5'x8' utility trailer
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
5x8 is real tight, if at all possible. why not consider a size up, like a 6x10 which would be plenty of space for your need at the moment.
My only closed in trailer is a 5x8 (straight front). It's about a foot to short. I can not close the door if my biker is inside. Not a sporty, but ya never know what your next bike will be.....
Lots of luck with your move.
My only closed in trailer is a 5x8 (straight front). It's about a foot to short. I can not close the door if my biker is inside. Not a sporty, but ya never know what your next bike will be.....
Lots of luck with your move.
Last edited by Pete6114; Apr 8, 2014 at 07:59 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,365
Likes: 24,246
From: NC, USA
I have a 5 x 8 enclosed V-Nose and I can get my Street Glide in there with a few inches to spare no problem. Maybe two dirt bikes would fit but not two Sportsters you didn't want damaged.
Double check with your TMO on a partial DITY, I think someone is giving you some bum scoop, it's happened before
Double check with your TMO on a partial DITY, I think someone is giving you some bum scoop, it's happened before
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: Yokosuka, Japan
Partial dity move - yes
I did a partial dity move a year and a half ago for my bike (Cali to VA).
I was in Cali and the Mil paid for move like usual, but I had to ship my bike back to the east coast for storage since I couldn't take it to Japan. With the partial dity I had to do the leg work in finding a transporter, arrange it so they came to the parking lot off base, and got a quote together with the partial dity paperwork and presented it to the base office where they took care of the rest.
I showed up and they loaded it in the semi. I took delivery about a week later on the other end.
I was in Cali and the Mil paid for move like usual, but I had to ship my bike back to the east coast for storage since I couldn't take it to Japan. With the partial dity I had to do the leg work in finding a transporter, arrange it so they came to the parking lot off base, and got a quote together with the partial dity paperwork and presented it to the base office where they took care of the rest.
I showed up and they loaded it in the semi. I took delivery about a week later on the other end.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 40
From: TX
You can rent a Uhaul 5x9 with ramp one way for 140.00 if you decline the insurance, 190 with insurance. That is the cheapest option. It is also reimbursable if you do a partial DITY. Partial DITY requires a briefing and you have to set it up before the move. You can't do it after the fact.
For what it's worth, I've had the movers move my bikes and had zero issues. My advice: Just let the pros move it inside their truck. You won't have to worry about rocks, weather, theives, flat tires, towing a trailer for 1000 miles, etc and the cargo is insured if there is a problem.
Either way, try to do a DITY move even if you are just hauling a few houesehold goods if it is not too late. You will get about $.90 a pound per 1000 miles for any cargo in your vehicle plus gas mileage. Also, the re-imbursement you receive is not listed on your W-2, but it does get reported to the IRS--so make sure you report it on your taxes next year or you will get audited.
For what it's worth, I've had the movers move my bikes and had zero issues. My advice: Just let the pros move it inside their truck. You won't have to worry about rocks, weather, theives, flat tires, towing a trailer for 1000 miles, etc and the cargo is insured if there is a problem.
Either way, try to do a DITY move even if you are just hauling a few houesehold goods if it is not too late. You will get about $.90 a pound per 1000 miles for any cargo in your vehicle plus gas mileage. Also, the re-imbursement you receive is not listed on your W-2, but it does get reported to the IRS--so make sure you report it on your taxes next year or you will get audited.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 223
Likes: 8
From: SE Louisiana
I have a 5X8 that I have used for several years to move my Sporty for repairs. It has also been useful as a utility trailer to move firewood and garbage. It worked well for my (single) sporty, and I can see how it could load 2 sportys as you described but it would be very tight. Besides being useful for hauling it also makes a Great Place to store the bike during long spells of wet weather.
However, just traded it in for a 6X10. The reason is the head room.
Last time I loaded my sporty I took a little hit to the head because I did not duck low enough. Top of the trailer nicked the top of my helmet. No serious damage, but I could see the hazard if (when?) I got careless. Get a trailer with enough clearance that you dont break your neck when you are loading up. Yeah, I know, stupid old Fire ax aint got enough sense to load properly, but if you live long enough you will be Blessed to be as absent minded as I am.
However, just traded it in for a 6X10. The reason is the head room.
Last time I loaded my sporty I took a little hit to the head because I did not duck low enough. Top of the trailer nicked the top of my helmet. No serious damage, but I could see the hazard if (when?) I got careless. Get a trailer with enough clearance that you dont break your neck when you are loading up. Yeah, I know, stupid old Fire ax aint got enough sense to load properly, but if you live long enough you will be Blessed to be as absent minded as I am.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
On behalf of all those who responded with advise: We're happy to help.
Many of us have been there, and had to learn something the hard way - if we saved you a headache, a few bucks or some skin, It's all good. Just help the next guy when you're on the other end of the question.
Many of us have been there, and had to learn something the hard way - if we saved you a headache, a few bucks or some skin, It's all good. Just help the next guy when you're on the other end of the question.
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