80 to 85 all day long with "Red" ( my better half ) sittin ' behind me each time we go to Sturgis ... the ride out is "stop and smell the roses"

 

I have pulled a trailer for over 15 years. First on my Ultra and now on my Tri-Glide. I have never had a problem. Many states have speed limits of 80 and I usually do the speed limit (or a little over). I am only one up so there is less weight up front and still no problems even over bumpy roads. My two up friends who tow trailers have no problems either. Just a caution note: slow down in rain. Another friend said her bike was hydroplaning. I have never had that problem but then I usually slow down in the rain.

 

I will be picking up my trailer in a couple of weeks. This will be my first. Question? Realistic, what MPG loos did you experience? I am planning on a trip to Alaska in June. I get 36-38 MPG now. I am planning on a drop to roughly 30 MPG. Am I in the ball park?

 

MPG has a lot of factors. Gross weight, wind, elevation, and speed to name a few. Mine have varied from the mid 20's coming across South Dakota in the wind to a high of 54 in Yellowstone. Don't let gas mileage get to you. Enjoy the trip.

 

I am laughing to myself. I rarely check. I agree with Firebike 32. All those things certainly factor in. Also factored in is one-up or two-up and how much is in the trailer, but my thought on the subject is this: For what I spent on my trike and trailer I don't care what the gas mileage is or the cost of gas for that matter. I did pull out an old record and gas mileage did vary greatly.

 

I'm guessing the reason 2002FLSTCI is asking about gas mileage is not because he is worried about a few extra dollars in fuel costs, but because he's heading to Alaska and along that route knowing your range to empty can be particularly important.

 

Plenty of room for an extra gas can with a trailer. Probably gonna need it.

 

There's a thinking man.

 

I so agree with you. Better to be safe than sorry. I was laughing to myself because at one time gas money did matter to me when I was riding on a shoestring and a prayer. I did realize that was not the issue with 2002FLSTCI. I was just reminiscing my youth.

 

I don't usually care about gas mileage but for this trip I am looking at budget. Right now I am budgeting for 11000 miles, 30 MPG, $4.00 per gallon for just under $1,500. With a
$12,000.00 budget lower mileage can add a few hundred dollars to that budget. I am going 1 up and planning to ride speed limit.