Trailering do's and dont's
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, OR
Got my first trailer this year...a used Bushtec and an MCHitch receiver hitch. The things I've learned along the way:
Tongue weight is supposed to be between 10-20% of the total trailer weight. The trailer will fishtail if you do not have enough tongue weight.
Starting, stopping, and passing...all take longer even when the trailer is empty.
Keep your shock and tire pressures where you would if riding two-up. Check 'em...you will definitely feel a difference if they are low.
Take it easy until you feel comfortable. If the highway is clear, I have no problem doing 80. If the highway is crowded, I keep a healthy distance in front of me. You can't stop or turn on a dime anymore.
This trailer has been the best accessory I've purchased. Worth every penny. The g/f can pack what she wants and THAT makes the ride far more enjoyable for everyone ;-)
Tongue weight is supposed to be between 10-20% of the total trailer weight. The trailer will fishtail if you do not have enough tongue weight.
Starting, stopping, and passing...all take longer even when the trailer is empty.
Keep your shock and tire pressures where you would if riding two-up. Check 'em...you will definitely feel a difference if they are low.
Take it easy until you feel comfortable. If the highway is clear, I have no problem doing 80. If the highway is crowded, I keep a healthy distance in front of me. You can't stop or turn on a dime anymore.
This trailer has been the best accessory I've purchased. Worth every penny. The g/f can pack what she wants and THAT makes the ride far more enjoyable for everyone ;-)
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Kings Mountain, NC
my 2 cents
#1: what ever you do, take the bike and trailer out for a test ride without your co-pilot. If anything goes haywire on your initial run you can fix it and she will not be afraid to ride with the trailer behind you.
#2: Tongue weight should be around 10 to 15% of the weight of your trailer. I run between 45 and 50# tongue weight (trailer and cargo are about 350 lbs) and that seems to work the best. Any less and the trailer will start to wag when I get up to 40+ MPH. Not a good thing. In fact scary as hell (see #1 above). Any more weight and I really can't see any negative effect on handling but I don't think it can be good for the hitch and bike.
#3: Take your time. I can and do run at 70+MPH when I REALLY need to but that is the rare occasion.
#4: Been mentioned earlier but be aware of the need to take wide turns so you don't run the trailer on to a curb or gas station island.
#5: I run 40#s of pressure in my shocks. Seems to be about right.
#6: 25#s of trailer tire pressure works for me.
#7: Bike tire pressure is set at HD recommendation for bike with rider, passenger and cargo.
#8: Be sure your weight is distributed evenly side to side in the trailer. Failure to do this can also contribute to the 'tail wagging the dog'.
#9: Swivel hitches are like loud pipes. Everyone has an opinion but not much facts. I use one. Aside from the swivel feature it does add to the length of the tongue and this translates to a more stable trailer.
#10: Use every stop as an opportunity check your set up.
#11: ALWAYS correctly chain up your trailer. You are the one who is making the decision to pull a trailer. If the trailer comes loose, that should be your problem to deal with, not the innocent biker, driver, or pedestrian who gets hit by an unsecured trailer.
#2: Tongue weight should be around 10 to 15% of the weight of your trailer. I run between 45 and 50# tongue weight (trailer and cargo are about 350 lbs) and that seems to work the best. Any less and the trailer will start to wag when I get up to 40+ MPH. Not a good thing. In fact scary as hell (see #1 above). Any more weight and I really can't see any negative effect on handling but I don't think it can be good for the hitch and bike.
#3: Take your time. I can and do run at 70+MPH when I REALLY need to but that is the rare occasion.
#4: Been mentioned earlier but be aware of the need to take wide turns so you don't run the trailer on to a curb or gas station island.
#5: I run 40#s of pressure in my shocks. Seems to be about right.
#6: 25#s of trailer tire pressure works for me.
#7: Bike tire pressure is set at HD recommendation for bike with rider, passenger and cargo.
#8: Be sure your weight is distributed evenly side to side in the trailer. Failure to do this can also contribute to the 'tail wagging the dog'.
#9: Swivel hitches are like loud pipes. Everyone has an opinion but not much facts. I use one. Aside from the swivel feature it does add to the length of the tongue and this translates to a more stable trailer.
#10: Use every stop as an opportunity check your set up.
#11: ALWAYS correctly chain up your trailer. You are the one who is making the decision to pull a trailer. If the trailer comes loose, that should be your problem to deal with, not the innocent biker, driver, or pedestrian who gets hit by an unsecured trailer.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
I just got back from a 3,500 mile trip from Seattle, WA to Amarillo, TX and back. I have the Escape XL trailer. I have pulled trailers behind bikes for years. As mentioned, tongue weight is important as well your heavier items over the axles and packing the rest so the items don't shift. Do a quick check of tires (bike and trailer), tongue latch, wire connection at each stop. Then just ride!
If you care to read/look from the trip I took....
blog (I haven't finished the last two days and photos)
video (some of the photos/videos I took)
KOA Campground Cortez, CO
If you care to read/look from the trip I took....
blog (I haven't finished the last two days and photos)
video (some of the photos/videos I took)
KOA Campground Cortez, CO
Took a couple trips this year with my Aluma trailer.
My first trip I found I was a bit heavy on the tongue weight. When I came to a stop (the last 20 ft or so) the front tire & handlebars would wobble a bit. I moved some of the stuff to the rear and the wobble went away. I now use a scale to weigh before heading out. As like the others said, tire pressure is extra critical. Pulling a trailer is not for everyone. You have to have confidence in what your abilities are (riding) and you have to be a bit nuts. I equate it to skydiving or bungee jumping.
My first trip I found I was a bit heavy on the tongue weight. When I came to a stop (the last 20 ft or so) the front tire & handlebars would wobble a bit. I moved some of the stuff to the rear and the wobble went away. I now use a scale to weigh before heading out. As like the others said, tire pressure is extra critical. Pulling a trailer is not for everyone. You have to have confidence in what your abilities are (riding) and you have to be a bit nuts. I equate it to skydiving or bungee jumping.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
Coming home from Sturgis 07 we came up on an old early 70s style pop up camper that didnt appear to be attatched to anything. As we passed it at 75mph (pulling our trailer) we noticed it was hooked to a yamaha virago!!! Them things weigh like 3000lbs!! Now thats NUTS.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
From: Conway, AR
I've been pulling my American Legends trailer for 4 years now. I also found the secret is to make sure the load is balanced in the trailer. I usually put our 2 small suitcases over the tires. I have a small bag that I put in front and room behind the suitcases for any addtional items.
I found early on that if I have the front of the trailer too heavy my bars get light and the front end will wobble. The longer tongue and swivel hitch are a must on any trailer in my opinion.
We made several trips with it this year. A 2100 mile trip to the Dragon's Tail and several state HOG rallies in our surrounding area. My wife will not go on a several day trip now without the trailer tagging along behind us.
I found early on that if I have the front of the trailer too heavy my bars get light and the front end will wobble. The longer tongue and swivel hitch are a must on any trailer in my opinion.
We made several trips with it this year. A 2100 mile trip to the Dragon's Tail and several state HOG rallies in our surrounding area. My wife will not go on a several day trip now without the trailer tagging along behind us.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
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