Suggestions for towing my Valk....

[GeoffreyB]

First, let me say....  I KNOW...  I'd rather ride it to the fun destinations too, but with a wife and two growing boys, there's no way to fit them all on the bike!

My situation is that the wife doesn't like doing long distance driving (being a passenger is fine for her though). 

This year, we've got a week long spring break trip destination that's not far from Three Sisters (we'll be driving there in a Tundra or Suburban), and also a two week summer trip to Yellowstone (in the truck, towing a camper, other family members driving their suburban).   

For both of these trips, I'd love to have the bike with me to get some joy riding in, but the question becomes how to get her there.

I've seen bumper-carriers for lighter bikes that won't work for the Valk, I've also seen heavy duty ones with Goldwings attached, but they always seem to be welded to the back of a fifth-wheel or RV, so that leaves me thinking a tow-behind trailer would be the best option (plus, I'd like the ability to tow two bikes since I've got a fellow rider going with me at spring break, and he's in the same situation).

So my questions for my fellow Texans are these:
  Would you recommend I purchase or rent a trailer? 
              I'm leaning toward purchase of one that could also carry the kid's bicycles, and thinking that for the next 8 years or so I may find myself on family trips where I'd like to have the bike.  However, a weekly rental for a reasonable rates means no licensing, maintenance or purchase costs.
  Would you recommend a trailer or a "carrier" (is there a carrier that works for the Valk?)
               I like the idea of a "carrier", so there's no need for the driver to worry about backing a trailer at gas stops (thinking of the summer trip when she'd be attached to my father-in-law's vehicle).
  Would you recommend an open or enclosed trailer?
              My thought is open, for cost savings, and since I'd only be using it on occasional long trips.
  Recommendations on where to purchase (I'm in Dallas), and new or used?
              I've seen new harbor freight trailers for as little as $500, and used craigslist trailers (some specific to motorcycles, some flatbeds with "potential") with pricing from $500 to $2500.  I'm not terribly interested in getting another "project", would rather have something I could just start using and have to maintain.

Obviously I don't want to spend more than I have to, but I also try to never "under-buy", and end up wishing I'd purchased "the nicer option".

Any suggestions, observations, personal anecdotes appreciated.  I've got to make a decision before spring break!

[HayHauler]

Purchase a trailer at least 8' long and use wheel chocks to steady the motorcycles.  As far as hauling bicycles on the trailer with the motorcycles, to do that you would need a longer trailer (my opinion).
I have never trailered my bike, but have helped several people arrange them on trailers.
HF sells wheel chocks that you can bolt to the wooden floor of the trailer to help locate and secure the motorcycles.
http://www.harborfreight.com/self-locking-motorcycle-wheel-chock-60392.html

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Red Diamond]

Purchase a trailer at least 8' long and use wheel chocks to steady the motorcycles.  As far as hauling bicycles on the trailer with the motorcycles, to do that you would need a longer trailer (my opinion).
I have never trailered my bike, but have helped several people arrange them on trailers.
HF sells wheel chocks that you can bolt to the wooden floor of the trailer to help locate and secure the motorcycles.
http://www.harborfreight.com/self-locking-motorcycle-wheel-chock-60392.html

Hay  
Jimmyt

From the looks of your Avatar you have a Standard, if your friend has a standard it's going to be a tight fit. The wings of my I/S is approximately 3' 6", the standard is about 3" narrower, that being said, a trailer from Harbor Freight may not be wide enough, you'll have to check their specifications. My trailer is 6' 6" wide on the inside measurements and 10 feet long, tying the bike and all, it does not seem wide enough. For one bike its plenty, with room on the tail end to add bicycles if you want to, about 2 feet of room left. Check U-Haul for trailers that may be able to carry both bikes with room for your kids bikes. Hope this helps.

As for the bumber carrier thing, I think that is a no,no.

[Six Guns]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if you trailer your valk make sure the gas is turned to the off position and the front forks are compressed.   

[GeoffreyB]

Thanks for the input so far.

I do have a standard, and so far, the guys I'd trailer with all have skinny girly-man bikes , VTX, VRod, misc Harleys and Hondas, but  nothing close to as wide as a valk.

[Bighead]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if you trailer your valk make sure the gas is turned to the off position and the front forks are compressed.   

That should be true with ANY bike.

[Doc809]

Rick Fairless at Strokers, Dallas on Harry Hines rents trailers, open and enclosed, if you are interested in a rental.  No financial interest in this info, just a thought if it helps.

[Valkpilot]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if you trailer your valk make sure the gas is turned to the off position and the front forks are compressed.   

Right, just don't compress the forks all the way.  If you do that and hit a serious bump, you can blow the seals.  2/3 or so is usually sufficient.

[chauffeur]

I rented a trailer 4 years ago that I found on the DFW area Craigslist.  There's a good selection currently available.  Most are robust and actually designed for trailering/protecting motorcycles.   They run about $45-50/day,  $200-250/week.

