Small trailers?

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mimico_polak

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Hey guys,
Since I'm a self centered asshat and we did go to the cottage (kept away from everyone!) and we will continue going, I'm considering picking up a trailer.

Have looked at the Stingers, and 'Trailer in a Bag' type of options but I'm not willing to drop 2k for a unit. Am actually considering one of those folding 4x8 or 5x9 trailers that are on kijiji as Harbour Freight is off limits at the current time (unless someone has a way to bring it here) I'm looking at options so that I can go up with the wife and kids in the car, ride around (either street or Simcoe County Forest) during the day. I'd prefer to drive up with them, instead of behind them as the two little ones can be a handful on the road if they get cranky.

Any recommendations / options you would consider? I think the folding trailers are a best bet because frankly you can use it for more than just the bike. Might not be often, but I'm sure they come in handy with other duties.
 
mimico_polak said:
Hey guys,
Since I'm a self centered asshat and we did go to the cottage (kept away from everyone!) and we will continue going, I'm considering picking up a trailer.

Have looked at the Stingers, and 'Trailer in a Bag' type of options but I'm not willing to drop 2k for a unit. Am actually considering one of those folding 4x8 or 5x9 trailers that are on kijiji as Harbour Freight is off limits at the current time (unless someone has a way to bring it here) I'm looking at options so that I can go up with the wife and kids in the car, ride around (either street or Simcoe County Forest) during the day. I'd prefer to drive up with them, instead of behind them as the two little ones can be a handful on the road if they get cranky.

Any recommendations / options you would consider? I think the folding trailers are a best bet because frankly you can use it for more than just the bike. Might not be often, but I'm sure they come in handy with other duties.
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Get a Kendon those HF folding trailers are junk or one of these https://highlandtrailers.com/sport-lite-trailers I just bought one from a member here and seems very well made but not folding.
 
I've got what appears to be one of these, although it's from 20+ years ago so the specs and build quality may be different than today's models: 1090 lb. Capacity 40-1/2 in x 48 in Utility Trailer

I fitted it with a 3/4" plywood deck that extends right up to the coupler in a V-nose shape, and the deck extends about 16" beyond the end of the frame at the rear. The tongue weight happens to work out really well with a bike loaded, which is good because there's no room to move the bike forwards or backwards to adjust the weight distribution. Overall length from coupler to tail is 8', so it's a really small trailer, and it's short enough that I can just lean it up against the wall in the garage for storage. No folding necessary. It also weighs less than 200lbs if you're towing with a small car. They aren't common in Canada though, so it's probably a moot point for you with the border currently closed. But it's an option if you do run across one on Kijijji for cheap.

A 4x8 trailer would be more useful for most people, since you can drop full sheets of plywood or drywall onto them. The deck on the one I've got is 40" wide so I need to build a platform in order to haul 4x8 stuff, otherwise the sheets are sitting on the fenders.
 
I’ve got a Stinger Twin Cruiser (their bigger double-bike trailer) and a custom home built single trailer.
I picked up the Stinger in the Fall and have only used it once, but so far so good. It folds up nicely and stores in a corner of my shop so it’s out of the way. It was pricey but so far it’s been worth it. We’ll see how it holds up.

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mimico_polak said:
as Harbour Freight is off limits at the current time (unless someone has a way to bring it here)
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Shippsy could probably get one across for you, assuming Harbor Freight ships them?

I was quite pleased using them for my trailer hitch.
 
The process of actually importing a trailer isn't that difficult. I've done it several times now. You haul it to a Canadian Tire to get an RIV inspection, they electronically confirm it has wheels and lights (it took literally 3-5 minutes pretty much every time I've done it), send you some papers in the mail, and you go get your ownership.

But yes, just "trailer parts" and registering it as a homebuild after the fact saves a few steps, for sure.
 
PrivatePilot said:
The process of actually importing a trailer isn't that difficult. I've done it several times now. You haul it to a Canadian Tire to get an RIV inspection, they electronically confirm it has wheels and lights (it took literally 3-5 minutes pretty much every time I've done it), send you some papers in the mail, and you go get your ownership.

But yes, just "trailer parts" and registering it as a homebuild after the fact saves a few steps, for sure.
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On a cheap trailer, the extra steps drive up the cost substantially. On an expensive trailer, they are a rounding error.
 
Lightcycle said:
Depending on how often you're going to use it, you might consider renting one on the weekends you head up to the cottage.

U-Haul motorcycle trailers are $15/day
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Yes that was my first consideration. But for a long weekend that’s $60+insurance(optional)+tax and adds up fairly quick.

Might try that to see how it works out just as an exercise one weekend.
 
mimico_polak said:
Yes that was my first consideration. But for a long weekend that’s $60+insurance(optional)+tax and adds up fairly quick.

Might try that to see how it works out just as an exercise one weekend.
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Your use case is pretty good for the dodgy chock in the receiver and tow the bike on its wheel. It's not that far, it's not that fast, you can avoid backing up etc.
 
GreyGhost said:
Your use case is pretty good for the dodgy chock in the receiver and tow the bike on its wheel. It's not that far, it's not that fast, you can avoid backing up etc.
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That’s the one you need to remove the chain though right? Last thing one needs is to have the thing bounce into gear.

less than 300km return.

I’d like to use the short one that’s used for dirt bikes hanging off the receiver....but that’ll snap on the first big bump as the bike is just shy of 500lbs wet.
 
mimico_polak said:
That’s the one you need to remove the chain though right? Last thing one needs is to have the thing bounce into gear.

less than 300km return.

I’d like to use the short one that’s used for dirt bikes hanging off the receiver....but that’ll snap on the first big bump as the bike is just shy of 500lbs wet.
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I doubt it would pop into gear but you could just put a spring clamp or strap around the clutch. I would not be putting my chain on and off every 150 km.
 
mimico_polak said:
I’d like to use the short one that’s used for dirt bikes hanging off the receiver....but that’ll snap on the first big bump as the bike is just shy of 500lbs wet.
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Agree. There are a couple of GTAM members who have posted up pics of their rides strapped down to one of those hitch carriers.

IMO it might be fine for a 250 lb dirt bike, but a 500 lb street bike?

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