Motorcycle trailers are either specifically designed to or have been precisely configured to haul motorcycles. The type of motorcycle trailer that’s right for you depends on many factors, namely the distance you’ll be hauling, the size and/or number of motorcycles you’re hauling and your preferences for loading, unloading and storage.
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Types of Motorcycle Trailers
Choosing a motorcycle trailer usually comes down to one of two types: open and enclosed. From there, features and options can be added and customized as needed.
- Open utility trailers are incredibly versatile and capable of hauling just about anything that fits within payload capacity and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Many motorcyclists choose open trailers for their rides as loading, unloading and securing the motorcycle are easy to do. Plus, with so many different sizes of open trailers available, motorcyclists can get precisely the right size to fit their motorcycle (or motorcycles) safely.
- Folding/stand-up trailers are a type of open trailer designed to haul your motorcycle in a compact, efficient way. Being able to fold the trailer makes it easier to store when you’re not using it and, when you are using it, is good for hauling long and short distances. Another space-saving option is a hitch carrier, which isn’t actually a trailer but worth mentioning. Attaching to the back of your vehicle, a hitch carrier has no axles and supports your motorcycle similar to many bicycle racks.
- Enclosed trailers come with a higher cost than open trailers but also come with protection from the weather or road debris as you travel. Essentially traveling garages, enclosed trailers can be customized in just about every way to ensure your motorcycle is hauled safely and securely with the features you both need and want.
Motorcycle Trailer Common Sizes and Capacities
Although the specs can vary quite a bit depending on the type of trailer and how large and how many motorcycles you’re hauling, here are some of the most common sizes and capacities for motorcycle trailers:
- Length and width: A single motorcycle can usually be comfortably hauled with a trailer measuring six feet wide and 12 feet long. For larger or multiple motorcycles, expanding to seven or even eight feet wide is not uncommon, with the length increasing accordingly. Staggering your motorcycles on the trailer often means you don’t need to increase the length as much as you might think; an extra foot or two wide and long often gives you the room you need to haul up to three motorcycles.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum weight a motorcycle trailer can safely carry (including the weight of the trailer and the load) usually falls between 1,300-3,500 pounds, although larger utility trailers or enclosed trailers can carry 7,000 pounds or more. With motorcycles specifically, it’s important to have the right trailer for the load to avoid impacting the motorcycle’s handling.
- Payload capacity: Subtract the weight of the trailer from the GVWR and get the payload capacity, which puts the payload capacity of most open or enclosed motorcycle trailers around 1,500-2,000 pounds.
- Tongue weight: The recommended tongue weight (downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer’s tongue or coupler) for motorcycle trailers is 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight, including the load.
- Axle configuration: Most open trailers and folding/stand-up trailers will use single axles, but if you need a larger capacity for heavier loads, you can find open or enclosed trailers with tandem axles.
Towing and Hitch Needs for Motorcycle Trailers
The right towing vehicle and the right hitch are essential to a safe, smooth hauling experience.
- Hitch type: Open utility trailers usually use ball hitches, but some large open trailers or enclosed trailers might need a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch to increase stability and handle larger weight capacities.
- Hitch class and rating: Hitch classes range from Class I to Class V and most motorcycle trailers need class I, II or III. These hitches are generally found on cars and small SUVs (but a large SUV or pick-up truck will almost certainly suffice). Check your owner’s manual to ensure you have the proper hitch on your towing vehicle.
- Towing vehicle capacity: Check your owner’s manual to find your towing vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and make sure you can safely tow your loaded trailer.
- Braking systems: Utility trailers and enclosed trailers may have electric, hydraulic or surge brakes to assist with control and stopping while towing heavy loads. Tail lights, turn signals and reflectors are often required by law.
- Safety chains: Properly attached safety chains that meet local regulations for length and strength are essential. Safety chains secure the trailer to the towing vehicle in case the hitch disconnects during towing.
Motorcycle Trailer Pricing
Typically, you can directly buy a motorcycle for as low as $3,000 from many dealers, otherwise you may spend well over $10,000 for a custom enclosed trailer. Open utility trailers will come with the lowest cost. As you add more materials or axles, such as with an enclosed trailer, the price will go up. Folding/stand-up trailers will fall in the middle of the price range.
Motorcycle Trailer Add-ons and Extras
Depending on your hauling needs, you can customize your motorcycle trailer with several features. Here are some of the most popular:
- Open utility trailers can be configured to haul one or more motorcycles as well as additional features you may need or want: spare tire mounts, ramps, toolboxes and storage compartments, cargo nets, tie-downs and anchor points, adjustable hitches, ladder racks, removable or fold-down sides, mesh or solid metal sides, tarps and more.
- Enclosed trailers can be completely customized. Many of the potential add-ons for open trailers can be installed into enclosed trailers. Plus, the ability to specify the length, width and height of an enclosed trailer as needed can be extremely valuable. Racks, insulation, ventilation, custom paint jobs and more can make an enclosed trailer exactly what you want it to be.
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