Help choosing motorbike trailer

[TeamBandS]

Hi All, Been reading some older threads on bike trailers and thought I would appeal to those of you with knowledge on the subject for advice/ideas/contacts.

Been a biker for some 50 years but despite have a newish bonny and an older Motor Guzzi 1000S in the garage, I have a hankering for a modern 3 wheel scooter to take to Spain and some uk rallies. Wife and I are not skinny (!) and like the idea trips up to say 30 miles around the camp site and being able to park easily wherever the fancy takes. Also like the idea of something that is easy to manoeuvre, we are all getting older, and room to store helmets and jackets etc. (The days of cocking a leg over a top box are long gone!) Yet to try one but suspect a 125 might be a bit to small/slow so prehaps a 300cc?

Looked at the transverse trailers but I think I would rather buy a trailer that can have multiple uses - again 3 wheeler would/should simplify loading. Additionally, the MH runs close to its 3500kg limit and ability to have some heavy items in the trailer would be a benefit. (The garage size and MH weight limit preclude the use of the garage and I do appreciate that I have to take the weight of the tow bar and nose weight into account)

Any ideas of what is out there and of manufactures who are amenable to modding there standard designs? Plus given that MH brakes can have hard time on long descents when running at max load, would you advise a braked trailer even if it is under the 750kg requirement?

 

[bigtwin]

Looked at the transverse trailers but I think I would rather buy a trailer that can have multiple uses - again 3 wheeler would/should simplify loading.

Unless you go for one with a full width ramp, you’re going to need three ramps.

These would meet your needs:

Debon Roadster C300

Not cheap but very good.

Ian

 

[tribalbrit]

Brenderup box trailer. One has doors another has drop down ramp. Also has lift up lid so can ride bike straight in and then stand up, cant remember code number, something like 2025 or similar.. I've dragged a rocket round with one. Great trailers. Still have one.

 

[Nasher]

Have a look at Dave Cooper trailers - they do a 2+1 model which may fit (but could easily be modified to fit)

The idea is a trailer that can tow 2 bikes or a single bike

I used one for many miles across europe

Hopefully you can see the additional channel between the bikes - It may fit as is, if not I'm sure Dave could place the channels in the right place

 

[Lucky]

Brenderup box trailer. One has doors another has drop down ramp. Also has lift up lid so can ride bike straight in and then stand up, cant remember code number, something like 2025 or similar.. I've dragged a rocket round with one. Great trailers. Still have one.View attachment 391125

Brenderup are great quality although not cheap - I understand this particular model is now discontinued although cost £2k when available. https://www.tridenttowing.co.uk/tra...205-cargo-trailer-with-double-doors-750kg-p37

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[Lucky]

I bought a box trailer modified to my requirements from Tickner Trailers - a small independent UK manufacturer.

I choose a rather large and tall version that allowed me to stand inside and fit my rather large body around the sides of my bike whilst inside the trailer, plus a folding rear loading ramp door, and a front access door. Still not cheap, something over £2k, although it earns it's keep on trips to the dump etc.

Bear in mind though you need space to store the trailer at home, en route and at your destination.

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

This is my Armitage trailer with my MP3 500cc. You will get plenty of advice now telling you that you can't reverse a short trailer. I admit it's not as easy as a long trailer but with the use of a reversing camera and taking your time it is fine.

 

[TeamBandS]

Thanks gents - had not thought about a box trailer bur can see the advantages and around £2K not that much more than a quality open trailer. Would make a good cook "tent" and secure store on site as well....

The Armitage trailer for a 3 wheeler also has to be worth a rethink as well, guess they could put a longer draw bar on it and then have a box bolted on the front for storage and would not take up so much room on smaller pitches. "TheTwoOfUs" can I ask how you find riding the MP3? From your avatar you also ride big 2 wheel bikes - could you share you experience of the 2?

