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Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? #152913 03/02/22 02:03 AM
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LarryJ Offline OP
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I'm considering getting a small cargo trailer to store my bike at home and transport/storage for future weekend trips where I might be staying at a hotel and using bike for off-road adventures. I'll generally have a few hours drive on the interstate before I get to any descent trails to ride and I've never riden a bike on the hwy or interstate, so until I feel comfortable doing so, I fugure I'll tote it to the hotel base camp. A trailer will also allow me to store it under cover at home instead of taking up space in the garage.


Larry
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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152914 03/02/22 12:30 PM
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peejman Offline
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Not a bad idea, provided you have a way to secure the trailer. You could turn it into a small toy hauler camper.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152915 03/02/22 03:29 PM
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This is a good idea which many here have done. Some have used rear racks in a tow socket. Just make sure you deal with theft prevention. Especially in hotel parking areas. We always transported our bikes to trail heads. Some places we stayed were 100 miles from our riding destination. Good luck developing the idea which I think is a sound one.


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: peejman] #152916 03/02/22 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by peejman
Not a bad idea, provided you have a way to secure the trailer. You could turn it into a small toy hauler camper.


Turning into a camper is a good idea. It would be secured in my backyard when at home, and attached to a vehicle when on a road trip.


Larry
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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: Muniac] #152917 03/02/22 11:33 PM
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LarryJ Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Muniac
This is a good idea which many here have done. Some have used rear racks in a tow socket. Just make sure you deal with theft prevention. Especially in hotel parking areas. We always transported our bikes to trail heads. Some places we stayed were 100 miles from our riding destination. Good luck developing the idea which I think is a sound one.


My search for "trailer" in thread titles didn't reveal any previous threads in the past year. I was hoping to see some pics of others trailers.

No sure what you mean by theft prevention. If home base is a hotel, the car/trailer would be locked in the parking lot while I ride the trail during the day. At night, the bike would be locked in the trailer. If camping, well, everything would be at the campsite and could be locked while I'm on the trail.


Larry
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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152919 03/03/22 02:59 PM
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Originally Posted by LarryJ
Originally Posted by Muniac
This is a good idea which many here have done. Some have used rear racks in a tow socket. Just make sure you deal with theft prevention. Especially in hotel parking areas. We always transported our bikes to trail heads. Some places we stayed were 100 miles from our riding destination. Good luck developing the idea which I think is a sound one.


My search for "trailer" in thread titles didn't reveal any previous threads in the past year. I was hoping to see some pics of others trailers.

No sure what you mean by theft prevention. If home base is a hotel, the car/trailer would be locked in the parking lot while I ride the trail during the day. At night, the bike would be locked in the trailer. If camping, well, everything would be at the campsite and could be locked while I'm on the trail.


Vehicles and/or trailers being stolen out of hotel parking lots is not unusual, unfortunately.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152921 03/03/22 03:56 PM
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When we stayed in an RV park in St. George, UT where they had mobile homes in there with full time residents. One place had a trailer with 2 ATVs on it. Someone tiptoed in there at night with a vehicle, coupled up to the trailer and stole the whole setup right under everyone's nose. About $20k was the estimated loss. Someone here on our mesa had 4 vehicles stolen off their property. Another place lost a dirt bike to theft. Crime is on the uptick everywhere now. So it's these memories that motivated my theft comments.

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]
How we transported our two bikes.

We had the bikes in the van for years. The van had an alarm system in it. Luckily we never had any issues with theft or break ins. Things have changed.

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]
XT used to shuttle a MTB ride. Chained to the post for whatever comfort that offers.

We'd also chain a bike up to shuttle mountain bike rides. I wouldn't even dream of doing this now. A cordless cutoff saw is through chains and cables in a couple of seconds. I had about $250 worth of parts on the tail rack. Never gave it a second thought about theft. But that was then. Ride safely and enjoy.


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152924 03/03/22 06:33 PM
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Enclosed trailers are nice.


