Motorcycle Cargo Trailer Cost

Typical costs:

• Prices start at $300-$1,400 for an open flatbed trailer (no sides or lid) or an economy-class enclosed motorcycle cargo trailer. For example, for $300-$400 Harbor Freight sells a 145-pound Tag-Along Trailer[1] that is 78" long, 44.5" wide and 38" high with 8" tires and a 47.5"x38" covered cargo carrier 16" inches high. For something a bit more rugged, the 140-pound Trailmaster Inc. Backpacker[2] is 79" long, 47" wide and 39" high with 18 cubic feet of cargo space in a 51"x38" covered polyethylene cargo carrier; it comes in an assemble-it-yourself kit for $700-$750 (ships in two pallets, with frame already assembled). The open-wagon-style Troy-Hauler Cargo Trailer[3] at $1,000-$1,300 has a 58"x26" flat cargo platform; weighs 200 pounds; comes with a cooler rack, LED lights and 10" wheels.
• A mid-range motorcycle cargo trailer costs $1,500-$3,000, depending on the combination of materials (steel, aluminum, fiberglass) and cargo capacity (cubic feet). For example, the 160-pound Time-Out Trailers Dart is 7.5' long, 3.5' wide and 35" high with a 56"-long box; comes standard with 12" wheels and LED lights; and has a base price of $1,995. Adding chrome wheels, chrome trim and a luggage rack increases the price to $2,292; ordering all the options can raise the total to more than $3,000.
• Expect to pay $3,000-$6,000 or more for a larger, customized motorcycle cargo trailer, with price depending on size, capacity, weight (the lighter the better) and options such as chrome trim, mag wheels, upgraded lights or customized paint to match factory motorcycle colors. For example, the Motorvation Grand National 20[4] is just under 8' long and 3.5' wide with 20 cubic feet of cargo space in a 47"x31" body. With all the options (specialized paint colors, spoiler, chrome, fiberglass bumper, mag wheels, etc.) it sells for about $4,000.

• Motorcycle cargo trailers bought from the manufacturer are usually shipped in large crates on a semi-truck and must be unloaded with a fork lift (although tailgate delivery may be possible). The shipment should include a manual for the trailer, which contains important information about weight capacity and safe usage. Unless the trailer is a DIY kit, assembly should only involve putting a few pieces together. Assembling a DIY kit typically requires standard tools and some mechanical skill, and can take one day or several weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the kit.
• Check the motorcycle's maximum towing capacity (listed in the manual or visit the manufacturer's website) before towing a trailer with a motorcycle. Remember to factor in the weight of any cargo.

• Shipping can add $200-$500 or more, depending on weight, method and location.
• Hitches are designed for use with a specific make and model of motorcycle, and typically cost $200-$425. It takes about 45 minutes to install a hitch under a motorcycle's rear fender, according to WhyBike.com[5] . MotorcycleTrailer.com explains how to create a hitch[6] when an off-the-shelf model is not available.
• If the motorcycle is not wired to connect to the trailer lights, a wiring harness can add another $30-$150.

• It's possible to build a small motorcycle cargo trailer for just the cost of the parts, although it requires moderate mechanical skills. DoItYourself.com describes different ways to build a motorcycle cargo trailer[7] in just a few weeks; and motorcycle enthusiast Brian Budlong describes how to build a trailer by welding a frame and adding a car-top cargo carrier[8] for less than $400.

• Motorcycle cargo trailers are available through motorcycle dealers or direct from the manufacturer. A motorcycle cargo trailer should be as lightweight as possible while still being structurally strong. Trailer manufacturer Motorvation Engineering lists five items[9] to consider when buying a motorcycle trailer.
• These trailers are typically manufactured by small companies focusing on this niche market. Manufacturers include Gypsy Trailers, Honky Trailers, Magneta Trailers[10] , Motorvation Engineering[11] , Time-Out Trailers, Trailmaster[12] and ZZ Trailers[13] .

1.  www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-78-inch-tag-along-trailer-66771.html
2.  www.trailmasterinc.com/cargo/backpack.html
3.  www.motorcycletrailer.com/th/
4.  motorvation.com/mepg3.htm
5.  www.whybike.com/motorcycle199.htm
6.  www.motorcycletrailer.com/nav/Hitches1.html
7.  www.doityourself.com/stry/build-a-motorcycle-trailer
8.  www.intergate.com/~brianb/bike/MotorcycleCargoTrailer.htm
9.  motorvation.com/tlrshop1.htm
10.  www.magnetatrailers.com/motorcycletowbehindtrailers.html
11.  motorvation.com/mepg3.htm
12.  www.trailmasterinc.com/cargo/cargotrl.html
13.  www.zztrailer.com

Check Out All Costs for Cars		How Much Do Brakes Cost?		How Much Does Replacing or Repairing a Windshield Cost?		How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Make sure your gutters are clean before they start to fill up again this fall. Are you planning a Labor Day picnic? Need a new charcoal grill? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The late August sun can leave a mark. Check out sunburn treatment options.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more] -nervouschomper Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more] -Gregory Richardson Interpreter Cost Dat Paid: 495.00 This is how much I am paying... [more] -Calista Christian Dental Admission Test Cost Shingrix Paid: 48.00 ... [more] -Not that BB Shingles Vaccine Cost Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more] -D’s mom Allergy Testing Cost Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat Paid: 0.00 13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more] -Terrimarie Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost