Pulling a trailer
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm
The link above has some good information. Read through it and pick out the motorcycle specific information.
One rule of thumb: The distance from the rear axle to the tip of your trailer tongue should be roughly twice the width of the distance from wheel to wheel.
To properly establish tongue weight, just use a bathroom scale. Cut a 2x4 the length needed, that when put under the trailer hitch and onto the scale, your trailer is level or slightly below level. Then adjust the load in your trailer to give you the proper hitch weight. Every day when packing up, pack everything in the same place, and your hitch weight will remain constant. Too little hitch weight, and your trailer will sway. Too much, and you will affect your handling and bottom out your rear shocks. A good rule of thumb is right around 20 lbs.
The link above has some good information. Read through it and pick out the motorcycle specific information.
One rule of thumb: The distance from the rear axle to the tip of your trailer tongue should be roughly twice the width of the distance from wheel to wheel.
To properly establish tongue weight, just use a bathroom scale. Cut a 2x4 the length needed, that when put under the trailer hitch and onto the scale, your trailer is level or slightly below level. Then adjust the load in your trailer to give you the proper hitch weight. Every day when packing up, pack everything in the same place, and your hitch weight will remain constant. Too little hitch weight, and your trailer will sway. Too much, and you will affect your handling and bottom out your rear shocks. A good rule of thumb is right around 20 lbs.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL
Did you have to extend the tongue on this one, or did it just work as is?
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 25
From: Santa Fe NM
That is actually the exact same trailer that I got today! Mine is grey instead of black, but has the same fender sticker and everything. I don't have the sides built for it or anything yet, but the slots are there...
Did you have to extend the tongue on this one, or did it just work as is?
Did you have to extend the tongue on this one, or did it just work as is?
I have installed a swivel on the tongue which adds 6" to the tongue length. Swivel was purchased from
Black Tie Accessories Inc
610 S Lake St
Amherst OH 44001-2002
Phone: 440-988-7233
to convert the 5 wire system of the bike to the 4 wire system of the trailer there is a powered taillight converter which is mounted under the trailer.
Last edited by 2002flstc; Sep 2, 2011 at 12:52 AM.
I got well over 100,000 miles pulling trailers with various BT's (88, 96 & 103).
I don't hesitate to pull 400 lbs, whether it is the cargo trailer or the pop-up tent trailer.
Even more important NOT to lug the engine when pulling the extra weight.
I use a fish scale on the tongue to make sure the load is balanced well.
You will be amazed how little it affects the handling of the bike. Will accelerate slower and take longer to stop.
Have fun!
Kevin
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,362
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From: georgetown ky
I love my Bushtec if I'm going overnight somewhee it goes too. I guess spoiled open the top put the bags in close top and hit the road. plenty of room for lap top, extra boots, her crap. ect.
I'm thinking about getting a decal that says "My Bike Her $hit".
I'm thinking about getting a decal that says "My Bike Her $hit".
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 25
From: Santa Fe NM
I almost went that route... my wife now rides her softail and carries her own $hit. The trailer only carries the tent, sleeping bags, ice chest and lantern and of course my $hit.
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JimGnitecki
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