Dog Trainer
Richmond Mi.
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Joined: 08/17/2006
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I am looking for a small 5X8 trailer to load a 500 lb. motorcycle on. I will use it as a toad much of the time. I had thought about a cycle carrier but it will exceed the weight of my hitch by nearly 100 lbs.
A small trailer will carry the weight just fine. I will stay away from the inexpensive box store type trailers. I am looking at 1 that is made by Sure Trac it has the drop tail for loading and seems well built. As always I seek the opinions of those of you with experience so tell me what to watch for and if you pull a small trailer are there any problems.
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow Golden's Daktari Cavalier King Charles (fur Bearing Children)
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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Joined: 10/06/2002
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Almost any utility trailer will do look at axle and tires and quality of the welds…
You might want a enclosed trailer with a drop gate to keep the bike out of the weather…
I would get rear jacks so it could be loaded without being hooked up to the TV…
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet
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chinook507
Fountain
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Joined: 11/16/2009
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I agree with JJ on the enclosed style. It will cost a little more but well worth it IMO. Check Craigslist for a good used one. But which ever you choose get a trailer with a decent size tire so your bearings arent spinning 10 times faster. Good Luck in your search!
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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Another vote for a Cargo Trailer. I've used both to move bikes, and having it nice and clean is a real plus, especially if you hit mud or slush.
Several points if buying new. I bought one that is big enough to carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood inside. But be careful, I found many 4x8 trailers were measured to the rounded nose, so the plywood would not fit. Check that BEFORE you put down money. Also try your bike. They let me do it before signing.
Second point, negotiate non-Chinese tires.
I paid a bit extra to get extra height. Wasn't much extra. Made ramp longer also, so easier to drive up. Also easier to ride in, more headroom.
I negotiated side door. On Mirage it is stock on right side. I asked if it could be on left side. They did it free. Saves getting in on wrong side of bike.
Outside lights (loading lights) are not much good, but an inside light sure makes it easier to put on tiedowns after dark.
Negotiate spare location. Mines inside, high on the wall, so out of the way and no worry about theft.
IMHO GET BRAKES.
Be sure you have a jack, and a lug wrench that fits.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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dan-nickie
Grand Prairie, TX
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Joined: 02/11/2011
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Pulled mine on a open trailer once.
It rained a little and the MC was nasty.
I won't be doing that again.
Dan and Nickie, Four Winds 31p, Retired Jan/2011
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fredandkathy
Johnstown, PA
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Joined: 01/10/2009
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I pull a 5X10 made by Aluma. It is all aluminum and it tows like a dream.
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4x4van
California
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Joined: 02/19/2010
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Chuck&Gail wrote:I negotiated side door. On Mirage it is stock on right side. I asked if it could be on left side. They did it free. Saves getting in on wrong side of bike.
???? Strange, I've been riding bikes for over 40 years, and never realized that there WAS a "wrong" side????
We don't stop playing because we grow old...We grow old because we stop playing!
1988 Fleetwood Jamboree S26 27'
Carson enclosed ATV Trailer
'85 ATC250R (2), '85 BW200, '07 TRX400EX
Zieman Watercraft Trailer
'96 GTi, '96 Waveblaster II, '95 FX1
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Latner
Indiana
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Joined: 08/06/2006
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4x4van wrote:Chuck&Gail wrote:I negotiated side door. On Mirage it is stock on right side. I asked if it could be on left side. They did it free. Saves getting in on wrong side of bike.
???? Strange, I've been riding bikes for over 40 years, and never realized that there WAS a "wrong" side????
I think what he meant to say was "easier side". For me it's the side that is leaning closer to the ground. 
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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I pull a 6 x 12 open utility trailer - the thing I like about mine is it has big tires - 15". Probably too big for that trailer - but I figure they make a lot fewer revolutions going down the road.
Mine carries kayaks - so road grunge makes no difference.
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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Maybe it comes from riding horses, who normally do not like to be mounted from the right side, but it was always easier for me to get on the bike from the left side, where the kickstand is. Thus it was easier for me to have the door on the left side of the cargo trailer.
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