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Thinking about buying or building a dirt bike trailer? This information might steer you in the right direction and help you avoid buying a lemon or something unsuitable.
There are many different designs available depending on your needs and budget. So if you can’t afford a truck and trailer unit, or you don’t have a 4×4 to carry your motocross bikes around, you’re definitely going to need a good reliable trailer.
Here are some points to consider before departing with your cash
- Be certain you are getting the right size of trailer to fit the number of dirt bikes you want to carry. I have a full article on picking the right trailer size for dirt bikes here.
- What will you be towing it with? Make sure your vehicle is powerful enough and the tow ball is the correct size for the trailer connection.
- How many bikes will you be loading onto it? Trailers come in varying widths and lengths. Make sure it’s long enough to hold your dirt bike.
- Do you need a dirt bike trailer with a storage box to lock and store your gear?
- Does it have tie-down hooks properly positioned for bikes? If not, this might jeopardize the safety of your bikes, and other people on the road. I highly recommend a strapless dirt bike tie-down system.
- Does it come with a spare tire? Copping a flattie in the middle of nowhere without a spare will quickly ruin a good day of riding.
- Try to choose a trailer that has a jockey wheel. This comes in handy more than you may think.
- If you’re buying second hand, check the tire treads. Al, o check the frame for cracks or weld faults and make sure it is certified to be road worthy.
A well-designed motorcycle trailer will make life easier for you. Typically these…
- are built very low to the ground
- have a tilt system for loading skids
- are very light weight – usually made of aluminum
- have a storage box
- have a jockey wheel
- have rail guides for the tires and wheel supports at the front of the trailer
- come with a spare wheel
- will have tie-down hooks in the right places.
Safety tips and techniques when towing dirt bikes on trailers
- Make sure the bikes are tied down correctly! Pull the handlebars down and toward the front of the front tire and on an angle away from the tire. Usually, bikes will face forward on the trailer. And don’t be afraid to pull the forks down quite hard, it’s better than the bikes falling overboard because they weren’t tied down tight enough. Just don’t leave them in this position for long periods of time.
- Invest in a fork support brace. These are placed between the front wheel and the underside of the front mudguard and allow you to tighten your bike down firmly without damaging the fork seals.
- If traveling over rough terrain like gravel roads, keep an eye on the rear vision mirror for the tie-downs rattling loose or the bikes shifting around. Don’t be a lazy a@$%, pull over and make the necessary adjustments if needed.
- Replace old or worn tie-downs. These don’t cost much but they will save you thousands or possibly even a jail sentence if they prevent your bike from tumbling off in the middle of a highway.
- Make sure you have good dirt bike insurance, and yes, you can find it for a reasonble cost.
- Invest in a decent padlock to secure the trailer to your tow bar. And never leave your bike sitting on the trailer out of site in public. Don’t find out why the hard way like my riding partner Moosey. Expensive pint in the pub wasn’t it mate?!