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Choosing the Right Trailer for Your Shop or Personal Use
Selecting the appropriate motorcycle, ATV, or utility trailer depends on several key factors including the type of vehicles you'll be transporting, frequency of use, and storage space availability. Shops offering mobile service or pickup/delivery services will benefit from trailers with higher weight capacities and durable construction, while individual enthusiasts may prioritize compact, space-saving designs that fold for garage storage.
When evaluating trailer options, consider these important factors:
- Weight Capacity Requirements: Trailers in this category typically range from approximately 1,100 lbs. to 2,500 lbs. capacity, depending on the model. Ensure the trailer's rated capacity exceeds your heaviest anticipated load.
- Bed Dimensions: Measure your vehicles' wheelbase and overall length. Models generally offer bed sizes from 4'x6' up to 6'x10', with some featuring extendable configurations.
- Construction Materials: Both powder-coated steel and galvanized steel options are available. Galvanized trailers typically offer enhanced corrosion resistance for long-term outdoor storage or use in wet climates.
- Fold-Up vs. Fixed Design: Stand-up folding trailers can reduce storage footprint significantly, an important consideration for shops with limited yard space or residential users with restricted storage areas.
Key Features for Professional Shop Use
Automotive service facilities expanding into motorcycle and powersports service, or offering customer convenience services, should prioritize trailers with features that enhance efficiency and safety:
- Tilt/Dump Capability: Many utility trailer models include 2-position dump beds with quick-release mechanisms, facilitating easier loading and unloading of heavy equipment or parts.
- DOT-Compliant Lighting: Pre-wired LED lighting systems that meet Department of Transportation requirements are essential for legal road use and customer transport services.
- Reinforced Construction: Look for fully-welded frames with corrugated steel decks or expanded metal surfaces that provide strength without excessive weight.
- Adjustable Components: Trailers with removable or adjustable rails, wheel chocks, and gates offer versatility for different vehicle types and sizes.
- Drive-Up Gate Options: Some models feature solid steel drive-up gates that simplify loading wheeled equipment without requiring ramps.
Registration and Compliance Considerations
Before purchasing a trailer for your shop or personal use, be aware that most trailers require registration with your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Requirements vary by state and municipality, but generally include:
- Certificate of Origin (typically included with new trailer purchases)
- Proof of ownership and bill of sale
- Operational lighting system meeting local DOT standards
- Safety chains and proper hitch coupling
- In some jurisdictions, separate license plate and registration
Important: Purchasers are typically responsible for registering their trailer with the appropriate authorities. Check your local DMV requirements before making a purchase to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Understanding Material Choices: Powder-Coated vs. Galvanized
The construction material and finish of your trailer significantly impacts its longevity and maintenance requirements:
Powder-Coated Steel Trailers: Feature a durable, baked-on finish (often black) that provides good corrosion resistance and a professional appearance. Generally suitable for shops with covered storage or moderate climate conditions. The powder coating can be touched up if chipped or scratched.
Hot-Dipped Galvanized Trailers: Undergo a galvanization process that coats the steel with a zinc layer, offering superior protection against rust and corrosion. Ideal for coastal environments, areas with harsh winters, or outdoor storage. The galvanized finish typically requires less maintenance over the trailer's lifespan.
Assembly and Maintenance Expectations
Most trailers require some level of assembly upon delivery. Assembly times generally range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the model and complexity. Common assembly requirements include:
- Attaching wheels and tires (usually supplied separate from the main frame)
- Installing lighting harnesses and securing light fixtures
- Mounting gates, rails, or accessories
- Greasing wheel hubs before first use
- Connecting safety chains to the tongue
Ongoing Maintenance: Regular maintenance helps extend trailer life and ensure safe operation. Key maintenance tasks include checking tire pressure regularly, inspecting and tightening lug nuts to manufacturer specifications, greasing wheel bearings periodically, and testing all lighting before each use.
Specifications Disclaimer: Specifications vary by model. Always check individual product listings and manufacturer documentation for exact details regarding weight capacities, dimensions, assembly requirements, and compliance certifications.
Shop Motorcycle Towing Trailers
Click on one of the manufacturer logos below to view our inventory by manufacturer:
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Whether your shop already services motorcycles and power sports vehicles or you’re looking to expand your service offering, Best Buy Auto Equipment carries all of the motorcycle trailer equipment and accessories you’ll need for worry-free transport. If you’re a biker who travels, you deserve sturdy transport equipment no matter where the road takes you. Our selection of motorcycle trailers features top brands like Kendon and DK2 that you know you can trust. From cargo trailers to stand-up folding utility trailers, there is an option suitable for any need and budget.
Our Motorcycle Trailers and Carrier
The cutting-edge features that are displayed on many of our models help to improve the safety, space efficiency, and convenience of your transport. Our selection offers motorcycle trailers with a wide array of capacities, with some heavy-duty models holding loads up to 2,500 pounds. A single stand-up trailer may not look like it could handle your transport needs, but its space-saving appearance can be deceiving. The Kendon BB107 single stand-up model boasts a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds and can carry a full-size motorcycle with ride-on capabilities. Its dynamic design also makes this motorcycle trailer lightweight, strong, and easy to maneuver or tow.
Our three-rail sports bike combo trailer offers unbridled versatility for dirt bikes and other power sports vehicles. Its large expanded metal deck with three bike rails makes it efficient and spacious when towing, and its fold-up design maximizes consolidated storage. For a more heavy-duty solution, we also carry motorcycle trailers that easily tow loads up between 2,000 and 2,500 pounds. We offer two stand-up models with ride-on capabilities for two cruiser bikes and dual ride-up and multi-utility trailers. Kendon’s dual ride-up trailer features a wide loading ramp with foot extensions and a raised rail guidance system for ride-on convenience and safety.
For Dirtbikes, Golf Carts, & More!
Whether you’re transporting golf carts, dirt bikes, or cruisers, there is a trailer in our selection that is perfect for you! Select models are eligible for free shipping and interest-free business financing for up to six months. Let us help you find the perfect motorcycle trailer; give us a call today to speak with a knowledgeable customer service team member!
Frequently Asked Questions
>What is the best motorcycle trailer?
A top-notch motorcycle trailer should have a solid, durable build using lightweight and sturdy corrosion-resistant metal, should be able to hold up to 1,000 lbs., and have options for storage when not in use.
One of the best motorcycle trailers currently available in the market is Kendon and DK2.
How much is a motorcycle trailer?
Motorcycle trailers begin at around $150 for the most basic model and can go up to almost $4,000 for best in line for ease of use, storage, and exceptional materials used.
Can you tow a trailer with a motorcycle?
You can tow a trailer with a motorcycle, provided you know your motorcycle and the safety procedures. To tow a trailer with your bike, you should know:
- What is the curb weight of your motorbike?
- Use only motorcycles with an engine size of 1000 cc or more for towing.
- The width of your trailer hitch.
- Only pull a trailer that weighs lower than 20% of your total weight (vehicle + riders + gear).
- Know the GVWR. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating permitted by the manufacturer.
- Use the calculation: GVWR – Curb Weight = Total Capacity of Motorcycle
- Know your country's or state laws for trailers. Know if the trailer will need operational tail lights, license plate lights, safety chains, and so on.
WARNING: These products can contains certain metals/chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov