Thanks for the good info. I am looking to purchase a motorcycle trailer. It’s understandable that things can fail but to dismiss a near catastrophe is an unacceptable business approach. Customer service is as important as the product! I will for sure will look elsewhere for my trailer!
Man, sorry that happened. For those that don't know, the Kendon GO! trailers are made in China but to the specs Kendon tells them (but you don't know what you'll get). That's why the GO series is cheaper. The premium series SRL stand-up trailers ARE made and assembled in the U.S.A. thus the increase in price. I can assure new buyers, that the new trailers are welded better as that was one of my concerns - build quality. I got my trailer about 2 months ago and it's a single ride-up. I'll post a video on my channel in the next 1-2 months about it. Based on what I can tell so far, it's rock solid, and does not use the same design as the previous model. In my video, I'll go over more details than what most people go over in these reviews. Give me a few weeks and I'll be posting.... As for your trailer, it lasted 17 years which based on the usage (and looks), it appears you got some good time out of it... but it does have a 1 yr warranty. But yeah, if that was their response, that part does suck. But there isn't a better bike trailer made right now than Kendon, and I did weeks of research... I bought the SRL (made in the USA) and so far, so good.
I’m glad they’ve changed the build quality. Like I said in the video, I was more upset about their response than anything else. If that trailer hadn’t been secured also by a caribiner cable it could have killed someone! Also to the people who are saying rust this trailer has always been kept inside/washed regularly, showed no signs of rust, it’s pretty dirty in the video because I had just used it a week before. Hopefully they weld the new ones better than these older ones
@@smellslikethursday9847 Yeah, the goose neck is all one piece and heavy-duty. It's not a bolt-on (or how yours is designed). Mine also appears to be a bigger diameter pipe. I hope to ID some of these features once I do my video.
@The Bamadog have you posted your trailer review yet? Checked your YT videos, but couldn’t find it. Thanks for posting your info about the differences between the models.
@@RandomRaytex I wanted to wait until I actually went on my trip from Hoover, AL to Austin, TX in June for the ROT Rally. I did have some issues with the tail lights. I hope to post something in the next 1-2 weeks. I have been slammed with my job in preparing and monitoring the wireless networks that cover the venues for the World Games here in Birmingham. Sorry for the delay.
Seen your post, what year was the SRL produced do you know. And what year for the GO, how would I be able to tell would you know is there a stamped tag on these trailers. I'm looking at one next week unfortunately it's the same year as the guy who posted this video '04 maybe thay had both types back then, not sure any help would be appreciated. I'm looking to haul two big bagger's, don't need any issues. Thank you
I owned a single bike Kendon standup trailer for about 15 years. It worked great the entire time I owned it. When I sold it, I was paid more than when I purchased it new.
I know this was over 2 years ago you posted this, but do you have any pictures you can send, of what was actually done, im looking at an 04 kendon next week and going to be hauling two big bikes. I would like to beef up that area if possible. Thanks if you could share any pictures. You lucked out, you didn't lose that load, having a welder with you. And having someone use there shop. That in itself was right spot right time.
I was looking at one of these trailers recently. It had a made in China sticker on it. That didn't give me a lot of confidence. The thickness of the metal at the hitch is ridiculously thin. I wonder if these are all made in China and just marketed under different brand names.
Mine is from 2007, and I have probably 15,000 miles on it with no issues. I wonder if they changed something, my trailer does look like yours with the diamond plate and is technically a two bike trailer although I load a dirt bike reverse in the center, no wheel choke needed.
That sucks, but only thing i can think of is the older trailers may have been intended for only two bikes based on the one or two bike options and lack of three. Not sure if they have since beefed up the trailers, i sure hope because i bought the three bike trailer to be used for 2 sport bikes. Anyway best of luck with the new and improved, what are the odds a trade welder was with you.
That’s what others have said about the three bikes. But they are light dirtbikes, around 750-800lbs total on the trailer. Guy I bought it from was hauling two huge Harley’s on it. Not only was I with a welder but we convinced a complete stranger in a different state to let us use his welding shop/tools to fix it. The world is kind sometimes
Used my Kendon trailer to haul two HD dressers to Sturgis in 2021. Not a single issue. It's all about maintaining the trailer. Not just bearings either. I live in PA and we get winters, I look inspect my trailers at the start of each riding season. I would buy another Kendon in a heartbeat. Light weight, easy to store and move around, and it handled the heavy load of two baggers for over 3,500 hundred miles. By-the-way, my trailer is a 2005....
