Everything to Know About the Wells Cargo Badlander Motorcycle Trailer
Some die-hard riders might wonder why anyone would ever need a motorcycle trailer, but there are several good reasons to get one. For example, if you travel to a rally far from home and don’t want to ride the entire distance, hauling your motorcycle in a trailer can give you the option to take breaks. A trailer is also useful for transporting your bike to repair shops or racetracks, helping to minimize wear and tear.
Once you’ve determined the right type of motorcycle trailer for your riding style , there are plenty of options available. To share some insight, we’re taking a look at the Wells Cargo Badlander trailer, its features, and build.
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Open and Enclosed Options
Wells Cargo makes both open and enclosed trailers to suit all riders. The Bandlander series just happens to offer three models of enclosed carriers, which can be beneficial in several different ways. For one, an enclosed trailer protects your bike(s) from road debris and the elements. It also provides an additional layer of security when you’re traveling long distances and need to stop for the night. And if you need to take extra gear along with you—whether it be parts and tools or camping gear—an enclosed trailer gives you the capacity to do so.
Wells Cargo focuses primarily on enclosed trailers, but they do manufacture a selection of open utility trailers that can be modified to haul motorcycles, if you’re more inclined. Enclosed trailers tend to offer a more aerodynamic profile, which can improve fuel efficiency and handling while towing, but open trailers tend to be lighter, easier to tow, and more maneuverable. Open trailers also tend to be easier to maintain and clean.
History
Wells Cargo was founded in 1954 by Maynard W. Wells. The company has grown from a single-plant operation in Elkhart, Indiana, to additional plants in Waco, Texas; Ogden, Utah; McAdoo, Pennsylvania; and Bristol, Indiana. In 2018, Wells Cargo was purchased by American Cargo Group, the parent company of some of the most well-known brands in the cargo trailer industry, including Haulmark, American Hauler, and UltraLav. Today, Wells Cargo offers more than 200 different trailer models for commercial, industrial, and recreational applications.
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The Bandlander Series
As mentioned, the Bandlander series has three models of enclosed trailers: the BL712T2, the BL714T2, and the BL716T2. With a body width of seven feet, an interior width of 6’9”, and an interior height of 5’6” (overall height of 6’11”), each can carry two motorcycles. The difference between the models comes in the lengths. The body length of the BL712T2 is 15’1” (curb weight of 2,600 pounds); the BL714T2 is 17’1” (curb weight of 2,800 pounds); and the BL716T2 is 19’1” (curb weight of 3,000 pounds). All three have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 7,000 pounds.
Each model comes with 12-volt, high-output LED dome lights (800 lumens), flow-thru sidewall vents, a spring-assisted rear ramp door with extension, removable chrome wheel chock(s), 5,000-pound square D-rings with welded plates (4), 1,000-pound surface wall-mounted rope-rings (4), a 32” pre-framed side door with flush lock, black coin flooring and ramp deck, 15” Goodyear radial tires with black aluminum wheels, and a three-year warranty. Popular options include access doors, aluminum helmet cabinets, and either a 14” x 14” non-powered roof vent or a roof-mounted air conditioner.
The Bandlander series is well known for its low-slung profile and sleek design (including a polished aluminum front nose) to help the trailers cut through the wind and save on fuel consumption.
Whether you use your bike for work or play, having a motorcycle trailer can help ensure you get where you’re going safely and smoothly.
Barrett Baker