It shocks me after reading every reply that not a single response mentioned the single most important factor in using a trailer to haul your bike. ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE OUT ON YOUR BEARINGS!!!!!

I have a simple Continental single axle open trailer and have not had to use it as of yet for long trips, just a few hauls to a shop. I bought the almost new trailer used and quickly learned that my axles were overheating. Removed wheel, greased bearings and was careful not to over tighten.

The only further modification I need to make to this trailer is install flag poles on the back corners so I can better see backing up when bike is not on.

 

its a 8.5 x24ft....it came completly empty..I built it up this way..I even insulated the roof...

 

There's nothing wrong with trailering your bike with a single axle trailer. But like a lot of things that move they need attention to keep them safe. Inspect things like making sure the tires are fresh, in good shape, and properly inflated. Make sure the bearings are OK and greased. Never ever overload the trailer. And when in use spot check the tires for temp or anything unusual. It's extremely rare for a properly maintained and loaded trailer to fail. I've hauled things in a single axle trailer for many years and never had a problem ever. Could a tire ever go and blow out? Sure, I've seen it happen. The guy was hauling about three tons of rocks on a trailer designed to haul a lawn mower. DUH! But, go ahead and do what you are comfortable with. Just remember, you bike only has TWO wheels! And it's hauling you.

 

Back in 2003 I purchased a single axle Excalibur enclosed fiberglass trailer. You may have seen one once upon a time. They are no longer made as the company (also built the Excalibur car) went belly up after leaving Wisconsin to move to Kentucky. Very areodynamic shape and design. I later sold the trailer to my brother in Ohio. It was a single axle. Just this past March on his return trip from Daytona Bike Week about 75 miles from home on the interstate the axle evidently snapped and put his car and the trailer into a violent back and forth movement and into the center guard rail. Totaled the car and the trailer. He opened the trailer and his Fatboy was still sitting straight up with no damage. Maybe a tandem axle would have made a difference?

I trailered a 26 foot inboard ski boat for years in Indiana and Kentucky. Dual axle with power brakes. That baby towed like a dream. And I could back into any parking space with ease. Will take a tandem any day over a single axle.

 

Too funny!

 

A snapped axle? Why did it snap? I will rely on diligent maintenance and proper care over a second axle any day. If single axle trailers were not safe they wouldn't sell them because nobody would buy them. But like I said, do what makes you comfortable.

 

Well since I wasnt there hanging under the trailer I cant really tell you why or where is broke. Wasnt suggesting that single axle trailers were not safe or reliable. I am guessing maintenance and proper care was not done. I think it was pretty unusual to begin with as I have never heard of this even happening. On the other hand, trucking down the highway pulling a load is a lot easier on 4 wheels than 2 (meaning the trailer). As everyone knows, tandems are tandems for weight and load. If you dont need it, you dont need it.

 

When we do trailer we do not travel light. Two touring bikes, sometimes one with a sidecar. Every jacket combination we own makes it to trailer before we leave home. I like the stable feel of the tandem set up. Also less concern about blow out of a trailer tire. Slightly more difficult to back up without scuffing our driveway.