Hey guys, I have read a few posts on trailers but I have not found one that address my question!
I want to buy a all purpose trailer, with a gait, that I can also use to town my Street glide, on family trips.
I notice that they come in different size wheels, and my first instint is to get the one with the bigger wheels, but is it a good idea?
My jet ski trailer has a small wheel (not sure the size) and it rides great but I am not sure if it would be the same for bike.
Thanks for you help!!
David - Nashville.

 

If your buy'n a regular production trailer like what might also be used for a atv or lawn tractor the capacity of the axle could be a concern more than the tire size. You can get a straight bearing 2000lb axle with leaf springs as a standard for a 4x8 and most 5x8 trailer and it will have a 4x12" tire wheel combo. That will work just fine. You can get taller tire/wheel combo if ordering a trailer or if a used and it just needs new ones. Don't buy a 3000lb alxe or heavier for one bike, it will not tow well. If you can get a 1500lb or 2000lb torsion type axle ,even better, same size bearings as the 2000lb but will ride sooooomer. Good luck.

 

It's ok to buy one with a gate...I have one, but I don't use the gate for my bike....The gate acts like a windsail...It will suck your fuel out of your vehicle...Use an 8'X12" board to load it...

 

I use a 5' x 10' landscaping trailer to tow my bike and I love it. The only real problem is that an open trailer will get your scoot dirty, But on the other hand I pulled an enclosed trailer to daytona and back and my gas bill was $780 and the next year I used my open trailer and my gas bill was just shy of $400 so for that kinda savings I'll gladly detail my bike when I get there. Oh and the 5x10 will allow 2 bikes to fit just face one forwards and the other backwards. Plus it gives you a trailer to do any other hauling that you would have to do.

 

i have a 5x8 trailer for general use but wieght is higher than i always carred for . Last year a got with a local wielder and took one day to cut up layout and wield up a 3 buy 8 v nose trailer with 1500lb torsion axle and wieghts only 250lbs complete. It has a ramp that goes underneath and has 12' side rails and ride on step off bike support.Total build time was 2 days and total cost was 890 dollars. Not the cheapest but or honda crv will tow it. Had it to florida and mpg was only 2mph less.

 

It ain't pretty, but it works like a charm. 5 X 8 utility trailer $650 brand new in 2003. I have managed to put two bikes on, but it was a squeeze, and one was a relatively small Street Bob.



I know, that's not one of my Harley's in the photo, but it trailers the same way. No change in gas mileage when towing, about 17.5 mpg at 60 to 65 mph.

I had to put a new axle on my trailer. I used it to haul yard sand. You wouldn't believe how much 1 cu. yard of sand weighs. (over 2,200 pounds). This trailer is only good for about 1,300 pounds. Bent the old axle. $130 for a new axle and about 3 hours of "grease monkey" time.

 

i bought a 4x8 "homemade" trailer and it works awesome. i was skeptical about the 12" tires which is why i didnt go with a "harbor freight" trailer. it may work just fine, but i was more comfortable with a 15" tire and not having to worry about the smaller tire overheating (which i have seen before on other trailers).

now i also have something that will hold the bike and other camping supplies to haul whenever needed. check your local craigslist ads and see what fits your needs. i picked mine up for $300 and it has a tilt feature if needed, but i prefer my 2x8' ramp (reinforced with 2x4s on the bottom). it takes up minimal room in the trailer and makes loading/unloading a breeze. not the best looking, but it is sufficient for my needs.