There are two types of motorcycle trailers. One is designed to haul motorcycles from place to another. The other is a trailer small enough to be attached to a motorcycle. The second type of motorcycle trailer is typically used to carry camping gear or other light cargo items.

Trailers to haul motorcycles may be either open or enclosed. Open trailers typically haul one or two bikes at a time, whereas enclosed trailers may haul multiple bikes. Enclosed trailers have ramp doors (much like a moving truck) onto which the motorcycle is wheeled for loading into the trailer.

Open trailers, by contrast, may include a means by which the trailer bed is lowered to the ground (or tilted) so the motorcycle may be placed on it. Others may have fold-out ramps. In either case, the motorcycle will need to be securely tied down (i.e., attached to the motorcycle trailer) before transport. Some types of open motorcycle trailers also have wheel wells or wheel chocks to hold front wheels in place.

Cargo trailers that can be towed by motorcycles should be lightweight (some recommend no more than 150 pounds), and not much wider than the width of the bike itself when outfitted for touring. These types of trailers come in a variety of interesting shapes and styles (make sure it is easy to get your gear in and out of one you are interested in buying) and can be customized and painted to coordinate with your bike. Build your own trailer kits are also available for both types of trailers.

There are many brands and models of both types of motorcycle trailers, as well as custom built models. Pace, Classic, Easy Hauler, and Haulmark are some brand names you may run across while shopping for a motorcycle trailer. Be aware that private party listings for motorcycle trailers frequently highlight features (e.g., open or enclosed) as opposed to brand names.