Towing A Motorbike Trailer

[DaveFromBarrow]

We like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset etc and love fishing, fossilling and so on. Motorhomes don’t work on many small roads in these areas and although we take e-bikes, they are a bit restrictive and, to be honest, not always the safest when returning from a late night fishing session.

I have motorbikes, too many motorbikes to be honest - if that’s possible - so I’m thinking a motorbike trailer might be a good plan.

Speed wise I’m happy, I never go faster than 60 in the van anyway, so that’s all good.

My question: Has anyone done what I’m thinking of doing and regretted it. For example you just didn’t get the use of it, too much hassle, I don’t know, it just didn’t work out. Or, brill, made great holidays even better.

Any thoughts and advice welcome.

d

 

[Jim]

We've towed small trailers all over Europe. Never an issue. As long as you don't buy new, you'll find trailers really hold their price, bike trailers included, so my advice would be give it a go. Then sell the trailer if you don't get on with it.

 

[ChrisL]

Mine goes in the garage but sometimes I wish i'd bought a smaller motorhome and a trailer.

 

[Scotts Adamo]

I've been using a Debon C255 all over france and UK for e bikes and mini bike, it's great. I would also use a single motorbike trailer, they look even less restrictive.

 

[Paul Cowell]

We like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset etc and love fishing, fossilling and so on. Motorhomes don’t work on many small roads in these areas and although we take e-bikes, they are a bit restrictive and, to be honest, not always the safest when returning from a late night fishing session.

I have motorbikes, too many motorbikes to be honest - if that’s possible - so I’m thinking a motorbike trailer might be a good plan.

Speed wise I’m happy, I never go faster than 60 in the van anyway, so that’s all good.

My question: Has anyone done what I’m thinking of doing and regretted it. For example you just didn’t get the use of it, too much hassle, I don’t know, it just didn’t work out. Or, brill, made great holidays even better.

Any thoughts and advice welcome.

d

We like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset etc and love fishing, fossilling and so on. Motorhomes don’t work on many small roads in these areas and although we take e-bikes, they are a bit restrictive and, to be honest, not always the safest when returning from a late night fishing session.

I have motorbikes, too many motorbikes to be honest - if that’s possible - so I’m thinking a motorbike trailer might be a good plan.

Speed wise I’m happy, I never go faster than 60 in the van anyway, so that’s all good.

My question: Has anyone done what I’m thinking of doing and regretted it. For example you just didn’t get the use of it, too much hassle, I don’t know, it just didn’t work out. Or, brill, made great holidays even better.

Any thoughts and advice welcome.

d

We started towing my motorcycle last year and have no regrets.

The wife, jack russel and I did nearly 250 miles last year on the bike in Cornwall.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Treefitter]

I have this for sale if you’re looking

 

[DandJ]

Yep, as has been said, try it and if it's not for you, sell the trailer on. We took our bike to Southern Spain this last Jan/Feb and did about 1200 miles on it. It complemented the push bikes and occasional local bus journey really well.

 

[barryd]

I can't speak for towing a trailer but I can for using a scooter in Devon and Cornwall or anywhere for that matter that it is 100% absolutely worth doing no matter how you carry or trail it with the motorhome. It will completely transform your trips. We toured Devon and Cornwall the last three summers for several months and it was fantastic but only because we had the bike with us. What I will say for those roads is I reckon a small bike is best. Loads of little lanes to explore.

Most of our trips are five to six months and we do more miles on the scooter than the van. Generally 5000-6000 each summer.

 

[DaveFromBarrow]

I have this for sale if you’re looking View attachment 1043106

View attachment 1043107

View attachment 1043108

I do like these transverse trailers. They look solid and easy to store.

 

[ChrisL]

I do like these transverse trailers. They look solid and easy to store.

But difficult to reverse, have a look at the Hydra Trail by Easylifter and see if it might be suitable for you.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[David and Sally]

We like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset etc and love fishing, fossilling and so on. Motorhomes don’t work on many small roads in these areas and although we take e-bikes, they are a bit restrictive and, to be honest, not always the safest when returning from a late night fishing session.

