Basic Trailer Setups

After looking at a lot of options for purchasing a Motorcycle Cargo Trailer from a manufacturer, none seemed to “fit” my bike or my price range. So I turned to finding information on building my very own trailer. I wasn’t looking for a cheap looking trailer, just a cheaper than retail trailer.

 

These are some easily built trailers with the starting point of a Harbor Freight Light Duty Trailer Frame. The finished trailer can turn out cheap (and look cheap) or it can turn out cheap (and NOT look cheap). With a little creativity, and not a very large budget, you can pull just about anything.

Where to start?

 

First things first, if you are not into making your own trailer frame, pick up a good quality, bolt together frame. I like the frames from Harbor Freight. They are usually under $200 and should come with a lighting kit and fenders. All together, for under $500, you can pick up a good set of tires mounted on rims, the frame with light duty spring suspension, and lights.

 

This photo is of a simple frame with a minivan storage rack plastic case mounted on top. This rig can be put together in a couple hours, for under $500, with only a few hand tools and be ready for a test run behind your motorcycle.

Going one step further

The frame does not need to be left exposed.

Painting it to match your bike or the container that you secure to the top can make it “fade away.”

Covering it with lightweight diamond plate steel can dress it up and add durability and life- span.

 

 

What about upgrading the top?

 

Beyond the minivan storage tub is a world of options. Here are a few:

– Coffins
– Old refrigerators
– Teardrops made out of wood or steel
– Whiskey barrels
– Steel truck bed boxes

 

 

What about getting a little bit more creative?

When it comes to storage compartments, if you can dream it up, you can attach.

Some of these are what inspired the “Pull Anything” slogan.

 

 

 

 

 

Who says you need a storage compartment.

Opting for a flat deck, either wood or steel could possibly be the best way to go.

 

How else would you get grandma to church?

 

 

One more thing.

Most of these can be made for under $500. When I first decided that I wanted to pull a trailer, and not invest a lot of money, I made several of these. Every time that I dreamed up something new (better) I was able to sell the previous one on craigslist between $750-$1250. Considering I only had a few hours into each one….. you can do the math.

 

Update

Here are a few simple bolt-together-frame and storage-bin combinations that you can easily assemble in a day and have the get that motorcycle trailer ready to go in no time flat.
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“Pulling a trailer behind my bike has changed the way I ride, and I would not want it any other way.”

 

Ride Safe and Get Lost,

Karl S

For more great information and ideas check out these popular posts:

Check out a quick video about the how easy it is to get started: