towing
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 374
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From: nampa, idaho
towing
ok guys I'll be gone for a month in utah from minn. and I'll tow my bike out there as i'll use the trailer to sleep in for a week or maybe more...whats it like to tow a enclosed trailer that far.....looking for speed ,handleing,and what to expect .....thanks
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Riverside, TX
I have more miles towing on my truck than not towing. like stated above it depends on tow vehicle. make sure tires are not dry rotted, grease bearings, etc. also, a good idea would be trailer brakes. I'm going to Kansas and towing bikes there in 2 weeks so wife can go see family.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 309
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From: PNW
As long as your truck is a half ton or more you should get used to it within 20 miles. If youre in an automatic you might need to down gear and keep the overdrive off. You'll get what to do with a standard right away. It is usally easier to keep the rpms up rather than hunt for a gear all the time. You'll feel sluggish in the hils, just take it at the speed the truck feels comfortable at. Give yourself some extra braking and passing room and think ahead before entering parking lots. Backing ti up will probably be the biggest pain, more so with a single axel trailer.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 374
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From: nampa, idaho
I'll be towing with a grand caravan....the trailer is a 5x10 fiberglass camper type that is gutted for a motorcycle trailer with 13 inch wheels.....has a good plywood floor and good tie downs bearings are good and the tires are new.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,027
Likes: 28
From: Las Cruces, NM
Stopping will be different, give yourself a little more time. Quick swerves will get you in trouble. Going uphill will be slower. Fuel will be more. I tow all the time, I think of it as towing my garage, I live in a motorhome, and my bike is always in the garage when I am traveling in my house. Just take it easy for a few miles, and then always be on alert, as if ridin' the bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
Tie down the bike good, balance the load. Make a few test runs before you head out for the long haul. Moving the wheel chock back or forward will make a BIG difference in the trailer fish tailing. With my 98 ultra I had the chock back 4 inches and drove up to 80 MPH with no wiggle. When I towed the 09 ultra as soon as I got over 65-70 I had a slight wiggle. I moved the chock up 4 inches and and now it's rock solid at 75-80. I am not a speeder but on 95 if you are doing under 65 a 18 wheeler is going to run you over. I great chock is the condor....once mounted in your trailer you can move it back and forth by removing 4 thumb screws. Also watch the wt. on other cargo you are putting in the trailer....wt adds up quick and you are pulling with a front wheel van with a a 6 cyl. Also make sure the extra cargo is well secured so not to damage your ride.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip JIM
Have a safe and enjoyable trip JIM
Last edited by HDJIM1158; Apr 23, 2009 at 06:23 PM. Reason: spelling
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