Trailer advice....

[trider143]

I am in the market for new or used trailer and am seeking recommendations. I will probably buy new since I have been looking for used for awhile w/ little success. (I am posting here, rather than "wanted to buy", since I am only looking for advice here...)

Which trailer manufacture/product would you recommend, given the following:

* GVWR 2,000 or greater and curb weight ~900 lbs or less
* My stock hitch is only rated to 2,000 lbs but the car is "capable" of 3,500 if I changed to a after-market hitch
* Looking for something reliable over several years, with long distances 2-3 times / year (1000-1500 miles round trip) plus several local round trips (200 miles round trip)
* Because of budget, an open trailer is a must for now (enclosed trailer, and vehicle to pull it, later after a couple of future years of track days ). I will use the trailer to help with touring further away from the NE with my touring bike and shorter distances for track days w my Tuono
* For now, I only need to carry one bike (larger touring or sport)
* Spare included

Appreciate any recommendations and advice.

[butcher bergs]

First off, what kinda vehicle are you towing with?

[trider143]

Borrowed Lexus RX330 --- yeah I know.

[butcher bergs]

When you said "car" I was thinking about limited suspension travel when you eventually go bigger so that's why I asked.

Not sure where everyone else is but here's my take:

Find something with 14" or 15" wheels. To a point, a bigger tire and rim package tends to handle defects in the road better than something smaller. The larger tire/ rim combo will also minimize the number of rotations on the wheel bearings over time which equal less time servicing and/or replacing bearings.

There's an open trailer for sale just up the road from me and it appears to be in great shape. I'll check it out and get you some info on it.

As far as a spare goes, I went to VIP in Merrimack, NH for my spare. It was a few years ago but I think I paid $90 for the new rim and tire, mounted and balanced.

[Jim]

Find something with 14" or 15" wheels. To a point, a bigger tire and rim package tends to handle defects in the road better than something smaller. The larger tire/ rim combo will also minimize the number of rotations on the wheel bearings over time which equal less time servicing and/or replacing bearings.

so would you recommend someone upgrading their hub and wheel to a 5-lug 14/15" wheel ? it was something i was considering over the winter on my trailer when i had some more funds.

[trider143]

Thanks for the info and taking the time to check-out the trailer!

[butcher bergs]

so would you recommend someone upgrading their hub and wheel to a 5-lug 14/15" wheel ? it was something i was considering over the winter on my trailer when i had some more funds.

I'm not sure, Jim. I've always considered the number of wheel lugs with regards to HP being sent to driven wheels. As far as trailers go, I would think that the number of lugs would be a consideration when the trailer is hauling upwards of a few thousand lbs of weight. All of this is speculation however so I would call a trailer place for that answer.

[Doc]

I agree with Bergs. Bigger tires make for a smoother ride and easier pull.

so would you recommend someone upgrading their hub and wheel to a 5-lug 14/15" wheel ? it was something i was considering over the winter on my trailer when i had some more funds.

I have a spare 5 lug 15" rim and tire that you can have if you got that route. If it fits.

[Jim]

I have a spare 5 lug 15" rim and tire that you can have if you got that route. If it fits.

just finished my trailer last week & it has 8" wheels. would like to go up to a 12" or bigger, but pretty sure i'd need to switch to a 5-lug hub for those rims.

[McBiggity]

I picked up a 5x8 open trailer last year. Has 15" wheels. Handles the highway very well and is big enough for two bikes.

Picked it up from Camp Out in Oxford, MA.
was $1k

[Doc]

just finished my trailer last week & it has 8" wheels. would like to go up to a 12" or bigger, but pretty sure i'd need to switch to a 5-lug hub for those rims.

My rusted old trailer has a nice axle that could swap right on...

[butcher bergs]

Thanks for the info and taking the time to check-out the trailer!

Guy wants 450. It's an okay trailer...new plywood, replaced the lights and has been repainted. Think the wheels are 12" or 13".

Lemme know if you want some contact info or at least a pic.

[trider143]

Guy wants 450. It's an okay trailer...new plywood, replaced the lights and has been repainted. Think the wheels are 12" or 13".

Lemme know if you want some contact info or at least a pic.

Bergs,

Thanks for checking. I will pass, since I plan to do some medium to long haul stuff on occasion, I want to take your advice on the 14-15 wheel size recommendation seconded by others.

Will look into Camp Out. Thanks.

[crowspeed07]

Guy wants 450. It's an okay trailer...new plywood, replaced the lights and has been repainted. Think the wheels are 12" or 13".

Lemme know if you want some contact info or at least a pic.

can ya snag a pix and pm it to me by any chance?

[trider143]

All, made my decision. With the advice on bearing wear and wheel size, I focused on open trailers that came w/ or could take 15" wheels. I ruled out 4x8 and 5x9 trailers because of my touring bike size, and long-haul interests, and focused on 5x10. After looking at trailers at 4-5 locations over the past week, I thought Big Tex had the best apparent quality, although at a slight price premium ($100 maybe.) I picked up title/RMV-1 today for a Big Tex SA30-10.

I had several leads (here and craigslist) but none panned out. I was not as ambitious as this (http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...ler-build.html)

If anyone in MA is interested, I got the trailer at IMS in Rockland MA (there are better options for NH residents.)

Hopefully will get it set-up this week, for track days next week (and next month.)

Thanks again for all the advice.