I have motorbikes, too many motorbikes to be honest - if that’s possible - so I’m thinking a motorbike trailer might be a good plan.

Speed wise I’m happy, I never go faster than 60 in the van anyway, so that’s all good.

My question: Has anyone done what I’m thinking of doing and regretted it. For example you just didn’t get the use of it, too much hassle, I don’t know, it just didn’t work out. Or, brill, made great holidays even better.

Any thoughts and advice welcome.

d

We use our Yamaha Xmax 300 a lot and use a Motolug trailer. Works fine.

Just come back from two months in Spain with them.

 

[Richard n Ann]

We take the Duke 390 to Benidorm, ideal transport in sunny weather
Only thing that will put you off is the relentless UK rain, but still it's worth taking for outings between the storms... Actually we've not been doing bad lately

 

[Odd-no-more]

We have towed a trailer with a Harley for years, here and abroad. Never had a problem. When we stopped we traded the trailer back with the supplier.

 

[scotzsue]

We toured cornwall pre covid with our Ktm690 on an easilifter, easy to tow and reverse,

 

[DaveFromBarrow]

We take the Duke 390 to Benidorm, ideal transport in sunny weather
Only thing that will put you off is the relentless UK rain, but still it's worth taking for outings between the storms... Actually we've not been doing bad lately

View attachment 1043129

I’ve seen these but was concerned they would overly lighten the front of the vehicle. Probably over thinking as usual.

d

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Flairy]

We towed our GS adventure on a Dutch hydraulic trailer it drops to the floor and air lifts it up.but have to be honest,it made turning around a pain ,and we didn’t enjoy it the same as touring on the bike,the two didn’t go together for us,and we’ve had 49 bikes and done 100sand thousands of miles since 65 solo and with my wife since 73 hope this helps.

 

[DaveFromBarrow]

Does having a trailer make much difference to ferry/train costs?

I do like the look of the motolug. Thanks for all responses.

d

d

 

[andrewsheila]

I have also considered a trailer but worry about security. Will someone steal the trailer? I assume you use just campsites? What about day trips in the van? Do you leave the trailer & bike at the campsite ?

 

[jerryz]

But difficult to reverse, have a look at the Hydra Trail by Easylifter and see if it might be suitable for you.

I tried one and was not impressed at all ,, ended up with a conventional single bike trailer ,,, one thing I do recommend is tie down cargo straps with closed hooks like a carabiner as the open hook types can jump off and the bike or cargo can get loose also a nice gentle ramp when loading , also cove rbike with tarpaulin above and below as dirt from van wheels , rain etc and also it keeps nosey skanks at bay ,, Oh and have a strong chain and padlock to secure trailer to van , when parked .

 

[GMLS]

I bought a trailer earlier this year and adapted it to take 2 emtbs as well as my Triumph Scrambler. Its currently for sale in the classifieds as I wish I'd got a box trailer for more security so thats worth considering. We are also going to be downsizing so will also provide more storage for the longer trips. Looking at one of these

8ft x 5ft GRP / Fiberglass Sports Box Trailer with Rear Loading Ramp in Anthracite Grey - Apache Trailers - Buy Quality Road Trailers From UK Manufacturer

The Apache BVX85-B Sports Box Trailer is a premium 8ft x 5ft GRP (fiberglass) trailer with a rear loading ramp, designed for secure, weather-resistant transport of motorcycles, ATVs, sports gear, and general cargo. Finished in a sleek anthracite grey, this aerodynamic trailer is built for...

www.apachetrailers.co.uk

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[GMLS]

I have also considered a trailer but worry about security. Will someone steal the trailer? I assume you use just campsites? What about day trips in the van? Do you leave the trailer & bike at the campsite ?

I have an accessory loop attached to the van alarm and also wheel locks and chains etc when off.Will get a tracker for the new one and will consider other options like a removeable wheel or tow hitch.

 

[Simonjdcooper]

We like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset etc and love fishing, fossilling and so on. Motorhomes don’t work on many small roads in these areas and although we take e-bikes, they are a bit restrictive and, to be honest, not always the safest when returning from a late night fishing session.

