Trailering Cross Country

[GuitarGodVegas]

I could use a little advice. I have a 2020 Tri Glide and was going to trailer it for a cross country trip. My initial plan was to rent a 6' x 12' UHaul utility trailer with a ramp. I have two concerns; first it is an open trailer so naturally exposed to the elements and secondly given the dimensions of the ramp, loading the Trike will be very tight. My tow vehicle is a 2018 Jeep Rubicon and max weight is 5000 pounds. Would it be better to get an enclosed cargo van and maybe purchase a ramp for loading and if so, any recommendations for a ramp? Probably stupid questions but I am new to the three wheeler world just riding BMW Touring bikes before so transporting was never a problem. Would appreciate any input.

 

[pwhoever]

The trailer from Uhaul for motorcycles are very narrow in the rear when you load. The inside dimensions may be correct but the width at rear isn't very wide. They are geared more for motorcycles than trikes. An enclosed cargo trailer is probably the best choice. You could probably use a 10x6 one. Some trailer dealers will rent trailers just like u haul does. An aluminum frame one would probably work nicely for you. One other thing to mention is the deck on them is usually lower and they have longer ramps than what you would find on a uhaul trailer. Very easy to load.

 

[Longbeard71]

A 6' wide is pretty tight. I have a 7x16 it is a good fit. You don't need 16' for just a trike 12 is good if all you are hauling.

 

[DandyDoug]

If you decide on an open trailer, here's a tip to save you some windscreen and paint damage.

Buy a couple rolls of wide painters tape (either the blue or green). Tape up the screen and fairing and any other parts that might be subject to damage.
Have a great trip and send us pictures or it didn't happen

 

[GuitarGodVegas]

If you decide on an open trailer , here's a tip to save you some windscreen and paint damage.
Buy a couple rolls of wide painters tape ( either the blue or green). Tape up the screen and fairing and any other parts that might be subject to damage.
Have a great trip and send us pictures or it didn't happen

Great input. Thank you gentlemen!

 

[ctdair]

Don’t forget to put security system in transport mode or you’ll have a dead battery when you arrive.

 

[Ray55]

I have a 7 X 14 dual axle enclosed trailer. the trailer and trike is just over 3000 pounds. I hauled my trike cross country last august/September in the trailer. the only thing bad was the gas milage on my tow vehicle sucked. 6.2 ltr Chevy 4x4 towing got about 9 miles per gallon. You could use a 6 X 12 trailer, but it is pretty tight on the loading ramp and on the sides of the trailer.

 

[14TG]

I’m going to chime in what works for me.
Years ago, I purchased a 5.5’ x 10 “Carry On” brand trailer from TSC (Tractor Supply Company).
I’ve had numerous bikes on it, and even modified it a little by adding (welding barrel hinges and welding on another gate) so approach angles are very minimal, and even put a spring inside the tube so one hand open & closes it without effort.

This spring was the first time putting my trike on it. I had a scheduled appointment to get it professionally ceramic coated & the weather was still being a PIA, so I decided to just trailer it and this gave me the time to see and make any adjustments for any future trailering of my Tri Glide.

Even with the 9 degree rake kit (which increased length by approx 3”) … my Tri Glide’s TOTAL overall length is: 108-1/2” (just a hair over 9’ long).
And my overall width (fender to fender) is: 53” (just a hair under 4-1/2’)

With a condor wheel chock on the front, and my double gate in the rear, it still fits without any issue. (Since the pics shown below, I added some E-Track rails to make it more convenient to tie down - especially the rear) … but I would not hesitate recommending this same size trailer for this. (It fits fine & affordable at a price tag of $2,000 if one has intentions to use it more often and/or other uses).

The length from the wheel chock, to my “double gate” is 113-1/2”, and the width is 64”

I Still have 5” from my gate(s) to my rear bumper.
And I still have 5-1/2” of clearance on each side of my fenders.

If tied down properly, the trike will never move nor make any contact whatsoever.

The trailer max load is: 2,076
The trike weighs: 1,250 (fueled up & gear/ready to ride.

That is still 826lbs below max load.

Of coarse going with larger size and/or enclosed is totally up to you…. I’m just saying an open trailer works just fine for me if it is set up correctly.

Hope the info and pics help.

 

[pwhoever]

Fits like a glove!

 

[Longbeard71]

If you decide on an open trailer , here's a tip to save you some windscreen and paint damage.
Buy a couple rolls of wide painters tape ( either the blue or green). Tape up the screen and fairing and any other parts that might be subject to damage.
Have a great trip and send us pictures or it didn't happen

If you are in the sun any that will be a mess to get that tape and the sticky off.

