HAULING THE SPYDER

[BillGargan]

Hi,

I have been reviewing my choices for trailering the SpYder around.

I could get a general utility trailer with ramp for about $1,500 and add about $200 to make it work with the SpYder.

I could bet a similar all aluminum utility trailer with ramp for about $2,000 and add about $200 to make it work with the SpYder.

I could get one that is more exotic http://www.adventuresportsproducts.com/ind...ort-Transports2 for about $5,000 complete. This one does a curtsy (sp?) and lowers itself so you can drive on with no separate ramp -- and has lots more positive virtues including a rock shield and a properly sprung ride. Lots of money -- but . . .

Does anyone have any experience with this AST2 (now AST3 is for the SpYder -- I am told) trailer?

Thanks,
Bill Gargan

 

[Don in E Texas]

I know you asked about a particular trailer -- can't help with that, but this thread might be of interest to you:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9565

I just use a Utility trailer -- cost me about $800.00 (can't remember exact price).

don

 

[MarkLawson]

Seems to me that you could buy an enclosed trailer for $5k, which would provide a much higher level of protection for your cargo.

 

[NancysToy]

Seems to me that you could buy an enclosed trailer for $5k, which would provide a much higher level of protection for your cargo.

:agree: My R&R 7'x12' all aluminum, extra height, V-nose trailer cost less than that, even with the added electric brakes. Plus it holds two more bikes along with the Spyder, and we use it to camp in when we get where we're going.
-Scotty

 

[Tom in NM]

This worked very well for me . . .

When I bought my Spyder, I had a 1,060 mile round trip and I rented a TrailMax tilt bed trailer (model S-5-UT). I have attached a pic and PDF.
It worked like a charm. Since it tilted, no ramps were needed and was very stable, though, take care to have the Spyder's center of gravity in front of the wheels.

Buying new, they are pretty expensive and a more heavy duty trailer than the Spyder needs, but if I ever see one used, I might jump on it.

Kendon also makes some fold-up trailers - some that I think would hold a Spyder.

I also looked at Featherlite trailers, nice, but pretty expensive too ( they all are ) and in general, I just needed it to pick up the Spyder. I have a small yard and storing a trailer is not an option.

If I ever need another one, the TrailMax is the one for me. Unbelievably easy and durable. If I had a big enough garage or yard space, I would always park my Spyder on it.

Tom

 

[Recluze]

I have one of the AST's painted to match my Spyder. The trailer is a great idea but the workmanship is way off what I would expect for a $5000 trailer. I am taking it across country though, and I will see if it makes it. I use it a lot to haul my ATV.

The rock shield works well but the paint is so bad it sort of falls off if you look at. I will have it painted upon my return.

While the trailer is billed as a Spyder trailer it is a modified two bike trailer that they added some blocks to fit the Spyder. They did not bother to plug all the extra holes that you have no need for. I expect it to start rusting her if I ever leave it out in the rain which I haven't.

Getting the thing delivered was a nightmare. Then it came in damaged-another nightmare. The customer service at AST is pretty poor.

So I think you could do better. If you really want one-make me an offer. You will have to do some rework on it but I had to also and it was new when I bought it.

The positive points;
It looks cool
It has some really nice ratchets that work very well. Not located properly for a Spyder but you can make them work.
The kneel down feature is an attention getter. It gives the bike a soft ride. I have mine on a remote so that is cool tool.
Most of the materials are a good grade.

So there is my 2 cents

 

[Trickie Dick]

H & H Trailers

I've been looking for an affordable aluminum trailer for my spyder. Lots of humidity in Indiana and I don't want to worry about rust. I came across a 6'4" X 10 from a dealer here in Indiana for under $1400. Looks like a nice trailer but havn't seen it yet. Try http://hhtrailer.com/
:chat:

 

[SpyderMonkei]

Just an FYI

we bought one of these Rocket Trailers from a company over in Cocoa Beach, we have trailered two ST1300s on it, a Goldwing California Sidecar Trike conversion and now the Spyder, it's light and has worked well for me. We bought the DT130 and they extended the front tire chalk out for the Goldwing trike. The ramp on the rear comes all the way up and back on the 1300s on the trike and spider we lift it to the bottom latch so it angles to the read of the trailer.

http://www.rocketmotorcycletrailers.com/

 

[BillGargan]

I've been looking for an affordable aluminum trailer for my spyder. Lots of humidity in Indiana and I don't want to worry about rust. I came across a 6'4" X 10 from a dealer here in Indiana for under $1400. Looks like a nice trailer but havn't seen it yet. Try http://hhtrailer.com/
:chat:

