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SportsRig® MicroTrailer®
Questions and Answers
Can the SportsRig MicroTrailer handle highway speeds?
Yes - the tires, wheels, shocks, and bearings are all motorcycle components and are proven to be extremely reliable after thousands of miles of brutal testing. Our suspension provides stability that exceeds any other trailer design. Our customers rave about its high-speed performance.
Does it come with lights?
Yes. The MicroTrailer comes with a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved lighting system. That includes 4 side marker lights with reflectors and 2 working taillights.
Does the SportsRig MicroTrailer bounce around on bumpy roads?
The SportsRig does not bounce around on bumpy roads, the result of years of developing its sophisticated and supple suspension system. The patented SportsRig Suspension System™ is designed specifically for transporting payloads of up to 250 pounds or under and to isolate your expensive equipment from road shock. Standard leaf spring and torsional axle designs, found on almost all conventional trailers, typically go airborne with loads under a few hundred pounds due to their limitations.
What makes the patented SportsRig Suspension System™ so special?
Our classic independent trailing link design is derived from motorcycle racing and delivers far superior handling and superior overall suspension performance over conventional trailers: Our spring rates are matched to your cargo weight — we stay on the ground when we're empty!
- More wheel travel than leaf spring or torsional axle designs means more absorption of bumps.
- Large 22" diameter wheels rotate slower than smaller conventional trailer wheels. Small wheels can be going 80mph when you're going 40 mph and are tougher on tires and bearings.
- Large diameter wheels roll over bumps with less impact than smaller wheels.
- Lower unsprung wheel weight: our high performance wheels are lighter than other trailer wheels and therefore get pushed back to the ground faster keeping you in contact and control.
How easy is it to store?
With the patented Sportsrig Fast-Fold Tongue™, you simply pull one pin, grab the soft handle on the Fast-Fold Tongue™ and tilt your rig up on its bumper-stands in seconds. As you lift the handle, the tongue folds to form a tripod support all by itself and pins in place to give you a stable and compact tripod. To top it off, with the optional Rolling Bumper-stands you tilt your folded rig slightly back, engage the optional wheels, and roll it sideways into a hiding place.
How much does the MicroTrailer weigh and how big is it?
About 150-200 pounds depending on options. Its 58" wide with the standard crossbars, 22" tall to the deck, and 50" long without the standard tongue, 106 " with the 4' 8" tongue. Folded up and stored, Its 5'8"tall, 58" wide and 2' deep.
How much weight can it carry?
The MicroTrailer is designed to carry up to 250 pounds of cargo with standard issue shocks. Upgrade to the Heavy Duty Shocks and the MicroTrailer can carry up to 450 pounds of cargo.
What's it made out of?
Primarily A36 carbon structural steel tubing with a 3-mil powder coating. Many steel parts are laser cut for precision. Many suspension components are motorcycle and automotive grade. Many critical parts are made to our specifications as defined by our quality management system.
Can I carry items like long kayaks with the MicroTrailer?
Yes. Since the tongue detaches easily, all you have to do is order an optionally available tongue extension to accommodate your required length. The stock tongue will handle boats up to 8 to 10 feet, depending on how they're loaded.
Does the MicroTrailer need to be registered?
Most states require it to be registered, but it registers just like a regular trailer. We provide you with a Mfg. Certificate of Origin and a VIN Number. Take those to your Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) and you will be issued a license plate.
What size ball and hitch does the trailer use and how do I make the MicroTrailer level?
A 1 7/8 inch ball. The MicroTrailer only requires a Class I hitch, the smallest of types I, II, and III. The Class I hitch has a very small (1.25" square) receiver tube and is hardly noticeable under a luxury or sports car's rear bumper. Choose a ball mount with the proper offset to level the MicroTrailer. The bottom of the coupler is 18" off the ground with the MicroTrailer level.
How do you lock the bicycles and trailer?
The most effective way to lock bicycles and your trailer is to use a heavy-duty 15-foot cable lock. Run the cable through your gear and the trailer, and have the cable end up at the trailer hitch. Lock it to the chain loops that come with the hitch.
What about using cargo boxes on this platform?
There's a world of choices available now, not just what fits or looks cool on a roof rack! Those who want to save cash can buy a Rubbermaid Action Packer box (see www.rubbermaid.com) and bolt it onto the SportsRig MicroTrailer. Or another option is to go all out with a sleek Yakima or Thule cargo box that attaches to the SportsRig load bars in minutes.
You say the MicroTrailer is earth-friendly — how is that?
The SportsRig MicroTrailer is a good environmental choice as we face our energy future – leave the cargo capacity at home when unneeded, spend less at the pumps, and reduce emissions. Of course, everyone needs outdoor activities and a connection to our outside world, so capacity can be added when needed, but left at home when it's not. It's another form of "plug and play."
Are there any official reviews of your product?
Yes, Bicycling Magazine awarded us their highest rating: 5 stars!
One of the most respected technical editors in the bicycle industry, Jim Langley, reviewed the SportsRig MicroTrailer (formerly the Howling Dog trailer). His review, which appeared in Bicycling Magazine, gave the trailer his highest mark: five stars! When we picked up the trailer after his review, Langley said he almost broke Bicycling Magazine's company van testing the trailer.
