Pull a trailer? Com'on, I know you do...
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
Ive been pulling my homemade barrell trailer for years. The heaviest ive had it is almost 500lbs and it rode like a dream. The only time I really notice it is when we hit the big hills. Still my 88 incher has plenty of power to pull it. Just have to be smart when towing a trailer. Remember its "touring" not "racing" Take your time. Think before you act. Weaving in and out of traffic like your on a rice rocket isnt something Id do while towing.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
I picked this up last summer. It holds everything that I would normally put in my tourpak and saddlebag liners. I don't carry anything on my scoot except my wife. It tracks like a dream.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
In 08 I bought a trailer to head to Alaska in 09. In 08 I used it for a 2600 mile round trip to Sturgis for a shake down.
When I got back, I put it on a forum that the first person to show up at my door could have it with the title for free.
It was like driving a car. Needed to keep track of your position in the lane and when turning corners. Don't hit a big bump while going around a corner. The trailer will lift and try to pass you.
Be very careful of speed and slow down way before intersections. I just did not like the lack of freedom to maneuver quickly like you can on an unburdened bike.
Got an Ultra in 010 and don't need no stinking trailer.
When I got back, I put it on a forum that the first person to show up at my door could have it with the title for free.
It was like driving a car. Needed to keep track of your position in the lane and when turning corners. Don't hit a big bump while going around a corner. The trailer will lift and try to pass you.
Be very careful of speed and slow down way before intersections. I just did not like the lack of freedom to maneuver quickly like you can on an unburdened bike.
Got an Ultra in 010 and don't need no stinking trailer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
In 08 I bought a trailer to head to Alaska in 09. In 08 I used it for a 2600 mile round trip to Sturgis for a shake down.
When I got back, I put it on a forum that the first person to show up at my door could have it with the title for free.
It was like driving a car. Needed to keep track of your position in the lane and when turning corners. Don't hit a big bump while going around a corner. The trailer will lift and try to pass you.
Be very careful of speed and slow down way before intersections. I just did not like the lack of freedom to maneuver quickly like you can on an unburdened bike.
Got an Ultra in 010 and don't need no stinking trailer.
When I got back, I put it on a forum that the first person to show up at my door could have it with the title for free.
It was like driving a car. Needed to keep track of your position in the lane and when turning corners. Don't hit a big bump while going around a corner. The trailer will lift and try to pass you.
Be very careful of speed and slow down way before intersections. I just did not like the lack of freedom to maneuver quickly like you can on an unburdened bike.
Got an Ultra in 010 and don't need no stinking trailer.
Pulling a trailer with a bike (or four wheeler for that matter) isn't for everyone but they can be darned handy for many and downright indispensable for others but either way, there will be trade off's compared to riding without one. If it didn't turn out to be your thing, that's cool!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,724
Likes: 234
From: Altoona, Pa.
I pull one. Ive pulled trailers many times before. I just bought the Escape XL a month ago after selling a smaller teardrop trailer. There is a good Delphi Forum called Motorcycle Trailer Towing. My warranty ran out a year ago. Besides, if HD wanted to they could void warranty for using an aftermarket Derby cover. You want to keep the tongue weight under 30lbs and pack the trailer so that the load doesnt shift. This trailer gross loaded wt rating is 600lbs. However, I never exceed 300lbs even with all the camping gear we have. No need for brakes on a cargo trailer but you might consider brakes if you are pulling a heavier pop-up tent trailer.
Here's a link to a video I took of all the gear I had in our tear drop trailer
Here's a link to a video I took of all the gear I had in our tear drop trailer
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
I picked this up last summer. It holds everything that I would normally put in my tourpak and saddlebag liners. I don't carry anything on my scoot except my wife. It tracks like a dream.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 4
From: Province of Ontario
I have pulled a trailer now with three bikes. Two previous bikes (a GW 1200 and a GW 1500) and now the UC. Two very different trailers, although both cargo trailers. The trailer has provided a lot of flexibility, comfort and utility travelling two up with your wife, or in tandem with your family and your wife on her bike on long trips. And as my wife reminds me - the shopping opportunities are endless...
Seriously, towing a trailer is not a big issue but you do have to be more careful and cognizant that it is behind you.
Seriously, towing a trailer is not a big issue but you do have to be more careful and cognizant that it is behind you.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
I just remembered something cool from Sturgis 07.....on the way home we passed what appeared to be a pop up camper going down the road by itself doing about 55mph. As we got to the front of the camper we noticed it was attatched to an old early 80s Yamaha of some kind!!! Im not talking about a motorcycle specific camper....im talkin a late 70s pop up!! Some people have huge *****.......or small brains.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
One thing nobody has mentioned yet, and that's to avoid stopping on an uphill grade. I was leaving a rally site with my trailer behind me and got stuck in traffic on an uphill gravel slope. That won't happen again.
For those who say pulling a trailer in unsafe...how do you feel about a top heavy motorcycle?
For those who say pulling a trailer in unsafe...how do you feel about a top heavy motorcycle?