Tips For Securing Your Motorcycle Trailer

At some point or another, you’ll likely need to make a trip that involves transporting your motorcycle instead of riding it. And when you do, you’re going to want it to arrive in the same pristine condition is was in when you left. Making sure your motorcycle is safely and securely hitched will help you avoid any costly accidents or damage. Here are five tips you should follow when securing your motorcycle trailer.

1. Have a Second Person to Help.

If possible, it’s better to have another person there with you to help with everything from loading the motorcycle to inspecting the trailer. An extra set of hands can help with lifting and balancing the weight and an extra set of eyes will help to double-check that you didn’t miss anything.

2. Factor in More Than Just Motorcycle Weight.

Remember that certain trailers can only pull a maximum amount of weight safely. Consult your manual and, when calculating your motorcycle’s total weight, don’t forget to factor in the weight of all the gear as well as any riders or passengers.

3. Utilize Safety Chains.

It can be extremely dangerous and potentially harmful if your trailer breaks free while traveling. In case of an accident, make sure that you use cables or chains to attach your motorcycle to the trailer. Once you have everything chained up, perform a “drop test” and see what would happen if your hitch failed. If your trailer tongue hits the ground, then your chains are too long.

4. Inspect the Trailer Every Time.

Even if you just used it a few days ago, make sure to do a thorough inspect of the trailer before you use it. No matter how expensive or reliable your trailer is, tires and bearings will still fail occasionally. For your safety and for the safety of those around you, make sure that your trailer is always in top condition and that your motorcycle is secured properly.

5. Invest in a High-Quality Trailer.

If you’re going to buy a trailer, don’t cheap out just because you’ve been offered a low price. Low quality trailers require more maintenance and upkeep (which will cost you more money in the long-run) and they also run the risk of being less safe.