Towing a Bike

Hoppa Killa

New member
OK so I want to ride the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, I want to tow my bike and I'm sure the 4Runner will handle it , but I saw some people in a thread saying they had issues towing up mountains and such. It'll be two bikes and gear maybe a third plus peoples. Sorry I'm new to being the guy with a truck and not really sure if I'm getting in over my head.

Any feedback is appreciated ...
 

Attachments

  • image1.jpg
    image1.jpg
    145.1 KB · Views: 1,226
Register to hide this ad
tows just fine.. granted it's one bike, but the u-haul trailers aren't exactly light and i live at like 5000ft elevation


BSij7Ll.jpg
 
The uhaul motorcycle trailer (with the built in chocks) is lighter than their utility trailer pictured, if memory serves me.
 
You should already know the 4R is softly sprung. If you have a trailer plus 3 MCs plus 3 adults plus gear, you are most certainly going to be sagging in the rear (headlights UP in the air too).

Suggest you solve this before you leave. Many towers use airbags. As to power, it ain't a monster, but so what, so you take your time on the steep bits.
 
I hate those trailers... The ramp on it is like a sail. I'd rather tow my 7x16' trailer. Just my opinion...

Really? I've had a few different trailers and loved this thing. The built in wheel chock and multiple tie down points. Thing was built like a tank too.
 
Towed one of those uhaul trailers with my motorcycle behind my 3rd gen 4Runner and my 2011 Tacoma and it did great.

Used to have a '98 M900 that was yellow... Miss that thing really bad :(
 
Miguelon,

You have a very nice looking setup there, but I would seriously consider getting a drop tongue to help level out your trailer. Have you ever scraped the bottom of your trailer?

Concur. That looks like negative tongue weight, not a desireable towing attribute. Doesn't your trailer wander about?
 
Concur. That looks like negative tongue weight, not a desireable towing attribute. Doesn't your trailer wander about?
That's an old picture, I got the issue resolved and now I can tow larger loads
 

Attachments

  • facebook_1432568325061.jpg
    facebook_1432568325061.jpg
    46 KB · Views: 958
How did you get the gooseneck to mount to the roof rack?

:worthless

On the way back from FJ Summit last year, I saw this Helicopter at a gas station ( which was pretty unusual) so I pulled up next to the truck and took the pic at an angle that I later noticed looked like it was being towed by Morena. :caked:
 
On the way back from FJ Summit last year, I saw this Helicopter at a gas station ( which was pretty unusual) so I pulled up next to the truck and took the pic at an angle that I later noticed looked like it was being towed by Morena. :caked:

Undetectable internet sarcasm... I'd say that 206 Jet Ranger would exceed the couple hundred pound operating limit of your roof rack.
 
3 sport bikes is roughly 1500 pounds. Gear for 3 200 pounds. 3 adult males average 600 pound, trailer to hold the bikes 800 pounds. Rough total of 3100 pounds I'm not really familiar with the 5th gen, but I'm guessing the rear will sag badly. Manual full airbags are roughly $100 and are easy to install. Check out firestone bags. Make sure the trailer is level and loaded 60/40 weight distribution.

Pushing the bikes all the way to the front of the trailer as seen in the uhaul pictures will be too much tongue weight and only make the sag worse. If the engines of the bikes are slightly forward of the trailer axle the tongue weight should work great. However, if you plan to put other gear in the trailer shifting the bikes may be needed. If you plan to use wheel chalks mount them to a piece of plywood that is big enough for both the front and rear tires of the bikes to set on. This way you can adjust the position of the bikes, but they won't move while towing. This is because the tie downs will be holding the bikes and plywood down together. Also, keep in mind that as you put gear and people in the cab the rear will sag too.

It's a balancing act. Too much rear sag means less front tire contact patch and less emergency maneuver control. You will be ok in the power and brake department.
 
I towed an S2000 and all my gear when I took the car up to the tail of the dragon...

Our cabin was at the top of a long steep road and I was able to ge that heavy steel trailer with car up....


2vj3jbt.jpg

282p0jo.jpg
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,071
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top