Bike caddy or trailer?

[Trader]

About the only way I'm ever going to get to go to distant places with my bike AND my wife is to trailer the bike.

 

She just can't handle any more than 2-3 hours on the bike.

 

My tow vehicle is a 2013 Nissan Sentra...not really built for towing anything!

 

I'm wondering...is a bike caddy a good choice?

I'm talking about the dolly that carries the front wheel with the rear wheel on ground.

 

Can that harm the drive train on the bike?

 

What about the HF trailer....12" wheels, 4 x 8 frame. 1750 lb capacity

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/trailer-accessories/1720-lb-capacity-super-duty-48-inch-x-96-inch-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-five-lug-wheels-and-tires-94564.html

[Bert2006]

Being that the RSV has a wet clutch I would be wary of the bike cady. I use a utility trailer for mine that is rated to 2500lbs. Always prefer to have extra capacity. Would also not go below a class II hitch.

 

Others may have different thoughts but this setup works fine for me.

 

[Guest tx2sturgis]

You should not tow the bike for long distances with the rear wheel on the ground, the transmission will not be getting properly lubed on the rotating parts in there if the oil pump is not running. (the output shaft might be submerged in oil when the bike is tilted back, but I'm not positive) Short trips it would be OK. Plus a bike caddy will put somewhere around 400 pounds on the tail end of your car with a 900 pound bike hanging on it.

 

You really should look for a Kendon trailer, new or used. Very light weight, it folds for storage, and will allow your car to pull your bike easily. Roughly 150# tongue weight when loaded, so you can install a small light duty hitch.

 

They are not cheap. Be prepared for some sticker shock!

 

But they get the job done.

 

http://www.kendonusa.com/trailer_single.html

 

I have seen them for sale on ebay and craigslist for around $1500 used...just a thought.

 

Edited December 21, 2013 by tx2sturgis

[Trader]

Ya bike caddy will put somewhere around 400 pounds on the tail end of your car with a 900 pound bike hanging on it.

 

 

Thanks for the link.

 

I'm talking about a "trailer"caddy that holds the front wheel....not the type where the front wheel is suspended by the hitch.

 

I thought that would allow very little tongue weight. Like I said...Nissan Sentra!!!!

[Guest tx2sturgis]

I'm wondering...is a bike caddy a good choice?

I'm talking about the dolly that carries the front wheel with the rear wheel on ground.

 

 

 

I'm talking about a "trailer"caddy that holds the front wheel....not the type where the front wheel is suspended by the hitch.

 

I thought that would allow very little tongue weight. Like I said...Nissan Sentra!!!!

Ah ok, I think your referring to what most of us call a 'tow dolly'

 

A bike caddy (for motorcycles) is usually the type that suspends the front of the bike above the receiver hitch, with a wheel chock and straps to hold it secure.

 

Either type will tail-drag the bike on the road. No big deal for a dirt bike, you can just remove or restrain the chain.

 

But a top heavy shaft-drive road bike is a different animal. Lots of fore and aft forces on the steering head not to mention the drag in the transmission.

 

I would not pull mine on a towdolly or bike caddy for any amount of money.

 

Good luck with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cowpuc]

Trader

I have used almost the exact trailer you are looking at for many years, 12 inch wheels, 4x8, 1750 cap. The one in the picture below originally came from Tractor Supply but I know at the time Harbor sold the same trailer. Guy bought it, bolted it together, used it twice and couldnt stand how flimsy it was - you could stand on a corner and almost touch the ground with the corner of the trailer..

I bought it from him for a 100 bucks..

Bought a sheet of wolmanized 3/4 plywood for decking, got the welder out and welded all the crossbeams and corners, bolted the plywood down on cross members and side rails, mounted a bike loop on it. Found it still a little flimsy, bolted 2x6's along the outside edges - thru the frame side rails and into the cross members - that did it!!

I have towed literally hundreds of bikes (everything from Ventures/Harleys/choppers/) on this thing thru the years all over the country! Plus quads, lawn equipment and lots of trips moving kids to college dorm rooms all over the country.. Also, before I broke my back in 03 I was an avid dirtbiker, KX500/gas cans/gear strapped on many many times.. We also use it all the time for our 12 foot boat - bass killing!! It has also rescued lots of stranded bikers in the area!!

If you look closely at the pics you will see a Ford Festiva (gone now) that did the pulling up to 3 years ago, 5 speed - EFI.. Sold the Festi and started using our Kia Spectra (see pic), its an auto.. The Festiva worked better (stick) cause it maintained good economy even with a full size bike on it.. The Spectra will still maintain 26ish MPG going cross country loaded up but the Festi did much better..

If I were you I would make sure the trailer has tilt.. I have found the tilt on them really comes in handy.. Mine is a singe tounge and noticed the one at Harbor has dual.. It may or may not be tiltable.. It actually comes in handier for unloading than loading - especially if your alone - undo tilt/climb on bike/lean forward and release straps/lean back an roll off - have done it many many times!!

Another little trick I have learned using these lite trailers with lite cars for pulling is getting a good balance on tounge weight.. 150 pounds is to much! Thing pulls great with 20 or 30 pounds on the tounge.. I have used everything from a gas can to a car battery strapped on for adjustable ballast to obtain this..

Also, you can find spare wheels/tire assemblies for these things all over CHEAP!! I have replaced the bearings in this one a couple times and gone thru a couple sets of tires BUT again, it has seen many many miles!! Toss on a set of bearing buddies..

