Scooter Trailers Key Terms

Learn some key terms before you trailer your scooter on the road

As our population ages, more and more people are using scooters to get around. And, since scooters are bulky, a lot of people are looking for ways to get their scooter from one place to another. If you own a pickup or a large SUV, it's a relatively simple matter to load a scooter in the back. If you own a smaller vehicle or need pickup or SUV storage space for other things, however, a scooter trailer may be just what you're looking for. Before you start shopping, familiarize yourself with some scooter trailers key terms.

 

Fold-out, fold-down, or folding ramps

Many scooter trailers have fold-out or fold-down ramps for loading. These ramps attach to the trailer and are folded onto the ground for loading and unloading the scooter. Make sure that the ramp is wider than your scooter by at least a few inches.
Try: Several fold-out ramps are illustrated at USA Ramp.

Cargo door

If the scooter trailer is enclosed, it will have a cargo door. To ensure that you'll be able to load your scooter with ease, make sure you have plenty of clearance all around or you'll be pinching and banging things when you load and unload.
Try: All Pro West Truck & Trailer shows several examples of enclosed trailers suitable for hauling scooters. Find out the cargo door size before you buy.

Weight capacity

Simply put, weight capacity is how much weight the scooter trailer is designed to handle. Make sure that you consider the added weight of accessories when shopping. Capacities range from just a couple of hundred pounds to well over 1,000 pounds.
Try: DiscountTrailers.com shows a scooter trailer with a weight capacity of 1,200 pounds. AmeriGlide describes weight capacity.

Wiring harness

When you use a scooter trailer on public roads, you're required to have functioning brake and turn lights. Trailers come with these lights, but you must hook them up properly. This is accomplished by means of a wiring harness, which couples your vehicle's lights to your trailer's lights.
Try: Find out more about wiring harnesses for your scooter trailer at Automotive Accessories Connection.

Hoist or lift

Some scooter trailers utilize electric hoists or lifts, which electrically raise and lower the scooter, instead of ramps for loading and unloading the scooter. These are more expensive than ramp-equipped trailers, but they're also easier to use.
Try: DiscountRamps.com shows several different lifts and hoists.

Tongue weight

The tongue weight is the amount of weight that the hitch on your car or truck must bear when towing your scooter trailer. Tongue weight isn't a big issue with scooter trailers if you have a pickup or SUV, but it's a major consideration if you have a smaller vehicle.
Try: etrailer.com discusses tongue weight and other weight-related trailer issues.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---