2018 XT250 New 06/12/18. Now at 12,100 miles.
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152925 03/03/22 06:36 PM
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i agree that a trailer in a motel parking lot is not secure. neighbor's trailer (tile contractor) was stolen, he now uses a boot type wheel lock;

https://www.google.com/search?q=boot+wheel+lock&rlz=1c1gceu_enus972us972&sxsrf=apq-wbsbtzm5u-nzejq2cypd0bw_rrhnpa:1646332197419&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=x&ved=2ahukewjzrlyuyar2ahvrkzqihziec68q_auoanoecaeqba&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1&surl=1

i'd add some type of alarm system, perhaps one that pings your phone to avoid pissing off the neighbors with false alarms... some type of tracking device hidden in the bike if you regularly have to park in a risky area wouldn't hurt either.

Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152926 03/03/22 08:12 PM
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Back in the mid 60s, we'd go away for the weekend. Doors unlocked. Car in driveway with keys in it. Never worried about theft. Then a house was broken into which changed our security concerns. There are a few ways to make money:

- Work for it.
- Marry it.
- Inherit it.
- Win it.
- Steal it.

Stay safe, healthy and secure.


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: Muniac] #152932 03/05/22 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by ptxyz
i agree that a trailer in a motel parking lot is not secure.

Originally Posted by Muniac
Back in the mid 60s, we'd go away for the weekend. Doors unlocked. Car in driveway with keys in it. Never worried about theft. Then a house was broken into which changed our security concerns.


I appreciate y'alls concerns. I think maybe you're envisioning a box trailer sitting in a parking lot or camp site all by itself. That was never the idea. The trailer would always be connected to the tow vehicle, and the tongue aways locked to the hitch. Sure someone could steal the trailer off of the vehicle while I'm on the trail, but I believe that is a rarity that I'll take my chances with. As dumb luck would have it, I walked out into my garage friday morning to realize that I'd left the roll-up door open all night. Something I hadn't done in a couple of years. The car was blocking much of the door, but anyone could have taken the bike, the hobie kayak, numerous tools, etc, but, as in the past, nothing was missing. I'll be looking for a garage door closer/timer today.

Enough talk about theft concerns. Let's see some trailers.


Larry
2007 - XT225
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152947 03/07/22 05:05 PM
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I have never trailered a bike. I live near Phoenix, AZ, where it gets HOT in the summer. Way too hot to ride. 120 degrees is not uncommon. Just 150 miles away, up in the mountains, it will be 85 degrees. I would love to have just an open single rail motorcycle trailer, so I could trailer the bike up there in my air conditioned car, unload it, ride around all day, then load it up and haul it back home. I could also pack a tent and camping stuff in the car, trailer the bike up there, set up camp in one of the national forests, and spend a few days riding on the forest roads. But unfortunately I don't have any place to keep a trailer.


The above is my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
1994/2001 custom built XT225 with a ton of aftermarket parts.



Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: JerryH] #152950 03/07/22 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by JerryH
I have never trailered a bike. I live near Phoenix, AZ, where it gets HOT in the summer. Way too hot to ride. 120 degrees is not uncommon. Just 150 miles away, up in the mountains, it will be 85 degrees. I would love to have just an open single rail motorcycle trailer, so I could trailer the bike up there in my air conditioned car, unload it, ride around all day, then load it up and haul it back home. I could also pack a tent and camping stuff in the car, trailer the bike up there, set up camp in one of the national forests, and spend a few days riding on the forest roads. But unfortunately I don't have any place to keep a trailer.


You don't need a trailer to haul a bike. Try one of these. I bought one to take my bike to the Track and Trail place 1.5 hours away, but haven't used it yet.
https://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-aluminum-motorcycle-carrier-62837.html


Larry
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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152951 03/08/22 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by LarryJ

You don't need a trailer to haul a bike. Try one of these. I bought one to take my bike to the Track and Trail place 1.5 hours away, but haven't used it yet.
https://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-aluminum-motorcycle-carrier-62837.html


