3 bike trailer on a 4x6 platform

Started by ClakTap, Nov 07 2011 03:45 PM
17 replies to this topic

  • ClakTap

Posted 07 November 2011 - 03:45 PM

#1


I will be towing a DR650, a DR350 and a EXCR450. I want to buy a real small trailer - like a 4x6. Although I am well within the weight rating, I am more concerned about the width. I will weld up some wheel chocks, and have the bikes staggered - with the middle bike moved up towards the front. Will 48" wide be too narrow for 3 dirt bikes?

For those that have 3 bike trailers - how wide is yours between the wheels?

thanks

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  • 79yamdt

Posted 07 November 2011 - 03:50 PM

#2

As long as you stagger them you should should be okay. Just as long as the handlebars are not in line with each other. This should probably be moved to the truck/trailer part of the forum.

  • juliend

Posted 07 November 2011 - 04:41 PM

#3

I have a 5X8, and to fit 3 bikes I have to turn the 3rd bike around backwards. 6' is really not enough length to stagger the bikes out. 2 forward, one backward, might work...

  • XLR8RR

Posted 07 November 2011 - 05:25 PM

#4

ClakTap said:

Will 48" wide be too narrow for 3 dirt bikes?
For those that have 3 bike trailers - how wide is yours between the wheels?

Yes & no. My 5'X9' trailer is set up to fit 3 full size MX bikes (250/450's etc...) (I havn't mounted the center wheel chock yet.)
The outer wheel chocks are spaced 38-1/4" center to center. I measured it out to fit the third bike in the middle facing forward, but staggered to the rear of the outer bikes. The problem with only being 48" wide is going to be the outer tie-down points being too close-in. And possibly the length at only 6'. More likely you'll have to put the center bike facing backwards to fit them into a 6' length.
Just line em' up in the garage and start measuring.

Diamond-Plate is 5'x9' Outer tie-downs spaced 80" apart
<TTR125 - YZ250>
Posted Image

  • CRSpeedy

Posted 07 November 2011 - 05:51 PM

#5

I have a 4x8 trailer and can fit three 450s no problem. However, I do have to put the middle bike on backwards in order to do so, otherwise the handlebars make it impossible.

I also fabricated some extensions to the front of the trailer that allow the tie-down points to be extended by 8 inches on each side when carrying 3 bikes.

So to answer your question, the width shouldn't be an issue if you're willing to do a little fabricating, but the 6 foot length is likely to pose the problem.

  • ClakTap

Posted 07 November 2011 - 08:02 PM

#6

Great info - thanks gang!

  • lumpy790

Posted 08 November 2011 - 06:41 AM

#7

$350 4x8 trailer from Tractor Supply...added pressure treated floor....then sides

Posted Image

Posted Image

  • msurvilo

Posted 08 November 2011 - 10:20 AM

#8

If you really can't figure it out just make a ducktape square on the ground and with a couple budies and try and fit them on the square

  • L-vie

Posted 08 November 2011 - 03:30 PM

#9

I would say no with a 4 X 6 trailer.

With a 4 X 8 it can be done with the center bike loaded backwards.

  • GMO397

Posted 08 November 2011 - 03:39 PM

#10

lumpy790 said:

$350 4x8 trailer from Tractor Supply...added pressure treated floor....then dog sh*t on tire....then sides

fixed it for you:smirk:

4x6 will be to small for more than 2 bikes, as others have said.

  • zlathim

Posted 08 November 2011 - 04:16 PM

#11

I can do 3 bikes on my 4x8 trailer, but I load the middle bike backwards.

  • lumpy790

Posted 08 November 2011 - 06:34 PM

#12

LOL.... not Doggy Doooo..... its all clay down here

  • eflyguy

Posted 27 December 2011 - 08:53 AM

#13

Had this thread in mind after I set this up, but took me a while to find it again. I think 3 bikes on a 4x6 is going to be pushing it, unless they are small bikes. Here's my daughter's TTR125 (middle), my wife's XT250 (right) and my YZ400F. Took a little planning to get all three in, and this is a 5x8:
Posted Image

From the rear:
Posted Image

There's only inches to spare. The trick was putting the TTR in the middle - the bars of the other bikes simply wouldn't fit over my YZ if it was in the middle.
..a

  • inthedirtagain

Posted 28 December 2011 - 09:25 PM

#14

If you can put two bikes on side by side with the bars touching, you should be able to sneak a 3rd bike up the middle. Run the front tire right up tongue of the trailer just enough so that the bars of the other two bikes are over the seat of the middle. Like this:

http://www.powerspor...cleCode=1902929

one other question......why not just widen the trailer by 6in on either side? That will give you more bar room and you wont upset the center of gravity of the trailer. If you can't afford a bigger trailer, than this might be a good alternative. I've done it to several of my trailers with no ill effects if balanced correctly.

  • Chuck671

Posted 08 January 2012 - 11:55 AM

#15

Similar situation...4x8 folding trailer. Seems like I need tie-down points about a foot (saw 8" above) wider on each side up front to make two forward facing bikes really secure.

Would a square tube or angle iron bolted to the front of the trailer work? How big/thick would it need be to hold up?

  • lseann

Posted 09 January 2012 - 07:47 AM

#16

A good thing to do concerning how to lay out the tie down points/wheel chock layout, might be to get some measurements off of 2 or 3 rail trailer that is pre-made to haul motorcycles. Typically I believe there are tie down rails that actually extend out low, past the sides of the trailer in the front, to allow the proper strap angle from the outside handlebar to the tie down point on the trailer.

  • Weekend Rider

Posted 29 January 2012 - 01:31 PM

#17

I have a 5x10. The area where the 3 bikes are is a 5x8 and I can very easily fit 3 bikes. The in front of the 3 I put one bike sideways in the last 2'. It has it's own stow away ramp. I have lot's of pictures I could add to this if anyone wants to see it unloaded. This is the only one I have in photobucket at the moment.
Also if we bring one of the boys friends bikes along we alter the bikes front to back and use the tailgate as a chock and I can get 4 full size bikes (5 with the one on the front) on with out any plastic touching. I love it.Posted Image

  • Weekend Rider

Posted 29 January 2012 - 01:39 PM

#18

View Posteflyguy, on 27 December 2011 - 08:53 AM, said:

Had this thread in mind after I set this up, but took me a while to find it again. I think 3 bikes on a 4x6 is going to be pushing it, unless they are small bikes. Here's my daughter's TTR125 (middle), my wife's XT250 (right) and my YZ400F. Took a little planning to get all three in, and this is a 5x8:
Posted Image

From the rear:
Posted Image

There's only inches to spare. The trick was putting the TTR in the middle - the bars of the other bikes simply wouldn't fit over my YZ if it was in the middle.
..a
Love your set up. It is very similar to mine but if you put wood down the sides I think you will find you have a lot more room. Once I did this I was able to move the outside bikes very close to the rail. When I tie them down the foot peg goes under the bar and the rear axle nut pulls tight to the wood. We then tie the back tire over so it can not move/bounce. There is no harm to the bikes and it really opened up the space just by moving them out 6-8" which the wood sides allowed me to do.



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