Enclosed trailer advice

[viiiball]

Wife and I will be heading out in a RV full time. We will be taking a Spyder RT Limited and a Harley Ultra Classic. I am in the market for an enclosed trailer. I would love an 8x12 but might have to settle for a 7x14. Anyone have any recommendations on trailer manufacturers I should be looking at? And other than Craigslist, is there a good place to look for a used trailer for sale?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[Easy Rider]

WAnd other than Craigslist, is there a good place to look for a used trailer for sale?
.

I don't have much faith in Craigslist; you have to be too careful not to get scammed.......or worse.

Look for local trailer dealers. There probably are some that you just haven't noticed.

And, from some recent experience, see if you can find one with an extra foot or so ON THE TOP. Makes it much easier to ride the machines into the trailer without taking the top of your head off. :yikes:

Also, don't depend on measurements alone. Do a "test load" to be absolutely sure that they will fit.......with enough room left over to tie them down GOOD.

 

[jaherbst]

Wells Cargo and Look are two very good quality brands and dealers are Nation Wide.

Jack

 

[Brentc]

Neo brand

I went with an enclosed Neo v nose all aluminum. 7x16, very lightweight tandem axle, will fit Spyder and brp trailer no problem, so it should fit a Spyder and Harley. Your welcome to come on up and check it out, and if you like I'm only 10 miles from the local Neo dealer, great place to deal with.

http://www.jprserviceinc.com/

 

[Kathy76065]

our trailer experience

Just my 2 cents worth here.

As others have said make sure both bikes will fit in what ever you choose and the RV can pull the weight of trailer and both bikes comfortably.

We just sold our 7x12 v nose and it held the Ultra Classic great but there was definitely no room for much of anything else other than narrowly walking around the bike. You need e-tracks to tie off the load even with a top grade wheel chock. I used a harbor freight wheel chock and it worked perfect but I also mounted e tracks in the floor down the each side of the bike to assure the load didn't shift. I ordered our trailer with a 7" interior so I had plenty of head room inside.

Our trailer had rear drop door to use as ride in ramp,as well as a side entry door, electric trailer brakes, torsion axles which rode smoother that leaf springs. I mounted a wireless camera in the nose of the trailer to monitor the load going down the road which was great to have.

If I was going to buy another trailer I would spend the money on an aluminum trailer as they are much lighter and easier on the fuel expense. RYDE SAFE and ENJOY

 

[asp125]

Whatever size, check the width of the ramp door opening! That's going to be the critical dimension.

 

[Bumble_B]

We test fitted a 2014 RTS and a Victory Cross Country Tour in a 7x14 V-nose. They just barely fit. Had to angle the Vic just right. The trailer dealer said a 7x16 was only a couple of hundred more. We tried one in stock and it was much better. The brand was Diamond Cargo. Dealer also said that on that brand, the 7x16 had a stronger frame and was well suited for a weight distribution type setup. They said they had a customer who had a huge problem with the 7x14 and a WDH.

We have towed twice from Florida to New York. Turns out we did not need a WDH when properly setup by dealer. Well worth the extra couple hundred bucks for the 7x16 especially when you are checking the tie downs on the road and need the space to snug them up.

 

[viiiball]

Thank you

Thank you to all that responded. I appreciate each and every hint. Its always good to learn from others experience.

 

[Bob Denman]

We're gonna cheat: we're buying a Class C Toyhauler.
The Spyder will JUST fit in the garage... :thumbup:

 

[Dennis in Lodi]

Axle upgrade

Most single trailers come with a #3500 axle. And most offer an upgrade to a #5200 axle. If you're thinking single axle your gross weight with the trailer will be nearly maxed out.
I got a 7 X 14 trailer with the upgraded 5200 lb axle, Upgraded radial tires, made by RC trailers for $3,200 out the door. Do not under any circumstances get a trailer with bias tires as they only last about 1000 miles. They all wear on the outside edge. If it's a big Trailer dealer, they'll have real radial tires in stock. Always get radial tires for trailers.
If your not fussy about color, always ask for the oldest new trailer on the lot as they are paying interest after 90 days if it doesn't sell. I buy a lot of trailers and I hope this helps?