Shortly thereafter, I ended up buying one.  It's a Diamond Back for a single bike http://www.radindustriesinc.com/motorcycle-trailers-executive.php .  It works for me.  I don't think they make em anymore, but y'all might be able to find a used one. 

My advice?  Rent one.  I've only used mine 3 or 4 times since I bought it.  Storage for a single use product is a hassle and it's but one more thing to maintain (tires actually dry rotted from non use).

Your situation might be different...         

   
   

[Tx Bohemian]

I'm in a similar predicament. Our deal is since the wifes accident she can't ride long distances without her leg swelling and hurting but we'd also like to take the bike to our destinations like Fredericksburg, Bandera, etc...

My thought, like chauffeurs, is why not rent a trailer for a trip or two and see how it works for you.

If it doesn't work your not out a lot of money.
If it does work you'll have a better idea what kinda trailer will suit your situation and what you want/need. (open, closed, length, etc...)

[Valkpilot]

This was just posted in the Classifieds: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,64007.msg621494.html#msg621494


Ships passing in the night...

[Valkpilot]

You know, one approach to this is to get together with some of your riding pals and buy a trailer together.

I've done this with several big items like wood chippers, power washers, and...uhm...motorcycle tire changers.

Draw up an agreement about what do do when one party or another wants out (buy him out, sell the thing and split the proceeds, etc.), where it will be stored and such, and you've got yourself a trailer.

[Houdini]

but if you trailer your valk make sure the gas is turned to the off position and the front forks are compressed

Never, ever compress the forks more than a couple of inches when trailering a bike.  I spent many years trailering dirt bikes with a large group of riders and the guys that deeply compressed their forks ended up ruining their springs over time.  I always used a 2 X 4 that was about 2" shorter than the wheel to fender bottom distance to allow me to snug down the front without compressing my springs much.

If I trailered my Valk I'd want the front tire in a chock and just compress the springs enough to keep the suspension from bouncing.

[Valkpilot]

And another thing...

U-Haul rents a 5 x 9 trailer with a ramp that's just dandy for motorcycles: http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=RT

$25/day

I used this to haul mine from Fort Wayne, IN to here when we moved.  I bolted the chock to a piece of plywood and put it in the nose of the trailer.  The weight of the bike and the straps on the front pulling forward keep it in place.  I think stem to stern a Valk standard is 102 inches.  The Valk fits with about 6 inches of clearance at the tip of the rear fender.

[Old Geezer Richard]

  Hey Geoff , I have trailered my Fat Lady before , make sure the trailer is long enuf because BECAUSE one time I borrowed a friends trailer that was 8 ft. long with the ride on mesh ramp and Low & Behold I had to park it diagonoly because the rear end stuck out and the ramp would not fold up  .....  Soooo with the bike sitting rooster-eyed in the trailer and not centered on the trailer , it handled very strange down the road , I'll never do that stunt again , minimum 9 ft. long or 10 ft.  do a walk around to note any dings , dongs and any  dents AND CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE AT THE LOT before you leave the lot  ....  If you buy your own great , BUT finding a place to park it is a pain in the buttski or you may wind up leaning it on end up against the side of the house  .... If you rent a trailer from U-haul be sure you get the insurance they offer that covers ANY KIND of damage to that trailer , whether your fault or somebody else fault because they WIL hold you accountable  my friend .... I plan on building my own and parking it on end against the wall in my garage , but renting may be the way to go maybe ?? depending how long you keep it  , you could of bought your own ..... Thanks the Geezer   

[Red Diamond]

Just a side note on trailer purchases, if you purchase a trailer from an individual, make sure that trailer has an identification number and registration for it. In the State it is getting a little difficult to register a trailer as a home made designation. Earlier, not a problem, now according to a policeman friend of mine everything must be in order.

[R J]

Just a side note on trailer purchases, if you purchase a trailer from an individual, make sure that trailer has an identification number and registration for it. In the State it is getting a little difficult to register a trailer as a home made designation. Earlier, not a problem, now according to a policeman friend of mine everything must be in order.

If you build your own trailer, contact the DMV and ask how you can get a DMV vin# for it.

Usually they set up a time when it is done and come out, look it over and rivet a vin# on the tongue.    California did it that way and my current state, Iowa, does the same.  Only thing really frowned on now is a pickup bed made into a trailer.  My state, unless you know someone in DOT, you will not get a vin # for one of these pickup bed jobs.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I have a harbor frieght trailer. the 4X8 with 12" wheels. I've towed my interstate on it several times to Mo. from southeast Texas. The trailer folds up and can be stored in a very small space in the garage. I use a Haulmaster chock also from Harbor Frieght. I do have to remove the chock before folding the trailer but not much of a problem to remove the four 1/2 bolts thru the 3/4" plywood floor as I back welded the nuts to some angle iron on the bottom side of the trailer. It's not the best trailer but for less than 5 hundred bucks it anit bad. I also use it for my 4wheeler or lawnmower what ever needs to be hauled. Rating is 1295 lbs if I remember right. You can chatch it on sale and chock, decking ,paint and assembly will be under $ 500.

[BnB Tom]

. . .  My situation is that the wife doesn't like doing long distance driving riding . . . 

