Motorcycle trailer

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A 20-foot-long trailer carries four motorcycles
A 20-foot-long trailer carries four motorcycles
A trailer as long as the one above may need "bogey wheels" to keep it from scraping when rolling over bumps
A trailer as long as the one above may need "bogey wheels" to keep it from scraping when rolling over bumps
A four-motorcycle trailer interior
A four-motorcycle trailer interior
A 7-foot wide enclosed motorcycle trailer can hold two touring motorcycles
A 7-foot wide enclosed motorcycle trailer can hold two touring motorcycles

Motorcycle trailer is a term used to describe a trailer used either to carry motorcycles or to be pulled behind a motorcycle in order to carry additional gear.

[edit] For carrying motorcycles

Motorcycle carrying trailers may be open or enclosed. They may be wide, for two bikes side-by-side, or narrow, for just a single bike. The main features that distinguishes them from other flatbed or enclosed trailers are track(s) to keep the wheels from sliding side to side and sufficient tiedown points to keep the motorcycle(s) from tipping. They may also tilt, or include ramp(s) to facilitate the loading and unloading of motorcycles. Trailer manufacturers often offer trailers specifically designed for carrying motorcycles.

Enclosed trailers, as seen in the photos, have the advantage of protecting motorcycles within from the weather and from prying eyes, and of being able to lock the motorcycles up securely. However, they are heavier than open trailers and create more wind resistance, decreasing the mileage of the towing vehicle.

Collapsible or folding motorcycle trailers are available to overcome storage problems that might prevent use of a non-collapsible trailer, some such trailers are sufficiently compact to allow the user to carry the trailer in the trunk of a car when not in use.

[edit] For being pulled by motorcycles

Trailers towed behind motorcycles are distinguished by their relatively small size, especially narrow wheelbase. They are also often styled to match the look of the motorcycle they are intended to be towed behind. This styling can include the overall shape, fender shape, lights, crome, etc.

Some important safety tips include:

  • No motorcycle manufacturer recommends that a trailer be towed by one if its motorcycles because it creates additional safety hazards for motorcyclists.
  • "While towing your trailer, you must remember to ride closer to the center of the road. You have the width of your trailer to worry about. Be careful of the "oil strip" in the center of the road at intersections. Also, watch for uneven road surfaces and road edges which can unbalance the trailer."[1]
  • It is important to "keep enough of the weight forward of the axle center point to maintain a positive hitch load" when loading the trailer."[2]
  • An N-Line Trailer is a single wheel trailer that is the same width as a motorcycle. It tracks the same line as the towing motorcycle.

[edit] References

  1. ^ California DOT Towing Your Trailer Safely. Retrieved on 2007-03-01.
  2. ^ Loading your cargo trailer for motorcycle use: A Question of Balance. Retrieved on 2007-03-01.