Trailer size for three motorcycles

[mcwhirtj]

We (wife and I) are moving from Northern to Southern CA - about 650 miles. Between us (wife and I) we have three motorcycles;

R1200GSA
R1200RT
F700GS

Given the logistics and timing, riding them to their new home is not an option. I will be getting quotes to ship them, but also was thinking I might buy a trailer, use it and then sell it, or even rent from U-Haul (downside is they only do local so I'd have to make a round trip). I have trailered (is that a word?) bikes before, both myself (we used to own a toy hauler) and hired, but never all three.

My question is: Will a 6' x 12' (open) trailer work for all three bikes? . This is a common size as I look at used offerings, and what U-Haul offers in their largest open-bed trailer w/ ramp. I can line them up in the garage and sort of get an idea, but that isn't real world.

If you have experience w/ getting three bikes of this size/type onto a trailer I'd be interested to hear.

I struggled where to post this - "Gear" seemed as good a match as any, open to move if there is a better suggestion.

 

[Omega Man]

Probably will fit. I can recommend a piece of plywood with a constructed wheel chock fastened to the plywood. Front wheels strapped to the wheel chock then- what will end up looking like a spider on acid, crisscross of tie-downs. Probably best to remove any hard luggage.
You may consider going a level up and renting a “cube-style” truck and move some other things at the same time. Well placed miscellaneous stuff can help hold things like the bikes in place.
Good luck.
OM

 

[6322]

My trailer, 6’9” x 12’ will easily accommodate three bikes. Besides the wheel chock suggested, I like to block the wheels side to side so they won’t shift if I hit some rough road. With a wood bed, some 2 x 4 blocks and wood screws, it’s easy to secure.

 

[Omega Man]

^^^^nice trailer^^^^
That recommendation on the extra blocks is a great idea. Most likely a U-HAUL open trailer will be galvanized steel and might make it difficult. The wood floor generally associated with the “cube-style” may be around that steel deck consideration.
OM

 

[SteveAikens]

Wish I still had it, but in this pic you'll see my three-rail open trailer. I'm down to two bikes now and didn't feel I'd really need it again so I sold it.

Absolutely a bare bones trailer but perfect for three bikes - and yes, three RT's have been on the trailer [and a lot more over the years]. The center rail is [guessing now] @ 2 feet forward of the two outside rails.

If you could find one similar, Bob's your uncle.



And here's a shot of it hooked up to haul one of the bikes I had in Tucson, home to NM. You can see how staggered the rails on in this shot.

 

[adamchandler]

Pickup truck not an option? I know some people are afraid of loading this way but I prefer to immensely to towing.

That’s a GSA + F750GS + R18 (on the kendon stand up)

 

[lee]

Pickup truck not an option?

I was also wondering what he has for a tow vehicle.