How to Load a U-Haul Motorcycle Trailer
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Are you planning to move and wondering what to do with your motorcycle? Worry no longer! You don’t have to sell it — you can tow it using a U-Haul motorcycle trailer. There are many new possibilities with your two-wheeler, and with a motorcycle trailer, the new places you can take your bike to are endless.
Key Takeaways
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How To Load a Motorcycle onto a Trailer
Here is a step-by-step guide to loading a motorcycle onto a trailer.
- Make sure the towing vehicle is on level ground and is in park with the emergency brake on, with the trailer attached.
- Ensure the trailer coupler is secured on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle, and the safety chains are appropriately attached to the receiver hitch.
If you don’t know how to attach a trailer, read this complete guide on How to Hook up a U-Haul Trailer and watch the Safe Trailering Lesson 3: Hooking Up a Trailer video.
- Go to the rear of the trailer and remove the two latch pins one by one while holding the handle on the ramp, and carefully lower the ramp to the ground.
- With someone helping, hold the handlebars on the left side of the bike, while the other person holds the rear.
- Guide the bike up onto the ramp until the front wheel hits the end of the wheel chock, and have the other person stabilize the bike by holding the seat.
IMPORTANT: If your motorcycle's ground clearance is less than 8 inches from the ground, take 3 small 2 x 8 boards and stack them like a pyramid to reduce the angle of the ramp as much as possible. If the angle of the ramp is still too high, place additional 2 x 8 boards.
Should I Load a Motorcycle Trailer While Riding?
No, you shouldn’t, unless it is the only option. When weight is added to a motorcycle, it compresses the forks, lowering the motorcycle further to the ground. Especially if you own a cruiser, bobber, or any other type of motorcycle that is low to the ground, you risk damaging skid plates, exhaust, fairing, or the engine.
We recommend getting someone to assist you in pushing the motorcycle up the ramp, rather than riding it. Pushing the bike also reduces the overall risk of injury.
How To Strap a Motorcycle to a Trailer
Once the bike is on the trailer, you will need to strap it down. The best part about U-Haul motorcycle trailers is the numerous D-ring tie-down points that allow for unique bikes to be loaded with ease.
DO NOT strap the bike to the outer frame of the trailer, only to the D-rings. Also, be sure to avoid any brake lines or electrical wiring when strapping a motorcycle to a trailer.
With any bike, do not attach the metal hook of a ratchet strap back onto the strap; always make sure both hooks are attached to a D-ring. If you don’t do this, the bike can fall over, or those hooks can swing back into you or your bike.
U-Haul does not provide ratchet straps for motorcycle towing; you will need to provide your own. When you come to pick up a trailer reservation at a U-Haul location, you can also schedule to pick up some ratchet straps at the U-Haul center you’re renting your trailer from.
When strapping a motorcycle to a motorcycle trailer, ask yourself these questions to make sure you’re strapping the bike correctly.
- Are your forks or frames made of a sensitive material that can be scratched easily?
If so, place a small rag, shop towel, or another non-abrasive material and secure it with a zip-tie between the ratchet strap and the bike.
- Are you planning to strap around any rotors or brake components?
That’s a recipe for disaster. To avoid damaging your bike, strap around strong components like the frame, front forks, and swingarms whenever possible.
- Have you checked your owner’s manual for the best areas to strap down your bike?
If not, going against the manual can end up damaging expensive parts or could make the bike fall over while towing.
Be sure not to overtighten the ratchet straps; this could make your suspension bottom out and damage parts when towing. There should be a little bit of slack in the suspension, but the bike shouldn’t move from the original position.
How to Finish Loading the Motorcycle
Once you have confirmed that all the straps are secure, the front wheel of the motorcycle touches the front of the wheel chock, and that there are no loose ends of any straps you can move onto locking and covering your motorcycle.
Now, when transporting a motorcycle, it’s recommended to place your disc-lock on the wheel of the bike for added security. Once the lock is secured, take your motorcycle cover and place it over the bike, and attach the belly strap. This will make your bike much less of a target.
For even more security, get a hitch lock. We recommend the warrior pin lock as it fits 1 ¼, 2, & 2 ½ inch receivers, giving you more peace of mind when towing.
When you have the bike covered and locked, walk to the rear of the trailer, grab the handle, and lift the ramp. Place the latch keys back through both the trailer and ramp, and you’re good to go!
Loading a Motorcycle onto the U-Haul Toy Hauler
The new U-Haul Toy Hauler is a 16ft flatbed trailer equipped with 3 individual loading ramps, perfect for loading multiple motorcycles, or three-wheeled motorcycles like a Harley Davidson Tri Glide® or Can-Am Ryker. The Toy Hauler does not have wheel chocks, but there are countless eyelets and D-rings located around the entire trailer, allowing for nearly any combination of ratchet straps.
The loading process for the Toy Hauler when loading a motorcycle is similar; the only difference is that once the bike is on the Toy Hauler, get it into the position you want to strap it in, and move the bike onto its center stand. This is the most stable way for the bike to sit on a flatbed. Make sure the bike is strapped evenly to the flatbed, as tightening one side too much before another could tip the bike over.
Are you ready to start towing your motorcycle with U-Haul? Fill out the form to find a motorcycle trailer near you!
Frequently Asked Questions About U-Haul Motorcycle Trailers
Where can I rent a motorcycle trailer?
You can rent a motorcycle trailer at nearly any U-Haul location or neighborhood dealer.
Does U-Haul have motorcycle trailers?
Yes, U-Haul has numerous trailers that you can use for motorcycles: a dedicated motorcycle trailer for local rentals, a 5’ x 9’ ramp trailer for local and one-way trips, and a 16’ flatbed trailer for multiple motorcycles. But, more than just those three trailers can tow a motorcycle. If your bike fits in the trailer and is under the allowed cargo weight of your towing combination, you can tow a motorcycle with any U-Haul trailer.
How much does a motorcycle trailer weigh?
Motorcycle trailers weigh anywhere from 300 to 800 lbs. The U-Haul motorcycle trailer has an empty weight of 870 lbs., the 5’ x 9’ ramp trailer has an empty weight of 1,240 lbs., and the Toy Hauler has an empty weight of 3,155 lbs.
How many motorcycles can fit on one trailer?
Only one bike should fit on the U-Haul motorcycle trailer and the 5’ x 9’ utility ramp trailer. If you want to tow multiple motorcycles, larger U-Haul trailers like the new flatbed U-Haul Toy Hauler and 6’ x 12’ utility ramp trailer are just some of the trailers that can get the job done.
What kind of motorcycles can be loaded on U-Haul trailers?
Nearly any kind of motorcycle can be loaded onto the three trailers equipped with motorcycle towing capabilities. Dirt bikes, cruisers, adventure bikes, and three-wheeled motorcycles with a width of less than 48 inches and a length of less than 109 inches less than can all be towed by a U-Haul motorcycle trailer.
How will I know if my motorcycle can fit on a U-Haul trailer?
Check out the dimensions of the motorcycle trailer, 5’ x 9’ ramp utility trailer, and Toy Hauler on Will it fit: Dimensions of U-Haul Trailers.