I lived without a garage/enclosure on a lake where horrible wind, floods, bugs, rain, “nature crud,” and spiders ruined and weathered everything. I looked online for enclosures and small buildings that would also be convenient to ride in and out of frequently. Many sealed hard plastic motorcycle enclosures were $2/3k+ and sold overseas. A zipper bag enclosure/bubble would get absolutely shredded by wind and water where I lived. I finally considered getting a small and cheaper trailer with multiple use cases! It cost me around $3600 but is also incredibly useful for many other uses as well (moving, transporting large objects, etc). I installed rubberized flooring and a condor wheel chock inside as well. The large door helps me easily ride in and out with a convenient side door for working on the bike. Even a year later, the inside has remained completely “sterile.” No bugs and is dry with low humidity. Consider an option like this if you don’t have space for a new building, don’t have a garage, or would have use for a trailer to begin with.

edit: as discussed below, always consider the level of crime in your community to determine whether or not something like this would work for you.

  • YellowGas@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    I can’t comment on utility trailers because I haven’t really towed any of those around. I currently drive a Toyota 4Runner, which is notoriously underpowered in the engine/towing department - so it’s going to have a poorer experience to begin with. As far as my towing experience, I am pleased with the ride. It doesn’t seem to pull “too heavy” or suffer from as much wind drag as I was expecting. Drive thrus are not an issue. It’s <9ft tall. This one is about 4’x10’ with one axle. The V nose is nice because it gives a little extra room in the front. Side door is a MUST, IMO. It’s so much easier to get in/out and it’s nice to keep it open when inside and working on the bike. If you decide to use the bike as a garage, make sure the rear of the trailer is secured with jack stands so you can ride in and out without the trailer tipping backwards. I’d like to install AC power. For now I run a cord inside when I’m working. DeWalt work light hangs from ceiling via a RAM mount with 8.0 Ah battery. I’ve made a lot of changes since this picture was taken like installing a floor and adding a table.

    I never would have DREAMED I would be using the trailer this frequently- even while having a pickup truck easily accessible. Motorcycle garage? Trailer. Large dining room table need bought/moved? Trailer. Helping family member move? Trailer. Going to a festival/airshow for a week? Bring the tent and the Trailer.

    It also has four solid mounting D-rings that are on the sides of the trailer walls. You can make them out behind the chair on the right.

    I would say get the trailer. It’s been my most cherished purchase in years.