Same thing happened to mine, bought it, used it and it broke. These are not built for everyday use or any real stress. Just a way to save space and use once a year. All other applications take a much better trailer.
The title of this video is misleading. The trailer had many more than 1000 miles on it. Customer service was correct. Old things break, and why shouldn't an old tongue break. Drivers should be inspecting their trailer for signs of wear and tear before every trip. As a welder, you should have noticed a faulty weld well before it broke on the highway. You do have a valid point though. I'd recommend if you are considering buying a Kendon fold up trailer, you do so through a reputable trailer dealer, have the trailer delivered to the dealer and ask them to assemble the trailer and inspect it for flaws and weaknesses before you take it off the lot.
@@adjbob56 wich is the same if bro was a 1000 mile frome home that mean that if he had the trailer for more dans 4-5 years its far more than 1000 milles
Looks like the upper tube failed in the heat affected zone of the weld. No real way around that other than fully heat treating (normalizing) the trailer which is not practical. That lower tube may have never had any weld on it, or just a weld with poor penetration. I have a single position Kendon from 2001 which I am now going to go inspect, but have never had a serious problem with . The difference might be the weight of 3 bikes on the trailer neck instead of just one. Should kendon have done more? probably not, on such an old trailer.
Although my Kendon is from 2007 it hasn't broke as of yet. I really don't use it much. I do have to say this is one shitty trailer. The welds are horrible. I have joints that are so large and they filled in with so much weld that they are rusting in the holes. I bought it for 2500.00 back in the day. Thinking the fold up option was a good idea. Looking back I wished I had saved my money and not of bought the Kendon dual trailer. I'm going to look at mine at that same place.
That should have been the strongest part of the trailer ! For that to break, is just poor build quality! It is definitely not rusted through. It's just cheaply made!!
Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I see lots of rust, have you done any regular maintenance? I bought a used 2004 Kendon because of price, did not want to pay for a new one since it is not used more than 3-4 times a year. However, before using it to carry my Harley Ultra Limited I worked on it many weekends to remove rust, do a little welding re-inforcement, new tires and painted it. People ask me if it is new! I plan to take good care of it by maintaining regularly. I hope you will not have any more problems with it, looks like your friend did a very good job re-welding. Good to have friends that can weld. Good luck.
I would look at any utility trailer like a Leonard and just bolt your own motorcycle wheel chuck too it. You can buy a wheel chuck online for around $50. If you need it to stand up, which is kendons gimmick (which doesn’t work super well) I would just bolt some caster wheels to the backside of the ramp. That’s literally what Kendon does but yours will be half the price and double the quality
Instead of just giving a bad review why didn't you get a lawyer and file a lawsuit being that human life would be at risk if that thing broke on the highway? Nowadays there are many lawyers that would take that kind of case for free, not that you would be seeking $$$$ but the safety of others on the road, that thing could have killed a biker behind you had it broke fully loose.😮
Kendon defines this model as the "Dual Rail". They sell that optional center rail so an owner has the option of towing a single motorcycle in a central position. That center rail is normally installed in line with the side rails, not in the position yours is in (around a foot farther forward). That foward position increases tongue weight. Excessive tongue weight combined with rough road/trail conditions and fast driving usually results in trailer failure. Even a ball height below the recommend minimum of 19" increases dynamic stresses on the trailer tongue. Running a trailer slightly front high is ideal. Kendon actually makes a triple dirt bike trailer. Imagine that, a trailer actually designed for your application. I have a 2014 Kendon Dual Rail w/center rail option. It has hauled two bikes weighing over 1700 lbs for almost 10k miles. The center rail is ONLY used when hauling a single motorcycle.
This trailer came with large OEM kendon steel storage box that use to sit in that center spot. The front end of this 300cc dirtbike definitely weighs less than the weight of someone loading that tool box up with tools/straps
@@smellslikethursday9847 Available space is a moot point. Trailering is all about max load, weight distribution and minimization of dynamic stresses.The size and location of an OE cargo box doesn't change that.
