Pulling a trailer
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL
Pulling a trailer
Hey touring friends, I have a question about pulling a trailer with your bike.
I've never pulled a trailer with the bike before, don't even have a hitch on it. I wasn't really even considering pulling a trailer with it, until today.
I was over at my buddy's house this morning, and he said, "Hey, do you need a little trailer?"
I checked it out, and it's about 3 or 3.5 feet wide, and about 4 feet long. It's make out of steel, and it weighs maybe 80 lbs, total. It mounts on an 1 7/8" ball. Right now it needs a floor and some sides, or maybe one of those car top carriers strapped down on it, to be really useful for anything.
Did I mention, that I got it for free?
Anyway, for those of you that pull trailers, how much weight can you pull with your bike? Does this sound like it might be about the right size for something like this, or would I need something that weighs less?
I've never pulled a trailer with the bike before, don't even have a hitch on it. I wasn't really even considering pulling a trailer with it, until today.
I was over at my buddy's house this morning, and he said, "Hey, do you need a little trailer?"
I checked it out, and it's about 3 or 3.5 feet wide, and about 4 feet long. It's make out of steel, and it weighs maybe 80 lbs, total. It mounts on an 1 7/8" ball. Right now it needs a floor and some sides, or maybe one of those car top carriers strapped down on it, to be really useful for anything.
Did I mention, that I got it for free?
Anyway, for those of you that pull trailers, how much weight can you pull with your bike? Does this sound like it might be about the right size for something like this, or would I need something that weighs less?
Lots of guys get a trailer from Harbor Freight and build their own. The trailer I have is 175 lbs empty and is rated to hold 200 lbs of stuff. I use mine and probably add 100 lbs (tent, sleeping bags, chairs and clothing). The tongue of the trailer has to be extended most likely. Tongue weight should be no more than 20 lbs or so. There's a forum for trailering here. I think it says "hacked" in the title. Be advised it's a whole different world when you're pulling a trailer. Lots to consider regarding safety and reaction time. I could go on forever but I won't. Check the other forum for more specific info.
Tim
Tim
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 5
From: South Central, Pa
Lots of guys get a trailer from Harbor Freight and build their own. The trailer I have is 175 lbs empty and is rated to hold 200 lbs of stuff. I use mine and probably add 100 lbs (tent, sleeping bags, chairs and clothing). The tongue of the trailer has to be extended most likely. Tongue weight should be no more than 20 lbs or so. There's a forum for trailering here. I think it says "hacked" in the title. Be advised it's a whole different world when you're pulling a trailer. Lots to consider regarding safety and reaction time. I could go on forever but I won't. Check the other forum for more specific info.
Tim
Tim
Honestly empty I do not know its there. But 2 up packed, yeah totally different. As Tim mentioned there are forums here and elsewhere on the net. Check them out and learn from others mistakes. The biggest mistake people make is packing the trailer. The ratio to tongue length, load, and wheel placement is critical. You do not want that trailer wiggling down the road and knock your *** over. Like I said do your research and all will be good.
Trailers make for an added dimension of fun with the wife. We even pick up groceries in ours.
Dragging it to the Dragon this year - but not thru it mind you. ;-)
When pulling one - the rules all change, you have more drag, more forced speed weight, so starting and stopping you will need to get adjusted to. Also when cornering and passing, remember you are now longer!
I practiced for a month just driving around my hood and town until I became comfy.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, OR
I purchased my first trailer, a used Bushtec, earlier this summer. Rode to Cali to pick it up...turned around and hauled it back to Oregon. Empty, you won't even know your trailer is back there.
Loaded is another matter. Pay close attention when braking and passing until you get used to the additional weight.
Enjoy the new trailer!!!
Loaded is another matter. Pay close attention when braking and passing until you get used to the additional weight.
Enjoy the new trailer!!!
Last edited by fortygeek; Sep 1, 2011 at 05:41 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 25
From: Santa Fe NM
Well, I have two trailers. One for work and hauling the dog out to the lake. The other for touring.
More than you will want to pull...
Originally Posted by LADNAR
how much weight can you pull with your bike?
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Show Me State
Lots of guys get a trailer from Harbor Freight and build their own. The trailer I have is 175 lbs empty and is rated to hold 200 lbs of stuff. I use mine and probably add 100 lbs (tent, sleeping bags, chairs and clothing). The tongue of the trailer has to be extended most likely. Tongue weight should be no more than 20 lbs or so. There's a forum for trailering here. I think it says "hacked" in the title. Be advised it's a whole different world when you're pulling a trailer. Lots to consider regarding safety and reaction time. I could go on forever but I won't. Check the other forum for more specific info.
Tim
Tim