put more stuff in it. But then I'd go for a longer trailer than 14' too. At least a 20' Then I could haul 4 bikes if needed.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 96
From: ayer,ma
I had a 7.5 x 14 V nose with twin 3500 Dexters and now a 7 x 23 V nose with twin 3500 Dexters. Both tow beautiful with the 3500s can't image what you would ever need 5200s for especially for a 14 trailer. I have friends with 5 place snowmobile trailers that also run 3500s.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Virginia
I had a 7.5 x 14 V nose with twin 3500 Dexters and now a 7 x 23 V nose with twin 3500 Dexters. Both tow beautiful with the 3500s can't image what you would ever need 5200s for especially for a 14 trailer. I have friends with 5 place snowmobile trailers that also run 3500s.
Snowmobiles weigh half what an Ultra Limited does (and thankfully so, it's been a long time since I have ridden one, but I can't imagine burying a 900+ lb machine), so five of them are only 2,500 lbs. If their trailer is 3,000 lbs empty they are only 5,500 total, they don't need more than 7,000 lbs.
If all the OP ever plans to haul is two Harley touring bikes, he doesn't need more than twin 3500 lb axles on his 14' trailer. 2,400 lb trailer, 1,000 lb each for loaded Harley's is only 4,400 lbs. He's got 2,600 lbs of wiggle room before he needs to worry about more capacity.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
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From: Georgia
Good advice for tandems. I have a 7x 12 Low Hauler that easily hauls 3 bikes . 2 Softails and a SG . You dont know its behind you it tracks so well.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
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Perfect replies. As expected, I’ll just get the 3500lb axles. And yes, they are Dexter Torsion. Next question-
What about lighting the inside? It comes standard with 2 12v dome lights, but they’ll be junk and I’ll want to add LED lighting. Thinking maybe 48” long, 12v tube lights (like the old fluorescent, except LED). Or is strip lighting along the perimeter the way to go? I’m sure 95% of the strip lighting is Chinese junk, so if you’ve got 1st hand experience of bright lights for a cargo trailer, please post.
What about lighting the inside? It comes standard with 2 12v dome lights, but they’ll be junk and I’ll want to add LED lighting. Thinking maybe 48” long, 12v tube lights (like the old fluorescent, except LED). Or is strip lighting along the perimeter the way to go? I’m sure 95% of the strip lighting is Chinese junk, so if you’ve got 1st hand experience of bright lights for a cargo trailer, please post.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 1,018
From: Eastern Ont.
If your 7x23 trailer weighs about 3,000 lbs empty, 4 Harley Touring bikes with some gear for traveling would add 4,000 lbs and be right at the max weight rating of your axles. If your trailer weighs less you have more wiggle room.
Snowmobiles weigh half what an Ultra Limited does (and thankfully so, it's been a long time since I have ridden one, but I can't imagine burying a 900+ lb machine), so five of them are only 2,500 lbs. If their trailer is 3,000 lbs empty they are only 5,500 total, they don't need more than 7,000 lbs.
If all the OP ever plans to haul is two Harley touring bikes, he doesn't need more than twin 3500 lb axles on his 14' trailer. 2,400 lb trailer, 1,000 lb each for loaded Harley's is only 4,400 lbs. He's got 2,600 lbs of wiggle room before he needs to worry about more capacity.
Snowmobiles weigh half what an Ultra Limited does (and thankfully so, it's been a long time since I have ridden one, but I can't imagine burying a 900+ lb machine), so five of them are only 2,500 lbs. If their trailer is 3,000 lbs empty they are only 5,500 total, they don't need more than 7,000 lbs.
If all the OP ever plans to haul is two Harley touring bikes, he doesn't need more than twin 3500 lb axles on his 14' trailer. 2,400 lb trailer, 1,000 lb each for loaded Harley's is only 4,400 lbs. He's got 2,600 lbs of wiggle room before he needs to worry about more capacity.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 304
From: Providence Forge, VA
Been talking with a local trailer building outfit that will custom-build me a 7x14 trailer for hauling a couple bikes down south every winter. 1 thing I am undecided on is the axles. I have the option of having twin 3500lb Dexters, or for $400 more, twin 5200 Dexters. Pretty sure Id never have more than 3000lbs in the trailer (usually only 2 bikes), and the trailer itself weighs 2400 lbs. Is there any value in me getting the 5200s? The salesman says it wont ride anyrougher with the 5200s and is pushing for me to go that direction, but if it rides smoother with the 3500s, then thats what I want. Your thoughts?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 1,021
From: Michigan
I would also suggest you consider a 12' instead of a 14' if all your going to pull is 2 bikes, 12' is more than enough. I also had 3 strips of E-trac built into the floor, on each side and one down the middle. When it's built that way it's actually bolted to the frame, much stronger. Have them mount a spare tire holder on one of the walls in the v-nose keeping it inside. I've never had issue with just the dome lights provided by the way. Just my .02