Kendon Trailers

[bigsixman]

I am looking at purchasing a used Kendon single rail fold up trailer. I would appreciate it very much if would share your experiences with this line of trailers.

I like the light weight and fold up features of these trailers, as I would like to pull it at times with my car rather than with my GMC 2500HD pickup.

 

[paul65k]

I am looking at purchasing a used Kendon single rail fold up trailer. I would appreciate it very much if would share your experiences with this line of trailers.

I like the light weight and fold up features of these trailers, as I would like to pull it at times with my car rather than with my GMC 2500HD pickup.

I have had the Kendon dual motorcycle trailer for over 10 years and have used it MANY times!!!

I've used it with 1 touring bike alone, a touring bike and a Dyna and 2 touring bikes and in all cases it performed like a champ.

I stored it outside for a number of years when I lived at near the beach and garage space was at a premium and now have the garage space and keep it upright in the garage when not in use. I probably use the trailer a couple of times a year and lend it to friends obout the same amount......most recent was a friend who trailered his SG to Dallas and Back about 2500 miles without an issue.

I service the hubs every couple of years or 4K miles and recently added a center chock in addition to the 2 that came with the trailer, not so much because the trailer didn't perform with only a single bike on either side as a matter for fact it tracked true regardless of loading but because it is so much easier to load a single bike right in the middle and I HIGHLY recommend this option if you are looking at the dual unit vs the single. I also upgraded to radial tires from the standard bias ply tires that come standard and I recommend this as well.

I can't even tell the unit is behind my Chevy Avalanche and same story with my Jeep Wrangler whether loaded with 1 bike or 2.....if you can't tell I am really in love with this trailer and just to be clear I also have an 18' Haulmark enclosed car carrier trailer and while I can get 2 or even 4 bikes in that one I much prefer the Kendon for most applications!!!

 

[Aviator5456]

I was looking at buying a trailer last summer and after countless hours of research, have decided the Kendon is the prefect lightweight trailer. When not being used, it folds up. I use to have a fold-up trailer years ago and it was so chincy, it didn't last long. I never bought the trailer but if I ever do need one, it will be a Kendon.

 

[bigsixman]

I pulled the trigger on the used 2009 Kendon single rail trailer today. I wanted a double rail, but the condition and price on this single rail was too good to pass up.

Unfortunately I will not be using it until spring, so a report will have to wait until then.

 

[paul65k]

Congrats.....a little advice....if your trailer doesn't already have radial tires you should consider replacing the bias ply tires with radials......it tracks and rides so much better you can't imagine!!!

 

[bigsixman]

Paul, the original owner had already switched them over to radials. It was a 175 mile trip home and it towed just like you stated. I was also pleased that the original owner kept all the original Kendon paperwork and manuals.

 

[paul65k]

Paul, the original owner had already switched them over to radials. It was a 175 mile trip home and it towed just like you stated. I was also pleased that the original owner kept all the original Kendon paperwork and manuals.

Good job.....I'm sure you will enjoy it!!

 

[us1]

A little late to post....
I bought a '13 dual ride up Kendon in Dec. Wanted a small trailer to keep in garage that wouldn't take up much space since I figure it'll be a 1-2 times a yr use. Was used to tow 1 time by original owner, then just sat inside.
Still has original bias ply tires (with nubs and all). I towed my SGS round trip from IN to FL over Xmas without incident. Towed behind my '16 Ford Escape and I couldn't tell it was behind me. Towed straight and perfect at speeds of 80mph w/o a worry. Only drawback I can find is lack of tie down points at back of main floor to strap back of bike down good. I was strapped down 2 at forks, 2 at engine guard, and 2 at mid frame right in front of side covers. Took some time to route straps and avoid any paint rubs. I'm going to install 3 tie down points at rear where tail folds up to help keep rear tire in place. Also gotta watch the license plate when loading on left side. It extends into bike path when loading. Putting a wing nut on the right screw so the plate will swing down and out of the way for loading/unloading. Considering the rock guard. In short, I really like it

 

[paul65k]

A little late to post....
I bought a '13 dual ride up Kendon in Dec. Wanted a small trailer to keep in garage that wouldn't take up much space since I figure it'll be a 1-2 times a yr use. Was used to tow 1 time by original owner, then just sat inside.
Still has original bias ply tires (with nubs and all). I towed my SGS round trip from IN to FL over Xmas without incident. Towed behind my '16 Ford Escape and I couldn't tell it was behind me. Towed straight and perfect at speeds of 80mph w/o a worry. Only drawback I can find is lack of tie down points at back of main floor to strap back of bike down good. I was strapped down 2 at forks, 2 at engine guard, and 2 at mid frame right in front of side covers. Took some time to route straps and avoid any paint rubs. I'm going to install 3 tie down points at rear where tail folds up to help keep rear tire in place. Also gotta watch the license plate when loading on left side. It extends into bike path when loading. Putting a wing nut on the right screw so the plate will swing down and out of the way for loading/unloading. Considering the rock guard. In short, I really like it

The proper place to tie down the rear of the cycle is the tie-down points near the axle. Do NOT tie anything down behind the hinge point of the trailer this will damage the welds holding the hinges for the rear portion of the trailer. I always tied mine down that way and recently stopped at Kendon on my way to the coast in CA to pick up a center rail for my dual trailer and when the Kendon guy came outside to see what I had he told me in no uncertain way to NEVER tie down anything to the back portion of the trailer as it can potentially damage the trailer.

Just get the front fork tie down accessories from Harley and use those on the front then use 2 soft straps on the rear bag guards to the tie-downs that are located by the axles and you will be fine!!!

 

[us1]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. No, I'm not strapping anything to the 'tailgate' as that is not a solid part of the trailer. I want to add the 3 additional tie down points on the main frame, but right in front of the hinge. I considered the bags lower support, but those are not very solid and I rather not risk bending them. They bend just by hand pressure. Strapping to them seems risky. And going to the swing arm didn't work either. Mufflers in way. Rear tire is what I'm aiming for to hold it from moving w/o having a strap go to the other side, thus a want for a new center point. My intentions are for the bike to be tie down solid so it will not go anywhere in case of an emergency manuever, not a simple tiedown thinking it just needs to be held in place good enough for traveling.

Anyways.....

How did you address the 2 center tie downs loops when you added the center wheel chock? cut them off or do you ride over them? Im considering adding one myself. Thanks

 

[paul65k]

Anyways.....

How did you address the 2 center tie downs loops when you added the center wheel chock? cut them off or do you ride over them? Im considering adding one myself. Thanks

I roll right over them without issue. I actually towed with only one bike on the left or right for many years and the trailer was fine no issues, the reason I finally added the center chock was for ease of loading and unloading of the bike....especially a bike with bags.

BTW the new center chock is a much nicer unit than the standard chocks and works much better.......installation was pretty straightforward and didn't require any special tools or modifications.