What Size Trailer Do You Need for a Motorcycle? [Chart] | (2024)

The trailer size you need to haul a motorcycle is dependent on many factors like the dimensions of your bike and the type of trailer you are looking for. But it’s safe to say that the most common motorcycle trailer sizes are as follows:

• Single-place motorcycle trailers: 4×8 – 6×12 feet
• Double motorcycle trailers: 6×10 – 7×14 feet
• Three-place motorcycle trailers: 7×14 – 8×18 feet
• Four-place motorcycle trailers: 7×20 – 8×20 feet
• Five-place motorcycle trailers: 8×20 – 8.5×24 feet

These sizes primarily apply to street motorcycles, as dirt bikes typically fit on smaller trailers thanks to their smaller dimensions.

For example, you can haul four dirt bikes on a 7×14-foot enclosed trailer while the same trailer can accommodate only two full-sized cruisers.

If you would like to learn more about sizing a motorcycle trailer, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have done the research and gathered the average motorcycle trailer dimensions under one roof!

Main Types of Motorcycle Trailers

Before we drill into the motorcycle trailer dimensions, let’s take a short look at the most common trailer types on the market.

General flat-bed trailers: These are probably the cheapest motorcycle trailers on the market. These types of trailers are known as “’flatbed” trailers and include utility trailers and any other types of flatbed trailers. The main advantage of these trailers is that you can use them for many other purposes. Tip: It’s highly recommended that you steer clear of “build your own” type motorcycle trailer kits!

Rail-type motorcycle trailers: These open motorcycle trailers are specially designed for hauling up to four motorcycles side-by-side. Many of these are foldable (or semi-foldable). They are lightweight and affordable, but unfortunately don’t offer any protection to the bikes from the weather, dirt, or road debris kicked up by the wheels of the tow vehicle.

Enclosed motorcycle trailers: There is no question that enclosed motorcycle trailers offer the most comfort and protection for your bikes. What’s more, you can load lots of gear into them! These huge trailers are also known as “toy haulers” as they are typically used for transporting various power sport vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, or motorcycles. Drawbacks? Beyond the high purchase price, these trailers are quite heavy, which means that you need a more powerful truck to tow them. They can also significantly increase the fuel consumption of the tow vehicle.

Clamshell trailers: Some manufacturers offer special clamshell motorcycle trailers, which can typically accommodate one or two bikes. Most of these trailers are specially designed for hauling motorcycles, so they can’t be used for work or other general purposes. Clamshell trailers, as their name suggests, feature a fiberglass shell that protects the motorcycles from the elements. Unfortunately, these are among the most expensive motorcycle trailers on the market!

Let’s move on and find out what size trailer you need for your motorcycle!

What Size Trailer Do You Need for a Motorcycle?

The size trailer you need to haul your motorcycle is strongly dependent on the type and dimensions of your bike. As a rule of thumb, the majority of motorcycles are 6-8 feet long and 2-3 feet wide. However, to properly size your trailer it’s essential to know the exact dimensions of your motorcycle.

You can find these specs in the owner’s manual or with a quick online search. If you can’t find them anywhere don’t hesitate to measure your bike with a tape measure.

Once you’ve determined the exact measurements you can much more precisely figure out what size trailer you need to haul your motorcycle.

Besides the measurements, the type and accessories on the bike can also be a factor. For instance, dirt bikes are among the narrowest motorcycles as some of them are less than 2 feet wide. They are also lightweight, which means you can easily load them on a trailer.

In contrast, full-sized cruisers and huge touring motorcycles can exceed a length of 8 feet and a weight of 700-900 pounds. These features make them harder to move and load onto the trailer.

What Size Trailer Do You Need for One Motorcycle?

Even if you have a smaller bike, you at least need a 4×8-foot trailer to haul it. Although, if you do your research you will find that the majority of single motorcycle trailers are 5-6 feet wide and 9-12 feet long. The most common dimensions of rail-type motorcycle trailers are 5×8, 6×10, and 6×12 feet. As a rule of thumb, most stock motorcycles can fit on a 6×12-foot trailer without any issues.

But again, don’t forget to double-check your bike’s dimensions before you make your purchase!

Speaking of enclosed motorcycle trailers, many riders prefer the 6×10 and 6×12-foot V-nose trailers. These models offer plenty of space not only for the bike but for your gear as well.

What Size Trailer Do You Need for Two Motorcycles?

The trailer sizes for two motorcycles range from 6×10 feet up to 7×14 feet. The general rule is that 6 feet is the very minimum width of double motorcycle trailers, but for bigger bikes this width tends to be too tight. If you have two full-sized cruisers you probably need a 7-foot-wide trailer, especially if you are looking for an enclosed trailer.

