Motorbike trailer - decision time (1 Viewer)

Jul 18, 2010
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Hello team!
The time has come to decide on whether to go for an articulated m/bike trailer or one of the transverse types.
The more i look into it the more undecided i get. Transverse seems great but i am not convinced about the sturdiness and longterm capabilities of them. Reversing seems to be a major problem.
I am pointing towards playing it safe and going the traditional longitudinal route.
We plan to long-term tour in Europe and buying something unconventional may bring annoying problems.
Will anyone push me into the decision please?
Thanks.
 

MikeD

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Dec 21, 2011
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http://www.easylifter.co.uk/

No problems reversing one of these.:thumb:

But there are mixed reviews on the hydra trail.
 
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sciac2001
Jul 18, 2010
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Thanks Mike.
Is this the one with only 1 wheel and which looks like the weight of the bike is on the motorhome chassis until you fix the wheel?
(Does'nt fill me with total confidence!)

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MikeD

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Dec 21, 2011
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Hydra trail

No they have two wheels now.

John745 has one and done a couple of trips abroad and had no problems.

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I have just bought one but can't comment on it as I have not used it yet.:thumb::thumb:
 
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sciac2001
Jul 18, 2010
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Very interesting.. Thanks.
Are the wheels permanently on or do i have to pump the motorbike up and let the overhang on my camper take the strain ntil i fit the wheels?
I must admit, looking at the piccy it looks tempting (if the wheels are permanent!)
I assume that the wheels swivel to allow easy (?) reversing!
 
May 23, 2008
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I had the same problem when deciding which trailer a couple of years ago. I ended up purchasing a crossover from Armitage Trailers at Ferrybridge, Yorks.
Having covered over 4500 miles carrying a 220 kg scooter I have had no concerns. It tows well, is stable, reverses ok and the C&CC only charge for the actual trailer length on ferry bookings. One slight problem is tyre wear, I will need new tyres this year. I must say that those small wheels certainly do some revolutions so tyres will always be an issue, but they are cheap enough.
www.armitagetrailers.com

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hdvrod

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Dec 27, 2011
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I use one of these,think it depend how big and heavy the bike is may last bike Harley vrod would never have gone up the ramp on that side loading trailer.
 

hdvrod

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I had the same problem when deciding which trailer a couple of years ago. I ended up purchasing a crossover from Armitage Trailers at Ferrybridge, Yorks.
Having covered over 4500 miles carrying a 220 kg scooter I have had no concerns. It tows well, is stable, reverses ok and the C&CC only charge for the actual trailer length on ferry bookings. One slight problem is tyre wear, I will need new tyres this year. I must say that those small wheels certainly do some revolutions so tyres will always be an issue, but they are cheap enough.
www.armitagetrailers.com
Wow thats one heavy scooter!
 

redchad

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Mar 5, 2011
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Towed my HD down to Spain last year and must admit it was a bit of a nightmare. I used a Motolug trailer

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Problem was couldn't see it behind especially when reversing. Took two of us to load and unload which if you get a small pitch is a pain in the backside. On occasions when I stopped to do a check I'd find one of the ratchet straps off hanging loose. Lots of swearing and very stressful.

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welshcowboy

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Jul 6, 2012
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i got a motorbike trailer for sale if anyone wants one its on ebay




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hdvrod

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Towed my HD down to Spain last year and must admit it was a bit of a nightmare. I used a Motolug trailer

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Problem was couldn't see it behind especially when reversing. Took two of us to load and unload which if you get a small pitch is a pain in the backside. On occasions when I stopped to do a check I'd find one of the ratchet straps off hanging loose. Lots of swearing and very stressful.
I have a camera mounted so I can see my trailer at all times,also works well when reversing.

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Jul 2, 2011
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My scooter is 260kg (must be the extra wheel).

I went for the Roro, mainly because it can be turned on it`s side and it breaks down into 6 pieces for winter storage.

Steve
 
Jul 24, 2009
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talaris

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Just bought a Phoenix big bike trailer. Nice bit of kit and will carry any bike comfortably. Easy loading too.

Takes my GS Adventure with ease but not my Rocket 3 as the channel on the trailer is not is enough for a wide tyre like that has so bear that in mind.

The lights as fitted are rubbish so I changed them for better ones.

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Jaws

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Both Richard ( the Scotties on here ) and I bought one of those transverse ones.. Chap was very helpful and actually built them specifically to take the weight of our BMW GS's and my Blackbirds ..

ONE trip... that was enough

It actually twisted a 3"x3" tow bar !!!!

We both sent them back to the manufacturer ( and to be fair he was as good as gold )

I now have a RoRo trailer.. it has carried my 1200 GS all round Europe, and the Blackbird(s) all over the UK..
I would suggest the maximum weight / bike size for the Hydratrail type is probably about 150kg ..