I have motorbikes, too many motorbikes to be honest - if that’s possible - so I’m thinking a motorbike trailer might be a good plan.

Speed wise I’m happy, I never go faster than 60 in the van anyway, so that’s all good.

My question: Has anyone done what I’m thinking of doing and regretted it. For example you just didn’t get the use of it, too much hassle, I don’t know, it just didn’t work out. Or, brill, made great holidays even better.

Any thoughts and advice welcome.

d

What's the right number of motorbikes N+1

 

[Fulham Dave]

We have a Peugeot Metropolis / MP3 type trike.

We had the Easylift, but had to return it as it could not handle the weight of the trike (260KG) and buckled.

We then purchased a second hand Bateson. Added two wheel chocks to front of the trailer. Easy to lower the tailgate and just ride until the front wheels lock in the chocks. we have covered over 35,000 miles on the continent in the past 3.5 years with the scooter and trailer.

We have have used both ferry and tunnel and having a trailer does add significantly to the cost, especially via the tunnel. We did a cost comparison between the two - (Van 8.72m + 4m Trailer)
Tunnel - £361 without trailer, £658 with trailer
Ferry (Newhaven - Dieppe) - £244 without Trailer, £366 with Trailer (Dover - Calais is cheaper again)

We have left the van and trailer on Aires, campsites and in car parks across the UK and Europe and never had an issue

This is the reason we no longer use the tunnel

Hope this helps

 

[David and Sally]

Does having a trailer make much difference to ferry/train costs?

I do like the look of the motolug. Thanks for all responses.

d

d

Yes, abit. I reckon it was about £100 return to Spain. Don’t quote me.

The beauty of the Motolug is that it disassembles for storage.

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

But difficult to reverse, have a look at the Hydra Trail by Easylifter and see if it might be suitable for you.

Look in the search facility for Hydratrail before committing to one of those. Plenty of reasons not to.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[DandJ]

I have also considered a trailer but worry about security. Will someone steal the trailer? I assume you use just campsites? What about day trips in the van? Do you leave the trailer & bike at the campsite ?

I suspect you'd get the feel for somewhere...and if the feeling wasn't good, you'd not park there, and not leave the van and trailer while going for a ride. We live on the continent and security is still a consideration. but the benefits of having my own bike there, for when and where we want to ride, outweighs the 'worry'...sensible precautions like JerryZ mentions, do help. We do favour sites when with the bike, without it, we'll happily park in the middle of nowhere or a town aire.

 

[Richard n Ann]

I’ve seen these but was concerned they would overly lighten the front of the vehicle. Probably over thinking as usual.

d

They sometimes do but our van has a short rear overhang

 

[ChrisL]

Look in the search facility for Hydratrail before committing to one of those. Plenty of reasons not to.

I haven't owned one so can't comment, but it is one solution. Just by a coincidence there's a chap on the site i'm on currently with a Hydratrail and an SV650 similar to mine, he says it's great and he had his bike on it and strapped down in around 20 minutes. But I totally agree, do lots of research.

 

[PusscatCookie]

We like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset etc and love fishing, fossilling and so on. Motorhomes don’t work on many small roads in these areas and although we take e-bikes, they are a bit restrictive and, to be honest, not always the safest when returning from a late night fishing session.

I have motorbikes, too many motorbikes to be honest - if that’s possible - so I’m thinking a motorbike trailer might be a good plan.

Speed wise I’m happy, I never go faster than 60 in the van anyway, so that’s all good.

My question: Has anyone done what I’m thinking of doing and regretted it. For example you just didn’t get the use of it, too much hassle, I don’t know, it just didn’t work out. Or, brill, made great holidays even better.

Any thoughts and advice welcome.

Food for thought open bike trailer they can see bikes gone so you’re away from the Moho small van type trailer can’t see if the bikes gone and you might be say walking the dog locally doesn’t limit you to camp sites

 

[DaveFromBarrow]

They sometimes do but our van has a short rear overhang

View attachment 1043284

Yeah, we’re the opposite

d

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}