@@smellslikethursday9847 Yes. But the weight on the front wheel of a 300lb dirt bike in over 150 lbs. That's over 10x the weight of some straps and wheel chocks (>15 lbs). Again, space is a moot point. Load, distribution and stress is the issue. You're avoiding the issue of using what Kendon defines as a dual rail to haul three bikes entirely. 🤔
looks like a horribly designed weak spot that is in need of several gussets. In fact, given the stresses on the tongue of the trailer, I'm a bit shocked that Kendon does not use square tubing. Seems like a fundamentally flawed and borderline negligent design.
for sure they have shit for welds, but them are a two bike trailer. the one in the middle and that far forward put extensive strain on the tung assembly with all the extra flexing the center bike is causing is more than likely why it broke.
Imagine calling up a company and making a video bashing them for a product that was bought second hand and is also almost 20 years old. Why would anyone ever expect anything more than sorry about your luck.
Thanks for the good info. I am looking to purchase a motorcycle trailer. It’s understandable that things can fail but to dismiss a near catastrophe is an unacceptable business approach. Customer service is as important as the product! I will for sure will look elsewhere for my trailer!
Man, sorry that happened. For those that don't know, the Kendon GO! trailers are made in China but to the specs Kendon tells them (but you don't know what you'll get). That's why the GO series is cheaper. The premium series SRL stand-up trailers ARE made and assembled in the U.S.A. thus the increase in price. I can assure new buyers, that the new trailers are welded better as that was one of my concerns - build quality. I got my trailer about 2 months ago and it's a single ride-up. I'll post a video on my channel in the next 1-2 months about it. Based on what I can tell so far, it's rock solid, and does not use the same design as the previous model. In my video, I'll go over more details than what most people go over in these reviews. Give me a few weeks and I'll be posting.... As for your trailer, it lasted 17 years which based on the usage (and looks), it appears you got some good time out of it... but it does have a 1 yr warranty. But yeah, if that was their response, that part does suck. But there isn't a better bike trailer made right now than Kendon, and I did weeks of research... I bought the SRL (made in the USA) and so far, so good.
I’m glad they’ve changed the build quality. Like I said in the video, I was more upset about their response than anything else. If that trailer hadn’t been secured also by a caribiner cable it could have killed someone! Also to the people who are saying rust this trailer has always been kept inside/washed regularly, showed no signs of rust, it’s pretty dirty in the video because I had just used it a week before. Hopefully they weld the new ones better than these older ones
@@smellslikethursday9847 Yeah, the goose neck is all one piece and heavy-duty. It's not a bolt-on (or how yours is designed). Mine also appears to be a bigger diameter pipe. I hope to ID some of these features once I do my video.
@The Bamadog have you posted your trailer review yet? Checked your YT videos, but couldn’t find it. Thanks for posting your info about the differences between the models.
@@RandomRaytex I wanted to wait until I actually went on my trip from Hoover, AL to Austin, TX in June for the ROT Rally. I did have some issues with the tail lights. I hope to post something in the next 1-2 weeks. I have been slammed with my job in preparing and monitoring the wireless networks that cover the venues for the World Games here in Birmingham. Sorry for the delay.
Seen your post, what year was the SRL produced do you know. And what year for the GO, how would I be able to tell would you know is there a stamped tag on these trailers. I'm looking at one next week unfortunately it's the same year as the guy who posted this video '04 maybe thay had both types back then, not sure any help would be appreciated. I'm looking to haul two big bagger's, don't need any issues. Thank you
That metal pipe looks like a coca cola can
Thanks for posting. I'm looking for a Kendon now and I will check the welds closer.
I owned a single bike Kendon standup trailer for about 15 years. It worked great the entire time I owned it. When I sold it, I was paid more than when I purchased it new.
I know this was over 2 years ago you posted this, but do you have any pictures you can send, of what was actually done, im looking at an 04 kendon next week and going to be hauling two big bikes. I would like to beef up that area if possible. Thanks if you could share any pictures. You lucked out, you didn't lose that load, having a welder with you. And having someone use there shop. That in itself was right spot right time.
I was looking at one of these trailers recently. It had a made in China sticker on it. That didn't give me a lot of confidence. The thickness of the metal at the hitch is ridiculously thin. I wonder if these are all made in China and just marketed under different brand names.
