MPG Open trailers VS enclosed V nose
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 440
From: SETx
I've towed up to three bikes on an open 7x14 single axle cross county without issue. It has an expanded metal ramp but if I'm only towing one or two I can lay it down on the trailer deck and it pulls like it's not even behind me. I pull it with my 02 Tahoe or my wife's 13 Yukon Denali. For my next trailer I'd like a little longer and two axles. The single has done fine for me over lots of miles despite what everyone here thinks of them.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: McMinnville, Tennessee
Since I already own a Wells Cargo 6x10 v-nose, that is what I use. Yeah I take an MPG hit, but I really do like the security and weather protection it gives (for whatever Im hauling). I put electric brakes on it which was a nice upgrade, and my V6 Tacoma handles it fine.
Those enclosed Iron Horse units do look good tho!
Those enclosed Iron Horse units do look good tho!
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Minnesota
you really want:
2 axles
brakes
I have seen more single axle trailers rolled at the side of the road than I can count.
the most recent and spectacular was an open trailer with a single axle, no brakes.
2 roadkings strapped in, side by each
the right tire tire blew, the trailer dropped down on the right side and started pulling.
the driver braked hard
the trailer has no brakes and tried to pass the suv on the right.
it jerked and one of the roadkings went over the side...it;s straps pulling the other road king and the trailer on top.
mpg should be the least of your concerns, check the rating of you van- what can it pull, how much tongue weight
an open trailer will have alot of drag and may offer more resistance than an enclosed trailer - a V front will do better, but see if that is wasted space
mike
2 axles
brakes
I have seen more single axle trailers rolled at the side of the road than I can count.
the most recent and spectacular was an open trailer with a single axle, no brakes.
2 roadkings strapped in, side by each
the right tire tire blew, the trailer dropped down on the right side and started pulling.
the driver braked hard
the trailer has no brakes and tried to pass the suv on the right.
it jerked and one of the roadkings went over the side...it;s straps pulling the other road king and the trailer on top.
mpg should be the least of your concerns, check the rating of you van- what can it pull, how much tongue weight
an open trailer will have alot of drag and may offer more resistance than an enclosed trailer - a V front will do better, but see if that is wasted space
mike
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
you really want:
2 axles
brakes
I have seen more single axle trailers rolled at the side of the road than I can count.
the most recent and spectacular was an open trailer with a single axle, no brakes.
2 roadkings strapped in, side by each
the right tire tire blew, the trailer dropped down on the right side and started pulling.
the driver braked hard
the trailer has no brakes and tried to pass the suv on the right.
it jerked and one of the roadkings went over the side...it;s straps pulling the other road king and the trailer on top.
mpg should be the least of your concerns, check the rating of you van- what can it pull, how much tongue weight
an open trailer will have alot of drag and may offer more resistance than an enclosed trailer - a V front will do better, but see if that is wasted space
mike
2 axles
brakes
I have seen more single axle trailers rolled at the side of the road than I can count.
the most recent and spectacular was an open trailer with a single axle, no brakes.
2 roadkings strapped in, side by each
the right tire tire blew, the trailer dropped down on the right side and started pulling.
the driver braked hard
the trailer has no brakes and tried to pass the suv on the right.
it jerked and one of the roadkings went over the side...it;s straps pulling the other road king and the trailer on top.
mpg should be the least of your concerns, check the rating of you van- what can it pull, how much tongue weight
an open trailer will have alot of drag and may offer more resistance than an enclosed trailer - a V front will do better, but see if that is wasted space
mike
I have both. The closed trailer allows much better fuel mileage than the open. I have pulled both at hiway speeds. The overall difference in mpg is around four mpg. Protection from the elements and security should also be considered. Hope this helps.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,316
Likes: 2,387
From: Jackson, OH
Unless I couldn’t afford it I would absolutely always and only buy an enclosed trailer for bike hauling of any distance. Sure, you can do it on many lesser trailers and have no problem. I just prefer the protection and security offered by having the bike inside. I also use the cargo trailer to haul any additional gear (often in totes) going on the trip. V nose trailers with dual axles and brakes are what I prefer.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 198
From: Ill Annoy
Curb weight of about 1000# for my 6x10
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I lost a 6 x 12 single axle on the highway in slippery conditions once. I was passing a semi when the draft off the front of the semi hit the trailer and sent it swaying wildly and ultimately sent me into the median with it on it's side and yes I had over 200# on the tongue. Not that I wouldn't haul a single again I would just be more mindful of my surroundings and conditions. I have towed various pieces of farm equipment and boats all my life so I am not a newbie at it.
If I had to buy I would either go light and open like an Aluma Lite with a rock guard for protection or dual axle enclosed depending on what I was going to do with it. I tow so infrequently I just rent U-Hauls for when I have to.
If I had to buy I would either go light and open like an Aluma Lite with a rock guard for protection or dual axle enclosed depending on what I was going to do with it. I tow so infrequently I just rent U-Hauls for when I have to.
