Cross Country Towing Options

AVGeek

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Most small trailers tires are speed rated at 65mph.I have a swivel trailer i pull behind my 5er tires on that also 65mph..
The other thing to consider when towing as well is that most states do have a lower limit for vehicles towing trailers (though it may not be posted like California). I lived in AZ for 6 years, and had a trailer for the vast majority of that time, and only just found out a couple months ago that the limit with a trailer in AZ is 65mph, even though some stretches of Interstate are posted for 75.
 

holligl

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The other thing to consider when towing as well is that most states do have a lower limit for vehicles towing trailers (though it may not be posted like California). I lived in AZ for 6 years, and had a trailer for the vast majority of that time, and only just found out a couple months ago that the limit with a trailer in AZ is 65mph, even though some stretches of Interstate are posted for 75.
Thanks for the info. Here is a site that helps see differences. https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-towing/

Insurance is another detail you need to consider. My bike insurance let's you add a single trailer to the policy. Many car policies are limited on towed vehicles.


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WaltM

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This last winter in IL was enough for us to pull the trigger in AZ. You must have a short memory!

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I do remember. My wife and I started talking about moving somewhere warmer. We are thinking southeast rather than southwest and year round since my job is remote and I can work from anywhere.
 

holligl

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I do remember. My wife and I started talking about moving somewhere warmer. We are thinking southeast rather than southwest and year round since my job is remote and I can work from anywhere.
We looked at Florida briefly last year, too humid and crowded for our taste. A lot of people like it as there are quite a few traffic jams in the middle of the day. Familiar with AZ as my wife's folk wintered there for about 17 years.

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WaltM

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I am thinking North Carolina. Florida is way too hot and humid. Last time I was in Phoenix it was 116 all three days. It was brutal.
 

Checkswrecks

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The fly and ride would be the winner if you have the time.

I've got 3 trailers in the yard and have had others. We have lots of solid 5x8 open trailers on Craigslist for $500 and less. With any used trailer, consider replacing the tires (they are not expensive) and absolutely re-grease the bearings. The 4 ft wide trailers may work but with how high the center of gravity would be with a Tenere, be super careful on any turn or on/off ramp. I wrote "may" because a lot of them have tires which are not rated to the weight of the Tenere plus trailer. You want each tire to be able to take more than the combined weight of the trailer and the load.

Don't put a Tenere on a bumper carrier (cross wise on the back of the Ford), as it's too heavy. Class 3 hitches are for 500 lbs and less, while the Tenere is easily 100 lbs heavier once it has a little gas and couple of accessories. That much weight that far back is also going to really change the steering of the Ford. Some folks may get away with it for a while, but...

If you mean to leave out part #10 to tow, you won't have a left wheel bearing (#2).
 

holligl

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If you mean to leave out part #10 to tow, you won't have a left wheel bearing (#2).
Good points on riding and trailering, I am continuing the trailer search.

Yes on #10, but as I look at it, #2 is the bearing for #10 which wouldn't be weight bearing other than what ever is carried through the rubber dampers. The left wheel bearing is #11. You would need a manufactured spacer replacing #10 to be able to torque the axle and keep the wheel away from the pumpkin.

Here is an example of a front wheel set up, which wound be well under my 500# hitch limit. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/372190232354
I've rethought my previous stated concern about steering stress. However, the bike would lean away from the turn, instead of into it.

I'm focusing on the trailer search, but still playing with concept of the front wheel lift. Ride and fly always a great option.

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holligl

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Thanks again! Planning to pick it up Friday. I was hopeful I'd get some help here. I had forgotten you have to log in to that forum to see the flea market! Kudos for spotting this for me. I lost a couple bidding on Ebay, cheaper but not as good as this. Looked at a rusty one locally today and he was way overpriced. A little drive to OH is just another Adventure...

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sumwon

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Thanks again! Planning to pick it up Friday. I was hopeful I'd get some help here. I had forgotten you have to log in to that forum to see the flea market! Kudos for spotting this for me. I lost a couple bidding on Ebay, cheaper but not as good as this. Looked at a rusty one locally today and he was way overpriced. A little drive to OH is just another Adventure...

