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Active Member
Retiring soon, vehicle / trailer recommendations.
I’m hoping to retire in a couple of years and I wanted to reach out to the several lucky folks that have already retired and have found solutions to some of these questions. I have an old PT cruiser that has survived 3 teenage daughters (now graduated college) which is getting long in the tooth so it’s time to look for a new vehicle before it dies on me. I’m looking for a replacement with future needs and activities in mind. The wife and I would like to take several 3-4 week trips a year while retired and drive around the country trailering the F3. She’s good for riding once we get somewhere, but not riding the bike to get there. I’m thinking that the Spyder and a trailer would run around 1500 – 2000 Lbs. Most of the SUV’s that I’ve looked at are rated for 3500 Lbs, way more than I need. Here’s some questions that I would like to start with. If some of you can think of anything that I’ve missed, please feel free to add to the list. Thanks everyone.
Is it better to trailer the F3 with an enclosed (10’ single axle) or open trailer. Pros and cons of each.
Recommendations for manufacturers (function / quality) of both types.
Suitable mid-level SUV (Rav4, Escape, Santa Fe etc.) to safely tow the trailer as I don’t want a large second vehicle.
Do you need a factory towing package to do this (transmission cooler) with some of them, would you recommend one or are some OK without it?
Are there places that rent an open or enclosed trailer wide enough to load the Spyder onto and are economical to rent for a 3-4-week period?
Is it worth getting a trailer if you’re only going to use it a few times a year? Storage in mind when not using it.
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There is/was a Droptail trailer for sale just across the State from you in Melbourne for $2k that is a steal and ideal for open carry of a Spyder. The trailer only weighs about 850 pounds and it hauls my F3S or Harley Tri Glide Ultra with ease behind my 2015 Honda Odyssey which is rated for 3500 pounds towing capacity. The Odyssey holds all kinds of gear and luggage.
Last edited by Capt. Bob; 03-13-2018 at 08:02 AM.
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I personally would go with an enclosed trailer. The Spyder is inside out of the elements and under lock and key. I have an Aluma (6x10) enclosed trailer that I put my RT in if I need to trailer it somewhere. It's a tight fit through the doorway but it works. Your F3 is narrower than an RT so it would not be a problem but depending on the brand of trailer you just need to make sure the doorway is wide enough. Also with an enclosed trailer you can carry other stuff as well such as some tools, riding gear etc.
Wayne Bishop
2015 RT-S Special Series
2017 F3 Limited
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Active Member
If you are a couple of years away from retirement, you're obviously planning ahead, which is always good. Take your time and choose wisely. Here are a couple of thoughts:
You don't have to buy new; there are usually plenty of excellent used trailers around at fair prices.
Open or closed is a matter of preference, but think of this: is it possible that you will or could wind up using the trailer for purposes other than hauling your Spyder? A closed cargo trailer will likely provide more flexibility. It could also be used as a place to store your Spyder when you're not ryding it, or other stuff that might take up garage space where you could park your Spyder. Will friends or family want to borrow it from time to time to move things? A cargo trailer will require its own parking place, which could be bigger than an open trailer, especially if it's collapsible. It will likely weigh more than an open trailer, which could determine both hitch capacity and pulling vehicle choice. Closed will give better protection from the elements, but open will be lighter with less drag when hauling, likely cost less, and be just as effective in transporting your Spyder.
Your Spyder weighs roughly 1000 pounds; add that to weight of the trailer and any additional bits you might also carry, and you can then calculate the hitch/towing capacity required. Don't go too cheap or too light. Better to have some excess capacity rather than not enough. Have good tires, check pressures, keep wheel bearings lubricated, use safety chains and keep all lights in good working order. I personally prefer larger diameter wheels over smaller; a drop axle will help keep the trailer bed lower to the ground and often perform better on the road. There are some good ones with 3500 rating. You will have better re-sale possibilities when the time comes if you have bought a trailer with features that others will also want.
In short, think through all the possibilities of trailer use/storage you might have beyond just the Spyder. In my case, I found a purpose-built, used, open aluminum trailer, specially made by a Spyder RT owner, who no longer needed it after he bought a toy hauler. I snatched it up at a bargain price a month before I even bought my F3L. I did it simply so that I could haul the F3 from winter-time Canada to FL, so as to make my bike ryding a 12-month proposition instead of six months. Even if I had not later gone through with my Spyder purchase, I was pretty certain I could soon have found a buyer for the trailer. Look around; you'll likely find something like that for yourself. Good luck.