 

[GuitarGodVegas]

The trailer you purchased from TSC looks like a very good plan. Almost looks like it was tailor made for the Tri Glide

 

[14TG]

The trailer you purchased from TSC looks like a very good plan. Almost looks like it was tailor made for the Tri Glide

It’s a pretty decent trailer. I put a small tool box on the front, and the “double gate” is awesome so it’s a gradual approach and no “bottoming” out.
I had our zero turn’s mower catch when I first purchased it, so that’s what gave me the idea to buy another rear gate, weld on some good grease-able barrel hinges and then welded on a couple brackets to keep the gates from any movement.
But, it was heavy…. So the one I have has the round tubes on top. I experimented with some garage door springs to allow to fit inside the tube, and is effortless to flip both gates up with one hand.

It fits the Tri Glide with comfort room to spare.

 

[14TG]

Here are a few pics of the upgrades I’ve done over the years to make it “Perfect for Me” and my needs:


Changed to Rear LED lights and although hard to see… but in the corner of the last picture, I welded square tubing on each side and purchased 2 more hand cranks that I crank up the back of both sides to get the tires off the ground in winter time (tires are treated and then covered)… but the crank jacks are in the front tool box and also can be used to jack up for a tire repair, if needed.

 

[DandyDoug]

If you are in the sun any that will be a mess to get that tape and the sticky off.

That painters tape leaves very little residue unless it's left on for a long time.

 

[cycle7447]

Nice trailer - and you have done some great things. Unfortunately, for my Harley with the CSC conversion, I don't think this will fit.

 

[14TG]

Nice trailer - and you have done some great things. Unfortunately, for my Harley with the CSC conversion, I don't think this will fit.

Thank you.
Very good point….Some conversions may definitely differ in size and may require a larger one.

 

[Pegasus1300]

If trailering your trike is to become your prefered method of long distance travel, I would suggest buying your own trailer, and buy an enclosed one. 14tg has already given you the dimentions so you know you can use a 6' wide trailer and uou can use a 10 footer. You can find them used at a resonable price,but even buying new is not outrageous. I got my 7x14 double axel enclosed for $4000. Yes it is overkill for the Spyder(5.6'x 9.6') but I also sometimes carry a small trailer to pull behind the Spyder. Owning it means you can modify it however you wish. Again used is always an option.

 

[GuitarGodVegas]

Here are a few pics of the upgrades I’ve done over the years to make it “Perfect for Me” and my needs:
View attachment 133959View attachment 133960View attachment 133961View attachment 133962View attachment 133963

Changed to Rear LED lights and although hard to see… but in the corner of the last picture, I welded square tubing on each side and purchased 2 more hand cranks that I crank up the back of both sides to get the tires off the ground in winter time (tires are treated and then covered)… but the crank jacks are in the front tool box and also can be used to jack up for a tire repair, if needed.

I could only wish I had your skills for making those modifications. Well done.

 

[14TG]

I could only wish I had your skills for making those modifications. Well done.

Thank you.
As long as one can weld (or have a good friend who does) it’s just a little metal work.
That’s why I thought I’d share to give ideas to help.
Again, thank you.

 

[Pragmatic]

Not the cheapest, but arguable amongst the best for quality and weight are Ironhorse fiberglass/aluminum enclosed trike trailers of McMinnville, TN. See Ironhorse Trailers - Motorcycle trailers, enclosed trailers

The factory Harley Trikes have a narrower rear end, thus easier to find a suitable trailer.

Brochure link here https://ironhorsetrailers.com/wp-co...s-Widebody-FlipTop-Motorcycle-Trailer-V23.pdf

The IRS Hannigan Mod trikes are W I D E and need a W I D E trike trailer. We got an Ironhorse Wide-body FlipTop trailer (1,170 empty trailer weight, add your trike or a pair of two-wheelers for total weight) for easy ONE PERSON ride-in load, back-out unload, with locking wide, low ramp and internal tiedowns, and front wheel chock. Aluminum frame and Dexter low profile torsion axles. Also got the trickle charger dongle option. So the trailer is a secure at home/on travel storage option...

One tip, we'd suggest if getting an enclosed trailer box or otherwise, to resist the temptation to deck out the trailer in mgf colors (e.g. Harley Orange & Black) and decals... for trip/storage security considerations.

Most folks/thieves can guess what's inside an distinctive Ironhorse Trailer (motorcycles/trikes), but for a smaller box cargo trailers the contents (your precious motorcycles/trikes) are less evident unless --- you advertise your pride/ride.