Input wanted on pulling a trailer
Input wanted on pulling a trailer
So I am thinking about building a trailer for my bike. I loke camping, but don't have room for the OL and camp gear.
For those that use a trailer, does it hurt handling and or performance? Obviously that can be determined by the trailer/load, but what is the general concensus with your setups.
What are some pros and cons to the trailer route. Just looking for some input on this -
For those that use a trailer, does it hurt handling and or performance? Obviously that can be determined by the trailer/load, but what is the general concensus with your setups.
What are some pros and cons to the trailer route. Just looking for some input on this -
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
I never pulled a trailer behind a bike. But.... I heard you should put in an extra 5 psi. in the rear tire, and you will go thru tires faster. Use about 1 gal. more gas per fillups and brake early cause you will feel it pushing you.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/hacke...&daysprune=100
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/hacke...&daysprune=100
Last edited by drukanfu; May 22, 2012 at 01:29 AM. Reason: added link
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,975
Likes: 5,214
From: Michigan
I've pulled an inexpensive (leaf spring) trailer with a '92 Heritage, and an Escape (air suspension) trailer with my '95 Heritage and my 2000 Ultra Classic (to Alaska).
The better the trailer, the better they pull and the air shocks eliminates most of the bouncing.
My cousin has a "store bought" trailer frame (Sears perhaps) with a fiberglass shell mounted on it and he pulls it with an '82 Low Rider.
He says it's OK to about 60-65MPH but after that the trailer starts swaying.
Pulling a trailer you do feel a little push when stopping but the most noticeable feeling is during slow turns and of course pulling on inclines.
To me, it's not much difference than pulling a trailer with a truck or car and you must be careful on wet roads and use your gears to assist in getting the trailer slowed down or stopped safely.
A "swivel hitch" is must and a converter is needed to accomodate the wiring because of the two brake light switches.
Of most importance is the maintaining of tires and wheel bearings.
A blowout, or a seized wheel bearing can cause a loss of control of the bike.
The better the trailer, the better they pull and the air shocks eliminates most of the bouncing.
My cousin has a "store bought" trailer frame (Sears perhaps) with a fiberglass shell mounted on it and he pulls it with an '82 Low Rider.
He says it's OK to about 60-65MPH but after that the trailer starts swaying.
Pulling a trailer you do feel a little push when stopping but the most noticeable feeling is during slow turns and of course pulling on inclines.
To me, it's not much difference than pulling a trailer with a truck or car and you must be careful on wet roads and use your gears to assist in getting the trailer slowed down or stopped safely.
A "swivel hitch" is must and a converter is needed to accomodate the wiring because of the two brake light switches.
Of most importance is the maintaining of tires and wheel bearings.
A blowout, or a seized wheel bearing can cause a loss of control of the bike.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From: Montreal,Québec,Canada
look at harbor freight i have the same trailer never had a problem run smooth at 70 mph
http://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-...ler-66771.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-...ler-66771.html
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
Light weight is not necessarily a good thing. That makes it easier on your bike, but one with a little heft to it handles better. You want it stable, not bouncing or swaying all over the place. For example, larger wheels with a wide wheel base handles better, but they weigh more. There is a trade off and you have to find a happy medium, but if you have a good one it won't be any trouble to adapt too.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 39
From: Land of the cold....
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 14
From: Terrell, TX
I pulled a leaf spring, straight axle, 8" tire homemade cargo trailer with a standard 1 7/8 ball hitch, two up and fully loaded on quite a few trips.
Other than my fuel mileage dropping a few mpg and slight increase in braking distance I had no problems at all.
Other than my fuel mileage dropping a few mpg and slight increase in braking distance I had no problems at all.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 22
From: Umatilla, Fl
I have pulled a trailer for many miles. Granted it's behind my Goldwing but the concept is the same. Allow more time for everything - passing, accelerating, and braking. Myself I can't imagine traveling with the wife without it (I have an Aluma XL trailer which has torsion bar suspension). I know that alot of people swear that you must have a swivel hitch, but there is also the school of thought that if you happen to hit something, curb or road debris that the trailer can flip over. Myself I have the standard hitch setup and haven't had a single issue. I just make sure that the bearing and tires are maintained.
As far as adding air in the rear tire of the bike if you already have it at the maximum level do NOT add. The trailer loaded correctly should not add more then 20 lbs of weight on the rear. Over inflating could actually reduce your contact patch of the rear tire decreasing the braking. Also, do not overfill your trailer tires. You need to weigh your trailer to start the process. Most of your 480X8 tires hold approx 760 lbs at 40 PSI. So if you have 2 tires that is approximately 1520 lbs. You can safely reduce the pressure down to approx @ 25 psi and still have plenty of carrying capacity. This will also reduce some of the bouncing from the tires being rock hard and they become part of the suspension.
As far as adding air in the rear tire of the bike if you already have it at the maximum level do NOT add. The trailer loaded correctly should not add more then 20 lbs of weight on the rear. Over inflating could actually reduce your contact patch of the rear tire decreasing the braking. Also, do not overfill your trailer tires. You need to weigh your trailer to start the process. Most of your 480X8 tires hold approx 760 lbs at 40 PSI. So if you have 2 tires that is approximately 1520 lbs. You can safely reduce the pressure down to approx @ 25 psi and still have plenty of carrying capacity. This will also reduce some of the bouncing from the tires being rock hard and they become part of the suspension.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
I have pulled a trailer since 1998, no issues caused by the trailer.
Loading is the key along with a good trailer. I have a Bushtec Roadstar and it pulls very nice...
The larger tires really soak up the bumps and the suspension is second to none...expensive? A little but ya get what ya pay for, right?
Watch your tounge weight, no more than 10% of total weight, use a bathroom scale. Load the rest evenley and you should be good.
Yes, a trailer will push a little when stopping and pull a little when taking off, just like a trailer behind a truck...allow yourself more room and time.
I love having it with me on touring trips, I can carry what I may need instead of just what is necessary...alway pack a small bag of tools( used for others more than me) my Gerbings heated gear, extra helmet, jackets, chairs, etc.....nothing like having the room....plus the wives love the shopping space!
Could I tour without one? Sure....but why? I could drive a 750 Honda and a car without air, power windows, manual tranny, etc....but again why?
I really like mine, would not be without one....but that's just me....
Loading is the key along with a good trailer. I have a Bushtec Roadstar and it pulls very nice...
The larger tires really soak up the bumps and the suspension is second to none...expensive? A little but ya get what ya pay for, right?
Watch your tounge weight, no more than 10% of total weight, use a bathroom scale. Load the rest evenley and you should be good.
Yes, a trailer will push a little when stopping and pull a little when taking off, just like a trailer behind a truck...allow yourself more room and time.
I love having it with me on touring trips, I can carry what I may need instead of just what is necessary...alway pack a small bag of tools( used for others more than me) my Gerbings heated gear, extra helmet, jackets, chairs, etc.....nothing like having the room....plus the wives love the shopping space!
Could I tour without one? Sure....but why? I could drive a 750 Honda and a car without air, power windows, manual tranny, etc....but again why?
I really like mine, would not be without one....but that's just me....