How to Use a Motorcycle Trailer Rental to Haul Your Motorcycle

Neighbors Trailer

Jul 19, 2023
869
6 min read
motorcycle trailer rental

Transporting a motorcycle on a trailer rental from Neighbors Trailer is one of the safest and most cost-effective ways to move a bike to a rally, track day, dealership, or new home. But getting it right requires knowing which trailer type fits your bike, how to rig the tie-downs correctly, and what to check before and during your trip. This guide covers everything you need to haul your motorcycle confidently.

Open vs Enclosed Motorcycle Trailer: Which Should You Rent?

The first decision every motorcycle renter faces is choosing between an open trailer and an enclosed trailer. Both options are available on Neighbors Trailer, and each has its strengths depending on the trip and the bike involved.

Factor	Open Motorcycle Trailer	Enclosed Motorcycle Trailer
Weather Protection	None — bike exposed	Full protection from rain and debris
Security	Lower — bike visible	Higher — bike hidden and locked in
Best For	Short trips, cruisers, sport bikes	Long hauls, high-value customs, shows
Tow Vehicle Needed	Most properly rated trucks/SUVs	Full-size truck recommended
Avg. Daily Rental Rate	$40 to $60	$80 to $120
Loading Ease	Easy — open sides, simple ramp	Moderate — must clear door opening

What You Need Before You Load

Check the Trailer Before Pickup

At pickup, inspect the trailer for functional tie-down rings (also called D-rings or anchor loops), a stable loading ramp, working lights, and proper tire inflation. A 1,000 lb motorcycle with a trailer tongue weight can shift your tow vehicle's handling significantly if the trailer is not properly maintained. Document any pre-existing damage with photos and share them with the owner before driving away.

Gather Your Tie-Down Equipment

Never rely on the trailer's equipment alone. Bring your own soft loop straps (to avoid scratching the handlebars), at least four ratchet tie-down straps rated for your bike's weight, and wheel chock or a front wheel stand if the trailer does not include one. These items prevent your bike from rolling, rocking, or shifting during hard braking or cornering. Read our detailed guide on how to properly load a motorcycle on your trailer rental for a full checklist.

Know Your Motorcycle's Weight and Dimensions

Confirm your bike's wet weight (with fuel), length, and handlebar width before booking. Most single-motorcycle open trailers accommodate bikes up to 1,100 lbs with standard handlebar widths up to 36 inches. Wide-bar adventure bikes or touring bikes with saddlebags may require a wider trailer deck or a specific enclosed trailer with appropriate interior clearance.

How to Load and Secure a Motorcycle on a Trailer

Step 1: Position the Wheel Chock

Set your front wheel chock centered on the trailer deck before riding up the ramp. The chock holds the front wheel in place and gives you a stable base to work from while attaching straps. If the trailer has no built-in chock, use a portable chock or have a helper hold the bike upright while you anchor it.

Step 2: Attach Soft Loop Straps to the Handlebars

Loop a soft strap around each handlebar end (not through brake or clutch levers). These distribute the strap load across the handlebar without scratching painted or chrome surfaces. Attach a ratchet strap hook to each soft loop, then run the straps to anchor points at the front corners of the trailer.

Step 3: Apply Forward Tension First

Tighten the front two straps until the front forks are compressed about one to two inches. This compresses the suspension and prevents the bike from bouncing. Do not over-compress — exceeding the fork travel will damage the seals. Once the front is secure, apply rear straps at the frame or subframe to prevent side-to-side rocking.

Step 4: Verify All Four Points

Once all four straps are attached and tensioned, attempt to rock the bike side-to-side and forward-backward. No movement should occur. Check strap tension after the first 30 minutes of driving, as vibration will loosen them. Re-tension as needed on any stop over two hours. For more guidance on trailer best practices, see our guide to choosing the right trailer for hauling recreational vehicles.

NT Protect Coverage for Motorcycle Trailer Rentals

Every rental booked through Neighbors Trailer automatically includes NT Protect, the platform's mandatory coverage product charged to the renter at booking. Whether you are renting a single-bike open trailer or a multi-bike enclosed unit, NT Protect provides damage liability coverage for a few dollars per day from pickup to drop-off. No additional selection at checkout is required — coverage is automatic.

Motorcycle Trailer Rental Costs on Neighbors Trailer

Rates vary by trailer size, bike capacity, and whether the trailer is open or enclosed. Here are typical daily rates based on current Neighbors Trailer listings:

Average daily motorcycle trailer rental rates by type on Neighbors Trailer

NeighborsTrailer.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Trailer Rentals

Can I haul two motorcycles on one trailer rental?

Yes, if you book a multi-bike trailer. Double-wide open trailers and larger enclosed trailers are listed on Neighbors Trailer with staggered or parallel tie-down channels. Confirm the trailer's bike capacity and total payload rating before loading. Two average motorcycles at 500 lbs each plus tie-down equipment will total well over 1,000 lbs, so verify the trailer's GVWR against your combined load.

Do I need a special hitch to tow a motorcycle trailer?

Most motorcycle trailers use a standard 2-inch ball mount. Check the listing for hitch requirements. Your tow vehicle needs a properly rated receiver hitch and trailer wiring harness for lights. A 1-7/8 inch ball is used on some lighter dolly-style motorcycle trailers, so confirm the ball size from the listing before you arrive at pickup.

Is an enclosed trailer worth the extra cost for a short trip?

For a day trip to a local track or nearby dealer, an open trailer usually makes more sense financially. For long-distance moves, high-value custom bikes, or trips through regions with unpredictable weather, the additional cost of an enclosed rental is typically worth it for the protection, security, and peace of mind it provides.

Can I load a heavy cruiser or touring bike alone?

Loading a 700+ lb touring bike solo is difficult and potentially dangerous. Having a second person helps guide the bike up the ramp and stabilize it during tie-down. Some trailer listings on Neighbors Trailer include built-in wheel chocks and center stands that make solo loading more manageable, but for heavy bikes, always try to bring assistance.

Content updated March 2026