 

Hope this helps

Puc

[dkip]

I have a stinger motorcycle trailer. Towed my bike to Lake Havasu AZ and back with a Camry.

Very easy for one person to load and unload. I would recommend it

Dale

[CaptainJoe]

I hear ya my wife's the same way..

 

Man... I'm really liking that kendonusa...

 

but...

 

I'm thinking I could fabricate one for under $1000... not including labor of course...

 

Like that it's really low to the ground and requires less than 200 lbs tongue weight.

 

A lightweght 1 1/4" hitch is good for 200 lb tongue weight and 2000 lb towing.. well within the weight range of a Second Gen....

 

the kendon:

Weight: 300 lbs

Capacity: 1000 lbs

Standing Height: 89 inches

Max Width: 72 inches

Max Length: 114 inches

Depth: 27 inches

 

I also have a Harbor freight trailer.

The problem with them is:

#1 they are to high and can get you into trouble loading and unloading. remember it's a 1000 lb bike... the kendon has a spring loaded offset axle which is way lower...

#2 unless you know a good welder ... they are way to flimsy as cowpuc related...

Edited December 22, 2013 by CaptainJoe

[Mike G in SC]

I bought a nicely done, home made single bike trailer off Craigslist for $600.

But after getting it home, took a serious look and put $300 into it. (tires, heavier axle,,, tie downs,,, little stuff like that.)

 

For what you say, the Stinger looks good for you, just got to get the price down. Google it and look at YouTube.

Then, look for a used one, maybe Craigslist. Take your time, you sill find something that will do.

 

But I think you would be okay with the HF trailer, if you use a rail for the bike and a set of boards for you to walk your feet when loading. And then, you got to figure out a ramp.

So, now cost is getting up there, unless you own a junk yard.

 

Mike G.

[aharbi]

Or she could follow you in the car. Get a cheap CB for her in the car. You can carry extra gear, tools etc. But if you must tow it, get a trailer. Most any car can pull 1,000 lbs.

[Jayceesfolly]

Steve:

 

I have a motorcycle trailer you can use if you want to travel. I have hauled my 89 VR all over the Northeast with it. It has a steel ramp plus separate walk up ramps and a winch to load a non-running bike. It has a flat deck, so you can store extra boxes or cartons strapped down on it. I don't have pics of it because it has my jetski body on it and it is covered for the winter. If your interested, come on down in the Spring and see if it will work for you. I pull it with my Buick Regal and don't even know it's back there.

 

 

Jim

[Trader]

Thanks for the offer Jim!

 

I have a 4 x 8 "landscape" style trailer...but it's pretty heavy alone...never mind the bike as well.

I'm really concerned about the Sentra handling much weight.

Never really thought about towing much when I bought it.

 

I think the stinger style looks like a good choice.

 

I emailed the company and they said that towing a "980 pound Goldwing the tongue weight is only 124 pounds" but they also said you can't adjust the location of the axle to balance the weight.

[cb1313]

I have had a caddy for about ten years. I used it once with a BMW 1100rt and NEVER used it again. The bike just did NOT sit right in the caddy. I use a trailer now.

If someone wants to buy a caddy cheap I am in Mountain Home Arkansas

May work okay with a smaller bike.

 

Cb

[Marcarl]

Another suggestion:

http://trailerinabag.com/products.html

[Flyinfool]

I have a 4 x 8 "landscape" style trailer...but it's pretty heavy alone...never mind the bike as well.

I'm really concerned about the Sentra handling much weight.

Never really thought about towing much when I bought it.

 

 

Have you looked in your Sentra owners manual for towing limitations? You could also call a Nissan dealer for more info.

 

I looked up your Owners manual on line, on page 9-16 under trailer towing, it simply says "Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle."

BUT with that said, I think almost all motorcycles also say to not tow a trailer, but many of us do with no ill effects.

 

You are on the right track to want to keep things as light as possible. You may want to consider having electric brakes on the trailer. Often times it is safe braking capacity that is the biggest limiting factor on trailer weight.

 

A 4x8 trailer will carry the bike, BUT you will not have room to move the bike forward or back to adjust tongue weight.

 

A friend of mine got a 4x10 all aluminum trailer from a local welder that also makes custom trailers, that is very light weight and has the room to move the bike around for proper balance.

[Flyinfool]

I made up a little spreadsheet to help you figure out your trailer needs and loading.

 

You will need to come up with some numbers to put in the yellow boxes.

Calculated results will be in the blue boxes.

 

If you are going to use a wheel chock add its weight to the Bikes front wheel weight.

By playing with the value of Bike front axle location, you can determine if there is room to safely load the bike on the trailer, and what its location will need to be.

 

Some of the assumptions that I made;

1. Tongue weight to be more than 10% of the trailer weight.

2. Tongue weight to be under 200 lbs.

3. Total trailer weight to be under 2000 lbs.

If any of these values are exceeded the value will turn red.

[Trader]

Thanks Jeff!

 

looking forward to the bike show next week in Toronto. They might have some specials on there.

[dkip]

Trader

I have the stinger trailer and do not think moving the axle for weight adjustment is necessary

It is well balanced and works well even in unfavorable conditions.

I have it in my garage and if you are ever in this part of Ontario your welcome to have a look at it

 

dale

[Trader]

Thanks Dale...Not likely to be out that way for quite awhile...if ever...but thanks for the offer.