This means that 7×12 and 7×14-foot enclosed motorcycle trailers can accommodate two larger cruisers or touring motorcycles with ease. The extra space makes it easier to stagger the motorcycles in the trailer and to carry gear with you. You will also need space around the bikes to properly tie them down.

What’s more, in emergency situations you can even load three bikes into a 7×14-foot trailer. However, it’s not really convenient or safe, so this size is primarily recommended for just two bikes.

Besides the dimensions, another important consideration is the weight of the trailer. V-nose motorcycle trailers are significantly heavier than their open siblings, and don’t forget to consider the weight of the bikes and gear.

Keeping safety in mind, if you want to regularly haul 2 heavy motorcycles, it’s recommended that you invest in a dual-axle trailer with brakes.

What Size Trailer Do You Need for three Motorcycles?

Although you can load three small or middle-sized motorcycle into a 7×14-foot enclosed trailer, it could be quite tight for three bikes. And the last thing you want is for the bikes to collide in the trailer accidentally. Because of this risk, best practice is to invest in a larger enclosed trailer. You can also find some open 3-place motorcycle trailers on the market, which can accommodate the machines side-by- side. These trailers are typically 7-8 feet wide and 10-12 feet long depending on the make and model.

What Size Trailer Do You Need for Four Motorcycles?

If you want to haul four motorcycles, you will need a much bigger trailer. If you have four cruiser or touring bikes, you will need an enclosed trailer that is at least 7 feet wide. The most popular sizes of 4-place enclosed motorcycle trailers are probably the 7×20, 8×18, or even 8×20 feet. But if you want to haul four off-road bikes you can consider an open 4-place motorcycle trailer. You can load the bikes side-by-side on these trailers, which are typically 8-8.5 feet wide.

Keep in mind that you have to very carefully secure the bikes in the trailer. If one of the straps brakes, the loosened bike can damage all of the others! That’s why you need a roomy trailer to properly tie down the machines.

What Size Trailer Do You Need for five Motorcycles?

For 5 motorcycles you will probably need at least an 8×24 – 8.5×24-foot enclosed trailer (not including the V nose!), if you want to haul bigger bikes. If you are considering an open trailer or have smaller bikes, you may be happy with a smaller trailer. It’s hard to determine the exact trailer size as the dimensions of motorcycles vary widely.

Best practice is for you to do the math based on the dimensions of the bikes you want to haul.

Another advantage of these bigger trailers is that you can even use them to haul a car!

Motorcycle Trailer Dimension Chart

For your convenience, we’ve gathered some of the most popular motorcycle trailer sizes into one chart:

For informational purposes only!

Keep in mind that the exact motorcycle trailer size you need strongly depends on many different factors such as:

• Open or enclosed trailer
• The type, dimension, and weight of the bikes
• The size and shape of the trailer deck
• The layout of the trailer (if it’s a rail-type trailer)
• The capacity of your tow vehicle

Consequently, it’s hard to tell which would be the perfect trailer for you.

But if you are looking for some ideas don’t hesitate to take a closer look at the chart above, as many owners go with one of these trailers in the end. Thus, chances are one of these may work for you!

FAQs About Motorcycle Trailer Dimensions

Can you Fit Two Motorcycles in a 5×8-foot Trailer?

You may can fit two motorcycles in a 5×8-foot trailer if they are small motorcycles (or dirt bikes). But in most cases you at least need a 6×10 or even a 7×14-foot trailer to conveniently haul two motorcycles. Finally, it always depends on the dimensions of your bikes.

How Wide Should a Trailer Be for Two Motorcycles?

As a rule of thumb, a 2-place motorcycle trailer should be at least 6-feet wide. But if you are considering buying an enclosed trailer for two bigger motorcycles, you probably need a 7-foot-wide trailer.

How Many Motorcycles Fit in a 7×14-foot Trailer?

In most cases, you can conveniently fit two motorcycles in a 7×14-foot trailer. Even if it’s possible to load three smaller street bikes into a 7×14-foot trailer, it’s not considered safe nor convenient.

What Size Trailer Do You Need to Haul Two Touring Harleys?

You need a 7×12 or 7×14-foot trailer to conveniently haul two touring Harleys. It’s highly recommended that you invest in a 7-foot-wide trailer, as Harleys are really wide so two of them may not fit in a 6-foot- wide trailer.

Conclusion – What Size is a Motorcycle Trailer?

In a nutshell, average motorcycle trailers are 4-8 feet wide and 8-24 feet long. The exact trailer size you need strongly depends on many factors like the dimensions of your motorcycle and the type of the trailer.

Therefore, before you make your final decision, it’s highly recommended that you do your research and compare different trailer types and sizes.

Also, you may want to ask trailer dealers for further advice!

References:

https://www.fthr.com/products/recreational-trailers/motorcycle

https://www.motorcycle.com/buyers-guide/buyers-guide-to-motorcycle-trailers-88173.html