1. GQelements

    GQelements ODSC-OFTR Member

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    So not having read the fine print on my VW Tiguan om realizing that a Hitch Carrier is out of the question (despite having a class 3 hitch the load rating for the attachment is only 220LBS, woefully inadequate for 330lbs like and 50-60Lbs carrier). Since I'm planning some longer trips next year I'm now looking for options for MOST COMPACT trailer options that can accommodate at minimum one bike, two would be ideal.

    I've looked at the many 'folding flatbed trailer' options on Kijiji and but are still HUGE once folded (too big for my garage). The trailer in a bag and Stinger trailers are over $1500, which I think is ridiculous.

    Does anyone have any experience or suggestions with/for any other compact options? Any suggestions welcome.
  2. Joe

    Joe Limited User

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    Last edited: Nov 21, 2017
  3. yan

    yan Limited User

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    I have a dual Kendon trailer, when in a stand-up position it has a rather small foot print and doesn't take much room in the garage. It has a payload of 2,000lbs, so when travelling with two 300lbs bikes I can put a lot of other cargo on it - stuff that doesn't go inside the vehicle because it's too bulky or too dirty or too smelly (like extra gas).
  4. DualSport

    DualSport Ride Organizer

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    I went through a similar search and checked out Stinger in Cambridge, who seem to have taken over the Trailer-in-a-bag brand. My main objective was to get a lightweight trailer as I was going to tow it with a Mazda MX-5 (Miata) which has a "Zero towing capacity", and one that was compact enough to store in my garage along with 2 cars and my DR350SE. This, and the price, ruled out Stinger products.

    I found a used "Lloyd Heacock" trailer (no longer manufactured) that was designed for lightweight Dirt/Trials bike(s) and bought it. Unfortunately it's really difficult to get a heavier bike on it as a fair bit of man-handling is required - easy with a 160lb trials bike, not so with a 300+ lb dualsport bike. I solved that problem by removing the wooden support, and fitted a Cdn Tire scissor jack. Roll the bike on single-handed using a wood ramp, then raise the jack until the rear wheel is clear of the ramp (which is short enough to be stored across the front of the trailer).

    The first test run was a near disaster as the bike bounced around enough to come quite loose and almost fell off. A simple mod to lower the bike onto a block-supported crossbar, which is then clamped around the footpegs and the chassis, solved that problem. I used it 3 times now and it works great - really stable at Hwy 400 speeds (with no traffic). When storing it, it stands against a wall and takes up about 5'W x 5'H by about 18"D, which reduces to about 12" by removing the wheels for winter storage. It's light enough (just) to be picked up by a (sturdy) individual.

    I think you would be able to haul a heavier bike than a DR350, as the scissor jack is rated for 3300lb and the independant torsion suspension units are each rated at 500lb. The Heacock trailer has 3 slots for a front wheel, but I doubt you'd actually get 3, or even 2, on it. With my mod, it's definitely a 1-bike trailer.

    Bob
  5. GQelements

    GQelements ODSC-OFTR Member

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    interesting.... Thanks all for sharing.
  6. Visser

    Visser Limited User

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    Just thinking out loud here, not sure if this is a good idea:

    Have a look at the harbor freight trailer 'kit' that can be had for around $300 or so depending on what coupons you find:

    If you look at the picture below, you'll see two sets of casters... that is where the trailer, when folded, stands on.
    I don't know the distance from the casters to the tongue but I could measure on my trailer... what if the trailer was shortened to just before the casters and the lights mounted on the fenders?

    I mean... the whole thing just bolts together anyway, so all you would need to do to shorten this to the casters is maybe cut the frame on both sides and drill new holes for the back piece to bolt into.

    That would place the bike's weight forward of trailer axle though, so the weight of the bike would be split between the tongue and the trailer axle, so depending on the weight of the bike you may still exceed the 300lb tonque weight limit you mentioned...

    In this way it could be stood up on the castors for storage, and would become a short, light, and cheap trailer for bike transport.

    Another possible solution is to get a harbor freight 4x4 trailer and somehow rig up casters so it can be stood up on end -- which would likely be better balanced than a cut off 4x8 trailer. Perhaps the casters from my 4x8 trailer could be repurposed as I never fold my trailer and stand it on the end anyway.

    [​IMG]
  7. Fat Tire Flyer

    Fat Tire Flyer Ride Organizer

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    Burhan bought this trailer and I adapted it for him for dirt biking..

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  8. Fat Tire Flyer

    Fat Tire Flyer Ride Organizer

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    Pics showing open, folding and folded..

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  9. Fat Tire Flyer

    Fat Tire Flyer Ride Organizer

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    Few more detail pics.. Top view, bottom view and the tailgate on.. Hope this helps with ideas.. Cheers :)

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  10. SuperNam

    SuperNam ODSC-OFTR Member

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    I would go with the Kendon as well. A little pricy, but I think worth it.
  11. DualSport

    DualSport Ride Organizer

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    Just checked their website and they are priced from $2,999.95 to $4,999.95 - and that's US DOLLARS and Kendon is in California.

    I haven't paid this much for any of my pre-owned DS bikes :)

    Bob
    P.S. Can we re-negotiate the price for my wood ramps that you PM'd me to reserve? ;)
    johninkincardine likes this.
  12. michel mondou

    michel mondou ODSC President

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    I've bought a travel trailer that cost less than that. It had a queen size bed, 3 way fridge, furnace, water heater, etc, etc...The Kendon seems a bit rich for a utility trailer.
  13. dirtbill

    dirtbill Limited User

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    lloyd can still make you a trailer he's in Kinmount now. PM me and I'll give you his number