PS: as for vehicle choice, a mid-range SUV would do fine, whichever brand you like; however, I would go with a trailer package option included, in preference to a later add-on.
Last edited by bushrat; 03-13-2018 at 09:15 AM.
[SIGPIC]
2017 F3 Ltd. Intense Red Pearl/Metallic Black topside
2017 F3Limited , lowered brake pedal Intense Red Pearl w. Metallic Black topside
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Very Active Member
Tow Vehicle
The only car that I think .... might not be able to tow one Spyder , would be the " SMART " car .......... if you get a trailer that encloses the Spyder , I suggest an Aluminum one .......... Mike
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Very Active Member
Open utility trailer - heavy
We purchased a 7x10 open utility trailer which I think is heavy but no problem because it is pulled with an F150 4x4 PU.
I wouldn't go with anything smaller as this size works well with either an F3 or RT.
YellowBus.jpg
Love my Spyders
2016 F3L Steel Black purchased 7/16/2016 Sold 3/11/2023 (22,500 mi)
2014 RTS Circuit Yellow purchased 3/2/2018
2020 RTL Petrol Blue purchased 1/27/2023
Girls on Spyders #3195
No more 2 wheels
2020 RTL , Lamonster floor board riser Petrol Blue
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Very Active Member
OPTINION ONLY
MY OPINION;
Is it better to trailer the F3 with an enclosed (10’ single axle) or open trailer. Pros and cons of each. ALWAYS better for enclosed trailer... no down-side to this, other than you may burn a few gallons of gas extra on your trip...
Suitable mid-level SUV (Rav4, Escape, Santa Fe etc.) to safely tow the trailer as I don’t want a large second vehicle. There are many makes that come from the factory with the OEM Tranny Coolers already installed... look for one that has it... if not, SUMMIT RACING or other auto-parts companies will sell you one, and they are very easy to install... ALL models you've stated have enough power for towing a SPYD3R & trailer...
Do you need a factory towing package to do this (transmission cooler) with some of them, would you recommend one or are some OK without it? See previous answer...
Are there places that rent an open or enclosed trailer wide enough to load the Spyder onto and are economical to rent for a 3-4-week period? Many dealers will accomodate your needs, call in advance and they will direct you to the proper equipment...
Is it worth getting a trailer if you’re only going to use it a few times a year? Storage in mind when not using it. All depends on your pocket book, and your trust in a rental unit... also, if you do not have a garage to store your SPYD3R, and should you buy an enclosed trailer, you can use that for storing your new toy...
Whatever you do, do it safely and enjoy your retirement....
Dan P
SPYD3R
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Very Active Member
Tow vehicle..... I am very pleased with my Buick Enclave. It has full time all wheel drive and a towing capacity of 4,500 Lbs. I chose this car over other considerations because of its' higher towing capacity. Overall, the best vehicle I have owned. And besides, retired and other old people MUST drive a Buick.....
2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
Semper Fi
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Originally Posted by al0vely
We purchased a 7x10 open utility trailer which I think is heavy but no problem because it is pulled with an F150 4x4 PU.
I wouldn't go with anything smaller as this size works well with either an F3 or RT.
YellowBus.jpg
Yes that's the way I'd go. Very nice.
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Active Member
One thing I didn't see mentioned was brakes. If you run too close to, or exceed the max tow limits on a vehicle, you may have difficulty getting that load stopped in a reasonable distance.
Based on what you have said you are planning to do, 3-4 week trips, have you considered a toy hauler? Yes, you would need a bigger tow vehicle, but it seems that you may already be looking into that. Your hotel and food costs would go a long way toward the purchase of a toy hauler. Not to mention the convenience of not having to pack and unpack at hotels, cook your own meals, etc. Just something to think about.
2016 F3T SM6 - Wife's Bike - Blank Canvas
2017 Kawasaki Concours 14
2016 Victory Magnum - Mods in progress
2013 Suzuki M109R - Has a few mods
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Originally Posted by always young
I’m hoping to retire in a couple of years and I wanted to reach out to the several lucky folks that have already retired and have found solutions to some of these questions. I have an old PT cruiser that has survived 3 teenage daughters (now graduated college) which is getting long in the tooth so it’s time to look for a new vehicle before it dies on me. I’m looking for a replacement with future needs and activities in mind. The wife and I would like to take several 3-4 week trips a year while retired and drive around the country trailering the F3. She’s good for riding once we get somewhere, but not riding the bike to get there. I’m thinking that the Spyder and a trailer would run around 1500 – 2000 Lbs. Most of the SUV’s that I’ve looked at are rated for 3500 Lbs, way more than I need. Here’s some questions that I would like to start with. If some of you can think of anything that I’ve missed, please feel free to add to the list. Thanks everyone.
