Key components of a motorcycle trailer

What are the main components of a motorcycle trailer? This question is common when starting to drive with a trailer and it’s advisable to know the answer to be prepared for any situation on the road. In this post, we’ll discuss the most common components found in any motorcycle trailer and their applications.

What Elements a Trailer Should Have

Although there is a wide variety of motorcycle trailers, they all share similar components. These are the mechanisms you should know if you’re going to travel with one, because in case of any malfunction, you can determine where the problem is. The main elements of a motorcycle trailer are:

Ramp

The ramp is an essential element on a motorcycle trailer, as it makes loading much easier, especially for heavier models. The motorcycle can also be loaded without it, but this requires more skill and time. It is therefore recommended to have this mechanism to save time during loading and unloading.

When choosing trailers with ramps, it’s preferable to select models with long ramps, as they provide a gentler incline, making it easier to load the motorcycle.

The most common ramp types for trailers are: single, double (depending on whether one or two motorcycles will be loaded), and door ramps, which provide more stability but also take up more space.

Tires

Tires are the most important component of a motorcycle trailer. Additionally, they should be in perfect condition, as worn tires can negatively impact driving.

The type of tire to use depends on the terrain and intended use. For safety, it's recommended that they be over 13” to offer greater stability and minimize risk.

At Littleway, we recommend carrying a spare tire so that, in case of a blowout, you can continue on your way without any issues. Some motorcycle trailers include a space for the spare tire.

Straps or Wheel Chocks

These components are used to secure the motorcycle to the trailer. Straps are a more economical option and are placed on the sides of the motorcycle to keep it stable during transport. They stand out for their ease of installation and use, making them ideal for shorter trips.

The wheel chock, on the other hand, offers much more security. With it, the motorcycle is practically locked onto the trailer. Like the straps, it’s easy to install, and we could even say it’s faster. Additionally, it has a much longer lifespan, as it withstands wear better.

Floor

This is perhaps the least important component mentioned. The floor is used to facilitate motorcycle loading. Its usage has declined in recent years due to the introduction of self-loading motorcycle trailers, and fewer models now include it.

License Plate Mounts

This is a very useful element if the motorcycle trailer is to be used with different cars, as it allows for quick license plate changes.

Luggage Box

Some motorcycle trailers come with this component for carrying extra luggage. It is installed at the front of the trailer so as not to affect the car’s aerodynamics. Due to its position, it’s not recommended to load it with very heavy items to avoid potential imbalances.