Best way to trailer a bike across country?

[thewiz]

Yeah, yeah ... I know, on a trailer, right?

I'm just lookin' for tips, old Indian tricks and such ... things to do or to avoid as I tow one of my bikes to N. Carolina. Actually haven't gotten a trailer yet either .... so I'm open to ideas and experiences of others on this issue.

I have hauled one about 1100 miles once but that was on a 4x8 dedicated top quality MC trailer. Doubt that I can find something like that on my limited budget though ... my tow vehicle is a 98 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 with tow package.

[DiverRay]

If you have just one XS1100, you can use almost any tow system. I like the "wheel chock" for the front wheel. makes it easy to load and unload, and helps keep the bike stable. If you are NOT going to put much else on, a cheap 4X8 trailer will work. One XS is just about the limit for most of them. If you need to add boxes and stuff, look for a heavier trailer. Some of the 5X8 or 5X10 "utility" trailers will handle about 1,500 pounds, and do NOT have the "electric brake" hook up. If you can find an old U-Haul Covered trailer, that may be even nicer. Keep everything dry and "out of sight" while moving. Just check that the door is tall enough for the bike to clear, and you can use some 2X4 lumber to build the front wheel stops, if needed. You WILL need to add a few tie-down points of some type. They can be eye bolts, or if it's your trailer, the folding type.

[b.walker5]

Once new a guy who towed his Triumph the length of the South Island, approx 1100 miles, by removing the front wheel and bolting the bottom of the forks to a small length of channel steel which he them attached to the tow fitting of his car. i.e. the bike was the trailer. I thought he'd have bent forks by the time he got there, but it seemed to work okay. He was an engineer and was full of tricks like that. Personally I'd brace the forks a little more if I was doing it, our beasts weigh a little more that a 70's Triumph Bonnie.

Worth a thought, and you wouldnt have to return a trailer to anywhere, even a uhaul has to be dropped off somewhere.

[tarzan]

Recierver hitch hauler

I built one a couple years ago to haul my dirt bike.
When i bought my 11, I hauled it on the thing .Also hauled my Virago home on it.
It works well.I like it cause its easy to load.I would use a piece of 6" channel if I built another one,mine is built with 4" channel.Not quite as hefty as I'd like.It kinda bows a little with a big bike on it.

[Silent]

U-Haul rents dedicated motorcycle trailers, kinda pricy one way tho. I recently used a 5x10 U-Haul trailer to haul my non-op 79 about 100 miles home. U-Haul will not rent to a rag top SUV like my Jeep Wrangler or to a Ford Explorer. I'm just glad I had the hard top to put on before renting.

[bikerphil]

I have a fold-up 4X8 trailer that works very well. I take an XS on it from Florida to New England every summer and sometimes to North Carolina. Just make sure it is strapped down good with the suspension compressed a bit and check the hubs for overheating periodically. This trailer has 75 lb. tongue weight and can be removed from the vehicle when loaded and moved around if needed. It has a custom built wheel chock in the front and doesn't ever sway at any speed. Good luck with your trip.

[TopCatGr58]

Hate to say it, but Walker's idea isn't as good for OUR bikes due to the driveshaft, and the lack of lubrication in the middle gear when the engine isn't running....see the info in the owner's manual regarding same!

I built my own single trailer several years ago, but it was just as expensive as buying one of those prebuilt ones from LOWES once I added up all the costs of angle iron, the axles, wheels, tongue, etc.! I've seen Harley's hauled on just flatbed style trailers, like Ray and others said, just need good wheel chocks and tie downs. I like the ratcheting straps, you can get 4 for like $20.00 at Walmart. You'll want one with fairly large diameter tires, not those little 11" ones, but good 13-14" ones, provides less resistance, easier rolling and will provide better fuel mileage....providing you get one WITHOUT the folding up tailgate....even if it's wire mesh, it will still create a lot of wind drag. Mine with the bike only causes 1 mpg drop in mileage. And make sure you have at least 50 lbs of tongue weight, otherwise it'll fishtail all over the place!! Don't forget locks for the tongue latches, and the safety chains.
T.C.

[latexeses]

I always thought the best way to tow anything very far was to do it behind the other guys truck....

[earl G]

alot what bikerphil said. i just tow my bike from pa to fl. for the key west rally. i used a small land scape trailer, had mesh ramp, towed with a mini van. get good tie downs 2 inch, wheel chock for front tire must have. trailer had 13 inch tires. have a spare tire. check tires every stop. i drove speeds around 65 mph. be prepared an you will have no problems.

[jetmechmarty]

Buy or rent?

You aren't clear. Are you going to buy, or rent a trailer? I hauled mine across the country in an enclosed 4X8 Uhaul. I even packed my stuff around the bike as I was moving NYC to Atlanta. It worked fine.

Now I have a utility trailer as in the posts above. Just make sure the wheel bearings are well greased and the tires aren't old and dry rotted. A spare tire and wheel isn't a bad idea.

[ossjughead]

I use my snowmobile trailer it works great I mount a 4x4 at the front strap the bikes 2 in front one in the back they never move I just picked up 2 today from Quebec and anyone that knows quebec wow its rough they never move havent lost one yet

Jim

[MaximPhil]

As always lots of good info already. Big wheels for long haul 13"plus
Ratcheting tiedowns. Enclosed is better for obvious reasons. If using an open trailer DO NOT cover the bike while driving the wiind on the cover will beat the sh it out of the bike. The bed of the trailer should be level when hitched to the vehicle, a function of ball height. Oh make sure ball size matches.
Once correctly set up a trailer will follow you anywhere.
Either practice backing up the loaded trailer or avoid situations requiring you to back up
Phil

[b.walker5]

Hate to say it, but Walker's idea isn't as good for OUR bikes due to the driveshaft, and the lack of lubrication in the middle gear when the engine isn't running....see the info in the owner's manual regarding same! T.C.

Very good point, hadn't thought of the driveshaft angle, and now that I think about it I remember the dude taking the chain off his bike for similar reasons. Good thing I haven't tried it .

[madmax-im]

Heres a pic of my trailer...its extremely stable at any speeds...takes some practice backing up...When I am hauling a bike,I use 6 ratchet type straps. 2 from the handlebars to anchor points on the trailer...2 straps running from the rear seat rail to anchor points on the trailer...then I take 2 straps an anchor the front wheel to forward anchor points on the trailer. Always compress the suspension as much as possible when tightening the handlebars and rear seat rail straps.Never use a side stand or centerstand. A bike propoerly anchored will not go any where. As TC knows I have got it down

[DJinNH]

Heres a pic of my trailer...its extremely stable at any speeds...takes some practice backing up...When I am hauling a bike,I use 6 ratchet type straps. 2 from the handlebars to anchor points on the trailer...2 straps running from the rear seat rail to anchor points on the trailer...then I take 2 straps an anchor the front wheel to forward anchor points on the trailer. Always compress the suspension as much as possible when tightening the handlebars and rear seat rail straps.Never use a side stand or centerstand. A bike propoerly anchored will not go any where. As TC knows I have got it down

madmax-im, That's all I am looking for in a trailer. I don't see the need for me to spend $4000 on a boxed in trailer though I would if I had the money for one.

If you don't mind me asking, what would something like you have cost me? Who makes them, TWE as shown on the side?

I wouldn't use it for long hauls but something like this NE bike rally in VT, it would work out great in case bad weather comes through, plus I wouldn't have to worry about luggage on my bike if I only rode that.

Don