Best way to trailer a bike across country?

[madmax-im]

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

Don...I bought this trailer last July from an ebay auction.It was about 70 miles away in NJ.I paid $950 for it... there was a wheel chock set up that the guy wanted an extra $250 for that I elected not to take...as I wanted to stay within $1000,and I did.This year I would expect prices to be about the same...so between $900-$1400 should be enough to get you a decent open trailer.Note This is a TWF and it has 15" wheels...quite stable with the bike...doing 80 mph on the superslabs.I too might trailer to XSEast shhh! Depends on weather....

[DJinNH]

Don...I bought this trailer last July from an ebay auction.It was about 70 miles away in NJ.I paid $950 for it... there was a wheel chock set up that the guy wanted an extra $250 for that I elected not to take...as I wanted to stay within $1000,and I did.This year I would expect prices to be about the same...so between $900-$1400 should be enough to get you a decent open trailer.Note This is a TWF and it has 15" wheels...quite stable with the bike...doing 80 mph on the superslabs.I too might trailer to XSEast shhh! Depends on weather....

Thanks for the info. That is definitely pretty much what I think I need for the limited towing I would do.

Don

[madmax-im]

Thanks for the info. That is definitely pretty much what I think I need for the limited towing I would do.

Don

Limited or not this trailer is capable of going anywhere and getting the job done. Its one drawback is that its lousy in the weather protection dept...I have used this trailler enough to have paid for itself already.

[Pat Kelly]

A note to those towing a trailer behind a motorized vehicle. You are subject to the same lanes and speed limits as big rigs when towing.
It seems to be seldom inforced but in these times of local gvmts. looking for money I see it more often.
Just be wary out there.

[MaximPhil]

Steady Don the Harley award lives down that road
Phil

[thewiz]

This has turned out to be really ...

interesting and informative. I've had many questions answered here and learned a bunch more than that to boot. Regarding things "motorcycle", I've come to realize that it's WAY better to tap the collective wisdom of this forum first before making a bonehead error on my own. Thank you all for the input once again.

Think I'm gonna' buy one though ... Like Silent said earlier, Uhaul is way too high. Here are a few Craigslost links where I have spoken to their owners and liked their vibe and asked about tires, bearings, lights and overall condition . What do you all think of these? ... what about the one with the cage? lol. I s'pose I could operate a mobile jail on the side? ... maybe even use it to work for Frog, the Bounty Grunter? ... what do ya' think about that?

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/for/1041136411.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/1060699679.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/rvs/1072728336.html

Probably the cheapest way to move bikes back there right now though, is to put them on the moving truck ... about 50 cents/lb., but that's money down the drain. But then again, I didn't have to haul anything either ... Decisions. Anyone ever put their bikes on a moving van? If so, did it arrive in good shape?

Anyway I'm goin' to see some of these trailers tomorrow and the next day and I'll let ya' know what I get. I think one will be useful in other ways once I get there ....

[bikerphil]

Anyone ever put their bikes on a moving van?

Yep, from Connecticut to Florida. It ended sitting in some warehouse in Brooklyn for 3 weeks. I thought they stole it, but it showed up finally with two broken signal lites and a broken mirror.

[DiverRay]

Of the three, I would vote for the one in Temecula. No extra junk on it, seems to be in good condition WITH a spare tire! You WILL need to build or buy a ramp, but a 2X12, 6' long WILL work.

[MaximPhil]

I would go with #3 solid sides will be cleaner ride and be useful for more than just bike hauling. you will need a ramp of some sort to get an XS onto it. Shiny wheels how can you go wrong
Phil

[madmax-im]

I'd go with the 3rd one too

[GARTHXS]

cage match!

Dude you could hold your own battle royale in the caged one not to mention your sh*t won't get stolen!! Also slab on some plywood and viola sleeping quarters

[DGXSER]

Moving Van

I once helped a friend move who had an 85 Vmax and his bro-inlaws 750 maxim. We put both in the back of the moving truck, and I rode in back with them to keep them safe. It was only across town, but man, what a ride.

I've never known anyone who had movers pack their stuff and take it off the truck that did not end up with something broken. Hate for it to be my 11.

[thewiz]

And the winner is ...

No .. didn't get one yet. I do agree with those of you who like that black one in Temecula too. It's owner is a resident manager of a storage unit and he is my first stop. It's also possible that he picked it up for nothing ... abandoned ... so maybe he'll bend some on the price. There are alot of 'em for sale. Looks like fresh paint on the frame parts too .... I'll see soon.

Bikerphil . .. Just curious, was that bike moved along with your other household goods or by it's lonesome? Either way, it really sucks to have to suffer damage and the stress of thinking they'd lost the thing completely. Geeez. I imagine one of minewill still have to go on the truck though. Now, I think I'll pull off and pack everything that sticks out. Man do I have a ton to do in 30 days !!

Diver ..

but a 2X12, 6' long WILL work

Something that skinny scares me to death ...lol ... I think I need about 30 inches.

Garth, dammit, why didn't I think of that? ... you're brilliant, dude !!

[cloerts]

In the jeep

I have moved motorcycles inside of minivans several times by removing the minivan seats and strapping the bike to the seat rails. Usually you have to remove handlebars and guages to lower the bikes overall height, but this is how I got my XS home after purchase. Im not sure if it would work in a jeep, I haven't had to try it in mine yet. Best part is it's near impossible to steal the bike from inside a locked van.

[bikerphil]

Bikerphil . .. Just curious, was that bike moved along with your other household goods or by it's lonesome?

It was moved with my home goods. The movers said it would take a week but it took much longer than that. It was one of those fly-by-nite companies that was recommended to me by a friend. You should probably be ok with a reputable company. I actually was suprised the damage to the bike was just minor. Thinking all my stuff was gone, I expected much worse.