Trailer size

Kai5er628
Profile picture for user Kai5er628
Posts
3
Joined
2/15/2018
Location
Naples, FL US
Kai5er628
Edited Date/Time 3/21/2019 3:19pm
HEY Vital I about to downsize From my full size GMC Sierra, to a TDI and a trailer. I currently have 2 full size bikes and was wondering what size trailer you think I can get away with? I would also like all of my gear to fit inside the trailer.
Thanks
|
imoto34
Profile picture for user imoto34
Posts
3780
Joined
1/28/2010
Location
TN US
imoto34 3/19/2019 10:47am
3/19/2019 10:47am
16
1
2
Mort443
Profile picture for user Mort443
Posts
156
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
Mort443 3/19/2019 10:50am
3/19/2019 10:50am
imoto34 wrote:
16
Yeah that’s what I was going to say 7x16. Get something you can stand up in. TDI is the Volkswagen correct? Don’t know if it will be to heavy loaded.
1
1
crusher773
Profile picture for user crusher773
Posts
2010
Joined
12/23/2009
Location
Coweta, OK US
crusher773 3/19/2019 10:55am
3/19/2019 10:55am
I would think a 16 would be awful much for a TDI to pull. I was going to say more like a 10.
2
Mort443
Profile picture for user Mort443
Posts
156
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
Mort443 3/19/2019 10:57am
3/19/2019 10:57am
Also great deals to be had in Florida and Georgia. If you need info on any dealers let me know. I bought two this year for work in Georgia.
1

The Shop

See All »
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1804
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Eastern Panhandle, WV US
JBecker 72 3/19/2019 11:45am
3/19/2019 11:45am
TDI what? Because there’s kind of a big difference between a Golf and a V10 Touareg.

I see plenty of small gas cars like a Honda Civic pulling a 4’x8’ flatbed like what Harbor Freight sells with a couple bikes. You could also buy a larger trailer that’s all aluminum to save weight.
1
mikec265
Profile picture for user mikec265
Posts
1668
Joined
10/19/2015
Location
Edinboro, PA US
mikec265 3/19/2019 11:55am
3/19/2019 11:55am
I just picked up an old, but barely used 5x8 for $500 to pull with the minivan in the background. All it needed was a wiring kit.
You shouldn't have any problems hauling 2 bikes and gear with a 5x8.

1
mikec265
Profile picture for user mikec265
Posts
1668
Joined
10/19/2015
Location
Edinboro, PA US
mikec265 3/19/2019 11:57am
3/19/2019 11:57am
I forgot to mention that the plate is visible so vitards can steal my identity. Your welcome!
2
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1804
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Eastern Panhandle, WV US
JBecker 72 3/19/2019 12:09pm
3/19/2019 12:09pm
mikec265 wrote:
I just picked up an old, but barely used 5x8 for $500 to pull with the minivan in the background. All it needed was a wiring...
I just picked up an old, but barely used 5x8 for $500 to pull with the minivan in the background. All it needed was a wiring kit.
You shouldn't have any problems hauling 2 bikes and gear with a 5x8.

Pretty solid buy for $500. Not bad.

How is it putting two full size bikes side by side?
1
Kai5er628
Profile picture for user Kai5er628
Posts
3
Joined
2/15/2018
Location
Naples, FL US
Kai5er628 3/19/2019 12:36pm
3/19/2019 12:36pm Edited Date/Time 3/19/2019 12:39pm
Going to Checkout a 5X8 enclosed this weekend. Thanks for the suggestions! JBecker 72 It will be a Newer TDI with a malone tune. Maybe a sportwagen or Passat.
Preston412
Profile picture for user Preston412
Posts
975
Joined
10/5/2012
Location
Saint Augustine, FL US
Fantasy
593rd
Preston412 3/19/2019 12:44pm
3/19/2019 12:44pm
Better check and see what that TDI can tow, I have a feeling that 95% of enclosed trailers will be to heavy when loaded.
The last I checked a TDI is 1000 to 1200# tow capacity.
1
KTMsc
Profile picture for user KTMsc
Posts
134
Joined
1/7/2014
Location
Roseville, CA US
KTMsc 3/19/2019 12:49pm
3/19/2019 12:49pm
It is not just the weight, it is the frontal area.
1
AngryBear
Profile picture for user AngryBear
Posts
764
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Asheville, NC US
AngryBear 3/19/2019 1:45pm
3/19/2019 1:45pm Edited Date/Time 3/19/2019 1:47pm
i ran a 6x12 (with 6' interior so could stand) for years, and am currently building up another one. i loved it. full size truck barely knows it's there. 16' with dual axle a good bit more to handle.

