Buying A Motorcycle Trailer Made Easy

Neighbors Trailer

Dec 20, 2022
1633
9 min read
motorcycle trailer buying guide

Shopping for a motorcycle trailer is exciting, but buying the wrong one is an expensive mistake. Whether you are hauling a sport bike across the state or transporting a cruiser to a regional rally, the trailer you choose affects your bike's safety, your tow vehicle's performance, and your total travel budget. This guide walks through every type of motorcycle trailer, the key factors to evaluate before buying, and how to choose the right option for your riding lifestyle.

The Four Main Types of Motorcycle Trailers

1. Enclosed Cargo Trailers

Enclosed trailers offer the highest level of protection for your motorcycle. Fully enclosed on all four sides with a lockable rear door, they keep your bike completely shielded from rain, road debris, UV exposure, and theft. For riders hauling a classic or vintage motorcycle, or making long cross-country trips where weather is unpredictable, an enclosed trailer is often the best investment.

The trade-offs are weight and cost. Enclosed trailers are heavier than open alternatives, which increases fuel consumption and requires a vehicle with a higher tow rating. They are also the most expensive option, both to buy and to rent. However, the added storage space for tools, gear, and luggage can offset this cost for riders who travel extensively. For detailed guidance on loading your bike safely for the trip, see our Motorcycle Loading Guide.

2. Folding and Stand-Up Motorcycle Trailers

Folding and stand-up trailers are purpose-built for motorcycles. They keep both wheels off the ground during transit, which protects the suspension and tires. When not in use, they fold flat or stand upright for compact garage storage, a major advantage if space is limited.

These trailers are more affordable than enclosed options and are well-suited for frequent haulers who primarily transport a single bike. The main limitation is versatility: folding motorcycle trailers are designed for bikes only, so you cannot repurpose them for other hauling needs. Some higher-end models can accommodate two motorcycles side by side.

3. Flatbed and Utility Trailers

Open flatbed and utility trailers are the most versatile option in the lineup. With no walls or roof to limit what you can carry, a flatbed trailer can haul your motorcycle on Monday and a load of landscaping materials on Saturday. They are significantly lighter than enclosed trailers, easier to store, and less expensive to purchase or rent.

Loading and securing your motorcycle on an open trailer requires the right equipment: wheel chocks, ratchet straps, soft tie-downs, and ideally a tarp to protect the bike from debris at highway speeds. Proper technique matters, and a motorcycle secured correctly on a flatbed trailer is just as safe as one inside an enclosed trailer on most routes. You can explore trailer types in depth through our Equipment Trailer Buying Guide.

4. Front-Wheel Toe Brackets

Front-wheel toe brackets are the most budget-friendly option, though they are not technically trailers. The bracket attaches to the motorcycle's front wheel and connects to the tow vehicle, allowing the rear wheel to roll on the road. They work for very short distances but are not recommended for long hauls. Because the rear wheel carries the full weight of the bike during transport, extended use accelerates wear on the suspension and tire.

How Each Trailer Type Compares

Use the table below to quickly compare your options across the factors that matter most when buying or renting a motorcycle trailer.

Trailer Type	Weather Protection	Versatility	Typical Purchase Price	Best Use Case
Enclosed Cargo	Full (rain, debris, UV, theft)	High (multi-purpose storage)	$3,000 to $10,000+	Long distance, valuable bikes, multi-day trips
Folding / Stand-Up	Partial (with cover)	Low (motorcycle only)	$500 to $2,500	Frequent single-bike haulers, limited storage space
Flatbed / Utility	None (open bed)	Very high (multi-purpose)	$800 to $4,000	Budget-conscious haulers, dual-purpose use
Front-Wheel Bracket	None	Very low (motorcycle only)	$100 to $500	Short local trips only, tight budgets

Motorcycle Trailer Ratings by Key Factor

The chart below rates each motorcycle trailer type across three critical factors: weather protection, versatility, and value for money. Scores are out of 10 based on real-world performance across common hauling scenarios.

Bar chart rating four motorcycle trailer types across weather protection, versatility, and value for money on a scale of 1 to 10

NeighborsTrailer.com

What to Evaluate Before You Buy

Construction Material: Steel vs Aluminum

Steel trailers are robust, affordable, and widely available. They can handle heavy loads without flexing, but they are prone to rust if not properly maintained, especially in coastal or high-humidity environments. Aluminum trailers are lighter and naturally rust-resistant, which makes them a popular choice for riders who live in wet climates or store their trailer outdoors. The trade-off is cost: aluminum frames typically cost 20 to 40 percent more than comparable steel units.

