How to choose a motorcycle trailer?

Choosing the right motorcycle trailer this is an important step before purchasing. The trailer is really very practical, but it needs to be compatible with your motorcycle. And this is in terms of weight, power, length and dimensions. Otherwise, you run the risk of wasting money, and even worse, you run the risk of breaking the law.

You don't want to end up with a trailer that cost you an eye in the head and that can't even fit your car? Find out how to choose the right motorcycle trailer.

Conditions to be observed in order to select a suitable trailer for your motorcycle

To be able to use it, you need to make sure of two things: that the trailer is compatible with your motorcycle, that the trailer meets all the conditions to comply with the requirements of the law and, of course, the road code. To achieve these two goals, when choosing a motorcycle trailer, you must consider at least two of the following criteria: weight and height.

Select your motorcycle trailer by weight

It is not prohibited to tow a trailer on a motorcycle in France, however, subject to the rules, in particular with regard to weight. In fact, in order to comply with the law, you must make sure that the weight of the selected trailer does not exceed half the weight of the towing vehicle, in other words, an empty motorcycle. Even when loaded. When making your choice, refer to R312-3 Rule of the Road, which states:

"The total weight of trailers, motorcycles, three-wheeled and quadricycles, mopeds cannot exceed 50% of the tractor's unloaded weight."

In other words, if your motorcycle weighs 100 kg empty, your trailer should not weigh more than 50 kg when loaded.

Choose your motorcycle trailer by size

It's not just about weight. You need to choose a trailer that suits your needs and size is important for that. Indeed, you need to make sure that the selected trailer can accommodate and support the intended load. Otherwise it would be useless. However, be careful not to be mistaken with the law. You should also select your trailer based on the overall dimensions it will have when fitted to your motorcycle.

Here is what R312-10 and R312-11 of the Road Code says about the dimensions of the two wheels in circulation:

“2 meters for motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled mopeds and motorized ATVs, excluding L6e-B subcategory light quads and L7e-C subcategory heavy quads. » ; in width.

"Moped, motorcycle, motorized tricycle and motorized ATV, other than light ATV subcategory L6e-B and heavy ATV subcategory L7e-C: 4 meters" ; by lenght.

In other words, the overall dimensions of the motorcycle + trailer assembly should never exceed 2 meters wide and 4 meters long during handling.

Choosing the right motorcycle trailer - don't neglect safety!

In addition to complying with the law, you should also choose a motorcycle trailer with safety in mind. And for this you need to pay special attention to the braking system of the trailer and, of course, its homologation.

Motorcycle trailer with ABS brake

With or without a brake? The question no longer arises when you choose a trailer that weighs over 80 kg. From January 1, 2016, article R315-1 obliges drivers to choose a model with an independent braking system with ABS if the selected trailer has a gross weight of more than 80 kg.

“- Any car and any trailer, with the exception of agricultural or public vehicles and equipment, must be equipped with two braking devices, the control of which is completely independent. The braking system must be fast and powerful enough to stop the vehicle and keep it stationary. Its implementation should not affect the direction of the vehicle in a straight line. »

Homologation

Attention, make sure that the selected trailer is homologated. Since artisan trailers were banned from circulation in 2012, the law requires those in circulation to have approval through Single check receipt (RTI) or via Reception by type from the manufacturer.