Forum Discussion
Gene_in_NE
May 26, 2013Explorer III
bolivier - Nice looking trailer for the intended use. As "TyroneandGladys" stated, you could quickly run into weight problems depending on the amount of rear overhang and the hitch capacity.
There is a simple formula - Know the weight of your small motorcycle. Add the weight of the carrier for the motorcycle. Measure the wheelbase (distance front axle to the rear axle). Measure the distance from the rear axle to the center of your motorcycle carrier. Now multiply the weight of the motorcycle plus the carrier by the distance behind the rear axle. Divide this answer by the distance between the axles. This is the amount you are lifting off the front axle (the see saw effect). If for example:
1. motorcycle weighs 400 lbs
2. carrier weighs 50 lbs
3. motorcycle carrier is 6 feet behind the rear axle
4. wheelbase is 12 feet.
(400+50=450 x 6 feet = 2,700 divide by 12 feet = 225 lbs). In this example the motorcycle is lifting 225 lbs from the front axle and is adding 675 lbs to the rear axle.
As "Hank85713" suggests, I would modify the trailer to haul the bike. Either rotate the storage box to be North and South or move it under the canoe. Then move the rear end of the canoe to the left of the trailer.
To answer your question on what to do if you buy a larger boat? Instead of buying a different boat trailer, I would buy a smaller enclosed trailer for the motorcycle and figure out how to haul the 16' aluminum boat on the roof of the trailer.
As to "Robert78121" suggestions and picture, that would work if you have a Class A that has a longer wheelbase and hardly any rear overhang. Not as much of the see-saw effect.
There is a simple formula - Know the weight of your small motorcycle. Add the weight of the carrier for the motorcycle. Measure the wheelbase (distance front axle to the rear axle). Measure the distance from the rear axle to the center of your motorcycle carrier. Now multiply the weight of the motorcycle plus the carrier by the distance behind the rear axle. Divide this answer by the distance between the axles. This is the amount you are lifting off the front axle (the see saw effect). If for example:
1. motorcycle weighs 400 lbs
2. carrier weighs 50 lbs
3. motorcycle carrier is 6 feet behind the rear axle
4. wheelbase is 12 feet.
(400+50=450 x 6 feet = 2,700 divide by 12 feet = 225 lbs). In this example the motorcycle is lifting 225 lbs from the front axle and is adding 675 lbs to the rear axle.
As "Hank85713" suggests, I would modify the trailer to haul the bike. Either rotate the storage box to be North and South or move it under the canoe. Then move the rear end of the canoe to the left of the trailer.
To answer your question on what to do if you buy a larger boat? Instead of buying a different boat trailer, I would buy a smaller enclosed trailer for the motorcycle and figure out how to haul the 16' aluminum boat on the roof of the trailer.
As to "Robert78121" suggestions and picture, that would work if you have a Class A that has a longer wheelbase and hardly any rear overhang. Not as much of the see-saw effect.
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