trialers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,450
Likes: 593
RE: trialers
I've done a little (actually very little) research on this topic and everything seems to point to the Bushtec as being the way to go. Those Uni-Go trailers are very intruiging though. I've even thought about getting a side hack and loading it up with extra gear if needed. That's another topic though.
I've never heard of the Aluma trailers before. I'm going to check them out.
I've never heard of the Aluma trailers before. I'm going to check them out.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 1
From: North West Ohio
RE: trialers
ORIGINAL: Biggzed
I've done a little (actually very little) research on this topic and everything seems to point to the Bushtec as being the way to go. Those Uni-Go trailers are very intruiging though. I've even thought about getting a side hack and loading it up with extra gear if needed. That's another topic though.
I've never heard of the Aluma trailers before. I'm going to check them out.
I've done a little (actually very little) research on this topic and everything seems to point to the Bushtec as being the way to go. Those Uni-Go trailers are very intruiging though. I've even thought about getting a side hack and loading it up with extra gear if needed. That's another topic though.
I've never heard of the Aluma trailers before. I'm going to check them out.
Just my opinion, for what it`s worth.
Ride Safe,
Mike
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 0
From: Opelika,Al.
RE: trialers
Don't know how to place a link yet!! (carreplicatrailers.com) has some nice looking trailers!!
I pulled a trailer back in 1980 from Fl. to Maine behind a wing and had no problems,,, other than snow!!
It was in November!
I pulled a trailer back in 1980 from Fl. to Maine behind a wing and had no problems,,, other than snow!!
It was in November!
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 3
From:
RE: trialers
Love my Bushtec Roadstar. Pulls great. I usually use mine for camping on extended trips. Headed to Nova Scotia for 2 weeks in the middle of July. Yes, they are pricey but worth it in my mind. Depends on how often you will use it.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From:
RE: trialers
I appreciate all the input. Still though, do you find yourself taking more stuff along than you would really need otherwise? We did a fly and ride out of Vegas the first part of May. When we spent the night in Kingman , there were 2 other couples there on Goldwings that we were talking to in the hot tub. One guy said with the trailer his wife can't leave home without 3 suitcases now.
Why did you go to a trailer?
I'm thinking you could put most of your stuff in the trailer and not load the bike down. I can see where you can save yourself a parking spot at a motel , but also you have another security or theft concern when you leave the trailer for the day. Wouldn't take much to pick her up and throw it in a truck and there goes my 4,000 Bushtec.
What about hitches?
Anymore I like a hot tub and pool at night instead of camping. If I were camping then I could definately see the trailer.
The bustec sounds like the cream of the crop. wheel hop or bounce behind a bike would not be good.
Thanks for all the comments
Bobo
Why did you go to a trailer?
I'm thinking you could put most of your stuff in the trailer and not load the bike down. I can see where you can save yourself a parking spot at a motel , but also you have another security or theft concern when you leave the trailer for the day. Wouldn't take much to pick her up and throw it in a truck and there goes my 4,000 Bushtec.
What about hitches?
Anymore I like a hot tub and pool at night instead of camping. If I were camping then I could definately see the trailer.
The bustec sounds like the cream of the crop. wheel hop or bounce behind a bike would not be good.
Thanks for all the comments
Bobo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
RE: trialers
You will want to check out this forum devoted to pulling trailers with a motorcycle: http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing
You have to register but it's free, like this one.
After reading through there I decided to build my own from a Harbor Freight trailer frame and a car-top luggage carrier that I bought at a yard sale for $10. As you can see, it's not slick or pretty, but it pulls like a champ (I've had it up to 90mph fully loaded), holds a 12 person tent, sleeping bags, 2 lawn chairs and enough other stuff for a week of camping, and I have less than $200 invested, not counting the hitch on the bike and the Hoppy isolator for the trailer lights.
And speaking of hitches...I found a receiver-type hitch at www.mchitch.com that works very well. I like not having the hitch sticking out from the back fender when I don't need it.
[IMG]local://upfiles/12883/E001655FBFFF4194921C2408E6BDF83D.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12883/49A696000BD944198BEA8C755AF1F9A0.jpg[/IMG]
You have to register but it's free, like this one.
After reading through there I decided to build my own from a Harbor Freight trailer frame and a car-top luggage carrier that I bought at a yard sale for $10. As you can see, it's not slick or pretty, but it pulls like a champ (I've had it up to 90mph fully loaded), holds a 12 person tent, sleeping bags, 2 lawn chairs and enough other stuff for a week of camping, and I have less than $200 invested, not counting the hitch on the bike and the Hoppy isolator for the trailer lights.
And speaking of hitches...I found a receiver-type hitch at www.mchitch.com that works very well. I like not having the hitch sticking out from the back fender when I don't need it.
[IMG]local://upfiles/12883/E001655FBFFF4194921C2408E6BDF83D.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12883/49A696000BD944198BEA8C755AF1F9A0.jpg[/IMG]
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 3
From:
RE: trialers
As far as security is concerned, I carry a cable to lock it down when it is unhitched. If they really want it, they are going to get it but I will try to make it a little more difficult. I do carry extras to make camping more pleasurable but not too much. I would rather pull a trailer than to have an top heavy, over loaded bike. The bike handles so much better with the trailer.
I use a ChromeWerks hitch. There are others out there that can be concealed better when not in use. I find that when I remove the ball, the hitch is not as noticeable.
I use a ChromeWerks hitch. There are others out there that can be concealed better when not in use. I find that when I remove the ball, the hitch is not as noticeable.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 660
Likes: 4
From: Ft. Smith Arkansas
RE: trialers
That's a vey nice looking rig, sounds like your wife and mine are twins, with ALL the stuff they just can't live without, but after 30 years of marriage I'm kinda used to it. We will probably use one about 3-4 times a year and at this point I can't justify $4-5K for a Bushtech, this is first time I've seen a Cyclemate trailer thanks for posting checking their web site right now..
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 1
From:
RE: trialers
We pull the same Bushtec Genesis that we started with in 1998....well over 60,000 miles on it now, an' no issues. Ah do routine PM - replaced the bearings last year!<G> Makes it really nice on trips, because we drink coffee, an' them li'l so-called 4-cup makers in the rooms are a joke! Carry drinks an' snacks, so we save a coupla bucks on over-priced hotel soda's an' snack foods....
[IMG]local://upfiles/19857/49DB4FAB421648728DC77C2CD623C34B.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/19857/49DB4FAB421648728DC77C2CD623C34B.jpg[/IMG]
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 20
From: Greater St Louis, MO
RE: trialers
I have been pulling a trailer for over 10 years now on trips that are over a week or campingwhen riding 2 up. You hardly even know they are there. Just don't overload them and get too much tongue weight.
My favorite trailer is the american legend, but they are pricey. Neosho Fiberglass makes a very good economy trailer, similar to Cyclemate. I would strongly suggest that whatever brand you purchase get the torsion (sp) suspension, that way the individual tires absorb the bumps, which is much smoother than when you have a straight axle.
My favorite trailer is the american legend, but they are pricey. Neosho Fiberglass makes a very good economy trailer, similar to Cyclemate. I would strongly suggest that whatever brand you purchase get the torsion (sp) suspension, that way the individual tires absorb the bumps, which is much smoother than when you have a straight axle.