What to Know When Towing with Your Motorcycle
From simple crosstown trips to cross country adventures, there are a number of important things to consider when choosing the right trailer to tow behind your motorcycle. Cycle Trader has the go-to guide, giving you everything you need to consider helping you determine what trailer will best meet your needs.
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Types of Trailers You Can Attach to a Motorcycle
- Pull‐behind Trailers
Pull-behind trailers can be hitched to the rear frame of the motorcycle. They come in various styles (flatbed/utility, teardrop or “camper” style, and platform trailers
- Utility/Open Trailers
Utility and open trailers are flatbed or open sided and are ideal for bulky gear. They tend to be easier to clean and less expensive but will not protect your cargo from the elements. - Enclosed Trailers
Enclosed trailers allow for your motorcycle or gear to be secured inside a fully enclosed trailer. This type of trailer offers protection from weather, dirt and debris, and the risk of theft, however they are heavier and often more expensive
- Tilt Trailers
Tilt trailers make loading/unloading easier because they have trailer beds that tilt. With a tilt trailer, there is often no need for separate ramps. They are especially useful if your bike has low clearance.
Weight Capacity
Your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight of the trailer plus the cargo that your trailer is rated for. It is important that you do not exceed the recommended maximum weight.
Motorcycle Capacity
When shopping for the right trailer, make sure to consider your motorcycle’s limitations. Make sure that the trailer is compatible with your bike’s engine power, frame, suspension, and the manufacturer recommendations. Some guidelines suggest the trailer load should be no more than a certain percentage of your motorcycle’s weight or total loaded weight. For example, Bushtec suggests that you only pull a trailer that weighs less than 20 percent of the total combined weight of your bike, rider, passenger and gear. A trailer that exceeds these recommendations will negatively impact handling and braking ability.
Weight Distribution
How you load the trailer is just as important as the weight itself. Place heavy items closer to the front of the trailer. Keep the load low, and evenly distribute items to prevent the trailer from swaying.
Tongue Weight
Specifications commonly discussed for car trailers also apply to motorcycle trailers, such as tongue weight. Too little tongue weight and your load is more likely to sway, but too much tongue weight may cause overloading of your bike’s rear suspension.
Some guides suggest about 10 to 15 percent of your loaded trailer’s weight should be tongue weight.
Safety and Handling Considerations
- Engine Size and Power
It is suggested that you only tow with a bike that has a sufficient displacement of over 1,000 cc, especially for heavier trailers. Towing a trailer will increase the strain on the engine and reduce its performance, particularly when accelerating or climbing a steep grade. - Tongue Length and Hitch Setup
Long tongues can make parking or maneuvering difficult, so it is important to make sure your trailer’s hitch allows enough lean/turn without binding. Some regions have restrictions on how far back the trailer may extend from the bike. - Speed and Braking
Because of the added weight, your trailer will also add braking distance. Ensure that you always allow more stopping space, and keep your speed moderate, especially around curves and when riding downhill. Use extra caution when riding in bad weather, as traction and stopping distances will be further compromised. - Lights, Signals, and Reflectors
Legal requirements mandate that trailers have their own lighting, which includes brake lights, taillights, and working turn signals. Reflectors and plate lights are also recommended. Make sure you test all electrical connections before you start each ride. - Tires, Suspension, and Structural Integrity
Just as you should do a pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle, ensure that you regularly check the condition of your trailer. Confirm tires have sufficient tread and that the axles, hitch, and frame are sturdy enough to handle the load. Safety chains provide an added level of security should the hitch break free from the ball.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Laws vary by state, so it is important that you check legal and regulatory guidelines prior to purchasing your trailer. Some regions specify trailer width and weight limits, as well as engine displacement and specific lighting requirements.
Always check your owner’s manual, as well as your local DOT and DMV for regulations and requirements. Your insurance company may also have certain conditions or exclusions if you tow beyond certain limits. Towing with your motorcycle may also impact its warranty, so ensure that you are familiar with any restrictions in place.
Tips Before You Tow
- Practice towing a load in a safe area first if you have never towed with your bike before. Get used to how your bike handles with the trailer, especially when turning, braking, accelerating, and when experiencing crosswinds.
- Use quality hitch hardware and attachments. Purchase good quality safety chains and reliable ball joints or couplers.
- Balance your load with heavy gear placed forward and light gear behind, with even side-to-side symmetry.
- Secure everything well with tie-downs and chocks if possible.
- Inspect all connections including lights, hitch, tires just before departure, and check frequently during your trip. Be cautious in your judgments, and it is better to under-load and ride safer than run the risk of potential issues from overloading.
- Be cautious in your judgments, and it is better to under-load and ride safer than run the risk of potential issues from overloading.
Final Thoughts
Towing a trailer can add convenience and capability to your motorcycle experience, but it requires certain considerations when purchasing, loading, and operating. Prior to making the investment, research the limits of your motorcycle and safety guidelines of the trailer in question. Ensure that you load properly, within the limits of the setup, and ride cautiously.
If you ride carefully, towing with your motorcycle can be a safe, successful, and stress-free experience.
Sources:
Can Motorcycles Really Pull Trailers Behind Them Safely?
Take it Easy: A Simple Guide to Pulling a Trailer with your Motorcycle
Key Safety Rules for Motorcycle Trailers You Should Know
What Is the Weight Limit for a Motorcycle Trailer?
Best Trailers for ATV and Motorcycle Transport: A Complete Guide
Anna Cecilia Tozzi
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