Minimum size open trailer for 2 touring bikes (2024)

I'm selling a 3 rail Kendon trailer and want to replace it with an open trailer with folding rear ramp.
I want to be able to carry 2 full size touring bikes (no comments about trailering touring bikes please).
My wife and I are in our 70s and she no longer wants to do multiple day rides so we pull the trailer behind a motorhome.
I want a wood floor and will install 2 chocks (possibly a 3rd in the center).
What's the minimum size trailer you would get for this? I want to use it for other stuff like hauling riding mower, brush, occasional dirt, gravel etc....)

I already have a covered trailer that I thought would be big enough for 2 bikes but ended up getting too small....

Thanks

You should see if you can find one of these Big Tex 35MC trailers. Super heavy duty, and EASY to load. Retractable ramp. I've hauled 2 Africa Twins fully packed. Only complaint I have is it is max allowable width, and is sometimes a pain to maneuver through construction, etc. I swear you could almost load a small CAR onto this thing.

My wife had medical issues last year that has prevented us from doing cross country trips anymore. I have been looking for a trailer for the same reason. I was going to buy an Aluma 2 bike trailer. It was 77x12. Not big enough for 2 Goldwings. For those size bikes the minimum you need is a 7x14.

Place both your bikes next to each other like they would be if they were on a trailer. Then draw a box around them like it was the bed of a trailer. Measure the box, and that should give you an idea of how much trailer you will need. Wider is better.
Good luck.

I have an Aluma MC210, all aluminum, nothing to rust or rot, 600lbs empty, torsion axle, built in ramp, bed is 78" wide x 138" long. RVers use them to haul Smartcars. Fits two BMW GSAs with bags. It's wide, but if you are towing behind an RV, you are already wide.
https://www.alumaklm.com/recreational/motorcycle/mc210-motorcycle-trailer

Not a wood floor, but few motorcycle trailers have wood floors. You're probably looking at a utility trailer.

I got mine from TSI Trailers north of dallas. Small, family owned/run business, 4th largest aluma dealer in the US. Fair price, title work was timely with no issues. https://www.tsitrailers.com

c_m_shooter said:

5 by 10 and stagger the wheel chocks for less interference with tie downs.

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That’s what I have, 5x10 landscape trailer with drop down expanded metal gate ramp. Semi secure because I don’t see anyone lifting my 500+ lb vstrom over the high trailer sides. Used it when we went to Big Bend. Its heavier than I would like due to the pipe top and 2ft sides. The gate probably has some extra drag too, but in the six years I’ve had it I think I’ve only used it haul bikes a hand full of times, with Big Bend being the longest distance. Mostly it was to carry bikes in the city (one break down, two new bike purchases, and one for a suspension change out). If I were to do more travel with the bike, I would probably get a lighter, more motorcycle-centric trailer like a drop tail or Aluma or possibly a closed cargo hauler to protect from the elements, but I’m in a std residential lot, so I had to settle on a single trailer that could handle hauling needs outside of just a motorcycle. I think it’s a pretty good compromise. I’ve only used it for motorcycle duties less than 25% of the time, so a drop in mileage really isn’t noticeable to me. Certainly less than an additional registration every year for a dedicated MC hauler. I have no doubt two full size bikes would fit with staggered chocks. Would be be tight with panniers installed so they may need to be removed unless you have low sides on the trailer.

dukey33 said:

If you have touring bikes equipped with a reverse gear, you can load one in backwards instead of staggered.

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I didn’t think of that but it’s a very good suggestion

I had a BigTex 35SA-10 and carried A BMW GS and a V-Strom side by side.

Had to stagger the Chocks for the handle bars to clear each other and I had to offset one chock towards the centerline 4" IIRC so the outside jug wouldn't bang on the upper bar.

I did load an 05 Goldwing on it, but the belly pan did bottom out loading. And the gate just closed ... had to take the hitch out of the receiver to make it work.
So placement of that chock is vital. I wouldn't attempt to load a Wing backwards. That's a lot of weight on a steep incline dragging on the starter.

Chocks ... do not skimp on a chock. I lashed down a KTM 1290SA (~500lbs+) and it folded an "S" shaped chock flat. HF and similar chocks are fine for a dirt bike, but not a beast. Also make sure the chock you use will clear the back side of the fender and brake rotor.

Fold that ramp up and kiss 10mpg goodbye ... it makes a heckuva air brake and its why I now have an enclosed

I recently bought a Condor chock. It can be moved from your garage and attached to the trailer with quick releases they sell. They are some of the best made!

dukey33 said:

If you have touring bikes equipped with a reverse gear, you can load one in backwards instead of staggered.

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Doesn’t this put an unintended force on the windscreen of the backwards bike as it scoops wind from the wrong direction?

This one might fit the bill. Already has the fold over ramp extention and set up for two big bikes. FB market place.

jgrm1 said:

Doesn’t this put an unintended force on the windscreen of the backwards bike as it scoops wind from the wrong direction?

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With an open trailer, possibly.
My windshield removes with 4 screws. Harley windscreens have QRs.
Remove windscreen, slip it into a t-shirt, store in tow vehicle. Not a big deal in my opinion.

jgrm1 said:

Doesn’t this put an unintended force on the windscreen of the backwards bike as it scoops wind from the wrong direction?

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No worse than passing a semi, both cruising at 70mph with a 30mph crosswind.

c_m_shooter said:

5 by 10 and stagger the wheel chocks for less interference with tie downs.

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My old 5 x 8 utility trailer with Pingle chocks bolted to the wood floor would hold 2 HD baggers side by side. A 3rd bike was out of the question, even backwards. the 5 x 10 shoud be able to do that.