Trailering an Ultra
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 269
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From: Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Trailering an Ultra
What are some of the best trailers for an ultra that can be pulled by a car? Is it preferable to have an open or closed trailer? I would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience in this area.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Here
Most would rather have an enclosed trailer to protect their bike and have extra storage. Kinda like having your garage along on the trip. But they are heavier and create more wind resistance. Takes more HP to pull them. If you are going to pull it with a car, I would look at Aluma Trailers. They are well built and light weight. The model you might want to look at on their website is the MCIF, single bike open trailer. only weigh's about 350 lbs.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 410
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From: Central North Carolina
I don't have a picture of my Ultra Classic on my trailer but here's one of my previous bikes on it. This is a 5x10 with a mesh gate. It's really easy to get the bike safely on and off the trailer and it tows really well. You can pick up these kind of trailers all over the place for less than $1,000 new. The nice thing is that the trailer can be used for lots of other stuff as well....hauling mulch, wood, gravel, furniture, lawn mowers.....whatever.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 196
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From: Moore, Oklahoma
I love the Kendons. They are well made, light, easy storeable. On the downside they are very pricey. You can buy a very clean used enclosed for the same money.
I had this one made. 4" drop with lube through spindles, 15" tires, 18ga fenders with 1/8" steel floor. I had my ramp made to slide under the frame and over the axle to keep the wind drag to a minimum. I was very pleased with the outcome. Total weight with a FLHRCI is under 2K. I pull with a Suburban and it's like it's back there.
I had this one made. 4" drop with lube through spindles, 15" tires, 18ga fenders with 1/8" steel floor. I had my ramp made to slide under the frame and over the axle to keep the wind drag to a minimum. I was very pleased with the outcome. Total weight with a FLHRCI is under 2K. I pull with a Suburban and it's like it's back there.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
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From: Ashby, Ma
Most would rather have an enclosed trailer to protect their bike and have extra storage. Kinda like having your garage along on the trip. But they are heavier and create more wind resistance. Takes more HP to pull them. If you are going to pull it with a car, I would look at Aluma Trailers. They are well built and light weight. The model you might want to look at on their website is the MCIF, single bike open trailer. only weigh's about 350 lbs.
If you are pulling with a car, one of these low weight aluminum trailers is good. The Aluma brand is very good.
Vader on his Trailmaster, Inc. "Lowrider Tilt" trailer. 400 lb dry. 1200 & change with the big boy on board. Lexus doesn't even feel it. One man loading, rock guard, etc. I like it a lot.
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Tourer
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From: Sierra Nevadas
Question? if you bought a motorcycle to pull around behind a car why didnt you get a chopper instead of a "touring" bike.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 269
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From: Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Question? if you bought a motorcycle to pull around behind a car why didnt you get a chopper instead of a "touring" bike?
Because I do a lot of long distance touring within this part of the country. I now want to tour in places like Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and also ride the coastal highway of California which I'm sure you are familiar with. Also, it would allow me to go from a cooler climate to a warmer one earlier in the year.
I hope this answers your question.
Because I do a lot of long distance touring within this part of the country. I now want to tour in places like Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and also ride the coastal highway of California which I'm sure you are familiar with. Also, it would allow me to go from a cooler climate to a warmer one earlier in the year.
I hope this answers your question.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 490
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From: Omaha, NE
I have a 6x12 Haulmark enclosed trailer. I use it to haul my SG, plus anything else I can fit into the trailer. The advantage of a enclosed trailer is the bike is protected from the elements and no one can see what is inside the trailer. The disadvantage is I have to store it in a storage lot because I have no room at home. Also, the enclosed trailer requires more HP to pull versus the open trailer due to more wind resistance and weight of the trailer. The advantage of the open trailer is its lighter and requires less HP to pull and takes up less space. The disadvantage is everyone sees what is loaded on the trailer.
I looked at and considered numerous trailers, open and enclosed, designed specifically for motorcycles, and those that were not. I went with the enclosed because I wanted one trailer to do it all. If you go with an open trailer, I do suggest you get one designed to haul a motorcycle. They are typically light weight, don't require a lot of HP to pull when loaded, and have a low center of gravity. Also, if you go with a fold up trailer you can store it inside the garage or basement. There are a number of fold-up utility trailers that will work. Keep in mind if you go with a utility trailer the center of gravity will be higher versus the bike trailer, such as Kendon or Trailmaster.
My suggestion, Kendon or the Trailmaster or a trailer designed for a bike. The Kendon's are going for something like $2300 new. You might be able to find a used one on ebay or shop around. If you going to do a lot of long haul trailering, try to get a trailer with 15" tires since they ride better and hold up better to pot holes and road debris compared to 12-13" tires. Plus a spare tire.
Caveman...
I looked at and considered numerous trailers, open and enclosed, designed specifically for motorcycles, and those that were not. I went with the enclosed because I wanted one trailer to do it all. If you go with an open trailer, I do suggest you get one designed to haul a motorcycle. They are typically light weight, don't require a lot of HP to pull when loaded, and have a low center of gravity. Also, if you go with a fold up trailer you can store it inside the garage or basement. There are a number of fold-up utility trailers that will work. Keep in mind if you go with a utility trailer the center of gravity will be higher versus the bike trailer, such as Kendon or Trailmaster.
My suggestion, Kendon or the Trailmaster or a trailer designed for a bike. The Kendon's are going for something like $2300 new. You might be able to find a used one on ebay or shop around. If you going to do a lot of long haul trailering, try to get a trailer with 15" tires since they ride better and hold up better to pot holes and road debris compared to 12-13" tires. Plus a spare tire.
Caveman...
Last edited by NECaveman; May 28, 2011 at 01:30 PM. Reason: Grammar.