Motorcycle Trailer Rental Guide: Costs, Types & Tips

Whether you're heading to a rally, dropping a bike at the shop, or moving a new purchase home, a motorcycle trailer makes the haul safe and simple. But buying a trailer for a handful of trips a year rarely makes sense. That's where renting comes in. This guide covers the trailer types, what they cost to rent, what to check before you book, and how to find a motorcycle trailer rental near you on BigLoads.

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 motorcycle / single-rail trailers: around $30–$45 per day
• Utility trailers with a chock: around $35–$55 per day
• Enclosed motorcycle trailers: around $55–$75+ per day

Renting from a local owner on a marketplace like BigLoads is often cheaper than a national rental counter, and you deal directly with the person who owns the trailer. Book ahead during rally season and holiday weekends, when the good trailers get reserved fast.

Types of Motorcycle Trailers

The right trailer depends on your bike, your budget, and how far you're going. Here are the most common options you'll see when you browse motorcycle trailers:

• Open single-bike trailers: lightweight and cheap to rent, perfect for one bike on a short local haul.
• Multi-bike / utility trailers: more deck space and separate tie-down points so you can haul two or more bikes.
• Enclosed trailers: full weather and theft protection, ideal for long distance trips or high-value bikes.
• Tilt or low-ramp trailers: make loading a heavy or low bike far easier without needing to lift.

What to Check Before You Rent

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

• Weight capacity: make sure the trailer's rating comfortably covers your bike's weight.
• Wheel chock and tie-downs: a front wheel chock plus solid tie-down points keeps the bike from shifting.
• Ramp and loading: a low or tilting ramp matters a lot with a heavy cruiser or a low sport bike.
• Lights and brakes: check that running lights, turn signals, and brake lights all work.
• Your tow vehicle: confirm your hitch, ball size, and towing capacity match the trailer.

If the trailer uses a 7-pin connector and you're not sure yours is wired right, our 7-pin trailer plug wiring guide walks through every pin. For step-by-step loading, see how to secure a motorcycle on a trailer.

How to Load and Secure Your Motorcycle

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

• Position the trailer on level ground and chock the trailer wheels.
• Roll the bike up the ramp in first gear or walk it up with a helper.
• Seat the front wheel firmly in the chock so the bike stands on its own.
• Use at least four tie-down straps — two front, two rear — pulling evenly to compress the suspension slightly.
• Double-check every strap after the first few miles and re-tighten as needed.

Open vs. Enclosed Motorcycle Trailers

The most common decision riders face is open versus enclosed. An open trailer is lighter, cheaper to rent, and easier to load and maneuver, which makes it the go-to for short local hauls and everyday bikes. The tradeoff is that your motorcycle is exposed to rain, road grime, and prying eyes the whole trip.

An enclosed trailer costs more per day but wraps your bike in a locked, weatherproof box. For long-distance trips, expensive or custom bikes, or anytime you'll be parked overnight, that protection is usually worth the extra money. If you're only moving a bike across town on a dry day, an open trailer will save you cash.

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 we see include:

• Getting a new bike home from a dealership or private seller
• Hauling a bike to and from the repair shop when it isn't rideable
• Trailering to a rally, track day, or out-of-state ride
• Moving a motorcycle during a household move
• Transporting a project or non-running bike

Why Rent Instead of Buy?

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

• No upfront cost: pay for the days you use it, not thousands to own one.
• No storage or upkeep: no registration, tires, bearings, or a spot to park it.
• Right trailer for the trip: open for a quick local run, enclosed for a cross-country haul.
• Local pickup: rent from an owner near you and skip the long drive to a rental depot.

Find a Motorcycle Trailer Rental Near You

Ready to haul? Search motorcycle trailers on BigLoads to see what local owners have available near you, compare prices, and message the owner directly. You can also browse trailer rentals by state or search all trailer types if you need something different.

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