experiences of towing trailers and motorcycle and tips ??

jerryz

jerryz

Joined
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Adria 680ST Gold
im probably going to get a normal length single trailer to put my Ducati on so when I go to EU with my 7m adria I can relax with my bike but before I buy I want experiences and tips ,, i have rejected transverse trailers etc and I will only be spending £300 ,, it will add 2m to my ferry fee cost,,i have little experience or confidence in towing
 
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jerryz said:
im probably going to get a normal length single trailer to put my Ducati on so when I go to EU with my 7m adria I can relax with my bike but before I buy I want experiences and tips ,, i have rejected transverse trailers etc and I will only be spending £300 ,, it will add 2m to my ferry fee cost,,i have little experience or confidence in towing
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Look at phoenix trailers, they've got big wheels 👌
 
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Strap motorcycle down compressing the suspension a bit. Stops it bouncing. Plenty of straps.
Use quality ratchet straps.

Do you have rear facing cameras on the Moho? Useful to check status of the trailer and load.

I have a Motolug trailer but they are pricy. They do however dismantle for storage.
Stop regularly to check everything.

Enjoy your travels
 
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+ one for the Phoenix, I bought one a bit too small so I beavertailed it for the Harley and took it to Austria!
IMG_0422.jpeg

I also fixed a tow all on the garage just so I didn’t have to mess about getting the van on the road and putting the trailer on to load the bike up
IMG_0607.jpeg
 
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First recommendation is to get a reversing camera if you don't already have one.
Second is take the rig to a quiet car park and practice reversing until you are comfortable with it. Take cones if possible.
Third, if the trailer starts to jack knife when reversing stop immediately and go forward sufficiently to straighten it up and then start again. Don't be embarrassed if you have to do this a few times initially, eventually you will get the hang of it.
Fourth, get straps with closed eyes so that they don't un-hook themselves when the trailer bounces.
Fifth, strap the bike from something solid like the frame and fork bridge. Never strap from things like footrests or grab handles. I've seen these break.
Sixth, stop and check that everything is OK after a few miles.
Seventh, enjoy the bike when you get to your destination.

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Thanks chaps , I have lots of good ratchet straps with closed eyes , have loaded my bikes on Trailers before always ties around frame and head ,,,but others towed them using range rover,,,, also have good rear view camera ,, I have seen a very nice mint condition trailer with ramp , and spare wheel for £300 ,, im not worried about storage ,,,, I wont tow above 60mph either ..

Do I need to inform insurance etc ???
 
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I've trailed my vintage motorbikes around most of Europe for 20 years on a Dave Cooper trailer
I put a hard rubber block under the crankcase and pull the bike down onto it with the rat shit straps which saves having the suspension forced down. Secure the block to the trailer chassis.
I can't see the bike or trailer in my mirrors except when going around roundabouts so I have a flag on a 1m high vertical stick attached to the rear of the bike. I can then at least see in my rear view mirror and out through the motorhome's rear window that the bike is still there and upright.
Don't attach the straps to the handlebars but attach them to the fork yokes. A pal lost his bike when the handlebars rotated downwards and straps fell loose.
Take a spare wheel and tyre all ready to go on.

www.davecooper.co.uk

Dave Cooper Bike Racks

Leading Kent based supplier of cycle, scooter, quad, bike racks and motorbike trailers to UK and Europe.
www.davecooper.co.uk www.davecooper.co.uk
 
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pappajohn said:
Officially you won't tow above 50mph... .the legal limit except motorways where it's 60mph but only in lanes 1 and 2.....lane 3 prohibited.
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Also needs to check the limits in any EU country he visits.

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David and Sally said:
Also needs to check the limits in any EU country he visits.
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In France, if the towing vehicle is max of 3500kg then it is classed as a car, so 130kph (80 mph) and you can use any lane.

It is my belief that a trailer counts as almost another vehicle on the channel crossings. By that I mean that you cannot just add the length of the trailer to the length of the towing vehicle. You will see what I mean when you start to make your booking.

John
 
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well i have booked and paid for a Newhaven Dieppe ferry on 5 June but only MH so will have to call DFDS

Im going to visually inspect the trailer tommorow is only 2 years old retail with all the extras was £760 I can have it for £300 which is a bargain
 
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You can get 20% off the Newhaven - Dieppe fare if the lead person (the name on the ticket) qualifies as under......(any other passengers do not have to comply).

DFDS OAP discount.JPG
 
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Spriddler said:
You can get 20% off the Newhaven - Dieppe fare if the lead person (the name on the ticket) qualifies as under......(any other passengers do not have to comply).

View attachment 888354
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I know did that for original booking but going to have to amend that if I add trailer 2.5m to 7.2 m MH at least its under 10m just
 
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And the bigger the trailer the easier it is to reverse with!!


Best also double strap the bike down as I know someone who lost a motocross bike off of a trailer :whistle2: :whistle2:

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