Motorcycle Trailer Rental Guide: Costs, Types & How to Load

Whether you're heading to a rally, dropping a bike at the shop, or moving a new purchase home, renting a motorcycle trailer is often the simplest option. There is no need to own one that sits in the garage 50 weeks a year. Here's what to know before you book.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Motorcycle Trailer?

Rental prices depend on the trailer type, how long you need it, and your location. As a rough guide:

• Open single-bike trailer: $50-$90/day from local owners; $80-$140/day from national chains.
• Enclosed single-bike trailer: $80-$120/day from local owners; $120-$200/day from chains.
• Multi-bike open trailer (2-4 bikes): $90-$150/day depending on capacity and location.
• Weekend rate (2-3 days): Most owners price weekends at 1.5x the daily rate rather than 2x.

Renting from a local owner on a marketplace like BigLoads is often cheaper than a national chain because you're paying the owner directly, not a corporate markup. You can also often negotiate for a weekly rate if you need the trailer longer.

Ready to skip the reading and see what is actually available near you? Browse motorcycle trailers for rent near you and compare local owner rates. Filter by location, message the owner, and book directly.

Types of Motorcycle Trailers

The right trailer depends on your bike, your budget, and how far you're going. Here are the main types:

• Open single-bike trailer: Lightweight, easy to pull, and the most affordable to rent. Works with most tow vehicles. Bike sits in the open, so weather matters on long hauls.
• Enclosed single-bike trailer: Protects the bike from rain, road debris, and prying eyes. Worth the extra cost for long-distance hauls or high-value bikes.
• Open multi-bike trailer: Carries two to four bikes side by side. Common for group rides, dealer pickups, or moving multiple machines at once.
• Tilt-deck trailer: The ramp is built into the deck and tilts to the ground — easier loading, especially for low-clearance bikes or riders working alone.

What to Check Before You Rent

A quick check before you book saves headaches on the road. Confirm these with the owner:

• Trailer length and width — make sure your bike fits with handlebars and mirrors.
• Tie-down points — look for welded D-rings or anchor rails, not just exposed hooks.
• Coupler ball size — most trailers use a 1-7/8" or 2" ball. Confirm before you show up.
• Lighting — verify brake lights, turn signals, and taillights all work.
• Tires and wheel lug condition — check for uneven wear or missing lug nuts.
• Tongue weight rating — single-bike trailers typically tongue at 200-400 lbs loaded.

If the trailer uses a 7-pin connector and you're not sure yours is wired correctly, our 7-pin trailer wiring guide walks through every pin and how to test them.

How to Load and Secure Your Motorcycle

Loading is where most damage happens, so take it slow:

1. Position the trailer on a flat surface before loading.
2. Walk the bike up the ramp in gear at idle — never coast or rev hard.
3. Center the front wheel in the wheel chock or channel.
4. Attach two front tie-downs to solid frame points (never the handlebars or fork tubes), pulling them slightly forward and outward to compress the forks.
5. Add two rear tie-downs on the swingarm or frame loops.
6. Check that the bike does not rock side-to-side or fore-aft before moving.
7. Recheck tie-down tension after 20 minutes on the road — straps loosen as the bike settles.

Open vs. Enclosed Motorcycle Trailers

The most common decision riders face is open versus enclosed. An open trailer is lighter, easier to pull, and costs less per day. For short hauls under a couple hundred miles in dry weather, an open trailer works fine for most bikes.

An enclosed trailer costs more per day but wraps your bike in a locked, weatherproof box. If you're moving a high-value machine, crossing multiple states, or hauling in unpredictable weather, the extra cost is usually worth it. Enclosed trailers also let you store gear alongside the bike.

Common Reasons People Rent a Motorcycle Trailer

You don't have to be a full-time hauler to need a trailer. The most common situations where renting makes sense:

• Hauling a bike to a rally, track day, or group ride departure point.
• Moving a newly purchased bike from a seller's location.
• Getting a broken-down or non-running bike to a shop.
• Moving cross-country or relocating and towing the bike behind a moving vehicle.
• Transporting a classic or show bike that you're not comfortable riding long distances.

Why Rent Instead of Buy?

For most riders, renting beats owning a trailer that sits in the driveway 50 weeks a year:

• No storage space required.
• No maintenance, registration, or annual inspection costs.
• Rent the right size for each job — single-bike for a solo haul, multi-bike when the group rides together.
• Total cost of a few rentals per year is almost always less than buying, storing, and insuring a trailer.

How to Rent a Motorcycle Trailer on BigLoads

BigLoads connects riders with local owners who rent trailers by the day or weekend. Here's how it works:

1. Search your zip code or city on BigLoads.
2. Filter by trailer type — select motorcycle or specialty trailers.
3. Compare prices, photos, and owner ratings.
4. Message the owner to confirm availability, coupler size, and pickup logistics.
5. Book directly and arrange pickup.

Browse available motorcycle trailers on BigLoads — compare local owner rates and message owners directly. For state-specific towing rules, check our state-by-state trailer rental hub.

Own a motorcycle trailer that mostly sits idle? List it on BigLoads and earn money renting it to riders in your area.

Ready to book? Browse motorcycle trailer rentals near you.