   My situation was similar to that extent.

We wanted to ride when we got to Eureka Springs but the wife didn't want to ride to get there.

  Hence, trailering. 

I chose the U-Haul method knowing that this might be a one-two time event only.

  If you do rent, be sure and plan ahead.  It took several days for U-Haul to locate a trailer with a front wheel chock built in.  But, well worth my effort.  Loading, hauling and unloading couldn't have been easier!

  Pics aren't great but this is what I did:

 



And of course, since I was the one taking the pictures, you can't see how easy it was to load up the 'tail gate' ramp. 

But it was! 

[mrider]

I was lucky and found a easy load for sale used....great trailer, i have used a few times in the last couple years but i have it for if i break down on the road( has happened) abd my brothers use it with the understanding up keep is on all of us.......well worth it.   

[Christbiker]

Geoff,

I have a 5 X 10 with ramp I use for hauling Valks when needed.  Works great and tows well.  I don't live too far from you.  PM me and let me know what your specific needs are and we can probably work something out.

Blessings,

Woody

[Westsider]

If you decide to buy, I would seriously concider aluminum.

[GeoffreyB]

Thanks to everyone for the input, suggestions and a special thanks to Woody for your offer, I'll definitely touch base with you as this all shakes out.

It seems that the general consensus is to rent first, which I think will be my best bet (barring running across an amazing deal).

[R J]

This was just posted in the Classifieds: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,64007.msg621494.html#msg621494


Ships passing in the night...

No way in hell would I buy that trailer.    That son of a gun will throw rocks, mud and anything else ya happen to hit all over the bike.    1st thing I'd do if they gave it to me would be to weld thme fenders and wheel wells shut to stop the muck gettin on your ride.

[R J]

If you decide to buy, I would seriously concider aluminum.

A-lune-i-um will shake and break.

Don't ask how I know.

I lost a fender off of one on the Kansas Turn pike at night.    Got hauled over to the side at the toll booth time the poor guy got there that hit the damn fender.

Dad was expensive for me and my Insurance Company.

Currently have a Fiberglass trailer, and it has a Air Ride system under it for loading and travel.

[MarcusS]

I picked up my first STD using the 16 ft trailer I use for my tractor.   The bike had 10 year old tires and I could not get a driver that day to go that far. I was very surprised how it loaded up that 16 ft float and because I tied it up front it added a bunch of tong  weight. I now also have an interstate and was looking at trailers to make some trips. I measured the interstate and its 9 ft long so Bubbbles must be letting his hang off the end of this 8ft HF trailer.  I did get one of those HF wheel chocks and will use it on my 16 ft trailer if I decide to trailer.  Two reasons I would consider another trailer would be to loose some weight (16 ft float weights 1500# empty) or pick up a 5 x10 enclosed to keep it clean and dry.

[Hoser]

I have a golf cart trailer, low clearance, drive up ramp, light weight.  I think one could squeeze two on it. 2000 lb capacity, pulls great.  Have used it more for a utility trailer than bikes.  Hoser
http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt259/jrlord/family/100_0976-1.jpg

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

On my 8ft trailer the rear fender is almost flush with the end of the trailer the weight and rear tire are over a foot from the edge. It is not the greatest trailer but for me it works and the fact that it folds up and fits in the garage in a small space is a bonus. I have a bigger trailer but is  heavier empty than bike and other trailer loaded.

[MP]

I have a fiberglass clam shell type trailer, Excel.  Other makes too.  Tows very easily, as aero shaped. Protects bike from elements and road crap.

http://www.ironhorsetrailers.com/

MP

[mrider]

here is the trailer I use hauls 2 bikes very well lite weight and pulls good.....no whipping!! http://www.eautotools.com/M-2000T-EZ-Loader-Motorcycle-Trailer-p/m-2000t.htm

[Tailgate Tommy]

I have an Aluma Model 6310 single axle with the bi-fold gate. With the gate, spare tire and stone guard it was about $3000 2 years ago. It works great, is light, and pulls smoothly.
http://www.alumaklm.com/single-heavy-axle-utilities.html

[rocketray]

I have a "Big Tex" 14 foot trailer that will haul 2 bikes ....staggered    with a big lift gate     the Ride Texas magazine has an add for a heavy duty wheel chock made in oklahoma- no need to compress the forks     the others look wimpy compared to it   you have to measure your front tire width to get the right size     watch you tube for all the screwups loading a motorcycle     the main one is the bike high centering with too sharp an angle on the ramps going onto the trailer   at a motor home/ trailer place get stone guard that slides onto the hitch     with heavy duty chock you really just need a very heavy duty strap around the back tire to keep it- the bike- from flying forward with an accident

[Tx Bohemian]

I picked up my first STD using the 16 ft trailer I use for my tractor. 

WAIT!!  WHAT??!!??  That's quite weird and TMI as far as I'm concerned!!


Oh, maybe the "STD" stands for "Standard" considering the context!! 
Never mind!

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Just jerking your chain here, guess we can tell where my mind is today, huh?