Thinking of buying a pull behind Trailer!
#31
#32
I just made a 4,660mile run on I40/44 & Rt66 from East Central, IL to L.A. and up the Cost to San Luis Obispo in early June. 2up, about 300lbs gear in/on my modified harbor freight trailer. I ran up up to 85mph the stock trailer tires were only rated for 87mph. Bike was a kinda stock 03 FLHRCI 88. DIY Air Ride, Unknown cams, Basani headers, Stage 1 breather & Daytona Twin tuner (tuned by ear :-( )
Trailer mod: Moved the mount points for the box back to outside rear frame and fronts back as well frame so a cooler rack could be utilized(note: do not just u-bolt rack to tongue. Bolt outside edges to front trailer frame or the wind will wobble the rack).
This was our biggest trip with trailer and gear. No bouncing except extreme bumps that you probably should have slowed for anyway. Wind gusts up to 50mph in mountain pass only screwed with bike had no effect on the trailer. Cornering was never an issue. The only issue I had was hooking and unhooking the trailer. Was easiest with DIY dropped to the ground (bike sits more straight up an down). Fuel mileage avg was about 32 in mountains. 36 in flat areas. Usually my bike pulls about 39 1 up for work and avg 38 with wife on.
That's us in Shamrock, TX taking a break
Trailer mod: Moved the mount points for the box back to outside rear frame and fronts back as well frame so a cooler rack could be utilized(note: do not just u-bolt rack to tongue. Bolt outside edges to front trailer frame or the wind will wobble the rack).
This was our biggest trip with trailer and gear. No bouncing except extreme bumps that you probably should have slowed for anyway. Wind gusts up to 50mph in mountain pass only screwed with bike had no effect on the trailer. Cornering was never an issue. The only issue I had was hooking and unhooking the trailer. Was easiest with DIY dropped to the ground (bike sits more straight up an down). Fuel mileage avg was about 32 in mountains. 36 in flat areas. Usually my bike pulls about 39 1 up for work and avg 38 with wife on.
That's us in Shamrock, TX taking a break
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mike in dallas (08-09-2016)
#33
Not cheap but the UNI-GO Trailer is the way to go... Big enough to take what you need, smaller then most so you don't over pack. I roll it in the bedroom at home, pack it and then run on the highway not knowing its back there. Tracks in the same path as the bike, narrower then the bike, so you could lane split, I never did it. When you get to the hotel, roll it right thru lobbies onto elevators thru doors etc... I have had one for 3 seasons and could not ever see traveling without it. Be Safe JIM
#35
personal experience, i tried the HF option, twice (rather purchase - purchase return)... first purchase, no hardware and 30 day wait for nuts n bolts from manufacturer' cust srvc number. returned it to store, they has another "open box" got that one home... bent frame, and several stripped bolts.
yup, wasnt meant to be...
eventually found USA trailer in OK - very happy with my shadow model. Merry Christmas y'all and be safe.
yup, wasnt meant to be...
eventually found USA trailer in OK - very happy with my shadow model. Merry Christmas y'all and be safe.
#36
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southeast Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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Trailer choices tend to be subjective ( $$$ ) when performance should be the main factor considered. Obviously, no one wants to spend all their recreational dollars on one. If you get a chance to ride behind a Bushtec, you'll see a world of difference in how it follows and stays planted on the pavement. The used market is slim but there are deals to be had. I purchased mine used ( it looks like brand new ) for about 35% of retail in February several years ago from a guy who was down on his luck. Bad for him good or me. Good luck with the search.
#37
Bought mine from minitrailerusa . The first time we used it was to go to sturgis last year from nj. we put 5000 miles on it did 75-80 mph and never had an issue . I keep tongue weight about 30-35 lb with a fish scale to keep pressure on the hitch , I no longer have to stuff and tie on luggage to my 08 ultra . the bike rides better, I do put a cable thru the wheels and lock to bike at night when on the road. If i stay at 1 place i cable it to something then only put what i need for the day in my bike . I named it MY WIFES LUGGAGE I should have bought one years ago !! I did a lot of research and wanted an american made trailer and found that mini trailer was all american (except for tires) made . You have to be careful at gas stations and look for pull thru parking at restaurants etc. GOOD LUCK
#38
I mounted 2 tracks 1/3 in from each side and use straps to hold the stuff in place. at 75-80 mph even in a strong cross wind never had an issue call mini trailer they will be glad to answer any questions u have. They also have torsion axles not a leaf spring which makes each wheel independent . never had a bounce issue even on rough nj roads. Besides wife can take whatever she wants HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE
#40
I will probably build my first out of some aluminum tubing i salvaged from a job and one of those roof mounted cargo boxes.
Probably use torsion axles to keep it low and softer ride than leafs.
One bit of advice I got on my way to Alaska was to get a trailer with commonly available wheels and tires especially if you are going off the beaten trail.
The little 4 bolt utility trailer tires can be found anywhere in North America, not so much with some of the more upscale trailers, so I'm told.
I'm always on the lookout for one of the camper styles, to me that would be a great way to travel.
Probably use torsion axles to keep it low and softer ride than leafs.
One bit of advice I got on my way to Alaska was to get a trailer with commonly available wheels and tires especially if you are going off the beaten trail.
The little 4 bolt utility trailer tires can be found anywhere in North America, not so much with some of the more upscale trailers, so I'm told.
I'm always on the lookout for one of the camper styles, to me that would be a great way to travel.