I have both and the trailer is MUCH easier to load/unload alone. Those little single rail trailers with a wheel chock are a snap to use. The hitch hauler is very convenient since it's not a 700lb trailer and doesn't cost me 3 mpg, but getting the bike on/off the hitch is much easier with another pair of hands.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152958 03/09/22 02:49 AM
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I tried one of those on a pickup with a camper on it a long time ago, but only once. First, even though it was a proper fit for the receiver on the truck, it was really loose. The ends would rock up and down 6-8 inches. And on even a slightly bumpy road. the whole back end of the truck would almost jump up and down on the road, due to so much weight being so far behind the rear wheels. It had the see saw effect. It was beating the crap out of that carrier and my hitch. The combined weight of the carrier and bike would be around 400 pounds, but could put several times that much stress on the hitch from hitting a bump. With it constantly going up and down like that, it wouldn't take long to break the hitch.

I plan to talk to my former sister in law, their family owns a cabin up in the mountains where I want to go. I'm hoping they will let me park a small trailer (just big enough for the XT) at their cabin. It would be inconvenient, I would have to drive up there (about 120 miles) hook up the trailer, bring it back empty, put the bike on it, then go back. Then I would have to haul the bike back home, unload it, then take the empty trailer back up there and leave it, and drive back. I wouldn't go through all that unless I was planning on staying up there at least a week. But with gas prices being literally a dollar a gallon higher than they were late last year (where I live anyway) it would be expensive. But it would also be fun. The idea of spending a week camping in the forest, with a dual sport bike to ride all day every day, well, it doesn't get much better than that. I would only do it maybe 2-3 times during our 6 month summer.

There is also the possibility of widening my driveway, or tearing down the concrete block wall in front of my house and putting one in with a gate big enough to get a trailer through. But it would be several thousand $$$ either way. And it my possibly lower the property value. There is also the possibility of renting a place in a storage lot. Last time I checked, it was around $100 a month to rent a space big enough for a small trailer in a fenced dirt storage lot. Yet another possibility is finding one of those little single rail trailers that can be taken apart and carried through my front gate in pieces. I can put whatever I want behind the wall. They used to make what was called a "trailer in a bag" which you could do just that with. They were very expensive, and as far as I can tell they don't make them any more. Used ones turn up once in a while for around $3000.

There simply is no cheap or easy way to haul or trailer a bike for me. I've thought of every possibility. 15 years ago I had an old truck that I hauled dirt bikes in. It was a '75 Ford F250 with a 390 in it and a heavy utility bed on it, and got about 8 mpg. And had no A/C. Back then I was able to load bikes into it by myself with a ramp, but I couldn't do that anymore. I sold that truck a long time ago, and replaced it with something else. But I would have to have a low trailer anyway to be able to load and unload a bike by myself anymore.


The above is my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
1994/2001 custom built XT225 with a ton of aftermarket parts.



Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #152960 03/09/22 07:04 AM
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Here in the UK a couple of my friends have trailers which collapse down to a size that fit into a car boot. One of them is security conscious so dismantles it and puts it inside his Volvo estate before we ride, takes about 15 minutes to unbolt it all..
They cost from £379 for a 150kg capacity one, nothing like this in the US?

http://www.davecooper.co.uk/trailers/trailers-for-bikes

Cheers Ben


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: JerryH] #152962 03/09/22 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JerryH
I tried one of those on a pickup with a camper on it a long time ago, but only once. First, even though it was a proper fit for the receiver on the truck, it was really loose. The ends would rock up and down 6-8 inches. And on even a slightly bumpy road. the whole back end of the truck would almost jump up and down on the road, due to so much weight being so far behind the rear wheels. It had the see saw effect. It was beating the crap out of that carrier and my hitch. The combined weight of the carrier and bike would be around 400 pounds, but could put several times that much stress on the hitch from hitting a bump. With it constantly going up and down like that, it wouldn't take long to break the hitch.

I plan to talk to my former sister in law, their family owns a cabin up in the mountains where I want to go. I'm hoping they will let me park a small trailer (just big enough for the XT) at their cabin. It would be inconvenient, I would have to drive up there (about 120 miles) hook up the trailer, bring it back empty, put the bike on it, then go back. Then I would have to haul the bike back home, unload it, then take the empty trailer back up there and leave it, and drive back. I wouldn't go through all that unless I was planning on staying up there at least a week. But with gas prices being literally a dollar a gallon higher than they were late last year (where I live anyway) it would be expensive. But it would also be fun. The idea of spending a week camping in the forest, with a dual sport bike to ride all day every day, well, it doesn't get much better than that. I would only do it maybe 2-3 times during our 6 month summer.

