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As much as we hate to admit it, sometimes a bike needs to be hauled instead of ridden. I have finally put together what, to me, is the ideal truck/trailer setup. I chose a Dakota extended cab (cf., 4 door) because it is the smallest, lowest American brand extended cab truck that can haul my Chief without having the rear tire resting on the tailgate.
I chose an 8 foot, V nose trailer with ramp rear gate and small side door because it is the lowest, narrowest, lightest that will accommodate the Chief. The V6 Dakota hardly notices the trailer. I do not have to put the gear selector in the towing mode because the trailer puts so little stress on the truck. This means better gas mileage and less wear and tear on the equipment.
I have a movable front wheel chock that works for the Chief in the rear position and for a stretched bike in the forward location. I have a mount for the spare tire inside the trailer to thwart thieves and to protect it from the elements.
There are anchor points that allow the truck's tailgate to be strapped inside. If I haul a bike in the truck, the tailgate has to be lowered or removed. If it is lowered, it can tangle with the trailer in a turn; so, it is better to remove it.
The trailer does not have brakes. The suspension is torsion bar because the low unsprung weight and independent action makes the trailer ride smoothly and does not jostle the contents. Also, this suspension allows a low deck height which makes for less wind resistance and easy loading.
I could not find either a truck or a trailer that was exactly what I wanted on a dealer's lot; so, I ordered each as custom builds. I hated spending the money, but it is GREAT having precisely what I want. I am happy to report that this setup works wonderfully.
I chose an 8 foot, V nose trailer with ramp rear gate and small side door because it is the lowest, narrowest, lightest that will accommodate the Chief. The V6 Dakota hardly notices the trailer. I do not have to put the gear selector in the towing mode because the trailer puts so little stress on the truck. This means better gas mileage and less wear and tear on the equipment.
I have a movable front wheel chock that works for the Chief in the rear position and for a stretched bike in the forward location. I have a mount for the spare tire inside the trailer to thwart thieves and to protect it from the elements.
There are anchor points that allow the truck's tailgate to be strapped inside. If I haul a bike in the truck, the tailgate has to be lowered or removed. If it is lowered, it can tangle with the trailer in a turn; so, it is better to remove it.
The trailer does not have brakes. The suspension is torsion bar because the low unsprung weight and independent action makes the trailer ride smoothly and does not jostle the contents. Also, this suspension allows a low deck height which makes for less wind resistance and easy loading.
I could not find either a truck or a trailer that was exactly what I wanted on a dealer's lot; so, I ordered each as custom builds. I hated spending the money, but it is GREAT having precisely what I want. I am happy to report that this setup works wonderfully.
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