Is it better to trailer the F3 with an enclosed (10’ single axle) or open trailer. Pros and cons of each.
Recommendations for manufacturers (function / quality) of both types.
Suitable mid-level SUV (Rav4, Escape, Santa Fe etc.) to safely tow the trailer as I don’t want a large second vehicle.
Do you need a factory towing package to do this (transmission cooler) with some of them, would you recommend one or are some OK without it?
Are there places that rent an open or enclosed trailer wide enough to load the Spyder onto and are economical to rent for a 3-4-week period?
Is it worth getting a trailer if you’re only going to use it a few times a year? Storage in mind when not using it.
I recently retired, and bought a 7 by 10 foot tilt trailer for my Spyder. The trailer has a release pin that allows the trailer to tilt, so the Spyder (or whatever) I need to load can drive right up on it. I have a Toyota Tacoma 4X4 with the V6 to pull it. I have had this trailer for three months so far, and use it quite often, but can not tell you how it works for the Spyder since I have not put the Spyder on it yet.
Is it Friday yet? ... Oh yeah, I forgot. I'm retired
Past bikes
2010 RS - Sold
2012 RT - Sold
2014 RT - Testing completed
2016 F3-T Audio package - Sold
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Active Member
Trailer
I pull 2014 rts. On a alumi trailer 425 pounds. Behind my 2013 Toyota Avalon. Works great. It has a drop down tail ramp that makes for easy load and unload.Try to remember to put windshield down.
Kenn
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Very Active Member
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Originally Posted by ahh-cool
Talk about having it all. Beautiful lady, beautiful trike and a nice bus! Ride safe and have fun!
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Active Member
Ford Escape
My wife and I tow our F3 on an open trailer behind our Escape. It's got a 2.3 liter turbo and NO factory towing package. It does just fine. Make sure that you have generous spare width on your trailer, I only had about two inches on either side to the wheels and maneuvering the Spyder on the trailer used to be a nightmare. I eventually cut off the superstructure of the trailer to make things easier. If price is no object, consider the Ultimate Trailer, it looks like a great choice, but a well optioned open one runs almost six grand which was more than I was willing to pay.
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First, all Spyder's are the same width at the front wheels, the widest part of the Spyder. If an RT is tight, so will the F3, ST or RS.
Enclosed, or not enclosed. Open trailers are lighter for sure. But then they lack the protection from the elements and prying hands. We regularly pull out of the frozen north land, the land of snow and salt. I would only use an enclosed trailer for plans like yours. The enclosed trailer will catch more wind with aerodynamic drag - harder to pull - vs an open trailer. Find one that has a minimum height, which may mean you will hunch over a bit when loading or walking in the trailer.
One thing that hasn't been discussed is classic spring vs torsion suspension. Springs generally add to the overall height of the trailer and arguably, are a more rough ride. Shock absorbers would be nice but I don't know of any makes of trailers that have them in that size range. My pull behind the motorcycle trailer, a Bushtec, has air suspension and shock absorbers, which made for a more enjoyable pull.
The tow vehicle will likely be powered by an internal combustion engine. The efficiency of the tow (fuel mileage) and wear-and-tear on the vehicle will depend on rolling resistance and the wind resistance of the package. Regardless of the engine, it will take a certain amount of horsepower to move the package down the road, or up the hill AND control it going down the hill on the other side. The engine will convert chemical potential into kinetic energy, and there are differences in the efficiencies of engines in that conversion. Torque is the potential that moves the load. I can have high horsepower from a turbocharger, but suffer on the torque side to get the load moving. I would recommend displacement vs turbocharging to get horsepower.
Good luck with your hunt! My current outfit is a 09 F-150, 5.4 liter motor and 6 speed auto, towing package, a 7 X 16 enclosed aluminum trailer, that we load two bikes (two Spyders or a Spyder and H-D bagger). The trailer weight is 1700#, and each of the bikes is ~850#. With gear that we put into the trailer, another benefit of an enclosed trailer, the total weight is 3600#. Fuel mileage is generally in the 10.5 mpg but can suffer dramatically in a headwind (or benefit a bit by a tailwind).
Wayne
pauly1 - SpyderDeb's 'wrench'
2018 F3-T & 2015 F3-S Road Warrior Foundation Tribute customs
IBA #48220 SS1000 BB1500
2015 F3-S , OEM na Basic Black with Custom Wrap
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