pros and cons with trailers
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Middle Tennessee
I too pull a trailer a bit - a Coleman clam shell cargo trailer - behind an FL. Heck, I pull a canoe back there sometimes! Common sense is the rule of the day. Yes, be a little more aware of stopping distances. Be VERY aware of where you are on right hand turns.
You don't want to get too close to the right side of the road and hang that right side trailer tire over an asphalt edge and then have it snap back up. Knew of a couple that did that going around a cloverleaf and the results were not pleasant.
As with any trailer you want a little weight on the tongue. I take care of that with the cooler mounted on the tongue.
Ditto on the wheel bearings - once a year - more for inspection than anything else.
In rainy weather (this may simply be my perception) I know I have to account for the stopping distance but the additional feeling the tongue weight and striaghtening effect of pulling the trailer actually makes me feel more secure. (I know, it is weird.) I probably tend to take it a bit easier - both because of the trailer AND the rain....
Make sure it has good lights and reflectors. Most people don't think bikes will have trailers so if they are waiting to pull out of a side street or something and are the aggressive type they may cut the back end of your bike a little close - NOT good if you have another 8-12 feet back there.
And it is even MORE important to find pull through spaces in parking lots!
Have fun and "Let's be safe out there."
You don't want to get too close to the right side of the road and hang that right side trailer tire over an asphalt edge and then have it snap back up. Knew of a couple that did that going around a cloverleaf and the results were not pleasant.
As with any trailer you want a little weight on the tongue. I take care of that with the cooler mounted on the tongue.
Ditto on the wheel bearings - once a year - more for inspection than anything else.
In rainy weather (this may simply be my perception) I know I have to account for the stopping distance but the additional feeling the tongue weight and striaghtening effect of pulling the trailer actually makes me feel more secure. (I know, it is weird.) I probably tend to take it a bit easier - both because of the trailer AND the rain....
Make sure it has good lights and reflectors. Most people don't think bikes will have trailers so if they are waiting to pull out of a side street or something and are the aggressive type they may cut the back end of your bike a little close - NOT good if you have another 8-12 feet back there.
And it is even MORE important to find pull through spaces in parking lots!
Have fun and "Let's be safe out there."
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
Since this thread is on trailers. When you go places like Rallies (mainly Sturgis), do you drop the trailer at your campsite when you take the bike to tour the area or are you dragging the trailer the whole time? Kinda wondering if anyone messes with the trailer.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Middle Tennessee
Unless I'm going to pick something in downtown Sturgis that I need the trailer for....it stays behind.....
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 0
From: Western Wisconsin
We've been pulling a trailer behind the bike to Sturgis for years and it has never been messed with.
I commented to the wife this last year about all the detachable tour paks (I counted 18) that were laying next to tents.
It really depends on the campground you plan on staying at for sure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
I've been pulling a trailer since 98, no issues and would not leave home without it.
There are dangerous trailers, cheap trailers, inexpensive trailers and the top of the line trailers...get the best you can afford.
I have two Bushtec trailers, one for the wing trike and one for the harley...I prefer Bushtec for the handling, service, resale value and overall I feel the larger wheels travel best.
I love the fact we can take what we may need ( better to have and not need than the need and not have) plus I think it's safer than overloading the bikes. I don't feel handling suffers at all, sometime I have to say " self, slow down a little, trailer's back there" I forget about them at times...they pull so effortlessly.
I drop them at the hotel and lock them up, never had any theft issues with them...a nice cable lock from Lowes or Home Depot works for me.
Having the Roadstar Bushtec painted to match the 2010 RG this winter, be ready for next year trips.
I haven't talked to anyone that has one that regreats getting a trailer.
There are dangerous trailers, cheap trailers, inexpensive trailers and the top of the line trailers...get the best you can afford.
I have two Bushtec trailers, one for the wing trike and one for the harley...I prefer Bushtec for the handling, service, resale value and overall I feel the larger wheels travel best.
I love the fact we can take what we may need ( better to have and not need than the need and not have) plus I think it's safer than overloading the bikes. I don't feel handling suffers at all, sometime I have to say " self, slow down a little, trailer's back there" I forget about them at times...they pull so effortlessly.
I drop them at the hotel and lock them up, never had any theft issues with them...a nice cable lock from Lowes or Home Depot works for me.
Having the Roadstar Bushtec painted to match the 2010 RG this winter, be ready for next year trips.
I haven't talked to anyone that has one that regreats getting a trailer.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: TX
I bought a Bushtec "Roadstar" trailer this past year at Sturgis and it is by far some of the best money I have ever spent for the bike. Bushtec's are a bit pricey but I'm a firm believer that you get what you pay for. Only thing I ever noticed is that my stopping distance increased somewhat but not bad at all. I catch alot of **** from my buddies now about pulling a trailer but its funny how they always want to throw something in there when we are about to head out on a trip because they don't have enough room.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,023
Likes: 989
From: Just Outside Chicago
Why wouldn't folks put there tour pac INSIDE there tents???
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
My ridding friend has towed a single wheel trailer ( InLine Trailer ) for years and i can tell you it handles and followes his bike great. He can carry about 100 lbs in it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
Pro's - This trailer easily hauls 4 complete sets of golf clubs.
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