How much "stuff"do you bring on a road trip
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
I wasn't a trailer user for 25+ years. We got one last year after we went on a week trip and borrowed one from a friend. It is so slick to have the space, not worry about overloading your bags, and worrying if you have room for something if you want to make a purchase on your trip. I also use it often when I go to get things at the store that's an hour away and want to take a ride on the bike to get there.
I don't know it's even behind me when I'm pulling it, and I haven't had a parking issue yet. Last year at Sturgis we unhooked the trailer and left it at the motel all week, cruised the roads, then hooked it up to return home. I pulled it through the Rockies and the bike didn't even feel it.
I have an all aluminum, diamond plate model. Not as sleak and streamlined as some, but very heavy duty, larger wheels, tons of space, and under $1500.
I say once you travel with a trailer, you'll appreciate it.
I don't know it's even behind me when I'm pulling it, and I haven't had a parking issue yet. Last year at Sturgis we unhooked the trailer and left it at the motel all week, cruised the roads, then hooked it up to return home. I pulled it through the Rockies and the bike didn't even feel it.
I have an all aluminum, diamond plate model. Not as sleak and streamlined as some, but very heavy duty, larger wheels, tons of space, and under $1500.
I say once you travel with a trailer, you'll appreciate it.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Sierra Nevadas
seriously, Ive been riding my whole life and never ridden with a trailer.Whats it like? Can you ride 80 with it back there? Arent you a little scared? Things change dramatically with a passenger and load, in regards to fast action. Personally there has been more than a few times that If I would have had something dragging behind me I would have been dusted. Sorry but I think trailers belong with trucks, not even most cars.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
I've ridden as hard with the trailer as without. Interstate 90 all day on the way to Sturgis is a good test I'd say. Plus the corners of the Black Hills and Rockies, never an issue with the trailer. I can see a benefit to having one with one wheel, center. Then where you go with your tires, the trailer follows. Potholes and roadkill get missed a little easier.
Now that I have one, I notice how many other long distance travelers have them. If I was just going on weekend rides, I'd probable skip the trailer, but for a week or more out with two people, yes.
Now that I have one, I notice how many other long distance travelers have them. If I was just going on weekend rides, I'd probable skip the trailer, but for a week or more out with two people, yes.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton, OR
My last trip I took everything except the key for the bike. I am glad my gas cap lock is overriden. I ride an 04 Ultra and there is always stuff I take I do not use. If you have a storage problem for the trailer and a usage problem I would take the money you would spend on a trailer and buy whatever you need on the trip use it leave it in the room when you leave. Someone else will use it. My wife and I took a trip form Portland to Mendicino CA last fall and carried 4 days of clothes. She gets one saddle bag I get the other. The tour pack we share but we decide before we leave what jacket. chaps, leather pants ETC that we will take. The tour pack rack and bag were for rain gear until I discovered FXRG clothing at my local Harley shop.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 458
Likes: 254
From: midwest
4000 mile road trip
just returned from a 4000 mile 12 day trip from midwest to california and back pulling a trailer for the first time. I will admit that it was a little wierd to begin with but you really never even know it is there. i was able to keep up with my buds in every turn and the mountains were nothing for my bike and trailer. it was so nice to have room for the extra things and carrying our own bar came in handy going thru Utah. I cant say i will take it every trip but having the option is a real plus. you can guy a 1500 aluminum trailer and the guys at MC hitch are the bomb, i would strongly recommend them and the swivel hitch is a must have.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: S. Central Ohio
They are a great option, I have to get a kick
out of the one's that think they might be dangerous
but don't think anything about not wearing a helmet.
Jim
out of the one's that think they might be dangerous
but don't think anything about not wearing a helmet.
Jim
Last edited by WideBoy04; Jul 3, 2010 at 03:00 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 2
From: North Lima, Ohio
I have a trailer and really like it on long trips. It takes a little learning and a lot of common sence to get used to it. After about 3 or 4 uses, I figure it paid for itself. On an overnight we dont pull it but on anything longer its there. I dont have any problems finding a parking spot or moving it around. I have locks for it when I have to leave it unattended and so far havnt had any trouble. When we use the trailer it is for our luggage and a cooler and other stuff. Helmets go in the tourpac and raingear,warm gear, tools, air compressor and cover are in the saddle bags. Everytime we go on vacation we always bring back extra stuff so having the trailer is handy for that. We also use it for shopping and other stuff. We went on a 3 day ride with another couple who have a Dyna and used the trailer for our and their stuff. When not used, it sits in the corner of the garage in front of the tractor. No big deal. If you decide to get one, do yourself a favor and add a 3rd brake light up high on the lid so cagers who aint paying attention will see it.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Sierra Nevadas
Obviously you boys ride a little differently than the guys I ride with.More power to you if a trailer doesnt bother you. Do me a favor though, and stay out of the way.
