Everything to Consider When Shopping for Motorcycle Trailers
Your motorcycle is a major financial investment. When it comes to transporting your bike, you should weigh your choices carefully to protect your investment. There are many factors to take into account when shopping for the best trailer to haul one or more motorcycles. Below are a few of the most important criteria to consider when buying a motorcycle trailer.
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Trailer Weight & Vehicle Towing Capacity
Starting off with the most important criteria: your vehicle’s towing capacity or tow rating. This figure – which you may find in the vehicle’s manual, on a plate in the driver’s door well, or on the manufacturer’s website – specifies the maximum load that you can safely and reliably tow and will determine what kinds of trailers you should consider. When shopping, don’t forget to account for the weight of your motorcycle and any accessories (such as spare tires).
While steel trailers tend to be less expensive, aluminum trailers are much lighter weight, require less maintenance, and have a longer service life. If you intend to have your trailer for a while, investing in aluminum may offer you the best value for your money.
Trailers for Multiple Bikes
Do you have multiple bikes to transport? Or maybe you want a little elbow room for your touring bike? You may want to invest in a larger trailer to provide some extra space. Make sure you measure the dimensions of each bike you intend to transport. Nothing is worse than purchasing a trailer just to realize you have too much bike for the deck.
Make sure to ask about weight restrictions as well, as the last thing you want is for the flooring to buckle or crack under the weight of your bike. Having good measurements and noting any special requirements before you head out to look at trailers will save you time and money.
Low to the Ground
This probably goes without saying: motorcycles are heavy. Therefore, for ease of loading and maximum stability during transport, you’ll want a trailer that is low to the ground. Some trailers may be equipped with hydraulic lifts that allow the bed to be raised and lowered, although these will be more costly to purchase and maintain, and are heavier than simpler trailers.
Enclosed vs. Open
Another factor to consider is whether you want an open or enclosed trailer. For those who are looking for a little extra protection around their bike, or for those who may use a trailer for temporary storage of a bike, an enclosed trailer is your best choice. Your bike will not only be protected from inclement weather, but also from potential theft or damage. Additionally, an enclosed trailer will protect your bike from road debris during transport.
If you’re not as concerned about the protective aspects of an enclosed trailer, the less expensive option is an open trailer. Open trailers are also lighter, which may be helpful for vehicles that have less towing capacity. Additionally, open trailers require less maintenance than enclosed trailers. Some can even be stored upright to save space in a garage.
Accessories
Once you’ve found the trailer that best meets your needs, it’s time to look at add-ons. There are many optional accessories available that don’t come standard with trailers, but make a significant impact on their function and user experience. These extras can be outfitted at time of purchase or added later, so there’s no rush to commit.
Some common accessories that are best to purchase aftermarket are tie-down points, running lights, and a spare tire. By purchasing aftermarket, not only do you have a better chance of saving a few bucks on your initial purchase, but you can better research what parts best meet your specific needs.
Your motorcycle is important to you. Making sure that you can buy the right motorcycle trailer to transport it, whether it’s for one trip or many, and whether it’s across town or across the country, should be equally as important. Knowing what you’re looking for before you make your big purchase will ensure that you make the choice that is right for you.
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Anna Cecilia Tozzi
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