Pulling a trailer
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
I built that for about $350. I just couldn't justify spending four figures for a trailer. Pulled great. It did slow me down a little, so we cruised around 75 this year. I had it up to about 100. Proper load management is important. It pulled a lot better with a little more weight forward. It's a HF 48x40" trailer cut down with a cargo box on top that I bought on Amazon.com. After I built it, HF started carrying basically the same thing all together for about the same price. I narrowed mine and cut wheel wells in it. The whole thing is about the same width as my bike. I think I'll build a cooler holder for the tounge next year.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 929
Likes: 1
From: Blue Springs, MO
I forgot to post one thing, If you do build it I would put a swivel hitch on it for sure. I was looking at a few on here that are home built and didn't see a swivel hitch. Are you guys putting them on the home built ones?
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
I'm suprised no one with an N-line has responded. A buddy of mine has one and I think they are the slickest looking trailers out there, although the priciest too. I've been reverse-engineering one off of his. I've accounted for the frame, wheel/tire , and the complete hitch/tongue set-up. I need to come up with a shock and then decide how to do the "box" I could do a fiberglass box, although that would be a lot of work for one box....making a mold and then the box, or might do one up in aluminum. www.n-line.com
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: kalamazoo
After you get your trailer, start collecting lightweight camping gear like the kind used by backpackers. But don't skimp on the tent! Get the biggest one that'll fit in the trailer. The wife and I tried several before finding a 12' x 12' from Gander Mountain. You'll notice a lag when taking off and need to leave extra room when braking. Other than that, the trailer just follows nicely along behind! Any extra oompf you have in the motor does help. Enjoy.
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This is interesting. I didn't know so many people were towing trailers. I don't understand why HD doesn't make one and do the engineering to pull trailers. Seems like a big money maker for them. Imagine how many "official" HD trailers they would sell and how much the dealers would make doing all the hitch and wiring installs etc. Seems to me that side cars take more engineering and power to run than a trailer. And they make and install side cars on bikes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
A single wheel trailer will lose all stability and start swinging violently. It doesn’t take long for the trailer to drag the bike sideways.
A two wheel trailer will remain behind the bike when one wheel fails.
At least that is what a professional accident investigator tells me; if you want to believe otherwise go for it.
A two wheel trailer will remain behind the bike when one wheel fails.
At least that is what a professional accident investigator tells me; if you want to believe otherwise go for it.
I am right now buying a Uni-Go trailer. One of the reasons is that the one tire has very hard side walls and even with no air will still roll and "should" follow the bike to the curb. I pray I will never test this out. Another reason why I am getting it is not to OVER LOAD it and the bike with stuff that should have been left behind. Just my 2 cents. Be Safe JIM