Kendon’s full line of motorcycle trailers as well as utility trailers is completely designed and Made in America.
@@gzahnd the Go Series are made in China. We’ve had our Trailer and lift since the early 2000’s and still going strong. 💪🏽💪🏽
Mine is from 2007, and I have probably 15,000 miles on it with no issues. I wonder if they changed something, my trailer does look like yours with the diamond plate and is technically a two bike trailer although I load a dirt bike reverse in the center, no wheel choke needed.
Good video. You convinced me to not buy one of these overpriced, underbuilt trailers.
That sucks, but only thing i can think of is the older trailers may have been intended for only two bikes based on the one or two bike options and lack of three. Not sure if they have since beefed up the trailers, i sure hope because i bought the three bike trailer to be used for 2 sport bikes. Anyway best of luck with the new and improved, what are the odds a trade welder was with you.
That’s what others have said about the three bikes. But they are light dirtbikes, around 750-800lbs total on the trailer. Guy I bought it from was hauling two huge Harley’s on it. Not only was I with a welder but we convinced a complete stranger in a different state to let us use his welding shop/tools to fix it. The world is kind sometimes
…. uhmm. . could U explain what makes this not Snitching?!!??..
im chasing after this youtube cash
that point and the real low bar across the bottom center look - not designed well
just happen to my friend right now. his kendon trailer broke almost every time by the ball hitch support. poor welding and thin tubing use.
I'm looking to buy a single bike trailer. Any opinions on what I should get?
Used my Kendon trailer to haul two HD dressers to Sturgis in 2021. Not a single issue. It's all about maintaining the trailer. Not just bearings either. I live in PA and we get winters, I look inspect my trailers at the start of each riding season. I would buy another Kendon in a heartbeat. Light weight, easy to store and move around, and it handled the heavy load of two baggers for over 3,500 hundred miles. By-the-way, my trailer is a 2005....
🤣🤣how to maintain welds and shitty tubing? Why do harley riders always trailer their bikes instead of riding them?
Thanks! Almost bought one.
Same thing happened to mine, bought it, used it and it broke. These are not built for everyday use or any real stress. Just a way to save space and use once a year. All other applications take a much better trailer.
The height of your hitch is what broke it.
The title of this video is misleading. The trailer had many more than 1000 miles on it. Customer service was correct. Old things break, and why shouldn't an old tongue break. Drivers should be inspecting their trailer for signs of wear and tear before every trip. As a welder, you should have noticed a faulty weld well before it broke on the highway.
You do have a valid point though. I'd recommend if you are considering buying a Kendon fold up trailer, you do so through a reputable trailer dealer, have the trailer delivered to the dealer and ask them to assemble the trailer and inspect it for flaws and weaknesses before you take it off the lot.
You can't read. The title is 1,000 miles from home, not miles on the trailer.
@@adjbob56 wich is the same if bro was a 1000 mile frome home that mean that if he had the trailer for more dans 4-5 years its far more than 1000 milles
glad I saw this ...looks like it needs to be fixed when you buy it ...
Looks like the upper tube failed in the heat affected zone of the weld. No real way around that other than fully heat treating (normalizing) the trailer which is not practical. That lower tube may have never had any weld on it, or just a weld with poor penetration. I have a single position Kendon from 2001 which I am now going to go inspect, but have never had a serious problem with . The difference might be the weight of 3 bikes on the trailer neck instead of just one. Should kendon have done more? probably not, on such an old trailer.
The steel tubing used looks way to thin to me.
Looks like the weight bias was to far forward, bad design loading the hitch. Still a crap answer to the issue from Kendon.
Although my Kendon is from 2007 it hasn't broke as of yet. I really don't use it much. I do have to say this is one shitty trailer. The welds are horrible. I have joints that are so large and they filled in with so much weld that they are rusting in the holes. I bought it for 2500.00 back in the day. Thinking the fold up option was a good idea. Looking back I wished I had saved my money and not of bought the Kendon dual trailer. I'm going to look at mine at that same place.
I get these welds failing if it's something used and abused everyday, this is a trailer used twice a year on the highway
That should have been the strongest part of the trailer ! For that to break, is just poor build quality! It is definitely not rusted through. It's just cheaply made!!
