Trailer Quesion????

[M109Dreamer]

The wife and I have a RT-S and a M109. I know there are a few here that have 9's as well. My question is can a RT-S and a 9 fit in a 7X14 V-nose enclosed trailer. I am looking at purchasing one in the next year to make Spyderfest next year along with other long distance trips. Was curious if I'm looking at the correct size trailers or need to go bigger? If you have any recommendations, please post up what brands you recommend. I am completely in the blind on trailer shopping and don't know the difference from one trailer to the other or the benefits of one over the other.
Thanks,
Shane

 

[spyderrock]

hey M109 the simple way to see if the two bikes fit in a 7x14 trailer is to take masking tape and tape out that exact shape on the drive way. Park your bikes inside the area to see if they fit and voila. Also make sure the rear door opening will fit the Spyder's wide width. Here in Alberta Canada there are thousands of Aluma trailers, they are all Aluminum with a steel torsion axle. I like a torsion axle over a leaf spring axle because they tow nicer and really are way smoother going down the hiway. You probably have more choices for trailers down there then we do so shop around.

 

[MarkLawson]

hey M109 the simple way to see if the two bikes fit in a 7x14 trailer is to take masking tape and tape out that exact shape on the drive way. Park your bikes inside the area to see if they fit and voila. Also make sure the rear door opening will fit the Spyder's wide width. Here in Alberta Canada there are thousands of Aluma trailers, they are all Aluminum with a steel torsion axle. I like a torsion axle over a leaf spring axle because they tow nicer and really are way smoother going down the hiway. You probably have more choices for trailers down there then we do so shop around.

I agree. If the trailer is open, you will need to remove the windshield(s) of bike(s) loaded backwards to prevent them from being torn off in the wind. If enclosed, this is not an issue.

My experience with a V-nose trailer is that I found the space in the V to be good for storing something other than the bike. When you stick the front wheel in there, you'll find it difficult to properly tie it down. There may be better systems that make it work now, but not when I had one.

I would actually start by parking the Spyder & M109 on the driveway in the way you would propose to load them. Then measure to see what size trailer it would take to make it work. Don't forget the need to move around them and to have tie down points for your straps.

Also, a 'beaver tail' ramp is best to minimize the transition from the ramp to the trailer floor. This will keep you from bottoming out when you reach the top of the ramp.

Good luck.

 

[M109Dreamer]

I was going to use one of the wheel chalks for the front wheel and load the 9 as far forward as possible. That way it would lock the 9 in cradle of it. Then would back the Spyder in the trailer behind the 9. Do ya'll think this would be possible? I guess I need to go out in the driveway and do some meausring?

Whats a beavertail ramp?

 

[NancysToy]

I certainly think it is possible, but it will likely be tight. I can't quite get my RTS and a BMW into my 7x12 V-nose (not including the 3' nose), but it's close, and I might be able to if I could put the Spyder farther to one side so the bike front wheel could fit beside the saddlebag. A 7x14 would provide a little more wiggle room. Weight distribution could be the trickiest part of the task. Best bet is to put the Spyder forward, with the nose in the V-nose, and skew the back end to allow room for the bike wheel chock. Tie-downs for the bike will be difficult...too vertical next to the Spyder. Something like a Condor chock would help. I agree with the tape outline. Be sure to get the actual inside dimensions of the trailer you are considering, to lay out the tape. Those 7x14 measurements vary from brand to brand...and are nominal. They may or may not include the nose in that length, and are typically not inside measurements for almost all trailers. You almost certainly will need a 7x14 rectangle, preferably with a 3' nose instead of 2'.

 

[M109Dreamer]

I certainly think it is possible, but it will likely be tight. I can't quite get my RTS and a BMW into my 7x12 V-nose (not including the 3' nose), but it's close, and I might be able to if I could put the Spyder farther to one side so the bike front wheel could fit beside the saddlebag. A 7x14 would provide a little more wiggle room. Weight distribution could be the trickiest part of the task. Best bet is to put the Spyder forward, with the nose in the V-nose, and skew the back end to allow room for the bike wheel chock. Tie-downs for the bike will be difficult...too vertical next to the Spyder. Something like a Condor chock would help. I agree with the tape outline. Be sure to get the actual inside dimensions of the trailer you are considering, to lay out the tape. Those 7x14 measurements vary from brand to brand...and are nominal. They may or may not include the nose in that length, and are typically not inside measurements for almost all trailers. You almost certainly will need a 7x14 rectangle, preferably with a 3' nose instead of 2'.

Thanks Scotty, I will start to revise my search.

 

[MarkLawson]

...Whats a beavertail ramp?

The last 2 or 3 feet of the floor of the trailer has a slight angle that is intended to transition between the ramp and the horizontal majority of the trailer floor. It is an area that can be used for carrying the load, so it doesn't decrease the usable space of the trailer. This feature is common for trailers designed for carrying motorcycles.

 

[bobbobtar]

I have an Aluma 7x14 snowmobile trailer enclosed, the difference is the snowmobile trailer has an additional ramp door in the V and the V is 5 feet. Making the useable space 7x19. No problems on the width loading or unloading.