How to load a Kendon Trailer
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
Skypilot...I like your idea to extend the board to contact the ground (i believe the stability would be enhanced).
I am in the market for a used Kendon as well. Not sure if I want a double or single. Kind of leaning for a single for the street glide as I would very rarely tow two bikes.. Any input?
I am in the market for a used Kendon as well. Not sure if I want a double or single. Kind of leaning for a single for the street glide as I would very rarely tow two bikes.. Any input?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
one or two
If I was towing just one bike, for sure, I might get a single.
Up on top, my bike is on the extreme left or right of the trailer, and depending on which side you're on, there's only a solid deck on one side which might make it easier to push back when unloading, though I don't have a problem with it. Newer Kendons have expanded metal on the extreme outboard edges, so maybe that makes it a little easier. Mine doesn't have anything out there, so I use the fender for a little extra boost.
And on the dual, the bike is right behind the wheels on my H3, so whatever gets kicked up hits the bike. If the bike was centered, that wouldn't be a problem, and the single centers it.
I have heard that towing just one scoot on a Kendon Dual isn't a problem, though I've also heard that switching from one side to the other now and then is a good idea.
Still, if I need to help someone get their bike home, having the empty rail ain't a bad thing.
And yeah, I'm doing something with that plywood. I might just attach a couple little blocks on either side to make up for the small space between the ground and the plywood bottom edge. Might be better than trying to get the entire edge to make contact. It's sorta a non-problem, but there's something to be said for "solid footing".
If you need more info, let me know. Glad to help.
Cowboy
Up on top, my bike is on the extreme left or right of the trailer, and depending on which side you're on, there's only a solid deck on one side which might make it easier to push back when unloading, though I don't have a problem with it. Newer Kendons have expanded metal on the extreme outboard edges, so maybe that makes it a little easier. Mine doesn't have anything out there, so I use the fender for a little extra boost.
And on the dual, the bike is right behind the wheels on my H3, so whatever gets kicked up hits the bike. If the bike was centered, that wouldn't be a problem, and the single centers it.
I have heard that towing just one scoot on a Kendon Dual isn't a problem, though I've also heard that switching from one side to the other now and then is a good idea.
Still, if I need to help someone get their bike home, having the empty rail ain't a bad thing.
And yeah, I'm doing something with that plywood. I might just attach a couple little blocks on either side to make up for the small space between the ground and the plywood bottom edge. Might be better than trying to get the entire edge to make contact. It's sorta a non-problem, but there's something to be said for "solid footing".
If you need more info, let me know. Glad to help.
Cowboy
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
2002 Kendon Road Test
Just got back from the first road trip with the Kendon Dual Rail trailer. There's some commentary and photos on my blog (link below).
http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/0...road-test.html
Briefly the Kendon gets rave reviews for ease of use, loading, and storage, but being an open trailer, the bike sure got dirty on the way home. There's definitely a tradeoff, but in my case, the lack of storage for an enclosed trailer made the Kendon a good choice and it really does the job.
http://cowboyken.blogspot.com/2011/0...road-test.html
Briefly the Kendon gets rave reviews for ease of use, loading, and storage, but being an open trailer, the bike sure got dirty on the way home. There's definitely a tradeoff, but in my case, the lack of storage for an enclosed trailer made the Kendon a good choice and it really does the job.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,023
Likes: 989
From: Just Outside Chicago
Iv'e got a duel,04...Great trailer...Never an issue..Worst part is friend's want to borrow it..LOL...Mine has a rock guard,helps keep bikes clean.I use a 12volt kendon winch that is nice when loading but i could of made one for 1/3 the price. Guess you pay for the name!!
Cowboy, i was just wondering why you painted arrows on your ramp?Nice write-up and pics....Thanks........o~`o.........
Cowboy, i was just wondering why you painted arrows on your ramp?Nice write-up and pics....Thanks........o~`o.........
