Pull a trailer? Com'on, I know you do...
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
i pull my home made coffin trailor when i go on long trips were i set up a base camp,when i pull my trailor i never hook up the safety chains because if the sob comes off the hitch i have no intentions of stopping with my scooter let some lame *** cager stop it for me with thier car,aint that why we buy insurance lol.and i am always in putt putt mode never pull over 60 mph the bennifit to this is you actually are safer and can stop faster with out wearing out your brakes and you can enjoy the senery for once instead of just blowing thru it.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
I know the MoCo does not advocate pulling trailers behind your bike and that doing so will void all warrantees. So who does it?
What problems have you encountered?
Does your trailer have inertia brakes or any brakes?
What have you found as a good weight [overall and tongue] for the 96 motor.
And finally, please recommend any websites dedicated to motorcycle trailers and camping.
Thanks,
What problems have you encountered?
Does your trailer have inertia brakes or any brakes?
What have you found as a good weight [overall and tongue] for the 96 motor.
And finally, please recommend any websites dedicated to motorcycle trailers and camping.
Thanks,
http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/mai...wing&nav=start
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I have pulled an All American Trailer with 2 different bikes. 2009 Ultra Classic and a 2010 Ultra Limited without any trouble at all. Just common sense.
I have pulled Semi-Trailers, Pickups and horse trailers and utility trailers etc. Station wagons (if anyone remembers them). Every kind of trailer you pull changes the way you drive the tow vehicle no matter what it is.
Watch the traffic (other drivers) and the turns you make.
Some people just can't pull trailers no matter what type or vehicle they use. Just the way it is.
If you are not comfortable pulling a trailer then don't pull it'
Tim
I have pulled Semi-Trailers, Pickups and horse trailers and utility trailers etc. Station wagons (if anyone remembers them). Every kind of trailer you pull changes the way you drive the tow vehicle no matter what it is.
Watch the traffic (other drivers) and the turns you make.
Some people just can't pull trailers no matter what type or vehicle they use. Just the way it is.
If you are not comfortable pulling a trailer then don't pull it'
Tim
Last edited by dakota_dj; Mar 23, 2011 at 06:54 PM.
I have not pulled my trailer with my HD just yet, other than to get it out of storage and take it to the painter this last weekend - I will have pictures when it is done next week to show off.
But I have pulled it here and there behind my old Metric RSV. 95% of the time pulling was a no brainer, did not even know it was there, truly an easy thing to do - and as several have pointed out; good ounce of common sense, allow some Extra time, do not go to fast, be aware of your extra length and weight and know it takes a little more to stop and go and turn.
Someone asked what about those who have had troubles... well I have had a couple of issues, one time when pulling off of a hwy going onto an uphill offramp, came to a dead stop, it had just let up from raining, went to make my left turn from my dead stop and the MC's rear wheel took a spin on the wet pavement and with the extra weight of the trailer it kicked out and the bike wanted to lean over and fall on its side, but I put my foot down and of course it got caught between pavement and peg - ouch.
Trailer also saved my *** - little rain pulling into gas station which had oil and gas on the road - applied a little ole back brake and we felt the back end slide a tad, but thanks to the trailer it kept the bike up and pointed - so we did not fall down.
Turning round on a dime can be tad challenging.
But what that trailer has afforded me on some of our trips - I wouldn't do without.
And I would rather ride my bike and pull a trailer any day over being confined in a cage.
But I have pulled it here and there behind my old Metric RSV. 95% of the time pulling was a no brainer, did not even know it was there, truly an easy thing to do - and as several have pointed out; good ounce of common sense, allow some Extra time, do not go to fast, be aware of your extra length and weight and know it takes a little more to stop and go and turn.
Someone asked what about those who have had troubles... well I have had a couple of issues, one time when pulling off of a hwy going onto an uphill offramp, came to a dead stop, it had just let up from raining, went to make my left turn from my dead stop and the MC's rear wheel took a spin on the wet pavement and with the extra weight of the trailer it kicked out and the bike wanted to lean over and fall on its side, but I put my foot down and of course it got caught between pavement and peg - ouch.
Trailer also saved my *** - little rain pulling into gas station which had oil and gas on the road - applied a little ole back brake and we felt the back end slide a tad, but thanks to the trailer it kept the bike up and pointed - so we did not fall down.
Turning round on a dime can be tad challenging.
But what that trailer has afforded me on some of our trips - I wouldn't do without.
And I would rather ride my bike and pull a trailer any day over being confined in a cage.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
[quote=Terrabella;8087726] Don't want to belabor the point but it adds a element of danger to a already dangerous hobby. quote]
Motorcycles are only as dangerous as the window licker on the saddle! For most......this is not a hobby. I dont get home at 3pm after my office job and wipe my $40,000 over chromed bike with a diaper and put on all my brand spankin new leather and ride around the neighborhood for a half hour. The only reason I have a truck is because it snows here. Also........oh nevermind...im wasting my breath.
Motorcycles are only as dangerous as the window licker on the saddle! For most......this is not a hobby. I dont get home at 3pm after my office job and wipe my $40,000 over chromed bike with a diaper and put on all my brand spankin new leather and ride around the neighborhood for a half hour. The only reason I have a truck is because it snows here. Also........oh nevermind...im wasting my breath.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 13
From: Des Moines, Iowa
If you are pulling a trailer without the chains you are a Jerk! Not only is it illegal but if you kill someone there will be no mercy. Take the responsibility! Cross the chains as they are meant to be and there will not be an issue.
As for the nay sayers on trailer pulling I would bet they never have pulled one to know what they are talking about.
As for the nay sayers on trailer pulling I would bet they never have pulled one to know what they are talking about.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
We don't just pull a trailer, but a 1991 Bunkhouse Camper, without issue. In fact, it pulls so easily, I have to consciously remember it's back there.
When you put a passenger and gear on your bike, you just added the entire weight to the GVWR of the bike. In other words, all the weight of your passenger and her gear is directly over the rear axle. Add the weight of the gear in the saddlebags, top case, etc, and you can soon have a dangerously overloaded bike.
Properly stow gear in a trailer, balance it with 20-30 lbs hitch weight, and you have a much safer weight rating. The biggest danger, imo, is the "brake push" you get when stopping. Newer trailers than ours have brakes to compensate for that.
The best part of this whole rig is we can actually camp, doing our own cooking, etc, and even park the bike "in the garage" for the night.
When you put a passenger and gear on your bike, you just added the entire weight to the GVWR of the bike. In other words, all the weight of your passenger and her gear is directly over the rear axle. Add the weight of the gear in the saddlebags, top case, etc, and you can soon have a dangerously overloaded bike.
Properly stow gear in a trailer, balance it with 20-30 lbs hitch weight, and you have a much safer weight rating. The biggest danger, imo, is the "brake push" you get when stopping. Newer trailers than ours have brakes to compensate for that.
The best part of this whole rig is we can actually camp, doing our own cooking, etc, and even park the bike "in the garage" for the night.
Last edited by MNPGRider; Mar 23, 2011 at 10:14 PM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Lindstrom, Mn.
Trailer
Here is my trailer and glide, never any problems pulling a trailer. You must be aware that its behind you, and pulls like nothing. Of course the 107 helps a little also. This trailer is very cool and top of line. Its also for sale if any one is interested.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
If you have to pull a trailer with your bagger you are carrying to much crap, park the bike and drive your cage. On two week trips, I take a tent, sleeping bags, clothes, tools, toiletries, bike cover, and mama all on my Ultra with no "top heavy" problems, and no stinkin' trailer. C'mon it's a motorcycle, not a pickup. Just the things you absolutely need, leave the junk at home.