I cannot find a trailer as you describe for $1400. Please attach the specific link you found. Thanks, Bill Gargan

 

[Trickie Dick]

I cannot find a trailer as you describe for $1400. Please attach the specific link you found. Thanks, Bill Gargan

Bill, I found the trailer on craigslist-http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/rvs/1216893862.html
I will call the dealer and see what's up and let you know. I did find a trailer on the H&H website for $1450 I believe:dontknow:. Maybe the dealer is discounting it.
Dick

 

[q-brrr]

I spoke to a boat trailer company employee a few weeks back, He said that they were working on a design for a Spyder trailer. They were going to build it like a double dirt bike trailer but add a third rail in the middle at the back. I thought it might be interesting because it should be pretty light weight. Could be pulled behind smaller cars. If I hear any more about it, I'll be sure to post.

I can picture a Chevy SSR or HHR pulling a matching Spyder...

 

[Longlegs]

I talked to a guy that was going to be a dealer for the adventure trailers. He thought the workmanship was crappy too. They shipped him a trailer and he never heard from them again.
As far as aluminum goes, yeah it doesn't rust but it does crack. I have one that I get welded every year. It doesn't have to be painted though and so I don't mind pulling it in the winter when the roads are salty.
A couple other things to consider; aluminum trailers aren't really any lighter when considering equal capacity trailers made from steel. And a tilt trailer will pull much easier than one with a ramp gate even if the ramp is expanded metal (screen), it's like having a big solid sail at 60mph.

 

[gjco]

I just hauled mine from Colorado to Virginia on a 5x8 with a ramp. had to add a couple of 2x6 to run I up on but hauled fine. paid $650 for the trailer at the local Murdock's That like a central tractor

 

[RLS]

Hi Bill,
We ordered an adventure trailer to tow behind the Spyder when we ordered ours. Part of the reason we ordered it was because of the transported trailer our dealer had in stock, impressive. They had started the process of becoming a dealer for their products. Our Spyder came in in March of 08, with the trailer to arrive by May 08. Our dealer had ordered two more along with ours. Everytime we contacted Adventure we were given a different story. Finally, we issued an ultimatum, "if the trailer isn't delivered by Labor Day (thats right Labor day) we were going to cancel the order". It finally arrived, but what a piece of garbage. The quality of fit and finish was terrible, the inside carpet, actually it was felt, was pieced together. Where the latch mechanism was I was able to stick my finger through it. Not very water tight. The tongue jack collapsed while it was just sitting there. Because of this we cancelled the order and our dealer cancelled is plans to become a dealer. As Recluze stated in his post their customer sevice is non-existing. Our dealer contacted them to make arragments to return the three units to them----as of last week they were still there at the dealer's shop. It appears they don't even want them back. In my opinion, there are several good, quality trailers out there, just not Adventures.

 

[nater1]

At these price get a 10'X20' or large enclose for the same cash

If I was you I would look at a enclose trailer with the cash you are talking about spending. Make a general purchase that can be used for other things so when you want to sell it there will be a large market to sell to. I would recommend a 10'X20' or larger enclosed trailer. If you decided to not go enclosed at least go 10'x20'.

 

[go2lkg]

6x12' enclosed trailer works well

I have been housing and hauling my Spyder in a 6'x12' enclosed v-nose that has worked very well! I built a shelf in the nose so I could stow my helmets, gloves, cleaning materials, etc. and put in a closet bar and stored my jackets and rain suit in it as well. You can buy a great used trailer for less than $3k and that's the way I would go.

Good luck!

 

[nater1]

Just some ball park prices

http://haulitcargo.com/inventory/index.php

 

[irish2themax]

I have a 5'x8' steel mesh trailer with a ramp ($699) that I got at Tractor Supply Company for my lawn tractor. They also have a 5'x8" with steel plate floor for $999. Tight fit but works for the Spyder too. I am going to have two angle braces welded to the tongue and mount a poly box across the braces.

 

[Oldmanzues]

If you go with a enclosed trailer, Check door opening distance. I bought a enclosed trailer 6 x 10 (before Spyder came into my life). Ramp door opening is 59 inchs wide.

Old Man Zues

 

[NancysToy]

If you go with a enclosed trailer, Check door opening distance. I bought a enclosed trailer 6 x 10 (before Spyder came into my life). Ramp door opening is 59 inchs wide.

Old Man Zues

:agree: Many are far less than six feet, lift cable to lift cable. My 7'x 12' V-nose is only 70" between the cables.
-Scotty