How to Trailer a Motorcycle

Picking a Trailer

1. How to Trailer a Motorcycle Picture 1
   Pick a trailer that suits your needs. Depending upon how often you plan to move your bike, what kinds of conditions you expect to encounter, how handy you are with tools, and your budget, there are a variety of different trailers that will be appropriate for your purposes.^[1] A variety of trailers are made to fit certain models or brands of bikes. Check with your bike retailer for specific trailer suggestions for the model.

   1. Renting a trailer is usually the most common option since most companies that provide the equipment usually keep it very well-maintained, and in compliance with federal and state law in terms of registration, plates, and lighting.
   2. Size-wise, a 5' X 9' open trailer with a fold-down ramp is ideal for one or two cruisers. It's also good to have tie-down rings in the front corners, on the floor.
   3. Some trailers made specifically for motorcycle trailers have very small tires, which bounce uncontrollably as you drive. If the bike is worth towing, use a heftier trailer.
2. How to Trailer a Motorcycle Picture 2
   Get a corresponding ramp for the trailer. Measure the wheelbase and the ground clearance of the bike, to make sure you get a ramp that's big enough for your purposes. Most trailers should come with a pull-down ramp, but if you're going to rent one, or try to trailer a bike in your truck, you'll want to be sure it'll work.^[2]

   1. Wheelbase is measured from the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel of your bike.
   2. Ground Clearance is measured from the lowest point of the motorcycle, halfway between the front and rear wheels.
   3. You also want to measure the height of the trailer or the truck bed, in which you're trying to load the bike.
3. How to Trailer a Motorcycle Picture 3
   Learn the trailer permit laws in your area. Laws vary from state to state, so it's always a good idea to investigate any special permits, laws, rules of the road, or licenses that you might need in order to stay in compliance with local law enforcement.

   1. Most rental companies will offer a temporary insurance policy, which may cover only their equipment and which may require you to pay a deductible.
   2. Check with your insurance company to see whether the rental insurance will be sufficient, just to be on the safe side.
4. How to Trailer a Motorcycle Picture 4
   Make sure you have an appropriate vehicle with a hitch. To pull a trailer with weight up to a ton, you'll need something with rear-wheel drive rated to tow two thousand pounds. Crown Victorias or Chevy Caprices work great.

   1. Hitches are rated based on the tongue-weight of different trailers, and you'll need an appropriate hitch for the trailer you use. For motorcycles, Class 1 or 2 hitches are usually fine.^[3]
   2. Smaller cars can work for smaller trailers, but anything more than a ton needs a heftier vehicle. Trucks and SUVs, from Ford Rangers to Chevy Colorados are usually better than any car.
   3. If you're going to tow a much bigger trailer, in excess of two tons, you'll need at least a half-ton truck like an F-150 or a Silverado. a half-ton truck like a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado.^[4]