Enclosed Trailer
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento Delta
Enclosed Trailer
There are times, like next week, when I'm gonna have to leave the bike home and take the truck on vacation. I was thinking if I had a trailer I could take my bike with me. While not the same as riding it there, at least I would have it once I get there.
I think I would like an enclosed trailer, something big enough so it's easy to load the bike (Fat Boy), but I don't want anything huge. What would be a good size? Do I need dual axles, what about electric brakes on the trailer? Anything specifically to look for when buying a trailer? I'm towing it with an old F250 with the 7.3 diesel.
I think I would like an enclosed trailer, something big enough so it's easy to load the bike (Fat Boy), but I don't want anything huge. What would be a good size? Do I need dual axles, what about electric brakes on the trailer? Anything specifically to look for when buying a trailer? I'm towing it with an old F250 with the 7.3 diesel.
I'm in the market myself and have done countless research on this forum and using other means. All I need now is a knowledgeable dealer which is hard to come by around here, apparently. Below are the conclusions that I have come to for my needs. I have a 2011 F-150.
- You get what you pay for so don't cheap out
- Haulmark seems to come up most often as the go-to brand (the low-hauler v-nose in particular; http://www.haulmark.com/low-hauler_m.../modelvnlhwt2/)
- 7x12 with a staggered setup should fit two full size Harleys
- Aluminum will be lighter to tow than steel to save on MPG, but steel is obviously stronger
- Tandem axles (preferably torsion) will save on a blowout and will have more stability and less bounce than a single axle
Good luck in your search and report back what you end up with. There's countless brands and countless configurations for each brand so don't drive yourself to0 bonkers like I have.
- You get what you pay for so don't cheap out
- Haulmark seems to come up most often as the go-to brand (the low-hauler v-nose in particular; http://www.haulmark.com/low-hauler_m.../modelvnlhwt2/)
- 7x12 with a staggered setup should fit two full size Harleys
- Aluminum will be lighter to tow than steel to save on MPG, but steel is obviously stronger
- Tandem axles (preferably torsion) will save on a blowout and will have more stability and less bounce than a single axle
Good luck in your search and report back what you end up with. There's countless brands and countless configurations for each brand so don't drive yourself to0 bonkers like I have.
Last edited by ia2189; Jun 15, 2013 at 08:42 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 2
For one full dresser a 6X10 is perfect. Plenty of room for the bike and a few other things you might want to take. Lighter and easy to pull. You wont need a dual axle for 1 bike. Brakes would be nice but on that light of a trailer not really needed. With a diesel you can go bigger and not even feel it. I pull a 32 foot fifth wheel and hardly know it is back there, but it does drop the fuel mileage a few MPG's. The 6x10 with just the bike in it doesn't affect mileage at all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I've had two enclosed trailers, one cargo 7'x12', one snowmobile 6'x20' V-nose with a drop down rear door and a drop down door on the LF nose.
both would easily carry two baggers.
Both were tandem axles with electric brakes and both were steel framed with aluminum boxes.
The good thing about steel trailers is that they are relative inexpensive compared to an all aluminum trailer.
The bad thing about steel trailers is that they're heavier than aluminum trailers and you will lose more MPG's pulling one.
IMHO, there is nothing bad about an aluminum trailer except for the price, but they do have good resale.
You'd have to do a lot of towing to justify buying an aluminum trailer simply because it's lighter and that your tow vehicle will get better mileage.
Steel or aluminum, resale is much easier on a two hauler than it is for one that only carries one bike.
I'd highly recommend the drop down rear loading door. and if you go for a two hauler, tandem axles and electric brakes.
I currently have a huge heavy duty landscape trailer that is set up to haul 4 bikes, but if I ever buy another enclosed motorcycle trailer it would be the fiberglass/aluminum aerodynamic model made by Iron Horse.
I talked to a guy that pulled one loaded with two bikes using a Toyota Sienna van and he said that he only lost 2 MPG.
both would easily carry two baggers.
Both were tandem axles with electric brakes and both were steel framed with aluminum boxes.
The good thing about steel trailers is that they are relative inexpensive compared to an all aluminum trailer.
The bad thing about steel trailers is that they're heavier than aluminum trailers and you will lose more MPG's pulling one.
IMHO, there is nothing bad about an aluminum trailer except for the price, but they do have good resale.
You'd have to do a lot of towing to justify buying an aluminum trailer simply because it's lighter and that your tow vehicle will get better mileage.
Steel or aluminum, resale is much easier on a two hauler than it is for one that only carries one bike.
I'd highly recommend the drop down rear loading door. and if you go for a two hauler, tandem axles and electric brakes.
I currently have a huge heavy duty landscape trailer that is set up to haul 4 bikes, but if I ever buy another enclosed motorcycle trailer it would be the fiberglass/aluminum aerodynamic model made by Iron Horse.
I talked to a guy that pulled one loaded with two bikes using a Toyota Sienna van and he said that he only lost 2 MPG.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: ND
I bought a Interstate 6x12 enclosed trailer years ago. It is nice and light, and I have never had a single issue with it. Except of course everyone and their dog wants to borrow it. 
I can stagger two bikes in the trailer, but not very easily. If you are looking for something for two, get a seven foot wide and you will be in business. I wish I had done that.
I can stagger two bikes in the trailer, but not very easily. If you are looking for something for two, get a seven foot wide and you will be in business. I wish I had done that.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 563
Likes: 3
I just bought a used 24 ft V-Nose all aluminum snowmobile trailer. I will haul sleds in the winter and bikes in the summer. I looked at a pile of snowmobile trailers. They were all rust buckets. One I stuck my finger through the frame. This should haul for bikes and some gear.
The most important thing is to have a camera mounted inside the trailer so you can keep an eye on the toys...
The most important thing is to have a camera mounted inside the trailer so you can keep an eye on the toys...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
A 6 x 10 single axle trailer would work great for 1 bike. Unless your Hercules getting one with a spring assisted ramp door is a no brainer Lol I have 7 x 14 twin axle w/elect. brakes, its bigger than I need for one bike but it comes in handy for other tasks. Be sure to mount a good quality wheel chock (the cheap Harbor Freight ones are junk). Get one with a strong forward stop and tilting shoe that traps the wheel and hold it tight.
Twin axle and electric brakes are not necessary on smaller trailers. Most single axle trailers won't even have brakes
Twin axle and electric brakes are not necessary on smaller trailers. Most single axle trailers won't even have brakes
Last edited by ynots; Jun 16, 2013 at 07:28 AM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
I'd go for a tandem axle trailer. They ride better and are not as bouncy. Also better in case of a flat. At least one axle has brakes, if not both.
Get at least one size bigger then you think you need. Lots of diff. manufacturers around. I have my eye on this one, being sold near me.
http://neotrailers.com/
Get at least one size bigger then you think you need. Lots of diff. manufacturers around. I have my eye on this one, being sold near me.
http://neotrailers.com/
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Silverdale, WA
I have a 6X12 V-nose that I haul the bike in, it is big enough for the bike and extra stuff that I want to take along. I have the spare and a jack in it for the trailer, and I use e-track and a bolt-it-on adjustable motorcycle chock. The torsion axle trailers are way less bouncy then the spring axles. If I did it again I would still use e-track, but I would use a chock like the condor. No brakes to mess with on the trailer can be a good thing.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento Delta
Thanks all, I now have a better idea of what to look for. It sounds like 6x12 is the minimum, but something one size larger would allow me to do things I'm not even considering. Also I'll look for a good trailer, not one of the low price cheapies. Thanks again.