What you need to know before renting a motorcycle trailer
A motorcycle trailer is a single or double-axle cargo carrier towed behind a motorcycle, designed to carry gear, luggage, or a second passenger's belongings on longer rides. Rental availability depends on your location and the rental company — not every motorcycle rental shop stocks trailers, and those that do often require advance notice. You will need a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, proof that your bike is rated to tow (most modern motorcycles are, but cruisers and touring bikes handle trailers better than sport bikes), and sometimes a separate towing endorsement depending on your state's regulations.
Rental costs vary widely based on trailer size, duration, and location. A single-axle enclosed trailer might run $40 to $80 per day at a shop that stocks them; open utility trailers are sometimes cheaper. Some motorcycle rental companies include a small trailer with their bike rental at no extra charge, while others charge by the day or require a damage deposit. The real cost question is whether the trailer you need exists at a shop near you — many regions have limited options, and you may need to book weeks ahead during peak riding season.
Key Takeaways
- Not all motorcycle rental shops rent trailers, so call ahead to confirm availability and reserve one if the shop has it in stock.
- Your motorcycle must be rated for towing, and you may need a separate towing endorsement depending on your state's rules.
- Rental costs range from $40 to $100+ per day depending on trailer type and size, and some shops charge a damage deposit.
- Enclosed trailers protect cargo from weather but weigh more and affect handling; open utility trailers are lighter but offer no weather protection.
- You are responsible for securing your load properly and understanding how the added weight changes your bike's braking and turning.
Where to find motorcycle trailer rentals
Start with the motorcycle rental shop where you are renting your bike. Ask directly whether they stock trailers and whether they rent them separately or bundle them with the motorcycle rental. If they do not have trailers, ask for a referral to a shop that does — local motorcycle dealers and rental companies often know each other and can point you to the right place.
If you are renting a motorcycle from a national chain like EagleRider or Harley-Davidson rental locations, call their specific branch to ask about trailer availability. These chains sometimes have trailers at larger locations but not at smaller ones. Regional motorcycle rental shops and independent dealers are often more likely to stock trailers because their customers tend to take longer trips. Search online for "motorcycle trailer rental near me" or "motorcycle rental with trailer" and call the results directly — websites do not always list trailer availability clearly.
Types of trailers and what each one carries
Open utility trailers are the lightest and cheapest option. They are a straightforward metal frame with a flat bed, no sides or roof, and a hitch that connects to your bike. They work well for strapping down hard cases, tool bags, or camping gear that does not mind wind and weather. The downside is that everything you carry gets rained on, and the open design means wind can shift your load during riding. These trailers are easier on your bike's handling because they weigh less, usually 200 to 400 pounds empty.
Enclosed trailers are boxes on wheels that protect your cargo completely from rain, dust, and road spray. They are heavier — typically 400 to 800 pounds empty — which means they affect your bike's acceleration, braking, and turning more noticeably. An enclosed trailer is worth the weight if you are carrying electronics, clothing, or anything that cannot get wet. Some have interior tie-down points; others require you to bring your own straps. Rental shops charge more for enclosed trailers because they cost more to maintain and replace.
Sidecar-style trailers attach to the side of your rear wheel rather than towing behind. These are less common in rental fleets but offer better weight distribution and do not affect your bike's turning radius the way a towed trailer does. They are heavier to load and unload, and they change how your motorcycle handles in ways that take practice. Few rental shops stock them because they require specific mounting hardware for each bike model.
How towing capacity and bike handling change with a trailer
Your motorcycle's owner manual lists its maximum towing capacity — the weight of the trailer and cargo combined that your bike can safely pull. Most modern cruisers and touring bikes are rated for 100 to 300 pounds; sport bikes and lighter bikes may not be rated for towing at all. Exceeding this limit puts stress on your frame, suspension, and engine that can cause damage you will pay for. Before you rent, check your bike's manual or ask the rental shop what the towing limit is.
Adding a trailer changes how your motorcycle feels. Braking distance increases because you are now stopping more weight. Turning becomes slower and wider because the trailer resists leaning. Acceleration feels sluggish, especially uphill. Your bike will sit lower in the rear because of the added weight. If you have never towed before, plan to spend your first 20 to 30 miles getting used to the feel — do not jump straight onto a highway. Wet roads and strong crosswinds are harder to manage with a trailer, so avoid renting one if the forecast calls for storms.