Sorry to hear it bud!
Sorry to hear about your misfortune.
I see lots of rust, have you done any regular maintenance?
I bought a used 2004 Kendon because of price, did not want to pay for a new one since it is not used more than 3-4 times a year.
However, before using it to carry my Harley Ultra Limited I worked on it many weekends to remove rust, do a little welding re-inforcement, new tires and painted it. People ask me if it is new!
I plan to take good care of it by maintaining regularly.
I hope you will not have any more problems with it, looks like your friend did a very good job re-welding.
Good to have friends that can weld.
Good luck.
The owner before me had just done wheel bearings, The rust is all just light surface rust, has always been stored indoors
Looks like surface rust, that doesn't look like "rust" where I would worry about...LOL Plus how much of the "rust" is after it broke?
Any suggestions for a better option?
I would look at any utility trailer like a Leonard and just bolt your own motorcycle wheel chuck too it. You can buy a wheel chuck online for around $50. If you need it to stand up, which is kendons gimmick (which doesn’t work super well) I would just bolt some caster wheels to the backside of the ramp. That’s literally what Kendon does but yours will be half the price and double the quality
@@smellslikethursday9847 It looks like you know the know how for this--TH-cam video Idea.. Haha. I'll look into this. Thanks.
Instead of just giving a bad review why didn't you get a lawyer and file a lawsuit being that human life would be at risk if that thing broke on the highway? Nowadays there are many lawyers that would take that kind of case for free, not that you would be seeking $$$$ but the safety of others on the road, that thing could have killed a biker behind you had it broke fully loose.😮
🤡 response
Sometimes a weld can be a weak point. The welds need to be in the right places.
Kendon defines this model as the "Dual Rail". They sell that optional center rail so an owner has the option of towing a single motorcycle in a central position.
That center rail is normally installed in line with the side rails, not in the position yours is in (around a foot farther forward). That foward position increases tongue weight. Excessive tongue weight combined with rough road/trail conditions and fast driving usually results in trailer failure.
Even a ball height below the recommend minimum of 19" increases dynamic stresses on the trailer tongue. Running a trailer slightly front high is ideal.
Kendon actually makes a triple dirt bike trailer. Imagine that, a trailer actually designed for your application.
I have a 2014 Kendon Dual Rail w/center rail option. It has hauled two bikes weighing over 1700 lbs for almost 10k miles.
The center rail is ONLY used when hauling a single motorcycle.
This trailer came with large OEM kendon steel storage box that use to sit in that center spot. The front end of this 300cc dirtbike definitely weighs less than the weight of someone loading that tool box up with tools/straps
@@smellslikethursday9847
Available space is a moot point. Trailering is all about max load, weight distribution and minimization of dynamic stresses.The size and location of an OE cargo box doesn't change that.
@@jamescampbell4334I think it would be a solid argument that the area is question is designed to hold weight
@@smellslikethursday9847
Yes. But the weight on the front wheel of a 300lb dirt bike in over 150 lbs.
That's over 10x the weight of some straps and wheel chocks (>15 lbs).
Again, space is a moot point. Load, distribution and stress is the issue.
You're avoiding the issue of using what Kendon defines as a dual rail to haul three bikes entirely. 🤔
That is BS , they really should have done something!
Do basically bc you didn’t get the answer you were hoping for, you’re bashing a company got a failure after what…17 years? Please. …
Tongue of a bike trailer should NEVER break. Piss off
"going down the highway at 80mph" ... Real smart. No wonder it broke after 16 years of that abuse.
No longer buying their trailer
Poor excuse for Customer Service. Clearly a design or manufacturing and quality issue. Kenton should have replaced trailer at their cost.
looks like a horribly designed weak spot that is in need of several gussets. In fact, given the stresses on the tongue of the trailer, I'm a bit shocked that Kendon does not use square tubing. Seems like a fundamentally flawed and borderline negligent design.
for sure they have shit for welds, but them are a two bike trailer. the one in the middle and that far forward put extensive strain on the tung assembly with all the extra flexing the center bike is causing is more than likely why it broke.
Imagine calling up a company and making a video bashing them for a product that was bought second hand and is also almost 20 years old. Why would anyone ever expect anything more than sorry about your luck.
dude...rust
Made in America