There is also the possibility of widening my driveway, or tearing down the concrete block wall in front of my house and putting one in with a gate big enough to get a trailer through. But it would be several thousand $$$ either way. And it my possibly lower the property value. There is also the possibility of renting a place in a storage lot. Last time I checked, it was around $100 a month to rent a space big enough for a small trailer in a fenced dirt storage lot. Yet another possibility is finding one of those little single rail trailers that can be taken apart and carried through my front gate in pieces. I can put whatever I want behind the wall. They used to make what was called a "trailer in a bag" which you could do just that with. They were very expensive, and as far as I can tell they don't make them any more. Used ones turn up once in a while for around $3000.

There simply is no cheap or easy way to haul or trailer a bike for me. I've thought of every possibility. 15 years ago I had an old truck that I hauled dirt bikes in. It was a '75 Ford F250 with a 390 in it and a heavy utility bed on it, and got about 8 mpg. And had no A/C. Back then I was able to load bikes into it by myself with a ramp, but I couldn't do that anymore. I sold that truck a long time ago, and replaced it with something else. But I would have to have a low trailer anyway to be able to load and unload a bike by myself anymore.



Sounds like the hitch carrier you had was missing the lock. All that I've seen have either a locking pin or a wedge of some sort to prevent the carrier from wobbling just as you describe. With that in place, mine doesn't wobble at all.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #153125 03/31/22 05:14 PM
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all good suggestions, I do have a very nice, single axle, Haulmark. Normally I use it for bike storage over the winter. Cut a plug in socket through the side wall, so I can run an extension cord for battery tenders, but it could also serve as a camper with a few additional modifications, and I could hook up a small generator or the electric hookup at a campsite.. I have made a couple trips to the Knoxville Tennessee area, actually Tellico Plains, and one trip to Florida with it. They will cut your mileage significantly. Common sense practices might include backing it into a parking space that has a fence behind it or the motel, then leaving your tow vehicle attached. Chains and locks might be discouraging, but are easily defeated with handheld grinders. I also have a smaller landscape type trailer, with a drop ramp, that is uncovered that works nicely if you aren't concerned about rain. If you are on any kind of trip, I'd highly recommend insurance coverage.
As far as theft a trailer is a convenient wa to move a stolen motorcycle(s).

Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #154102 01/28/23 07:19 AM
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I'm thinking of trying one of these rather than dealing with a trailer...
https://www.alljackedupinc.com/products


New to the XT250. New to off-road riding. On the trail since 27 Jan 2023.
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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: KMart] #154103 01/28/23 04:01 PM
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[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
Here's the all aluminum receiver hitch bike carrier I used to haul my bikes around. Got it with a bike I bought in New Mexico a few years back, the bike shown in the photo. The seller included it for an extra $100 with the deal. Saved me having to pull my trailer to New Mexico and back, so it was well worth it. Used it a number of times after that, then got my money back out of it when I sold my last XT225 this past summer.

Found this light weight Harbor Freight aluminum receiver hitch bike carrier a near ideal solution for when I wanted to tote my XT around with me without having to pull my trailer along too. The original owner said he gave around $160 for it new..


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #154104 01/28/23 04:53 PM
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Others here have used bike racks like that shown. It's a good solution. The only comments I recall is the added weight lifting the front of the vehicle slightly. This can cause low beams to shine into oncoming traffic. Something to consider when hauling a bike in a tail rack. Travel and ride safely.


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: Muniac] #154106 01/28/23 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Muniac
..Others here have used bike racks like that shown. It's a good solution. The only comments I recall is the added weight lifting the front of the vehicle slightly....

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
The fellow who drove from Deming, New Mexico to purchase my last XT225 along with the receiver hitch carrier came with a smaller Honda SUV. It had such a problem. Adding 250 lbs give or take to the back of his little Honda was about all the weight that vehicle was capable of carrying. However he made the trip back to Deming before it got dark, so the headlight issue wasn't the problem it would have been traveling at night.