What to check before you take the trailer
When you pick up the trailer, inspect it with the rental shop staff present. Check that the hitch is clean and not bent, the lights work (if it has them), the tires are properly inflated and not cracked, and the straps or tie-down points are not damaged. Take photos of any existing damage — dents, rust, torn fabric on an enclosed trailer — and make sure the rental agreement notes it. This protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause.
Ask the shop to show you how to connect and disconnect the trailer from your specific bike. The hitch connection should be tight with no play or rocking. If the trailer has lights, confirm they are wired correctly and test them before you leave. Ask about weight distribution — where should you load heavier items to keep the trailer balanced? A trailer that is too heavy in the front or back will pull your bike off line or make it unstable. Get the shop's phone number in case you have a problem on the road.
Loading and securing your cargo safely
Pack heavier items low and toward the center of the trailer. Lighter items go on top. Distribute weight evenly side to side so the trailer does not pull left or right. Do not load anything above the sides of an open trailer — wind will catch it and shift your load while you ride. Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to find everything; do not rely on gravity alone. Tie-down points on enclosed trailers are usually bolted to the frame — use those rather than trying to strap things to the roof or walls.
Check your load before you leave the parking lot, then check it again after your first 20 miles of riding. Vibration and movement can loosen straps. If you are carrying anything that could shift — camping gear, tools, luggage — recheck it every couple of hours. A load that comes loose at highway speed can damage your trailer, your bike, or cause an accident.
Rental agreements and damage responsibility
Read the rental agreement carefully. Most shops charge a damage deposit — typically $200 to $500 — that you get back if you return the trailer in the same condition you received it. Normal wear is usually covered, but damage from improper loading, hitting something, or exceeding the towing capacity is your responsibility. Some shops charge a flat fee for minor damage (scratches, small dents); others bill you for the actual repair cost.
Confirm what happens if the trailer breaks down while you are using it. Does the shop send a tow truck, or are you responsible for getting it back? Some rental agreements require you to return the trailer by a certain time or charge you for an extra day. Ask whether you can extend the rental if your trip takes longer than planned, and what the extension rate is. Get the shop's after-hours contact number in case you have a problem late at night.
State laws and towing endorsements
Towing regulations vary by state. Some states require a separate towing endorsement on your motorcycle license if you tow a trailer over a certain weight — often 750 pounds or more. Others have no specific requirement. A few states require that your motorcycle be registered as a towing vehicle. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call them directly to confirm what you need before you rent.
If you do not have the required endorsement and you get stopped by police while towing, you can be cited. The rental shop may also refuse to rent you a trailer if you cannot show the proper license. If you plan to tow regularly, getting the endorsement now is cheaper and easier than dealing with a citation later. Some states allow you to take the endorsement test at the DMV the same day you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a motorcycle trailer if I do not have a towing endorsement?
That depends on your state and the rental shop's policy. Some states do not require a towing endorsement for motorcycles; others do if the trailer exceeds a certain weight. Call your state's DMV to confirm the requirement, then ask the rental shop whether they will rent to you without one. Many shops will not rent a trailer without proof of the proper license.
What happens if my motorcycle breaks down while I am towing a trailer?
Call the rental shop when ready. Most shops have a roadside information number in the rental agreement. Some will send a tow truck; others may ask you to arrange your own tow. Confirm this before you leave — do not assume the shop will cover it. If you break down far from home, you may need to pay for a tow and return the trailer separately.
Can I rent a trailer for a motorcycle I own rather than a rental bike?
Yes, some shops rent trailers separately from motorcycles. Call local motorcycle rental shops and ask whether they rent trailers to customers with their own bikes. You will still need to show proof that your bike is rated for towing and that you have the proper license endorsement if your state requires one.
How much does a motorcycle trailer rental usually cost?
Costs vary by location and trailer type. Open utility trailers typically rent for $40 to $60 per day; enclosed trailers run $60 to $100+ per day. Some shops charge a damage deposit of $200 to $500 on top of the daily rate. Ask about multi-day discounts if you are renting for a week or longer.
Do I need special insurance to tow a trailer on a rental motorcycle?
Check with the rental shop and your insurance company. The shop's rental agreement usually covers the trailer while you are renting it, but confirm what damage is covered and what your responsibility is. Your personal motorcycle insurance may not cover a rental bike or trailer, so ask before you sign anything.