This was actually a really good video. I mean ofcourse the idea itself is great and all. But multiple camera angles, good music, nice smooth narration. I can tell you put a lot of effort in your vids.
Side note: if you use the Harbor freight trailer, grab a tube of red Loctite. Apply it to the threads of the bolts and torque them appropriately. The Loctite dries and works like a glue to keep the nuts on the bolts. That will ensure that your bolts don't come loose.
Great idea! I was thinking what to do with my little trailer. Suggest using carriage bolts for looks. As far as the jack knifing, I am considering adding an extension to the hitch post (if that is the right description).
This is a great video. After watching I decided to take it a step further with Harbor Freights longer 84" ramps to accommodate my street motorcycles up to 1200cc's. Shortened one loading ramp to use as the actual rear loading ramp, it bolts down to avoid rattling when moving. Paid special attention to the location for the wheel chock so 400cc and 1200cc motorcycles would have decent tongue weight. I live near the ocean so used all stainless bolts and hardware wherever possible. Total build price came to $600 with all accessories. Thanks for the most awesome build and idea! I'd love to share a pic of mine completed if there was a way to do so....
Nice setup. I've got the older version of that trailer with the 8" wheels (they are tiny!). Planning to build a ramp, add a chock, and carry a small scooter on the back on occasion. Thanks for the inspiration.
I did almost exactly this but with wood instead of the aluminum ramps/u-channel. Only other thing is I added some round eye tie downs. Didn't really like sticking my hooks into the holes in the frame and also my pro-taper tie downs have the carabiners which are nice. Pulls my WR250R just fine in my 6 speed Mazda 3 and I'm still averaging 30-31 mpg 😁
I just recently bought a harbour freight trailer and I was talking to my dad about it and he jogged my memory and reminded me he used to have the same trailer you had and he somehow rigged it to load 3... Yes THREE motorcycles. I have no idea how he pulled that off but I do faintly remember it. Granted it was a KLR 650 and two 100cc 2 strokes. He did end up buying a purpose built yacht club motorcycle trailer because he claimed it was sketchy, but impressive nonetheless. Awesome video btw👍
Ha I know that trailer. Looks just like the harbor freight trailer I was looking at doing the same thing to. Been trying to find a light weight dirt bike hauler and they don't seem to make 'em. Only thing I might do different is northern tools sells an aluminum framed version of the same trailer, little bit more expensive but might not rust out either.
Hey Ecobrap - Check the welds on your hitch. My Curt 13329 just failed from a rear-ending scenario and it turns out the welds between the receiver and the square cross-tube of the hitch didn't have much of any penetration so they just tore apart. Fortunately that saved my subframe but I would be worried to tow with those hitches anymore. I'm getting a Torklift X7440s hitch to replace it...
Our favorite riding area is 60 miles away, at this point we have probably put around 10-15 of those trips on it, and it works great! If you are going on longer trips, then yes I would see if I could put some larger wheels/tires on, but have not looked into it myself.
There's nothing wrong with those bearings or tires. You should always carry a spare hub, grease, and a spare tire when pulling a trailer. I got one of these to serve dual purpose. I can pull it behind my Prius with my Grom on it, but I also will use it behind my ATV.
They are back in stock now. $399 (Russian War pricing increase, I guess), but I just got one with a 25% off coupon (very rare these days), so $100 off!
The aluminum ramp that a friend gave me already had some tubing on the end, so I just bolted something to the main platform that I could stick a large bolt through to secure the ramp while loading. In hindsight, I should have just left the edge of the main platform bent upwards, so that I could just rest the loading ramp on that, no bolts required.
I love this video. Everything else I’ve read says not even to try towing with a Niro, but it looks like you don’t have any issues. I have a 2019 Niro hybrid and I’m about to buy my very first dirt bike (Kawasaki KLX model). I’m having a class III hitch installed. I’d build your little carrier, except that the utility trailer you use appears to have been discontinued at Harbor Freight. I thought I’d go with a carrier instead, but do you think that would work with the Niro? All the weight ratings check out on paper, but from a previous comment, it sounds like you don’t recommend a carrier on a class III hitch? I’m having trouble finding anyone who can speak with experience, so I really appreciate your time and input!
