Motorcycle Trailer Hauling Tips

Who doesn't love a good motorcycle road trip? The warm wind, the smell of fresh air, and the satisfaction of getting away from it all. One tricky thing about motorcycle road trips, however, is the weather - especially when you live in Florida. Running into a patch of rough weather will make you wish you had a motorcycle trailer handy. Also, when you want to go a little farther and get a real change of scenery, you could hitch up the motorcycle trailer and just head out.

Either way, hauling a bike can be a little more complicated than hauling other vehicles. You have to worry about stabilizing the bike, getting the right angle, and taking on hills. Here are a few tips for taking the stress out of traveling so you can get back to the important part: you and your bike on an open road.

1. Loading the Motorcycle

Loading is the foundation of a successful trip. If you can get your motorcycle loaded correctly onto the cargo trailer, half the battle is over. Start by positioning the trailer where it lies at a gentle angle on the road or driveway. The flatter you can get the angle of your ramp, the easier it will be to load your bike onto the motorcycle trailer.

You can use a ramp extension to lower the angle if needed. Next, as cool as it may seem, don’t drive your bike up the ramp - push it. If you have an extra set of hands, have one person steer and push and the other guide the bike up the ramp. This will make it much easier to get the bike into place and eliminate any potential accidents.

2. Securing the Motorcycle

You’ll need at least four straps in order to safely secure your motorcycle to the trailer. Cam buckle or ratchet straps will work best. Use one pair for the front and one pair for the back of the bike. Try to keep these within reach, so you don’t have to let go of the bike when you’re loading.

Next, make sure the front tire of the motorcycle is firmly in place, and be sure your chocks are secured and centered. When you are tying down the bike, attach the straps to the interior corners of the motorcycle trailer and another structural part of the bike. Try to avoid mufflers, mirrors, or anything that could break off. Angle the ties so they pull toward the front of the trailer at a 45-degree angle, if possible.

Now, you’re ready to drive!

3. Driving the Trailer

First of all, keep in mind that when you haul a trailer, you always need more time to stop and give yourself more room to turn. Try to stay under the speed limit. If the road is winding, uphill, or downhill, be even more cautious of your speed. Use a lower gear when going down steep or long grades to keep control. Try not to ride your breaks either. The last thing you want is to overheat them. If you get going too fast, it can cause the trailer to sway and you could end up losing control of your trailer and vehicle.

Lastly, every time you stop, try to make a habit of checking on the motorcycle trailer and your cargo inside. Make sure your lights are still working correctly, everything is still tied and secure, and keep an eye on your tires.

Using a motorcycle trailer or an enclosed cargo trailer to haul your bike is an easy way to take care of your prized possession. Using a trailer on long trips can extend the life of your motorcycle and ensure that, once you get there, you’re ready to ride. Keep these tips in mind when taking any length trip. If anything goes wrong with your loading, ties, or hauling, it can cause severe damage to your motorcycle and your trailer.

Now that you’re ready to go, are you looking for a good road trip or trail to hit soon? Check out the rest of our blog for tons of great trip locations, tips, and more.