Wife and I will be heading out in a RV full time. We will be taking a Spyder RT Limited and a Harley Ultra Classic. I am in the market for an enclosed trailer. I would love an 8x12 but might have to settle for a 7x14. Anyone have any recommendations on trailer manufacturers I should be looking at? And other than Craigslist, is there a good place to look for a used trailer for sale?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[timeless]

This is

great advise!!!!!!!! I bought a 7x12 tall boy, single axle Hawthorn in 2010 to house my 2010RTSE5. I pulled it with my 26 foot motor home until 2016 when I bought a condo in Florida.
During the course of time & travels I broke the leaf springs on several occasions and finally had to upgrade everything to the 5200 lb rating.
I also went through several tires, even at the higher rating and proper inflation they would de laminate and then explode, ripping off the aluminum fenders every time.
Spend the few extra dollars and follow his good advise!!!!! It is a major PIA to have to do repairs along the EWAY!!!!!!!!!

Most single trailers come with a #3500 axle. And most offer an upgrade to a #5200 axle. If you're thinking single axle your gross weight with the trailer will be nearly maxed out.
I got a 7 X 14 trailer with the upgraded 5200 lb axle, Upgraded radial tires, made by RC trailers for $3,200 out the door. Do not under any circumstances get a trailer with bias tires as they only last about 1000 miles. They all wear on the outside edge. If it's a big Trailer dealer, they'll have real radial tires in stock. Always get radial tires for trailers.
If your not fussy about color, always ask for the oldest new trailer on the lot as they are paying interest after 90 days if it doesn't sell. I buy a lot of trailers and I hope this helps?

 

[jaherbst]

We're gonna cheat: we're buying a Class C Toyhauler.
The Spyder will JUST fit in the garage... :thumbup:

Would that be the Thor class C Toy Hauler Bob? Looks like a great set up.

​Jack

 

[Easy Rider]

We're gonna cheat: we're buying a Class C Toyhauler.
The Spyder will JUST fit in the garage... :thumbup:

Pretty much what I just did but mine is a used A hauler.
Are you buying new ?
Used C toy haulers are scarce as hens teeth.

I have plenty of room in mine.

 

[pauly1]

A 7' width trailer will not handle the RT and FLHT-bikes. Spyders are 5' width and those with bags are 4' plus at the rear, so side-by-side placement is not an option. If you prefer a 7' width, then a 16' length plus a v-nose will allow end-to-end positioning.

Pulling behind an RV allows an 8' width with no real penalty for wind resistance; I pulled an 8' wide trailer behind a van for a while and it was a real chore due to the frontal area. Height is a similar no-penalty concern behind the RV; pulling behind a van or pickup it is a concern for wind resistance and I prefer a lower ceiling height (6' or less). I would recommend a tandem axle over a single axle, given the same load capacity, for bikes or boats: balance, smoothness, handling of road potholes, etc. The tradeoff is an increase in difficulty in tight maneuvering by hand such as in the garage or driveway.

Wayne

 

[Bob Denman]

Iron Horse makes a wide Body model that should do the job.

https://www.ironhorsetrailers.com/motorcycle-trailers/widebody-motorcyle-trailer/

Mike T picked one up this year: PM him about it! :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Would that be the Thor class C Toy Hauler Bob? Looks like a great set up.

​Jack

Yup! We bought the Outlaw... :thumbup:


A 2018 model year rig.
We pick it up this Saturday; I wonder how much blood I'll need to sell, in order to pay for it? :shocked:

 

[MikeT]

Iron Horse makes a wide Body model that should do the job.

https://www.ironhorsetrailers.com/motorcycle-trailers/widebody-motorcyle-trailer/

Mike T picked one up this year: PM him about it! :thumbup:

Mike T here,
I don't think the standard Wide Body will hold an RT AND a Ultra Classic. My RT Limited fits with some room to walk around and tie the trike down. They just started marketing an enclosed 2-axle Slingshot Hauler. I don't know the dimensions. Just call Ironhorse and talk with them. I/We love the clamshell top and it's pulls easy with my 2010 Highlander with trailer tow pckage.

 

[Bob Denman]

I saw the outside dimension as 102", and made an assumption... pps:

 

[Easy Rider]

Yup! We bought the Outlaw... :thumbup:

In many respects, no doubt, similar to the Damon (Thor) Outlaw A that I got.

It doesn't look very long. Mine is 36' but since it is a "bull nose" none of that length is take up with a cab.
How long is yours ? Are you SURE that the Spyder will fit ??

If you haven't yet, you really SHOULD actually put it IN there once before you hand over the check.

 

[Gutsplitter]

8.5 x 16

I ended up getting an aluminum dual axle 8.5 x 16 v-nose. Hauled the RTL and trailer home though I had to angle the trailer. Getting ready to prep it to haul the RTL and my BMW R1200RT. Will let you know how that works but it should be fine!