Hi Michelle, If you are installing the Class III hitch, it is rated for a good amount of tongue weight, but remember that the hitch carrier extends quite far from the back of the car, and this puts additional force/torque on the hitch/receiver. That being said, I personally try to not carry more than 1/2 the rating of the hitch, just to be safe. For a heavy dirt bike I use my little trailer, but for my 200lb scooter I use a hitch carrier with no problems. Just make sure to buy a hitch stabilizing clamp (U shape) to minimize wobble!
Thanks for the video. I am putting together the same trailer. I was thinking, could putting the bike in gear help it from moving forward and back on the trailer? Maybe make it easier to load and unload with one less strap.
It definitely can, but I've heard it's not great for the transmission if it gets jolted back and forth over bumps so I tend to refrain from doing that!
ECOBRAP hahaha darnit man! Lol I think from home to my local track is like 80miles one way. The niro totally makes that right? I seen your video when you drove it to Sonoma, does climbing hills eat up battery life
@@realweston It will make a 160 mile round trip while towing my Spec Miata. While pulling just the dirt bike, it will likely do a 220 mile round trip! Yes climbing hills eats battery, but you will gain it all back on the descent!
I’m about to go for it to use a Prius as my practice rig lol. Curious, have you ever had any tipping incidents? Near misses? One wheel? The setup seems to be a bit tall but I want to hear your opinion since you have it.
This is dead on a Prius trailer. I need to post the different "get away" modes for my 2016 Two. With this trailer, I will haul my Grom along with a luggage rack.
i'm building one based on this video and i'll be pulling a 460 lb bike. Just waiting on my wheel chock to arrive and i'll post an update. I'm sure it will work based on the load ratings of the trailer and ramp.
That loading ramp thing you got free from your friend, why didn’t you use that as the actual rail for the bike and found something else as a loading ramp?😂
I own a hitch carrier as well (that I bought for 50 bucks used). Works great for my little Yamaha scooter, but I do not like putting my dirt bike on it. The hitch carrier sticks out twice as far as a trailer ball, and puts twice the amount of force/leverage on the hitch/mounts. Hitch carriers are a great option for those with Class IV or V hitches, hit or miss with Class III hitches (what I have), and definitely should not be used on Class I or II hitches. Those with Class I or II hitches should definitely stick to trailers due to less tongue weight stress. Lots more pros and cons between trailers and carriers, will actually be making a video on this comparison soon.
This was actually a really good video. I mean ofcourse the idea itself is great and all. But multiple camera angles, good music, nice smooth narration. I can tell you put a lot of effort in your vids.
Thanks wrecker! We slowed down a bit but will be ramping videos back up in the next two months!
Side note: if you use the Harbor freight trailer, grab a tube of red Loctite. Apply it to the threads of the bolts and torque them appropriately. The Loctite dries and works like a glue to keep the nuts on the bolts. That will ensure that your bolts don't come loose.
Does red Loctite work with nylock nuts?
Very nice, good use of pre-made components without reinventing the wheel.
Thanks! All about keeping it simple!
Great idea! I was thinking what to do with my little trailer. Suggest using carriage bolts for looks. As far as the jack knifing, I am considering adding an extension to the hitch post (if that is the right description).
Sweet! I need a small trailer for 69 CB350 to take to Vintage shows. Thank you for this video!
Excellent. Thank you!
This is a great video. After watching I decided to take it a step further with Harbor Freights longer 84" ramps to accommodate my street motorcycles up to 1200cc's. Shortened one loading ramp to use as the actual rear loading ramp, it bolts down to avoid rattling when moving. Paid special attention to the location for the wheel chock so 400cc and 1200cc motorcycles would have decent tongue weight. I live near the ocean so used all stainless bolts and hardware wherever possible. Total build price came to $600 with all accessories. Thanks for the most awesome build and idea! I'd love to share a pic of mine completed if there was a way to do so....
Nice setup. I've got the older version of that trailer with the 8" wheels (they are tiny!). Planning to build a ramp, add a chock, and carry a small scooter on the back on occasion. Thanks for the inspiration.
you're very welcome!
