Make Hauling Your Motorcycle a Breeze with Factory Outlet Trailers

Blog Summary

Hauling a motorcycle should be the easy part of the trip. Whether you are heading to a rally, transporting a bike to a shop, moving across the province, or just getting your machine to a better stretch of road, a properly set-up trailer makes the whole process straightforward and stress-free. The problems start when riders use the wrong trailer, skip the right tie-down technique, or load in a hurry without thinking through the setup.

At Factory Outlet Trailers, we work with riders and collectors across Western Canada who haul everything from a single cruiser to multiple bikes at once. We know what works and what causes problems on the road. This guide covers how to choose the right motorcycle trailer, how to load and secure your bike correctly, and what to check before every trip. Browse our motorcycle trailer inventory or contact our team to find the right setup for your ride. 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRAILER FOR YOUR MOTORCYCLE

Not every trailer is built for motorcycle hauling, and using a general-purpose trailer without the right features can make the process more difficult and less secure. A dedicated motorcycle trailer, or an enclosed trailer configured for bikes, provides the correct deck size, tie-down points, and ramp setup for safe transport.

Open Vs Enclosed Motorcycle Trailers


Open motorcycle trailers:

  • Lightweight and easy to tow
  • Simple loading and unloading
  • Ideal for short trips and day hauling

These are practical for occasional use, but they leave the bike exposed to weather, debris, and visibility.

Enclosed motorcycle trailers:

  • Full protection from weather and road debris
  • Lockable and secure
  • Space for gear and accessories

For long-distance travel or high-value bikes, enclosed trailers provide better protection and peace of mind.

Sizing Your Trailer Correctly


A motorcycle trailer must match your bike’s size and allow enough room to load and secure it properly.

We recommend considering:

  • Bike length and width
  • Handlebar clearance
  • Interior height for enclosed trailers

Common setups include:

  • 5x8 or 6x10 for single-bike hauling
  • 7x14 or larger for multiple bikes

Always match trailer size to your actual bike dimensions, not estimates.

How To Load Your Motorcycle Safely


Loading is one of the most important steps in motorcycle transport.

We recommend the following:

  • Position the trailer on level ground
  • Use a properly rated and secured ramp
  • Walk the bike up the ramp instead of riding it
  • Keep the bike centred and controlled at all times

Using a wheel chock is essential. It holds the front wheel in place and stabilizes the bike during loading and transport.

Proper Tie Down Techniques


Securing your motorcycle correctly prevents movement and protects both the bike and trailer.

We recommend a four-point tie-down system:

  • Two front straps pulling forward and down
  • Two rear straps stabilize the back of the bike

Additional best practices include:

  • Use soft loop straps to prevent damage
  • Anchor to solid frame or fork points
  • Compress the front suspension slightly for stability

Check strap tension shortly after starting your trip, as movement can cause loosening.

Pre Trip Safety Checks


A quick inspection before each trip helps prevent issues on the road.

We recommend checking the following:

  • Hitch and coupler are secured
  • Safety chains are connected
  • Lights are functioning
  • Tire pressure is correct
  • Straps are tight and secure
  • Ramp is properly stored

For enclosed trailers, ensure doors are latched and nothing inside can shift.

Real World Hauling Conditions In Western Canada


Motorcycle transport often involves varied conditions.

We regularly see:

  • Long highway distances
  • Gravel or uneven roads
  • Changing weather conditions

Every recommendation should account for how trailers perform in these environments.

Driving With A Motorcycle Trailer


Towing a motorcycle trailer changes how your vehicle handles.

We recommend:

  • Increasing following distance
  • Braking earlier and more gradually
  • Avoiding sudden turns or lane changes
  • Stopping periodically to check straps and equipment

These habits help ensure safer and more controlled towing.

Areas We Serve


We work with customers across Western Canada, with locations and regional pickup options available to support both individuals and businesses.

Our service areas include High River (Showroom / Sales Yard), Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, with additional regional pickup available by appointment in Langley, Kamloops, Kelowna, Fort St. John, Prince George, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

Whether you are operating locally or across multiple provinces, we help you find trailer solutions that fit your setup.

Haul Your Motorcycle With Confidence


Choosing the right motorcycle trailer and using proper loading and securement techniques helps protect your bike and improve your overall towing experience. When your setup matches your needs, transport becomes safer and more efficient.

At Factory Outlet Trailers, we support customers across Calgary and Western Canada with trailer solutions built for real use. Whether you are hauling a single bike or multiple motorcycles, we can help you find the right option.

Not sure which motorcycle trailer fits your needs? Our team can guide you based on your bike, your vehicle, and your travel conditions.

Browse our inventory, explore your options, or contact our team to find the right trailer.

Motorcycle Trailers

Factory Outlet Trailers offers open and enclosed motorcycle trailers built for stability, protection, and dependable towing across Western Canada. With expert guidance, flexible configurations, and inventory at 14 locations, we make it easy to transport your bike with confidence.

Motorcycle Trailers Questions Answered:

The right trailer depends on how often you haul, how far, and how much protection your bike needs in transit. For occasional short trips in good weather, a compact open motorcycle trailer gets the job done without adding much cost or complexity. For longer hauls, overnight travel, or high-value machines, an enclosed trailer provides weather protection, lockable security, and the ability to carry gear alongside the bike. Dedicated motorcycle trailers, whether open or enclosed, typically come with built-in wheel chocks and tie-down anchor points positioned specifically for bike transport, which makes the whole process easier and more secure than adapting a general-purpose trailer. Our team can walk you through the options based on your bike and how you travel.

The two things that prevent a motorcycle from tipping during transport are a wheel chock and proper tie-down technique. The wheel chock holds the front wheel upright and prevents the bike from rolling while you work and while you drive. Once the wheel is in the chock, four tie-down straps, two at the front and two at the rear, anchored to solid frame points and tensioned to compress the front suspension slightly, keep the bike planted and stable throughout the trip. The most common mistake is not compressing the suspension enough with the front straps, which allows the bike to bounce freely over bumps and gradually work the straps loose. A properly secured motorcycle should feel completely solid when you push on it before pulling away from the loading area. 

Yes, and it is a common setup for riders heading to rallies or collectors moving multiple machines. The key requirements are a trailer with enough length and width to fit both bikes without the handlebars overlapping, individual wheel chocks for each machine, and enough anchor points to run a full four-point tie-down on every bike independently. A 7x16 or 7x18 enclosed trailer typically handles two standard motorcycles comfortably. For three or more bikes, or for machines with wider handlebars or larger dimensions, a longer unit with a planned chock layout is worth investing in before the first trip. Trying to squeeze bikes too close together makes tie-down difficult and increases the risk of bikes contacting each other in transit. 

More Insights on Motorcycle Trailers

GET YOUR TRAILER TODAY

Whether you’re shopping for your first trailer or upgrading to something bigger, we’re here to help. Our team will match you with the right trailer, answer your questions, and make sure you get the best pricing available.

Call (888) 965-6064 or fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you right away and help you secure the trailer you want.

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