ran 2 full size bikes in it, 2/3 trailer occuped by bikes, rest for gear/etc. it's approx the same size as a sprinter van, i think a little more usable space, ecsp if you get a v nose (what i'm currently building, will post pics soon).

it's not so much the weight thats an issue, it's that a flat front cargo trailer acts much like a parachute going down the road, ecsp if you have a 6'+ interior height...

2
Timo_2824
Profile picture for user Timo_2824
Posts
553
Joined
12/19/2016
Location
Wichita, KS US
Timo_2824 3/19/2019 1:51pm
3/19/2019 1:51pm
Preston412 wrote:
Better check and see what that TDI can tow, I have a feeling that 95% of enclosed trailers will be to heavy when loaded. The last...
Better check and see what that TDI can tow, I have a feeling that 95% of enclosed trailers will be to heavy when loaded.
The last I checked a TDI is 1000 to 1200# tow capacity.
I've pulled 1500lbs without issue in a Jetta TDI with the 6 speed DSG trans. If you look at the European towing guides it says you can pull up to 3500lbs with trailer brakes. VW North America says you can't tow with it so take that as you want. Lots of people pull trailers with golf's and jetta's.
1
mikec265
Profile picture for user mikec265
Posts
1668
Joined
10/19/2015
Location
Edinboro, PA US
mikec265 3/19/2019 4:15pm
3/19/2019 4:15pm
mikec265 wrote:
I just picked up an old, but barely used 5x8 for $500 to pull with the minivan in the background. All it needed was a wiring...
I just picked up an old, but barely used 5x8 for $500 to pull with the minivan in the background. All it needed was a wiring kit.
You shouldn't have any problems hauling 2 bikes and gear with a 5x8.

JBecker 72 wrote:
Pretty solid buy for $500. Not bad.

How is it putting two full size bikes side by side?
Might have to put a 6 inch block in front of one bike so the bars clear each other. I just got it and haven't rewired it yet
clemsonsc
Profile picture for user clemsonsc
Posts
93
Joined
3/12/2019
Location
Flat Rock, NC US
clemsonsc 3/19/2019 4:26pm
3/19/2019 4:26pm
Just bought a 8.5x18. I really like the extra room
5
captmoto
Profile picture for user captmoto
Posts
5813
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
captmoto 3/19/2019 7:34pm
3/19/2019 7:34pm
I cant see a 5 x 8 holding 2 full size bikes. I have a 6 x 12 and 2 bikes offset by 6" is difficult to get between. 8' length is like a full size truck bed. Will barely get gear bags, gas cans and toolboxes back there.
1
wfoskir
Profile picture for user wfoskir
Posts
181
Joined
6/11/2017
Location
Half Moon Bay, CA US
wfoskir 3/19/2019 7:49pm
3/19/2019 7:49pm
Trailer size - ALWAYS as big as you can afford or tow!
1
wfoskir
Profile picture for user wfoskir
Posts
181
Joined
6/11/2017
Location
Half Moon Bay, CA US
wfoskir 3/19/2019 7:50pm
3/19/2019 7:50pm
clemsonsc wrote:
Just bought a 8.5x18. I really like the extra room [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/19/332960/s1200_F6E80911_5B22_4200_9CA7_9F5F16814540.jpg[/img]
Just bought a 8.5x18. I really like the extra room
Thats what i'm saying'!
Sweat trailer by the way.

Pit Row

See All »
Paw Paw 271
Profile picture for user Paw Paw 271
Posts
3639
Joined
4/3/2013
Location
Benton, LA US
Paw Paw 271 3/19/2019 7:51pm
3/19/2019 7:51pm
If you lay out the inside correctly, your 5 x 8 will not only carry both big bikes, but also your tools, air compressor, extra parts, all riding gear, EZ up, folding chairs and etc.