I did almost exactly this but with wood instead of the aluminum ramps/u-channel. Only other thing is I added some round eye tie downs. Didn't really like sticking my hooks into the holes in the frame and also my pro-taper tie downs have the carabiners which are nice. Pulls my WR250R just fine in my 6 speed Mazda 3 and I'm still averaging 30-31 mpg 😁
Thank you man I did this with my dirt bike and iteorked
you're welcome glad to hear it worked for you as well!
Hey, meet you today at Metcalf 😎 Cool video, helped me to decide on trailer.
I just recently bought a harbour freight trailer and I was talking to my dad about it and he jogged my memory and reminded me he used to have the same trailer you had and he somehow rigged it to load 3... Yes THREE motorcycles. I have no idea how he pulled that off but I do faintly remember it. Granted it was a KLR 650 and two 100cc 2 strokes. He did end up buying a purpose built yacht club motorcycle trailer because he claimed it was sketchy, but impressive nonetheless. Awesome video btw👍
Great video man, seems to be a sweet trailer!
thanks!!
ECOBRAP 🤙🏼
Ha I know that trailer. Looks just like the harbor freight trailer I was looking at doing the same thing to. Been trying to find a light weight dirt bike hauler and they don't seem to make 'em. Only thing I might do different is northern tools sells an aluminum framed version of the same trailer, little bit more expensive but might not rust out either.
I actually like the channel used as a ramp better for where the bike rides
I like these trailers because they have basic leaf springs, lots of the trailers in the UK have those independent units that I'm not a fan of.
Good job!
Hey Ecobrap - Check the welds on your hitch. My Curt 13329 just failed from a rear-ending scenario and it turns out the welds between the receiver and the square cross-tube of the hitch didn't have much of any penetration so they just tore apart. Fortunately that saved my subframe but I would be worried to tow with those hitches anymore. I'm getting a Torklift X7440s hitch to replace it...
Faaaantastic... thank you. Have you tried it on any longer trips?? Can you put larger tires on?
Our favorite riding area is 60 miles away, at this point we have probably put around 10-15 of those trips on it, and it works great! If you are going on longer trips, then yes I would see if I could put some larger wheels/tires on, but have not looked into it myself.
Excellent! I’m going to do this for my two ebikes ⚡️⚡️👍🏻
There's nothing wrong with those bearings or tires. You should always carry a spare hub, grease, and a spare tire when pulling a trailer. I got one of these to serve dual purpose. I can pull it behind my Prius with my Grom on it, but I also will use it behind my ATV.
Wonderful work I was planning to spend almost 2800$ you make my day 😅😊😊😊
Let get a review on the ev nero!
We will be doing a 10,000 mile owner review very soon!
Great Idea. Sad that HF discontinued the small (40" x 48") utility trailer (like yours) and only the 4' x 8' folders are available now.
They are back in stock now. $399 (Russian War pricing increase, I guess), but I just got one with a 25% off coupon (very rare these days), so $100 off!
My local HF has them or they can be shipped to your store for free. Same one he’s using here. $399
They've made that trailer $499 from Harbor Freight now
Damn inflation.
Great Video, thanks for the inspiration!
Hello @ECOBRAP! Do you think 2 bikes like the one you have would fit side by side on this trailer? Even if it's a tight squeeze
Why are you not using the loading ramp in the thumbnail. You got wood decking there instead of the ramp
Great video, really helpful. How does the trailer handle at highway speeds (80+MPH)…Thanks
It handles fine at that speed, but just due to to the budget of the trailer (and more importantly, the cheap tires) I tend to keep it 65mph or less
Did you weld your ramp/ ramp connects to the trailer to enable you to stick a rod through those welded supports.
If so how did you do it?
The aluminum ramp that a friend gave me already had some tubing on the end, so I just bolted something to the main platform that I could stick a large bolt through to secure the ramp while loading. In hindsight, I should have just left the edge of the main platform bent upwards, so that I could just rest the loading ramp on that, no bolts required.
How will this trailer handle towing long distance? Such as 1,500 miles one way.