Thanks all for the replies - as ever there are always more great options that Funsters can add even if it complicates my decision!!!

 

[ADJF]

Alco Sawiko Wheely - incredibly versatile.

Sawiko Wheely

Like one big mecano kit. You can convert it to multiple uses and the build quality is better than any alternative. I spent a lot of time researching for a trailer, I use it for bikes, my motorcycle and I have added a Thule carry box onto it.

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

There are little idiosyncrasies with the MP3 that you don't get with a bike. You will see from the photo that I use a winch to load it on the trailer. This is because you can't walk it up the ramp with the engine powering it due to the fact that there is a pressure sensor under the seat which means you have to be sat on it for it to move. This is all to do with the lock system which you can engage to hold the scooter upright when not going forward. As for riding, it is pretty much the same as a bike except that I find that the steering isn't as precise although the reaction is much quicker due to there being virtually no trail.

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[Geistguy]

Although I'm a biker I have no experience of using trailers but I would consider a box trailer to be much more secure, especially if you're using it for additional storage.

It would also make a safe place to hang helmets, jackets etc.

 

[goldwinger]

I think the best trailer for all your needs is the debon 1300 carries my Suzuki Burgman 400 And a lot more it is dear but one of the best

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

This is my trailer for the Wing

 

[JoeC]

I would avoid Dave Cooper Trailers. I bought a towbar rack for my moped from him last year. Worst designed and constructed thing I have seen in years. Everyone who sees it agrees. Not even convinced it was legal.
Motolug are excellent trailers, but no good for a 3 wheeler.

 

[Nasher]

Stop messing about, this is the proper way to transport a motorcycle

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[Manic]

I had one of these, used for my Enduro bike, a Suzuki DR650 and a Sym HD200 scooter.
They tow very well and are easy to load.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=274373661091

 

[Lucky]

Stop messing about, this is the proper way to transport a motorcycle

View attachment 391557

As bikers we are used to living dangerously but I wouldn't want to be inside this van in the event of a serious accident.

 

[bigtwin]

As bikers we are used to living dangerously but I wouldn't want to be inside this van in the event of a serious accident.

The bike would do a massive stoppie!

Ian

 

[Nasher]

As bikers we are used to living dangerously but I wouldn't want to be inside this van in the event of a serious accident.

The bike would do a massive stoppie!

Ian

What you can't see is that the wheel chock is screwed to the floor and to prevent a stoppie the rear is secured as well. I've done about 8,000 miles with bikes in the back without problems - touch wood

I have heard of people who just use the wheel chock, no tie downs or anything - not something I would do.

I appreciate your concerns

 

[bigtwin]

What you can't see is that the wheel chock is screwed to the floor and to prevent a stoppie the rear is secured as well. I've done about 8,000 miles with bikes in the back without problems - touch wood

I have heard of people who just use the wheel chock, no tie downs or anything - not something I would do.

I appreciate your concerns

I didn’t doubt for one minute that you’d have had it well secured.

Ian

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[Nasher]

I didn’t doubt for one minute that you’d have had it well secured.

Ian

Anyway, the bike sits slightly to the left, so the passenger would get hit - I'll be OK






(just in case people don't get my sense of humour, I am kidding)

 

[TonyEmm]

Hi All, Been reading some older threads on bike trailers and thought I would appeal to those of you with knowledge on the subject for advice/ideas/contacts.
....
Any ideas of what is out there and of manufactures who are amenable to modding there standard designs? Plus given that MH brakes can have hard time on long descents when running at max load, would you advise a braked trailer even if it is under the 750kg requirement?

there is no reason not to have brakes on a cat 01 trailer apart from that the extra weight of the coupling and braked axle will increase the kerbweight and decrease the payload.

Be aware that ALL new trailers now need to be type approved. As the majority of manufacturers will have series type approval, it makes it very difficult for them to do mods to the original design without having the trailer type approved as one off. That will add quite considerably to the cost!