Paw Paw
3
moto0852
Profile picture for user moto0852
Posts
943
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Draper, UT US
moto0852 3/19/2019 8:27pm
3/19/2019 8:27pm
clemsonsc wrote:
Just bought a 8.5x18. I really like the extra room [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/19/332960/s1200_F6E80911_5B22_4200_9CA7_9F5F16814540.jpg[/img]
Just bought a 8.5x18. I really like the extra room
wfoskir wrote:
Thats what i'm saying'!
Sweat trailer by the way.
Yeah that's a bute. Mind if I ask how much?
clemsonsc
Profile picture for user clemsonsc
Posts
93
Joined
3/12/2019
Location
Flat Rock, NC US
clemsonsc 3/20/2019 5:08am
3/20/2019 5:08am
clemsonsc wrote:
Just bought a 8.5x18. I really like the extra room [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/19/332960/s1200_F6E80911_5B22_4200_9CA7_9F5F16814540.jpg[/img]
Just bought a 8.5x18. I really like the extra room
wfoskir wrote:
Thats what i'm saying'!
Sweat trailer by the way.
moto0852 wrote:
Yeah that's a bute. Mind if I ask how much?
If your asking how much did it cost? $12,000


2
c0ncEpT
Profile picture for user c0ncEpT
Posts
1312
Joined
5/13/2015
Location
Harrison Twp., MI US
c0ncEpT 3/20/2019 7:34am
3/20/2019 7:34am
Any enclosed is going to have that TDI's tongue hanging out(They HATE wind resistance).

I tow with a modded TDI(Turbo, injectors, race tune, ect) and with 2,000lbs of open trailer behind it its working very hard...
Tracktor
Profile picture for user Tracktor
Posts
2343
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
The RTF/Amboy, WA US
Tracktor 3/20/2019 2:50pm
3/20/2019 2:50pm
AngryBear wrote:
i ran a 6x12 (with 6' interior so could stand) for years, and am currently building up another one. i loved it. full size truck barely...
i ran a 6x12 (with 6' interior so could stand) for years, and am currently building up another one. i loved it. full size truck barely knows it's there. 16' with dual axle a good bit more to handle.

ran 2 full size bikes in it, 2/3 trailer occuped by bikes, rest for gear/etc. it's approx the same size as a sprinter van, i think a little more usable space, ecsp if you get a v nose (what i'm currently building, will post pics soon).

it's not so much the weight thats an issue, it's that a flat front cargo trailer acts much like a parachute going down the road, ecsp if you have a 6'+ interior height...

My 16x8 tandem pulled much better than my 12x6 single axle. My current 20x8.5 is a beast tthough. Only bought as it was partially converted to a toyhauler. Wish I had my 16' back most days............
AngryBear
Profile picture for user AngryBear
Posts
764
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Asheville, NC US
AngryBear 3/20/2019 7:01pm
3/20/2019 7:01pm
AngryBear wrote:
i ran a 6x12 (with 6' interior so could stand) for years, and am currently building up another one. i loved it. full size truck barely...
i ran a 6x12 (with 6' interior so could stand) for years, and am currently building up another one. i loved it. full size truck barely knows it's there. 16' with dual axle a good bit more to handle.

ran 2 full size bikes in it, 2/3 trailer occuped by bikes, rest for gear/etc. it's approx the same size as a sprinter van, i think a little more usable space, ecsp if you get a v nose (what i'm currently building, will post pics soon).

it's not so much the weight thats an issue, it's that a flat front cargo trailer acts much like a parachute going down the road, ecsp if you have a 6'+ interior height...

Tracktor wrote:
My 16x8 tandem pulled much better than my 12x6 single axle. My current 20x8.5 is a beast tthough. Only bought as it was partially converted to...
My 16x8 tandem pulled much better than my 12x6 single axle. My current 20x8.5 is a beast tthough. Only bought as it was partially converted to a toyhauler. Wish I had my 16' back most days............
was it same height? same nose type? i could see it pulling smoother a tad than a 12' with dual axles and weight distro/etc, but i'd be surprised if it felt like less back there weight wise. not saying it didn't honestly curious as to why
AngryBear
Profile picture for user AngryBear
Posts
764
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Asheville, NC US
AngryBear 3/20/2019 7:04pm
3/20/2019 7:04pm
clemsonsc wrote:
If your asking how much did it cost? $12,000 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/20/333045/s1200_0EB796F1_EA19_4F55_B25E_7489328A5433.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/20/333044/s1200_A2B82ADA_C7D4_4409_8DE5_238026615378.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/20/333043/s1200_F1F16D26_F57E_4F67_8B32_FE4629D8632A.jpg[/img]
If your asking how much did it cost? $12,000