Using the carrier on my '03 Tacoma SR-5 with beefed up suspension front and rear, or on the Dodge DC 2500 diesel I had at that time didn't cause the sort of problem with headlights that using it on a light weight vehicle like that Honda would.


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: KMart] #154111 01/30/23 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by KMart
I'm thinking of trying one of these rather than dealing with a trailer...
https://www.alljackedupinc.com/products



Neat idea. Kinda pricey, but it looks like it makes getting the bike up and down much easier.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: peejman] #154113 01/30/23 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by peejman
Originally Posted by KMart
I'm thinking of trying one of these rather than dealing with a trailer...
https://www.alljackedupinc.com/products

Neat idea. Kinda pricey, but it looks like it makes getting the bike up and down much easier.

I agree. First of all it's definitely over the top 'pricey', some $500 more than the Harbor Freight carrier I had. That may or may not be an issue for some.

More importantly, even though the jack system would appear to make lifting the bike into place somewhat easier, it only supports the bike at its center point, not on each wheel. When you're traveling in rough country it seems, at least to me, that a center mount would be a marginal support system at best, given all the bouncing and bumping the bike would experience. Throwing a bike back and forth on that center mount point might prove problematic at best.

The aluminum bike carrier I had came with a sturdy ramp that clips on the end of the carrier and allows you to roll the bike into place where it's fully supported on both wheels. Once the bike is in place and solidly strapped down the ramp lifts off and stows in the bed or trunk of the vehicle. Never found it a problem to load the bike myself, but if a helping hand is needed an extra someone pushing from the rear is more than enough to load the bike no matter what.


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #154114 01/30/23 04:01 PM
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I too would have concerns about supporting a bike from under the engine while transporting it. I'd need to see the support in the flesh to make the final call. Also not sure how the bike's suspension handles being in an extended position while traveling. The front wheel would need restraint too. Aluminum is fine providing its structural members are designed properly. We had an aluminum ramp we used to load/unload bikes into/from the van.

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]
Folding aluminum ramp we used for 15 years after it was fixed.

As for our ramp, it failed at the fold joint from a crack in the aluminum. I needed to beef it up with a welded on bracket to fix this. If your bike lets loose off the back of your vehicle I don't need to finish that story. Harbor Freight is hit or miss with quality so carefully inspect the product. Some stuff is great and other products are junk. My friend had a trailer hitch rear bike rack with a stow away ramp. It worked well but it was a good shove to get the bike up the ramp and into position. More than expected. This could be eased somewhat by parking on an downhill angle that favored the roll on. I also recall him needing to slow way down over rough terrain given how the bike would bounce around. As for a purchase, I'd look at quality, design, functionality for your situation, convenience and safety. The low cost product might turn out to be very expensive.

Amazon has Many Rear Carriers to look at with reviews. Make sure your hitch category is adequate.


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Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: Muniac] #154117 01/30/23 06:18 PM
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[Linked Image from m.media-amazon.com]
Amazon's listing of the Black Widow AMC-400-F-Folding Aluminum Hitch Carrier for Dirt Bikes is, from what I can tell, virtually identical to the aluminum hitch carrier I used, with the single exception being the 'folding' part of the Black Widow hitch, something the HF carrier didn't come with. Other than that they look to be exactly the same. Stowing the HF carrier simply required that it be slipped out of the hitch receiver and placed in the back of my truck, no 'folding' required...


..FAILURE is not the opposite of SUCCESS, it's part of what makes SUCCESS..
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #154122 01/31/23 02:41 PM
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I have the Cycle Gear version of the hitch carrier. It's steel and pretty heavy by itself. My only complaint is the length of the ramp that comes with it. It's short enough that it's not easy to push the bike up onto the carrier (even the very light XT). I start the bike and let it drive itself up there. I've had in mind to make a longer ramp or an extension, but I haven't used it in a while.