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
I had a single bike Kendon and always rode mine up and into the chock. Riding it back off the trailer was a challenge, I usually wanted a "spotter". And I always used 6 tie down straps.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Arrows.....LOL
OK, about those damn arrows on the plywood. A certain lady wanted to know if that got me lined up after a little extra partying! Funny.
Actually, I thought I'd probably be taking that plywood off the ramp when I stored it, and the arrows would just help me remember which position it was in when I drilled the holes. I suppose something a little more subtle might have been better, LOL. Actually, when I went to Daytona, I tossed the whole thing in the back of the truck without taking it apart.
And later, I added a couple little 3"x2"x3/4 thick blocks on the lower, bottom edges so the plywood was in solid contact with the ground. Seemed to add a little more stability if I wanted to put my feet down on the way down. Works great, and I've loaded/unloaded it several times without anyone around. I have intentionally stopped halfway back down, just to test the idea. Didn't have a problem.
The plywood's secured with (2) 3/8-16 x 2" carriage bolts, a couple fender washers, and wing nuts.
And yeah, the small blocks I added mean I don't need the arrows....Maybe I'll paint the whole thing black so it doesn't look like a friggin runway, but then again it might keep the Girlies from asking questions!!!......
Actually, I thought I'd probably be taking that plywood off the ramp when I stored it, and the arrows would just help me remember which position it was in when I drilled the holes. I suppose something a little more subtle might have been better, LOL. Actually, when I went to Daytona, I tossed the whole thing in the back of the truck without taking it apart.
And later, I added a couple little 3"x2"x3/4 thick blocks on the lower, bottom edges so the plywood was in solid contact with the ground. Seemed to add a little more stability if I wanted to put my feet down on the way down. Works great, and I've loaded/unloaded it several times without anyone around. I have intentionally stopped halfway back down, just to test the idea. Didn't have a problem.
The plywood's secured with (2) 3/8-16 x 2" carriage bolts, a couple fender washers, and wing nuts.
And yeah, the small blocks I added mean I don't need the arrows....Maybe I'll paint the whole thing black so it doesn't look like a friggin runway, but then again it might keep the Girlies from asking questions!!!......
Last edited by skypilot101; Jan 4, 2011 at 08:33 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Kendon trailer loading
I have a single Kendon. Actually I think they made the trailer very unsafe for loading. I have modified it to make it safe. Welded in tubing to square off the back and put a new diamond plate decking on to cover new section, added in support for the crappy ramp to keep it from tipping, and have ramps that snap on to allow me to always have my feet supported on both sides when driving up the ramp. Piece of cake now and it is the trailer kendon should have made if they really cared about safety. Stock trailer is an accident waiting to happen.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Kendon Loading...Without mods
I agree that the stock Kendon ramp design, old or new, is a little shaky, and seems like a great way to drop a bike while loading/unloading. After I got mine home, I started thinking about those anxious moments, up or down, when my feet weren't going to hit the ground. And I couldn't imagine loading it solo, or at least not without some kind of modification.That prompted the addition of the plywood. (I had actually started an order to Discount Ramps for their aluminum tri-fold ramp, but thought this half-baked plywood idea would at least be worth a try.)
Something more substantial, welded with decking, would be awesome. I may add something on the outboard side of my rails next, any maybe a spray shield.
To me (I'm an engineer and used to own a machine shop), the Kendon design is great, but it just needs a little more refinement. Seemed like they could have done a few more things and made a big difference in the user experience, and done it without adding much to the cost.
Something more substantial, welded with decking, would be awesome. I may add something on the outboard side of my rails next, any maybe a spray shield.
To me (I'm an engineer and used to own a machine shop), the Kendon design is great, but it just needs a little more refinement. Seemed like they could have done a few more things and made a big difference in the user experience, and done it without adding much to the cost.
Last edited by skypilot101; Jan 5, 2011 at 06:10 AM.
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