I looked into buying a motorcycle trailer and it became obvious to me that the average trailer built to haul motorcycles was way too expensive, so I bought a 5' x 8' utility trailer from Lowes for $699 and then I bought a Pitt Posse wheel chock for $49. Here is a picture of the setup.

Looks solid. I go a step further and screw two boards down that go along both sides of the rear tire to prevent the "hop n slide" phenomena.

I don't even bother with the straps up front. I just compress the rear suspension and keep it from moving side to side.
I've broken the switch housings with the canyon dancers. If I was to tie down the front, I would strap to the lower trees.

Maverick said:

Looks solid. I go a step further and screw two boards down that go along both sides of the rear tire to prevent the "hop n slide" phenomena.

I like your idea about running two boards along sides of the rear tire, I think I'll do that.

Very nice job! Which I had room to keep one....

If I was to tie down the front, I would strap to the lower trees.

This is a good idea.

I ask you to think about this: How bad would you feel to have the cycle come loose and go over the side?

I've had this happen to me (not to my 14R).

The *single* strap (one on each side) had dry rot, and I did not know it, it looked fine.

Going around a curve, and hit a bump while in the turn. Physics dictates an immediate, enormous increase in load to that strap. Snap! Over the side it went. I dragged it about 20 yards before I could get stopped safely.

That was a very expensive lesson, one I'm passing on to you, gratis.

*My* straps are two per side, forward, to different mount points on the trailer (I will not tie-in two straps to the same mount point now). One in the back to prevent wheel hop, or the bike going "over the top".

... while using a good wheel chock, like you have.

It takes a few extra minutes to sort it out, each time. I also had to drill into the trailer sdge to obtain additional mount points.

I no longer stare out my rearview in apprehension.

Looks good man...nice job!

How does it tow?

I've been looking into those super-expensive ones that sit 6-12" lower. Is it worth all that money to lower the COG?

* Last updated by: Auron on 8/22/2015 @ 1:00 PM *

Auron asked,

How does it tow?
I've been looking into those super-expensive ones that sit 6-12" lower. Is it worth all that money to lower the COG?

It tows great. I have two cars, a four-wheel drive SUV and a little 4 cylinder Kia Forte. I pull the bike with the little Kia Forte and she pulls, stops and handles great!

I had a smaller one that make a hell of a racket, drove me crazy. This one do ok?

I like this. Damn that's a good idea. I especially like that you should be able to load/unload it yourself. This is true right?

Auron said:

I had a smaller one that make a hell of a racket, drove me crazy. This one do ok?

This setup is quiet even when you're on a rough road--very little noise and smooth.

VicThing asked:

I like this. Damn that's a good idea. I especially like that you should be able to load/unload it yourself. This is true right?

Yes, you can load and unload it by yourself. The wheel chock keeps the bike upright while you strap it down.

* Last updated by: skewedTotheLeft on 8/22/2015 @ 4:05 PM *

*My* straps are two per side, forward, to different mount points on the trailer

Redundancy is a beautiful thing. I'm on board.

Good idea adapting a utility trailer. Those bespoke bike trailers are not good for much else. A trailer like yours can haul just about anything. Looks like you've got space for 2 bikes on there if needed. On the ferries over here they strap down bikes with a wide ratchet strap over the seat and compress the suspension holding the bike down so I'd be inclined to go that way personally. but your way looks good also. X2 on the rear wheel boards to prevent hop. With a wide deck and frame like that you've even got room for a cover and anchor points for when the weather is sh*te!

Skew nice set up. Heads up on the orange tie downs from home depot tho they fail. Invest in some good ones nuff said.

I have a trailer like this. It is noisy while empty. Trailer coupler rattling on the hitch is what it sounds like.
Once there is some weight up front the noise is gone.

I added the boards for the rear wheel to prevent wheel hop like Maverick suggested

* Last updated by: skewedTotheLeft on 8/25/2015 @ 1:11 PM *

I added the boards for the rear wheel to prevent wheel hop like Maverick suggested

Skew nice set up. Heads up on the orange tie downs from home depot tho they fail. Invest in some good ones nuff said.

Huh, OK. Thanks... You personally have had them fail? OK, well, what happened?

I'm wondering how old they were when they failed, and what was the rating for them (2000, 4000 lbs?, do you remember?

My strap failure was my own durn fault. Too old, and so they were dry rot at I think 5 years.

I tied my 14R onto the trailer today. My straps are 3 years old and this is their last trip.

I tied two of'em to the lower triple tree, just like suggested, and then two more to the rear frame, pulling forward on both sides.

I first looked at mounting the first two to the handlebar grips, and did not like that at all. You gonna rely on the rotating throttle grip and switch housing to keep your bike from launching off the trailer? Not Me!

* Last updated by: mebgardner on 8/29/2015 @ 1:35 PM *

Great looking trailer. I've got a 4x8 right now that does a good job hauling bikes, but would like to replace it with a 5x8. Can't quite tell from you pics, but I always angle all 4 straps forward. If you ever lose any one strap, the other side becomes instantly useless. And yes, that has happened to me before. Mighty glad I had that back-up pair.

So, I would want all of them to pull the bike forward into the chock.

How was the Lowes trailer working for you? I've been eyeing for Kendon but I'm open for a few suggestions like this one. I still have to look for a good one before I purchase new truck accessories I can use to transport my bike.

Your trailer is way better than a lot of the dedicated motorcycle trailers. Easy to load with the wide ramp too. As for tie downs, one of the best brands is Ancra. They last for years. Heavy web, smooth locking action. Cheaper ones can bind and the fabric degenerates until it snaps.

Mad

Oh, and I approve of your bike color... it's the fastest ya know...

Mad

Nice setup. I might go that rout soon. Pit Bull trailer restraint when I get the $$ and straps will work in the meantime using a little extra care.

How was the Lowes trailer working for you? I've been eyeing for Kendon but I'm open for a few suggestions like this one. I still have to look for a good one before I purchase new truck accessories I can use to transport my bike.