Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Like Tree6Likes
  • 1 Post By mollydog
  • 1 Post By mollydog
  • 1 Post By Davo Bali
  • 1 Post By
  • 1 Post By
  • 1 Post By

 
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
  #1  
Old 19 Jan 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Question US made Trailer - Towed behind foreign Motorcycle - Is it Allowed

Hi Guys,
I am an Australian Citizen trying to piece together a feasible plan ...,

- where I air freight an Australian Registered Motorcycle to the U.S .
- and once in the U.S .., I would like to buy a U.S made 'Bushtec' TRAILER to tow behind my foreign motorcycle.

Is this possible to do this with my 'Australian Registered' Motorcycle, and then LEGALLY tow that U.S purchased trailer behind my Motorcycle ?

Note: After touring the U.S on my Australian Registered motorcycle (towing the U.S made Trailer) .., I would be planning to then ride down through Central & South America .


Here is more detail ...,

My original plan was to buy my US Made trailer 'online' and have it internationally shipped to Australia before I go to the US ..., but this is a bad idea for a few reasons :
1 - I'd be paying high international freight to ship the trailer from the US to
Australia.

2 - I'd have to pay heavy import duty fees to AustralianCustoms to bring the
U.S Made trailer into Australia.

3 - I'd have to deal with lots of red tape before I can legally get the trailer processed to meet Australias Rigid and pedantic Road Certification

4 - Then Id be paying to ship both my bike (and) paying to ship the trailer from Australia back to the US again .., to then begin my US trip.



I was thinking a better and cheaper alternative ..., would be to arrive in the US with my Australian Registered Bike ..., and then buy the trailer in the US (once I get there) and also get the hitch mounted to my bike in the US also once I get there ?

I just need to know if this is legally possible or not ?



You may be wondering why anyone would be so crazy as to why they would want to do that ?



..., well I want to carry about 4 surfboards on the trailer in a lockable case that is fixed to the trailer to combine a love of two passions ..., ie; an epic motorcycle journey with an epic surf trip.


If this 'Trailer PLAN ' is legal and possible ...., ?

I would be hoping to fly into LA with my bike and surfboards - and immediately go to stay with friends in either San Diego or San Fransisco .

Once there, I would stay there for about a week or two while buying some new (and much needed) motorcycle riding gear and accessories for both me and my bike .., as shipping costs to buy all that gear is super expensive in Australia due to our import taxes taxes and the costs of shipping it there . The money I'd save If I purchased everything in the US (as opposed to Australia) would be a few thousand dollars.

after kitting out me and my bike while staying with friends in California ...,
I would leave my surfboards at my American friends house in California , while I take off for a few months to ride up the coast to the state of Oregon where I will begin the Trans American Trail Ride (heading in a West to East direction)

On completion of the T.A.T ride , I then plan to call in to Jacksboro Tennessee to buy this trailer from the manufacturer there : link -
https://www.bushtec.com/inventory/v1...ssee---4164811

I will also get Bushtec trailers to custom make a towing hitch for my bike (KTM 1290 SAR) while I am there .., ie; so I can tow the trailer ..., and then slowly cruise my way back from Tennessee via the Southern States for a couple of weeks towing the new trailer as I head all the way to my friends house in California to pick up My Surfboards

Once back in California ...., I will then get a custom lockable aluminium box (constructed similar a pannier) but the size of a coffin to carry my surfboards - and have that mounted to the bushtec spartan trailer .



Once all that is completed , I would then load up and leave the US to begin my central & South America Journey .




Why the Bushtec spartan (of all trailers) ?

- It is super lightweight ,
- it is very narrow (my surfboard only just manage to fit between the wheels)
- but most importantly .., it has the largest wheels (16" motorcycle type
wheels) of all the trailers
- and also has the most sophisticated suspension of all the trailers , which is
air adjustable shocks which I can perfectly adjust for the load I plan to
carry.
- it also has anti sway bars and components
- it also has an awesome lockable full 360 degree swivelling helm joint hitch

This is the best quality , lightweight , and most agile trailer of all of them I can can find that will hopefully manage going off road (if I take care) whilst carrying the load of surfboards , but still be rideable and safe on the road.


cheers
Reply With Quote
 

Tags
bike trailer, tow, towed, towing laws, trailer


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying a motorcycle in Peru madmarco Trip Paperwork 15 30 Nov 2019 12:36
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
Kazakh registered motorcycle - allowed in Kyrgyz and Tajik? Ewerqe Route Planning 4 5 Aug 2015 03:54
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 SOUTH AMERICA 35 1 Jan 2010 03:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:43.