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Glad it worked out! Look me up when you get settled in The Valley and we will ride. :)
 

holligl

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So here is my solution. Thanks for all the suggestions! A 2009 Kendon stand up, dual bike. Took it for a test tow with the bike today. Rode pretty well, but you do know it's there with the weight of the ST. My empty tow home I barely felt it, and got 23 mpg.

It does tuck away pretty well in the garage, after some garage mods and cleanup. I have 7' high garage doors so it doesn't quite fit under the door rails, so I had to shorten one to let it roll into place. There is still enough room to get in to my wife's passenger doors.

My initial observations on Kendons: They are steel and will rust, so you do need to keep them clean and touch up any exposed metal. The aluminum plate is secured with screws, lock nuts and plain steel flat washers. Both of the older trailers I looked at had rust initiated by rusty washers. Replaced with stainless steel washers and lock nuts. Quite a few other areas needed cleanup and touchup paint. A couple things needed some welding, but structurally pretty sound. I can stand it up by myself, but I learned it is easier if you block the wheels, and turn the casters up.

If I had found one, I might have gone with the single, but I figure the size and 1800lb capacity may come in handy for towing other items too.


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holligl

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Thanks for the update. Man, your garage is WAY cleaner then mine.

-Dan
Lol. Some of the camping stuff I moved to the shed hadn't been used for about 30 years. I've learned that your stuff expands to fill whatever space you have. My 2 car garage now has 1 Explorer (backed in), 1 Altima, 1 Shop Smith, a good sized aircompressor, 1 workbench, 1 Super Tenere, and 1 Kendon Dual Standup. Now the guy I bought the Kendon from had a nice clean garage!

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EricV

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Nice find. I'm jealous. I just towed two bikes from UT to MS on an older three bike trailer. Did ok, broke two straps along the way and it was stressful. My trailer is really suited for one big bike in the middle, but two dirt bikes on the outside. I did two full size ADV bikes on the outside. Scored the trailer with fresh bearings, new tires and fresh electrics, so that was nice.

Speed while towing may be limited in some states, but I never got a second look doing the posted limits in every state on I-40. I suspect they look at larger trailers more than bike trailers. At the moment the trailer is in a storage unit with the bikes while we find a house. I'm hoping to store it somewhere at the house eventually. Not great to be outside, but it's not a stand up so I'll just have to do the best I can.
 

gv550

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That's a good looking Kendon trailer. If it were me, I'd consider adding a wheel chock so I could mount the single bike in the center of the trailer. If you need to make a panic stop that 575 lb offset load will try to swing the trailer around into the adjoining lane and/or possibly hitting your tow vehicle.
I'll be in Apache Junction Nov 1, let's try hook up for some rides. Four peaks, dirt road up Mt Lemmon, Young................. I can't wait!
 

holligl

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That's a good looking Kendon trailer. If it were me, I'd consider adding a wheel chock so I could mount the single bike in the center of the trailer. If you need to make a panic stop that 575 lb offset load will try to swing the trailer around into the adjoining lane and/or possibly hitting your tow vehicle.
I'll be in Apache Junction Nov 1, let's try hook up for some rides. Four peaks, dirt road up Mt Lemmon, Young................. I can't wait!
For the long trip, I will probably mount my cargo box longitudinally the other side and load it up. Should help the balance. I think the tires might wear worse with the load only on one side, but Kendon says the Duals are design to carry singles on either side too.

There is a single center frame tube down the middle, and the center tie downs are welded on it (sticking up about 2") so it would need alot more than just a wheel chock. The aluminum panels are not bike weight rated, given some of the dents and bends I pounded out. The factory rails are removeable, and one might be able to mount one in the center with some effort.

Looking forward to exploring the area. May be down for a just a short time in early Nov, but probably not bringing the bike yet.

If you have any GPX files of these trails I would love to get them. (I know, I should check the AZ regional forum.)

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Highlander

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Nice score on the trailer, can’t beat those for saving space.

What’s up with the blue cooler that looks like it’s about to fall on the Altima ? Mama won’t be happy !
 

Checkswrecks

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Really nice trailer, as others wrote.
Make sure the wheel bearings have fresh grease.
 
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