The bike does move around a little so I'd be concerned with the handle bars breaking the hatch glass on my SUV if the terrain got ugly. But I've only ever driven it to a parking lot or camp ground where I unload and go ride.


This shall pass, be still and know.
2006 XT225, UNI filter, ProTaper bars, MSR handguards, SS front brake line, Shinko 241's.
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: KMart] #154164 02/11/23 03:18 AM
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KMart Offline
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After a bit more research on the capabilities of my car, I decided that using a trailer is my only option.


New to the XT250. New to off-road riding. On the trail since 27 Jan 2023.
2015 XT250
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: KMart] #154165 02/11/23 02:30 PM
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Good to hear, KM. Whatever the vehicle you'll be transporting your bike with is, that you're aware of its capabilities and don't load it down beyond what it's designed for is essential. Lots of small, lightweight bike trailers available these days, so let us know which one you've settled on once you've made your choice.


..FAILURE is not the opposite of SUCCESS, it's part of what makes SUCCESS..
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #154168 02/11/23 05:06 PM
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You may want to consider This Design for a bike trailer. I'd guess this one has a heavier load rating than you'll need but the single rail design is appropriate. Harbor Freight has trailers but you'll need to build up a bike mount off their bed. I'd say this is an area you wouldn't want anything cheap. Anything can happen on the roads now loaded with idiots. Hard stops for deer or some other issue need consideration. Also avoiding crap landed or landing in the road is a maneuver a trailer and bike need to safely survive. Ass end lights need to be good, bright and reliable. Good luck.


Evolve & Simplify
Be There or Be Nowhere! A Few Adventures & Video
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: Muniac] #154196 02/17/23 04:34 PM
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KMart Offline
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Muniac, that is the very trailer that is the prime contender in my research. It stores in a compact configuration, has the capacity that I need, and is an acceptable price point. Considering new but still looking for used. Working to install my receiver today.
For those that have the resources, I thought that this trailer was kind of sexy…
https://www.folding-trailer-us.com/product/folding-trailer-for-heavy-duty-bikes-hd-steppers/

SUPER FANCY but also very expensive and thus makes it less practical for me.


New to the XT250. New to off-road riding. On the trail since 27 Jan 2023.
2015 XT250
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #154198 02/17/23 05:29 PM
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Muniac Offline
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Yes that link shows an expensive trailer but it serves a different bike market. Used is always good if you can find what you want and in good shape. As for investing in a trailer, consider how often it will be used, safety and peace of mind. I can recall outfitting our van for transporting two bikes turned out to be a bit more complex and expensive than expected. But I didn't go cheap or slipshod either. That rig was used for 15 years and worked well. Time, effort and money came back many times. On a few occasions, I was able to get a third bike in there. The van also became a storage area for the bikes when we moved here.

AZ has some good riding. We'd run from Mesa to the Sierra Ancha Wilderness area out 60 to 288 to 188 which was ~100 miles one way. Known as the desert to tall pines highway. Passed through Superior, Globe & Miami and the copper mine there. We did Crown King from Lake Pleasant. Box Canyon, coke ovens and many runs I can't remember. All of these were done transporting the bikes as close to the trailheads as possible. If you plan on exploring what AZ has to offer with riding, that trailer will get used. Ride safely and travel safely.


Evolve & Simplify
Be There or Be Nowhere! A Few Adventures & Video
Re: Does Anyone Trailer Their Bike at Home? [Re: LarryJ] #154215 02/22/23 02:13 PM
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While that trailer is crazy expensive, I would still buy it if I were still able to ride the XT. I have over $5000 invested in my XT225, only $1200 of that was the original purchase price. That trailer folds up enough to fit through my front gate, solving the problem of where to keep it. All during our 6 month long HOT summer, I could load up the XT, haul it up north where it's over 40 degrees cooler, ride it all day, then haul it back home at night. I have a 2 car garage, and 2 cars fit in the driveway. I have 2 cars and 2 bikes in the garage and 2 cars in the driveway. No place for a trailer, other than to take it through the front gate and inside the yard, behind a 6 foot high block wall.


The above is my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
1994/2001 custom built XT225 with a ton of aftermarket parts.



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