EasyLifter Hydratrail motorcycle carrier

[RobWelsh]

I'm thinking of buying an Easy Lifter Hydratrail trailer to carrying my xmax scooter behind my motorhome. Does anybody have any views on the suitability of this device?

[flicka]

There were lots of threads discussing this trailer back in 2011 &2012.

 

There was some concerns at the time, but I am not aware of the final outcome

http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Motorbike-Rack-Trailer/26289/

 

Thread regarding Ferries & Eurotunnel

http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Hydratrail-on-eurotunnel/45777/

 

Or use the Search our forums" , Motorhome, Matters", "All posts" to see them all.

[Eggy]

Hi Rob

Owned one of the first two wheeled design for several years carrying a piagio x8 at 220kg and a GPZ500 at 200kg, rated max weight was 250kg. Took it to Spain numerous times. Main advantages is loading, reversing and only putting about 30kg onto the tow ball, disadvantage: the van overhang is extended so care needs to be taken when pulling out of petrol stations etc. They can't be towed without a bike/weight on as the castor's can become unstable. Only ever paid for the vehicles overall length on ferries never declared it as a trailer and it was never questioned. All in all would recommend.

Eggy

[MagHal]

Had one for 3 years and I've towed it several thousand miles with no serious issues. Agree with Eggy on all points but add a few other issues. It's easy to dismantle and store it's also a bit of a bugger to put together, it works on a pantograph and you need to keep your fingers out of it when you fit it to the van. If it drops suddenly you could lose some fingers. I carry a spare wheel. There is no way you can take the hydratail off your van with a bike loaded and leave it on the road side while you take the flat to get it fixed. Be thorough with maintenance and greasing it has a lot of moving parts. Finally a tip. I found ratchet strap hooks have sometimes come free when the trailer goes over bumpy roads so I anchor them to the hydratail with small cable ties.

[AJ46]

Hi Rob

I purchased the 2 wheel version Easy Lifter April 2016. A great piece of kit!! So far it has done about 4,000 miles and our next trip will take us to Greece. When we get back I expect to have to change the tyres although I do carry 2 spare wheels. Because my bike is a scooter, they fit nicely in the foot well. All the other kit along with 2 bags of tools etc also fit on the bike so as to keep the weight off of the motorhome. I have experienced problems getting the bike off and on the rack so I have had a 2nd rack made to act as a ramp which is so much easier. My only concern which I am trying to get to the bottom of is the wheel bearings. I do keep them serviced but wonder if anyone would know how long they are likely to last?

[AJ46]

I have just had a chat with Easy Lifter regarding the taper bearings to be told that it depends on various factors around usage which is simple (keep them greased and mileage) was told 7-8,000 miles. I have ordered spare bearings and grease from Trailer Tek (tel 01962 774988) Premier Grade 1inch bearings plus grease + delivery = £27-90. Would recommend carrying these items as spare.

[MagHal]

Spare bearings certainly don't add much to your payload. Any rolling element bearing will eventually give out usually due to fatigue spalling or dirt ingress/corrosion. Make sure you maintain the moving parts of your easy lifter.