Oh and as for loading and unloading .. :Doh:

As easy as the transverse type look, they really are not that easy with a heavy bike.. And loading the RoRo takes literally 5 or so minutes, including strapping down, and can be done by one man on his own.
 
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sciac2001
Jul 18, 2010
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Thanks. It probably isn't for us newbie tow..ers then!
I'm pointing towards the conventional articulated type and hope that the reversing will only be a matter of practice.
Cheers
 
Jan 19, 2013
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Have used my new motolug trailer for the 1st time

Hi, I have not noticed this thread before today, but just thought i'd let you know that after many weeks of investigation and trying a few trailers out, i bought a Motolug SE. (my heart was set on the transverse type but I was worried about loading 200kg of bike onto them ?) :Confused:
Am delighted with the motolug, and have just used it to take my bmw650gs to north wales.
I decided on the 10" wheels over the standard 8" wheels and it appears to be the correct choice with the trailer sitting just about level.

The biggest issue for me was making a 'proper job' of installing a reversing camera & monitor, which is an absolute MUST !

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Jul 2, 2011
953
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Swift Kon Tiki Tag, 2007.
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Hi, I have not noticed this thread before today, but just thought i'd let you know that after many weeks of investigation and trying a few trailers out, i bought a Motolug SE. (my heart was set on the transverse type but I was worried about loading 200kg of bike onto them ?) :Confused:
Am delighted with the motolug, and have just used it to take my bmw650gs to north wales.
I decided on the 10" wheels over the standard 8" wheels and it appears to be the correct choice with the trailer sitting just about level.

The biggest issue for me was making a 'proper job' of installing a reversing camera & monitor, which is an absolute MUST !

Which camera/screen is that? is it wired or wireless?

Thanks

Steve
 
Jan 19, 2013
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Hi, the monitor & camera are WAECO. (CAM50C & M5L) I would have preferred the M7L (7") monitor rather than the 5", but the deal i got was only available for the 5". (& actually i have found the 5" ok)

I ummed & re-searched specs/prices for weeks & weeks, & I was certain I was going to go for one of the eBay type set ups ...... (not from eBay, but from some of the specialist companies mentioned elsewhere on this forum) but I saw some of the eBay types at the NEC and was not impressed. :Sad: The WAECO is simplicity to install and is 'quality'.
I have the a cabled installation as I wanted 100% availability & reliability. It was just one cable from camera to monitor, which was a pain to install :cry: but i found a route through the floor cavities that I am happy with.

hope this helps ............

Steve
 

Merle

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Mar 31, 2013
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Trailer

I had one of the cross loading type with a 200kg Aprilia scooter on. I have to say I never felt comfortable with the tying arrangements, the clamp bar which came down over the saddle did nothing to allay my fears. I definitely struggled loading and unloading, mind it didn't help when the clamping bar jammed, I gave it a clout (having already released the tie straps) and watched in frozen horror as the scooter hit the deck. £1900 of repair to the scooter and one trailer sold a bit quick

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Jan 19, 2013
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Something I did not mention in my earlier in my praise & delight of towing the bike on the new motolug trailer :Doh:
What a b****y mess it makes of the bike / trailer & back of the van :whatthe:

Towing a trailer certainly makes the airflow at the back of the van very strange as i've never seen so much muck over the rear of the van ! (mind you I was driving through a very wet & dirty Herefordshire ) It also effects the camera which installed at 2+ metres height.
So, now a new project ...... design & make a rear spray skirt that I can attach / detach as needed (don't want it permanently installed) &/or fit some mud flaps ? Have done some google searching (including this forum) & there are some good ideas out there.
 

163phil

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Dec 4, 2012
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Well, we now have a Phoenix Big Bike trailer on order and are looking forward to collecting it next week. It looks like our first outing with it will be to the Thetford Bash in May:thumb:
 

talaris

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Aug 17, 2012
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Good choice. Delighted with mine. Recommend you get the top covered as it does keep the bike a little bit cleaner.

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163phil

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Dec 4, 2012
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Still only a year after many years camping
Yes, we are having the top covered for that very reason (and it might help to make it even easier to load)):thumb:
 
Jan 19, 2013
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Good choice. Delighted with mine. Recommend you get the top covered as it does keep the bike a little bit cleaner.

Hi Talaris, your GS looks good on that big bike trailer; What do you mean / have; when you say .... "get the top covered" ? Do you mean a bike cover ? Can you provide a picture ?
 

talaris

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The bed of the trailer is covered. Stops all the muck coming up from the road, well, some of it anyway. I though about getting a cover made for the bike but cannot find any material that will not chafe away in the wind.

The bike is open and in retrospect I wish I had gone for a covered trailer but I have a car trailer as well and could not justify the additional expense.

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