Motorcycle Trailer & Pull Behind Motorcycle Trailers
Motorcycle trailers are divided into two major categories, one being the trailer that is towed by a motorcycle, a pull behind motorcycle trailer and the other being a trailer that is used to transport a motorcycle and will be towed by a car, van, truck, SUV or other type of motor vehicle.
The tow behind a motorcycle trailer will usually have one or two wheels and will be capable of carrying up to around 300 pounds (150 Kg) of load. The load will depend upon the size of the towing motorcycle, its engine capacity and power and its on the road weight (GVW) as well as relevant laws and regulations in the country you are visiting or using the trailer.
When using a tow behind motorcycle trailer it is important to check that your insurance covers the towing of a trailer as some insurance companies will not cover motorcycle trailer towing.
The second type of motorcycle trailer is used for transporting motorcycles and comes in a very wide variety of configurations.
The transporting motorcycle trailer may carry one, two or three motorcycles, with specialist trailers able to carry many more, and will usually have two or four wheels, can be covered or open and some even incorporate a small workshop for motor sport weekends.
Transporting motorcycle trailers are typically used for taking motorcycles on camping trips and holidays, motorcycle sports events, hunting and fishing trips and a host of activities where travelling to and back by car is beneficial but having a motorcycle once at the activity is useful.
When towing a motorcycle trailer it is important to ensure that the total weight, fully loaded, of the motorcycle, its trailer and any other equipment on the trailer is within the weight limit for your vehicle which will be towing the load.
The maximum tow-able weight is given in your vehicle instruction book and is given on a plate attached European vehicles, exceeding this weight will invalidate your insurance. Check that you insurance does cover towing and that the value of the motorcycle is covered on your insurance policy. There will also be laws and regulations, over and above your vehicles maximum towing capacity, governing the tow-able weight and configuration of your trailer.
In many places the speed limit of a vehicle towing a trailer will be lower than the usual speed limit and in the UK vehicles with trailers are not permitted in the third lane on motorways.
When planning a trip do not forget to check the requirements for all of the countries you are planning to visit, remember it is very easy for the police to pull you over and check out your documentation and motorcycle trailer loading.
Towing a motorcycle trailer or towing a motorcycle on a trailer can be great fun, don’t be put off by the legal requirements, just check that you are in compliance then get out there on the open road and have some fun, no need to leave your motorcycle at home any more.
This website has information on motorcycle trailer maintenance, repair and availability, where to buy pull behind motorcycle trailers and where to hire motorcycle trailers near where you live.