Axle Configuration: Single vs Dual

Most purpose-built motorcycle trailers use a single axle, which is sufficient for one or two standard motorcycles. If you are hauling a large touring bike, a sidecar rig, or multiple bikes at once, a dual-axle trailer offers greater stability and higher payload capacity. Dual-axle trailers also handle better on the highway and are less affected by crosswinds. The downside is a higher purchase price and slightly more complex maintenance.

Hitch Compatibility

Before buying any trailer, verify your tow vehicle's hitch class and towing capacity. Hitch classes range from Class I (light loads up to 2,000 lbs) to Class V (heavy-duty towing up to 20,000 lbs). Most dedicated motorcycle trailers use a Class III ball mount, rated for approximately 1,200 to 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight. Always match the hitch class to both the trailer's tongue weight and your vehicle's published tow rating. For guidance on towing safety fundamentals, the Heavy Hauling Safety Guide covers the key checkpoints.

Tie-Down Points and Wheel Chock Quality

A motorcycle trailer is only as good as its ability to keep your bike stationary during transit. Look for trailers with at least four D-ring tie-down points, heavy-duty anchor rails, and either an integrated wheel chock or the ability to mount one. A wheel chock locks the front wheel in place, preventing the bike from rocking side to side. Combined with front and rear soft tie-down straps, a properly chocked motorcycle on a good trailer will not move even during hard braking or sharp turns.

NT Protect on Every Rental

When you rent a motorcycle trailer through Neighbors Trailer, NT Protect is automatically included with every booking for a few dollars per day. This mandatory coverage applies to all rentals on the platform, so your hauling experience is protected from the moment you pull away. You can focus on the ride ahead rather than worrying about what-ifs during transport.

Renting vs Buying: Which Makes More Sense?

If you only transport your motorcycle a few times per year, renting a motorcycle trailer often makes more financial sense than purchasing one. Rental trailers eliminate storage costs, maintenance obligations, and the upfront capital investment. The Neighbors Trailer marketplace connects riders with peer-to-peer trailer rentals available across the United States and Canada, with a wide selection of enclosed and flatbed options available by the day.

If you haul your bike frequently, buying a trailer and listing it on Neighbors Trailer between your own trips is a smart way to offset ownership costs. Many trailer owners on the platform earn consistent passive income by renting their trailers to other riders while the trailer would otherwise sit idle in the driveway. See our guide on buying a used trailer for tips on getting started without overpaying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size trailer do I need for a full-size touring motorcycle?

Most full-size touring motorcycles measure between 96 and 108 inches in length. A 5x10 or 6x12 trailer comfortably fits a single touring bike with room for gear and proper tie-down angles. If you need to transport two bikes, a 7x14 or 7x16 trailer gives you enough width to set the bikes upright side by side with a center divider or dual wheel chocks.

Can I use any tow vehicle to pull a motorcycle trailer?

Almost any vehicle with a tow hitch can pull a light motorcycle trailer. A standard folding motorcycle trailer or utility trailer typically weighs 400 to 800 lbs empty and under 1,500 lbs loaded. Most passenger cars and SUVs with a Class II or III hitch can handle this load. Enclosed trailers are heavier and may require a truck or large SUV with a rated tow capacity of 5,000 lbs or more.

How do I prevent my motorcycle from tipping over on an open trailer?

Use a quality wheel chock to lock the front wheel upright, then apply soft loop tie-down straps to the front forks and hard point straps to the rear frame. Compress the suspension slightly when tightening the straps so the bike stays firmly planted rather than bouncing on its suspension. Check strap tension every 50 miles on longer hauls.

Is it safe to haul a motorcycle in the rain on an open trailer?

Yes, motorcycles can be safely transported on open trailers in rain. The bike's exterior surfaces will get wet, but no mechanical damage occurs from rain exposure during transport. If you want to protect chrome, paint, or leather seats, use a fitted motorcycle cover or a breathable waterproof tarp secured with bungee cords. Avoid plastic sheeting that can trap condensation and scratch paint.

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

In most U.S. states, no special license is required to tow a trailer under 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. Some states have specific requirements for commercial or oversized loads. Always check your state's DMV guidelines before towing, and confirm that your trailer has properly functioning brake lights and turn signals before each trip.

Final Thoughts

The right motorcycle trailer depends on how often you haul, how far you travel, what level of protection your bike needs, and how much versatility you want from the investment. Enclosed trailers offer the best protection for long-distance and high-value transport. Flatbed and utility trailers offer the most flexibility for riders who need a multi-purpose hauler. Folding trailers are the right call for frequent single-bike haulers with limited storage space.

Search the Neighbors Trailer marketplace today to find motorcycle trailer rentals near you, with NT Protect included in every booking.

Content updated March 2026