I love this video. Everything else I’ve read says not even to try towing with a Niro, but it looks like you don’t have any issues. I have a 2019 Niro hybrid and I’m about to buy my very first dirt bike (Kawasaki KLX model). I’m having a class III hitch installed. I’d build your little carrier, except that the utility trailer you use appears to have been discontinued at Harbor Freight. I thought I’d go with a carrier instead, but do you think that would work with the Niro? All the weight ratings check out on paper, but from a previous comment, it sounds like you don’t recommend a carrier on a class III hitch? I’m having trouble finding anyone who can speak with experience, so I really appreciate your time and input!
Hi Michelle,
If you are installing the Class III hitch, it is rated for a good amount of tongue weight, but remember that the hitch carrier extends quite far from the back of the car, and this puts additional force/torque on the hitch/receiver. That being said, I personally try to not carry more than 1/2 the rating of the hitch, just to be safe. For a heavy dirt bike I use my little trailer, but for my 200lb scooter I use a hitch carrier with no problems. Just make sure to buy a hitch stabilizing clamp (U shape) to minimize wobble!
Thanks for the video. I am putting together the same trailer. I was thinking, could putting the bike in gear help it from moving forward and back on the trailer? Maybe make it easier to load and unload with one less strap.
It definitely can, but I've heard it's not great for the transmission if it gets jolted back and forth over bumps so I tend to refrain from doing that!
Do you still use this? How has it held up?
How does this trailer do in the highway? Very similar one for sale near me and I will be doing a lot of highly driving with it since I race
I still want to tow with a niro because of you lol
We are loving ours!!
ECOBRAP hahaha darnit man! Lol I think from home to my local track is like 80miles one way. The niro totally makes that right? I seen your video when you drove it to Sonoma, does climbing hills eat up battery life
@@realweston It will make a 160 mile round trip while towing my Spec Miata. While pulling just the dirt bike, it will likely do a 220 mile round trip! Yes climbing hills eats battery, but you will gain it all back on the descent!
that's all good with no leaf springs in ya road
Basically you bought a used trailer. Very impressive
I’m about to go for it to use a Prius as my practice rig lol. Curious, have you ever had any tipping incidents? Near misses? One wheel? The setup seems to be a bit tall but I want to hear your opinion since you have it.
No issues whatsoever, it is stable. Would just be a bit cautious and not drive fast if the road is twisty and bumpy
This is dead on a Prius trailer. I need to post the different "get away" modes for my 2016 Two. With this trailer, I will haul my Grom along with a luggage rack.
Do you think you could adapt this build to tow a 450 pound adventure bike?
i'm building one based on this video and i'll be pulling a 460 lb bike. Just waiting on my wheel chock to arrive and i'll post an update. I'm sure it will work based on the load ratings of the trailer and ramp.
where do I get that Aluminum Threshold
The one that I used as places for the tire to sit? Should be any hardware store
Trailer discontinued
Nice setup. Do you think this will work work for a cruiser motorcycle (650 lb)?
No, I would say this setup will work well with a sub 400lb bike, but 650 might be pushing it
That loading ramp thing you got free from your friend, why didn’t you use that as the actual rail for the bike and found something else as a loading ramp?😂
Lol! I only got that free aluminum after I had already built the trailer 😂 Wish I had gotten it sooner!!!
And 1/2 of those expensive ramps he bought he didn’t even use 🤔
What’s your total tongue weight
Without dirt bike probably 20-30lbs. With dirtbike probably 70-80lbs. Even Class I hitches should easily handle this.
Why not just buy a single dirt bike hitch? Just assemble and it’s like 120$ , this was unnecessarily expensive and time consuming
I own a hitch carrier as well (that I bought for 50 bucks used). Works great for my little Yamaha scooter, but I do not like putting my dirt bike on it. The hitch carrier sticks out twice as far as a trailer ball, and puts twice the amount of force/leverage on the hitch/mounts. Hitch carriers are a great option for those with Class IV or V hitches, hit or miss with Class III hitches (what I have), and definitely should not be used on Class I or II hitches. Those with Class I or II hitches should definitely stick to trailers due to less tongue weight stress. Lots more pros and cons between trailers and carriers, will actually be making a video on this comparison soon.
400 buck minus the expenses of having to go thru to get it road worth and registered lol cool trailer tho
Same kit costs $510.
Inflation sucks
So, you didn’t really build a trailer. You bought a Chinese made trailer and screwed stuff to it. HF is trash. Thumbs down.