Transverse motorbike trailers

[Happy Bear]

Has anyone got any experience of transverse motorbike trailers from the likes of Armitage or CMF. I’m planning on using one for an NT1100 (245kg). Keen to stay under 8m which I can do with either of these.

 

[xsilvergs]

There is a French (I think) transverse trailer that the wheels are fitted as castors. There is a bar that is inserted when reversing, then the castors are allowed to rotate.

There have been a few on this Aire, one left yesterday, I'll look for another and attach a picture if I see one.

I've seen then fitted with a big aluminium box the size of a motorcycle.

Not sure this shows the castors but you can see the bar.

 

[colinm]

I can't comment on the specific trailer, but I can on reversing 'normal' short trailers with a long vehicle, they are a nightmare. The one above looks interesting.

 

[Happy Bear]

I can't comment on the specific trailer, but I can on reversing 'normal' short trailers with a long vehicle, they are a nightmare. The one above looks interesting.

I’m driving a shorter 6m vintage Dethleffs Globetrotter but it does have quite a long rear overhang so a rear camera and some professional trailer training will probably be needed.

We should be significantly upgraded to a more modern compact by the time the trailer is needed so hopefully a shorter rear overhang like a roller team Pegaso.

 

[Happy Bear]

There is a French (I think) transverse trailer that the wheels are fitted as castors. There is a bar that is inserted when reversing, then the castors are allowed to rotate.

There have been a few on this Aire, one left yesterday, I'll look for another and attach a picture if I see one.

I've seen then fitted with a big aluminium box the size of a motorcycle.

Not sure this shows the castors but you can see the bar.

I’ve seen these and apart from being French with no UK dealers I don’t like the look of the small wheels and the balance point. My bike is a big Honda tourer 245kg. Thinking about one of these.

 

[r4dent]

.Keen to stay under 8m which I can do with either of these.

Why are you keen to stay under 8m?

Ferry companies tend to charge on MoHo length plus fixed price for trailer.

Some transverse "trailers" bolt onto the MoHo. These are classed as part of the MoHo length (which is obviously increased ) and not subject to a separate trailer charge.

 

[colinm]

I’m driving a shorter 6m vintage Dethleffs Globetrotter but it does have quite a long rear overhang so a rear camera and some professional trailer training will probably be needed.

We should be significantly upgraded to a more modern compact by the time the trailer is needed so hopefully a shorter rear overhang like a roller team Pegaso.

An example, driving a VW T25 panelvan, a 20ft long trailer is a dream to reverse, a short longitudinal bike trailer is much harder, with the short drawbar and wide wheelbase that trailer will most likely be very hard to reverse. Not a reason to dismiss it, but be aware that you could get into trouble very quickly.

 

[xsilvergs]

I’ve seen these and apart from being French with no UK dealers I don’t like the look of the small wheels and the balance point. My bike is a big Honda tourer 245kg. Thinking about one of these.

One of the French with the castor type trailer had put a jockey wheel on the back.

 

[Wyvern]

I can't comment on the specific trailer, but I can on reversing 'normal' short trailers with a long vehicle, they are a nightmare. The one above looks interesting.

I have to say I agree. I am pretty proficient with backing up with a trailer having grown up on a farm and these transverse trailers are almost impossible to reverse using a long vehicle, especially with a long overhang. Impossible to move and dangerous if loaded and unhitched so you must unload and detach the trailer before reversing…..so no narrow lanes! The fixed type on caster type wheels are easier to manage BUT you have a much extended overhang so careful who you wipe out. Saying that I only have experience of the hitch type but neither fill me with joy however that might just be me and my life long inability to deal with being incompetent!

 

[xsilvergs]

One drawback I see of the castor type is the wheels. Small size and the increased likelihood of a puncture, over a two wheeled trailer.

But they do seem to work for the French.

 

[CliveW]

First of all I'm really envious that you're getting a NT11OO but I would need to have serious info and guarantees regarding the trailer stability and build quality. I think you would need the trailer to carry 500kg to take into account pot holes etc. Looks easy to load with the 3 wheel scoot but your 245kg bike is a different matter.

 

[xsilvergs]

I saw this on YouTube sometime ago:

 

[Robmac]

I saw this on YouTube sometime ago:

I like that!

A bit pricey but can be used as a box trailer as well.