Open Trailers for towing Spyders - what's the best suspension type? Experience, opinions, or are we just over-thinking this?

[NutinElse2do]

We have decided that an open folding trailer is the way to go for our needs.

We camp in small remote State parks and moving around an enclosed trailer just doesn’t work at our age. Plus having a folding trailer means no storage fees at home.

There are 3 possible options and we believe we have it narrowed down to the final two.
My question is around suspension when carrying a Spyder for thousands of highway miles (Min 5000 miles).

Options:

Stinger trailer - has no trailer suspension (we believe this is not the best option).
*Cons - NO trailer suspension.

Kendon trailer - has independent torsion bar suspension.
*Cons - Expensive

Roadstar trailer (Similar to Stinger), but has Slipper spring suspension.
*Cons - new to market, no videos, and little information or history.
*May be able to contact the maker and ask for independent torsion bar upgrade.

From everything I have read, the Torsion bar is a smoother ride compared to slipper springs, but my real world knowledge is minimal.
For those people with real world experience I would love your input.

Are we over thinking this and either works great or is torsion the best?

 

[racoon]

I would think one of the considerations is how you tie the Spyder down.

If you're attaching the tie down straps to the Spyder's frame or handlebars then yes, I'd be worried about the trailer's suspension.

But if you use tie down straps through the wheels then the Spyder's suspension will take care of any bounces.


Fair warning: I have a Stinger trailer.

 

[Bfromla]

Suspension or not - avoid LoUiSiAna. Good food & all but, unfortunately our roads can broke neck those lil dash bobble heads

 

[Mikey]

Have had a lot of trailers in my time and LOVE the torsion bar type, they are worth the money in my book! If you can get one with the Dexter axle, I would get galvanized, but if you just get steel, keep it painted! I use an enclosed trailer that I got second hand, it didn't have a brake kit on it, but I installed one myself! I did a trip down to Tenn this Spring, and on the way home, I am VERY happy I did, as Virginia, I came very close to a total wreck, the brakes being the only thing keeping me out of a bad day!

 

[LongIsland]

I currently have the Stinger Trailer and have no issues with my Spyder handling the suspension.

 

[djh3]

If you tie the Spyder down as mentioned by the tires, much like a car dolly pulled behind motor homes the bike suspension will do the work. I had a torsion type enclosed trailer with a 1000 lb small race car stored in it. With weight being in it all the time the rubber torsion part of suspension eventually dies. But if you don't leave weight in it all the time, it'll probably be OK.

 

[2dogs]

I have more trailers than I have vehicles or tractors. You have many good answers here, and I always get a giggle out of those who mention expensive. My lord man, you bought a spyder. Yes, if you live over your one and a half car garage in the middle of a condominium complex, then yes, a folding trailer would make perfect sense. Otherwise, think versatility.

 

[davev1pa]

I have the OHT3 with airbag driven deck. Lowers to ground level to drive up on. Has custom wheel locks and 4 corner rackets that are automatic. Nice fiberglass windshield for Spyder or two bikes. So light I pull it with a Prius.

 

[Little Blue]

I guess you have to decide what you can afford. Then where you can store your Trailer.

I have an enclosed double axle Trailer that I use for my Spyder. I went with the leaf springs set up. Why, because it has been around forever. Also, I am able to make some of the repairs.
Cost wise, it's about the same as the torsion bar.

As for storage, I can park it on my drive.

Good Luck on Your Mission.

 

[Tango]

I found a company in FL. that makes "Spyder" specific open trailers. Met the owner when I went to look at them. He rides an RT himself. All aluminum tilt trailer, 510 lbs.. Had them add a tool box. Rock solid, have pulled to Deadwood S.D. twice, as well as many other rallies. Torsion axles, bearing buddies. Keep them greased.

 

[Calimusjohn]

The Stinger is a good trailer, but it only carries a Spyder. I sold mine and went to a flatbed to give me the option of hauling all my other toys and treasures.

 

[NutinElse2do]

I found a company in FL. that makes "Spyder" specific open trailers. Met the owner when I went to look at them. He rides an RT himself. All aluminum tilt trailer, 510 lbs.. Had them add a tool box. Rock solid, have pulled to Deadwood S.D. twice, as well as many other rallies. Torsion axles, bearing buddies. Keep them greased.

Do you have the name of this trailer/company? Could you share some photos as well?

 

[Tango]

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They are located in Deland Florida. I will look to see if I have any pictures of mine. Here is one they have in stock. It doesn't have the wheel stops for the front wheels mounted.

 

[2dogs]

Super chocks are the best thing going for Spyder tiedowns. Sadly, they're no longer made and are scarce to find. Super fast to load, easy to tie down, and gone in a flash. Years ago, I searched long and hard for a set, and today I inadvertently own two pairs. How'd that happen? They were hard to find and pricy, but worth every penny.

 

[BajaRon]

I agree with what people are saying. I would add that tire diameter is important. Trailers with tiny tires are problematic in a number of dimensions.

Some suspension is a good idea. Torsion will generally give a better ride, but spring or torsion, it isn't going to make a meaningful difference to your Spyder. If you are considering hauling other items, that might come into the equation. Again, a meaningfully larger tire diameter can be significant.

We've seen damage caused by over the wheel and through the spoke methods at the front. These tend to be tedious, cumbersome, and there is a nice alternative.

Shock Bolt Eyes.

Tires can turn to the side. Shock Bolt Eyes are cheap, easy to install, extremely stable contact points, a breeze to hook a tow strap to, and virtually impervious to damage while keeping straps, hooks, etc., away from more easily damaged parts. We've yet to hear of someone not thrilled with these. Especially after trying other methods.

-

 

[2dogs]

Take your pick... Lowe's eye nuts.

 

[Tango]

Have been using the eye bolts for some time now. BAJARON's just put them on my new 25....

 

[Knizar]

We also use M8x30mm eye bolts in lowest setting under the passengers footrest for the back/side fasteners on our 2020+ RTLs. They work well with the shock fasteners to make a 4 point securement.

5 years with no problems, Bill

 

[BajaRon]

We also use M8x30mm eye bolts in lowest setting under the passengers footrest for the back/side fasteners on our 2020+ RTLs. They work well with the shock fasteners to make a 4 point securement.

5 years with no problems, Bill

Pictures???

 

[BajaRon]

The crux of the OP's original post seems to center on trailer suspension. Kendon trailers provide torsion suspension, which is a nice feature. But frankly not needed with a Spyder.

Consider this. Kendon started out providing trailers for 2 wheels. With 2 wheels you can't afford much bouncing at all. It can lay your bike down or put it off the trailer altogether. So, suspension is very important in this application.

But the Spyder's 3 wheel platform is not going to be affected at all by bumps that would threaten 2 wheels. It will, being properly secured, ride just fine as long as the trailer stays right side up.

Just my 2 cents. And the Kendon trailers are nice rigs. Just saying that what you're towing can make a big difference in the features needed.