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 |  | Motorcycle Camper: $1,800-$5,500 |  | Cargo Trailers: $300-$6,000+ |  | Motorcycle-Hauling Trailers: $800-$15,000+ |
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There are two types of motorcycle trailers -- those designed to be towed by a motorcycle and those designed to haul a motorcycle behind a car, truck or van. Small trailers are typically single axle (two wheels) while larger trailers can be single or dual axle (two axles and four wheels, also called tandem axle). Single-axle trailers are typically less expensive, easier to maneuver by hand and have a smaller turning radius, so they're better in a tight situation, but can be hard to control if a trailer tire goes flat or the bearings freeze while underway. Dual-axle trailers typically can pull heavier weights, tow more smoothly (they're less prone to sway), have better traction on uneven roads and are easier to deal with if a tire goes flat.
Typical costs: | - The simplest and lightest motorcycle-hauling trailer (a ramp/rail on two wheels that holds the motorcycle lashed upright) starts at $800-$900 but typically costs $1,000-$2,500 or more depending on capacity (one to three motorcycles). A basic open flatbed utility trailer with rails, ramps, chocks and tie-down straps for hauling motorcycles can cost $600-$4,000 or more, depending on size, weight capacity, materials (wood, steel, aluminum) and whether it's single or dual axle. A walk-in enclosed cargo trailer with rails, ramps, chocks and tie-downs for hauling motorcycles can sell for $1,000-$4,000 for a small single-axle model to $3,000-$15,000 or more for tandem-axles. For details on all these options, see How Much Does a Motorcycle-Hauling Trailer Cost.
- Cargo trailers designed to be towed behind a motorcycle start at $300-$1,400 for a kit or a budget model; average $1,500-$3,000 for a midrange trailer; and can cost $3,000-$6,000 or more for customized versions with more cargo space, mag wheels, chrome trim, luggage rack, etc. For details, see How Much Does a Motorcycle Cargo Trailer Cost.
- A motorcycle camper is a compact box that unfolds to create a tent-like off-the-ground sleeping area. Expect to pay $1,800-$3,000 for simple one-person models; $2,000-$3,500 for a mid-sized camper that sleeps two; and $3,000-$5,500 for larger, more luxurious models. For more details, see How Much Does a Motorcycle Camper Cost.
Related articles: Motorcycle Cargo Trailer, Motorcycle Camper, Towing Equipment
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What should be included: | - When hauling a motorcycle in a trailer, it's important that the cycle is properly secured. Motorcycle Cruiser magazine provides motorcycle trailering tips[1] .
- In most states, trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 1,500 or more must have brakes on all wheels. These can be surge brakes, which are activated after the tow vehicle's brakes have slowed the trailer, or electric brakes that are connected to the tow vehicle's brakes.
- Each state has its own rules for maximum towing speed and trailer size. The American Boating Association provides a chart of state towing laws[2] .
- When towing a trailer, the tow vehicle is handling more weight than usual, so it requires a longer distance to stop. Edmunds.com explains how to tow a trailer[3] .
Additional costs: | - If not included in the cost of the trailer, a spare can cost $20-$200 or more, depending on size and type, and a bolt-on spare tire carrier can cost $15-$150 or more.
- A hitch on the back of a motorcycle typically cost $200-$425. Installing a standard frame-mounted ball hitch on a tow vehicle averages $200-$500 or more, depending on the type of tow vehicle and the hitch's towing capacity; for details, see How Much Does a Trailer Hitch Cost.
- Pulling a trailer behind a tow vehicle will increase fuel costs. Exact costs will depend on the specific combination of tow vehicle and trailer, but it's an important consideration in accounting for total expenses for owning and using a trailer.
Shopping for a motorcycle trailer: | - The utility trailer, tow vehicle and the hitch on the tow vehicle must be carefully matched so they work together well, and the total weight shouldn't exceed the towing capacity of either the tow vehicle or its hitch. HitchInfo.com explains how to calculate the total towing capacity[4] .
- Manufacturers include Kendon[5] , MotorSport Trailers[6] , Port-A-Chopper[7] , RAD Industries (Pro-Tote)[8] , Razor[9] , Stinger[10] and Trailer in a Bag[11] .
- Trailers towed behind motorcycles are typically sold through motorcycle dealers or direct from the manufacturers. Motorcycle-hauling trailers are typically sold through motorcycle and trailer dealers. Some new trailer prices may be negotiable.
- TrailerShopper.com provides tips for choosing the right trailer[12] .
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External Resources: | - www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/0706_crup_motorcycle_trailering_tips/
- www.americanboating.org/towing.asp
- www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-tow-a-trailer.html?articleid=44921
- www.hitchinfo.com/index.cfm?event=viewpage&contentpieceid=5146
- www.kendonusa.com/index.html
- www.motorsporttrailers.com/
- www.portachopper.com/Default.htm
- www.radindustriesinc.com/motorcycle-trailers.php
- www.jwww.com/razor/
- stingertrailer.com/
- trailerinabag.com/products.html
- www.trailershopper.com/articles/trailer-buying-tips.html
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