Trunk Rack- Who Uses?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I recently added a rack to my Tour Pak. I love the thing. Super useful for strapping that last soft bag full of clothes.....ect, that just won't fit anywhere else. Great for sleeping bags as well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 1,325
From: DeLand, Florida
When the wife and I went to the Hill Climb in PA last year, we strapped two bag chairs to the rack. Without the rack we would be sitting on the ground. As stated before, it is real handy when you need it.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,759
Likes: 22,951
From: North Carolina
Could not live without it.
Just don't overload it and DON'T open it very wide unless using both hands and being extremely careful.
Had a friend rip his entire lid off when his wife opened it all the way with luggage on it.
Thank God for Duct Tape!
Just don't overload it and DON'T open it very wide unless using both hands and being extremely careful.
Had a friend rip his entire lid off when his wife opened it all the way with luggage on it.
Thank God for Duct Tape!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,981
Likes: 5,219
From: Michigan
I forgot to mention this in a previous post but there's a company (Moto-Bike I think) that sells some really nice (chrome or black) that replaces the small rubber washers that mount between the feet of the tour pack rack and the lid.
They're much larger than the OEM's and they spread the weight of the tour pack (and load) more evenly onto the tour pack lid.
Also, I'm a big fan of bungee "nets".
I have several (in different sizes) and they work extremely well if you want to put leathers/raingear, etc. on top of the rack or bag to increase capacity.
Another option for those riding two-up, especially on long trips, is a cargo trailer.
Back when we rode two-up there was always a lack of saddle bag or luggage rack space. It took me years to convince my wife that we needed a trailer. Obviously she had heard others say that they were dangerous but we were at a swap meet and a gentleman there had one for sale and after talking to him we discussed it so we went back and made the deal.
We used it two summers and when I was getting ready to sell my bike and trailer to my cousin, her first comment was "you're going to get another trailer, right?"
She rides her own bike now and I haven't used the trailer since my trip to AK in 2000, but I still have it and who knows, I may need it again someday.
I know some say H-D will void your warranty if you pull a trailer but I honestly cannot see why.
They're much larger than the OEM's and they spread the weight of the tour pack (and load) more evenly onto the tour pack lid.
Also, I'm a big fan of bungee "nets".
I have several (in different sizes) and they work extremely well if you want to put leathers/raingear, etc. on top of the rack or bag to increase capacity.
Another option for those riding two-up, especially on long trips, is a cargo trailer.
Back when we rode two-up there was always a lack of saddle bag or luggage rack space. It took me years to convince my wife that we needed a trailer. Obviously she had heard others say that they were dangerous but we were at a swap meet and a gentleman there had one for sale and after talking to him we discussed it so we went back and made the deal.
We used it two summers and when I was getting ready to sell my bike and trailer to my cousin, her first comment was "you're going to get another trailer, right?"
She rides her own bike now and I haven't used the trailer since my trip to AK in 2000, but I still have it and who knows, I may need it again someday.
I know some say H-D will void your warranty if you pull a trailer but I honestly cannot see why.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
Use it all the time. However I load the heavy stuff in the bottom of the saddle bags then progressively lighter the higher. The duffel bag on the trunk rack is the bulky rain suit and other stuff.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 900
From: Columbus, Ohio
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 266
From: Roma Alberta
on extended trips I put my tent and air mattress in a dry bag strapped down to the rack on top the tour pak. can still access the tour pack by only slightly opening the lid to retrieve items inside. if I have to open it completely it's only 2 bungees and the dry bag is off the rack. couldn't imagine not having the rack, would be tough to pack everything (I need) on the bike without one.
