Motorcycle Trailer Question - Valk Related

[RainMaker]

Despite my saying that I'd never put my Valk on a trailer unless it was broke, I'm looking at purchasing a towing trailer to take the Valk along when going on trips with the "Keeper of the Kitchen Passes".  She prefers me IN the Great White Whale (Honda minivan) driving versus riding alongside on those longer out of town excursions. 

So, what to buy?  I'm looking at the Kendon folding trailer and the Stinger folding trailer.  The Stinger gets really small when folded but appears to do well even with gOldwings.  The Kendon seems to do well with anything but takes up a bit more space and may be tougher to "one-man" load.

Would appreciate anyone with experience or knowledge of either trailer to let me know their thoughts.  Or recommendations on a different brand/model.

Thanks

RainMaker

[Momz]

Having several M/C trailers in the past,...I'd strongly recommend the Kendon.
Check ebay or craigslist for a used model and save a bundle.

[oxfordhog]

Got a Stinger from Craigslist. Works well, easy to store and move around, nice and compact. I like it.

[PAVALKER]

If you might have a need for a trailer for other things (top soil, mulch, lumber etc) then why not look at utility trailers that can pull double duty.  I have a 5x10 utility trailer and can put the bike in it if need be.... and it's better with a wheel chock as well.  I towed my VTX to Ga one year so brother and I could ride our bike from his place to Bike Week.  Weather up here was not conducive to riding and the trailer worked well.  It still works well now with hauling other stuff....

[Hoser]

Nothing works better than a low slung golf cart trailer, takes up a bit of room to store it though.  Hoser

[T.P.]

The last time I talked to LaserPat, we were talking about finding him a Stinger to pull behind TXdebs suv.  I guess ya know the rest of the story.

http://stingertrailer.com/wordpress/?page_id=132

[R J]

Here is my choice, but it is a bit pricey.

I have one and love it.    I store it outside with a cover over it in the winter.

Friend of mine pulled it empty to Eastern PA where his Harley gave up the ghost coming home from tha annual ride in on DC.

He remarked after he got it home there was a couple of times he almost forgot the trailer was on the truck.      

It is all Air Suspension, pull up to bike or your destination and turn a valve, the deck lowers to the ground, you untie the attached straps, that don't flap inthe wind, ride you bike on or pull it off.   Turn valve back to closed and the deck will raise.    It is sensitive to the load as to how much air it puts in the system.

Here is a link to the website:

http://www.airridecorp.com/

Here is my trailer.

[RainMaker]

R J, I really like that AirRide trailer.   Thanks for the link.  Since it folds up, looks like it would store like a Kendon.

TP and Oxfordhog,  thanks for the Stinger notes.  It is the most compact.

Momz, I agree the Kendon is one of the best.

I'll see what I can find now.   

Was considering a Kendon dual that was $1000 in OK City, but it was sight-unseen on ebay and that's just a bit too dicey for me.  There is a Stinger locally going for under $1000 but seeing what he'll really take.  Wil check on AirRides and see what comes up.  I want a good trailer but funds aren't unlimited per "Keeper of the Kitchen Passes".

[R J]

Mine might be on the market soon.

I want a 2 bike trailer or the AST2  maybe the AST2X, depends on $$$ difference.

I bought the trailer new in May 2007 for $3500.    The next year I had a body and fender buddy of mine shoot it with 2007 Infiniti White Metallic I think it was called.   From some angles it has a little bit of a lavender tint in it.   Looking straight on it shows the Metallic.

It has 7,500 miles on it.    I have the trips all detailed out in an Excel spreadsheet if interested.

I don't know at this time what I'd take for it.    Will have to see what the AST2 is going to cost me.

[oxfordhog]

Got my preowned Stinger for $700 five years ago and it was in very good condition.

[Lyn-Del]

I had a Kendon..  I wouldn't recommend it (unless it was redesigned since I bought mine when I bought my first Valk) - the wheel chock was designed for a narrower tire than the Valk's, and it took several people to yank the bike back out of it after a 300 mile ride in the trailer ....

[RainMaker]

I had a Kendon..  I wouldn't recommend it (unless it was redesigned since I bought mine when I bought my first Valk) - the wheel chock was designed for a narrower tire than the Valk's, and it took several people to yank the bike back out of it after a 300 mile ride in the trailer ....

That's an important safety note.  Thanks!

[RainMaker]

Got my preowned Stinger for $700 five years ago and it was in very good condition.

That sounds good.  Maybe I'll try that price.

[Rams]

I normally build my own.  Lots of old boat trailers and other type trailers that I can build into exactly what I want.   Normally, someone ends up wanting more than I do and  I go build another.  Though, nothing I've ever built would fold up for storage.  Not saying that's not a good idea, but a trailer that folds and stores that easily, would seem to have several limitations.  Mostly, weight and size of load.  Of course, every trailer has limits but is this trailer for ONLY transporting the Valkyrie? 

If that is to be it's only role then, one of those very light duty Harbor Freight trailers would work well.

[Jess Tolbirt]

i bought a 4 by 8 trailer from tractor supply,,,

[RainMaker]

I normally build my own.  Lots of old boat trailers and other type trailers that I can build into exactly what I want.   Normally, someone ends up wanting more than I do and  I go build another.  Though, nothing I've ever built would fold up for storage.  Not saying that's not a good idea, but a trailer that folds and stores that easily, would seem to have several limitations.  Mostly, weight and size of load.  Of course, every trailer has limits but is this trailer for ONLY transporting the Valkyrie? 

If that is to be it's only role then, one of those very light duty Harbor Freight trailers would work well.

I think it would.  The Stinger is getting more attention since it could be put in back of the Whale when not in use while on the road. 

I can't find anyone who says the Stinger breaks down, either.  So it's moving up to the top of the list.

[MNBill]

Isn't the Valk longer than 8 feet. I thought I had to add onto my 5x8 so the ramp would close.

[oxfordhog]

Make sure the Stinger fits in the whale! It is 4 feet across I believe - not at home right now so can't get exact measurement .

[RainMaker]

Isn't the Valk longer than 8 feet. I thought I had to add onto my 5x8 so the ramp would close.

Per the spec sheet, the stinger gives 104 inches.  That would allow my interstate to fit.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I have a 4X8 harbor freight with the 12" in tires and a haul master chock. I did up grade the hitch to a 2in so it's the same as the other trailers.  Pulled it 1500 miles last year with no problems. It folds and stores in a small area in the garage. Got it on sale for about 200 bucks. with flooring and tiedown rings ended up with about 350 in it.

[RainMaker]

Thanks to all for their words of advice.    I just made a deal on a garage kept used Stinger with the spare tire and a few other options for $700.  Will report later on how well it does (or doesn't) work. 

RainMaker