awesome setup. why does it look like you mudded the wall board seam?
Elbows
Profile picture for user Elbows
Posts
490
Joined
8/21/2010
Location
Haleyville, AL US
Fantasy
815th
Elbows 3/20/2019 7:22pm
3/20/2019 7:22pm
I had a 6x12 and it just wasn’t big enough even with just two bikes. 7x16 would be ideal imo.
clemsonsc
Profile picture for user clemsonsc
Posts
93
Joined
3/12/2019
Location
Flat Rock, NC US
clemsonsc 3/20/2019 8:29pm
3/20/2019 8:29pm
clemsonsc wrote:
If your asking how much did it cost? $12,000 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/20/333045/s1200_0EB796F1_EA19_4F55_B25E_7489328A5433.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/20/333044/s1200_A2B82ADA_C7D4_4409_8DE5_238026615378.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/03/20/333043/s1200_F1F16D26_F57E_4F67_8B32_FE4629D8632A.jpg[/img]
If your asking how much did it cost? $12,000


AngryBear wrote:
awesome setup. why does it look like you mudded the wall board seam?
Because I hate the little strips of plywood they put on to cover them. When you remove them there is a small gap between the boards. Bondo then a skim coat of mud sand and paint. You from Asheville? I grew up in Hendersonville
1
sumdood
Profile picture for user sumdood
Posts
8694
Joined
3/11/2013
Location
San Clemente, CA US
Fantasy
493rd
sumdood 3/21/2019 1:58am
3/21/2019 1:58am
Mines 7 x 10 (wheel wells inside) here's how 3 bikes fit


2
Tracktor
Profile picture for user Tracktor
Posts
2343
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
The RTF/Amboy, WA US
Tracktor 3/21/2019 11:35am
3/21/2019 11:35am
AngryBear wrote:
i ran a 6x12 (with 6' interior so could stand) for years, and am currently building up another one. i loved it. full size truck barely...
i ran a 6x12 (with 6' interior so could stand) for years, and am currently building up another one. i loved it. full size truck barely knows it's there. 16' with dual axle a good bit more to handle.

ran 2 full size bikes in it, 2/3 trailer occuped by bikes, rest for gear/etc. it's approx the same size as a sprinter van, i think a little more usable space, ecsp if you get a v nose (what i'm currently building, will post pics soon).

it's not so much the weight thats an issue, it's that a flat front cargo trailer acts much like a parachute going down the road, ecsp if you have a 6'+ interior height...

Tracktor wrote:
My 16x8 tandem pulled much better than my 12x6 single axle. My current 20x8.5 is a beast tthough. Only bought as it was partially converted to...
My 16x8 tandem pulled much better than my 12x6 single axle. My current 20x8.5 is a beast tthough. Only bought as it was partially converted to a toyhauler. Wish I had my 16' back most days............
AngryBear wrote:
was it same height? same nose type? i could see it pulling smoother a tad than a 12' with dual axles and weight distro/etc, but i'd...
was it same height? same nose type? i could see it pulling smoother a tad than a 12' with dual axles and weight distro/etc, but i'd be surprised if it felt like less back there weight wise. not saying it didn't honestly curious as to why
Very similar trailers all around. I was pretty surprised also. I think being tandem and having trailer brakes helped quite a bit. Having owned a shit ton of trailers over the years tandem axles makes any trailer feel much smaller than a single axle. My 20' is taller and a full on heavy duty car trailer with a partial conversion. I can still get down the road pulling with a diesel but I noticed way more than the 16'. I plan on finishing it out and selling to go back to a 16' since the "living" part isn't quite as useable as I'd like since there are 3+ people with me every trip........We rarely have less than 5 bikes plus I like having pretty much a full shop with me so a regular toyhauler won't work.........
1
GuyB
Profile picture for user GuyB
Posts
35722
Joined
7/10/2006
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
GuyB 3/21/2019 11:40am
3/21/2019 11:40am
A wise man (my dad) once told me that it's not what you can tow, it's what you can stop.
4

Post a reply to: Trailer size