Pull behind towing. Hitch Capacity
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
The following specs are listed in the Bushtec hitch documentation (page 8)
Towing Capacity: 350 lbs Maximum GVWR
Tongue Weight Capacity: 70 lbs Maximum
http://store.bushtec.com/v/vspfiles/...e-Trailers.pdf
Towing Capacity: 350 lbs Maximum GVWR
Tongue Weight Capacity: 70 lbs Maximum
http://store.bushtec.com/v/vspfiles/...e-Trailers.pdf
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
What is the actual effect of weight when pulling a trailer?
Visualize 300 lbs, sitting on the floor. Taking a scale that reads in excess of 300 lbs, it would register 300 lbs lifting the load vertically--a 90 degree angle.
But put the 300 lbs balanced on wheels, and pull it with the scale on a horizontal surface. The scale will register only a fraction of the 300 lbs. That is why we can pull a 300 lb trailer around our garage with just one finger, or easily pull it with our cycles.
Now add road grades to the equation. The steeper the grade, the more the actual weight being pulled, as would be indicated on the scale.
That scenerio is used to establish towing capacites of vehicles.
http://www.autonews.com/article/2013...-isnt-standard
Brake effect is a whole 'nother ballgame, especially pulling a trailer that doesn't have brakes.
Visualize 300 lbs, sitting on the floor. Taking a scale that reads in excess of 300 lbs, it would register 300 lbs lifting the load vertically--a 90 degree angle.
But put the 300 lbs balanced on wheels, and pull it with the scale on a horizontal surface. The scale will register only a fraction of the 300 lbs. That is why we can pull a 300 lb trailer around our garage with just one finger, or easily pull it with our cycles.
Now add road grades to the equation. The steeper the grade, the more the actual weight being pulled, as would be indicated on the scale.
That scenerio is used to establish towing capacites of vehicles.
http://www.autonews.com/article/2013...-isnt-standard
Brake effect is a whole 'nother ballgame, especially pulling a trailer that doesn't have brakes.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 331
Likes: 38
From: Conyers
So MNPGRider have you ever had a scary moment stopping or avoiding ? The reason I ask is I would love to be able to tow eventually ( once bike is out of warranty). I would like to be able to tow a Dual Sport bike on a small trailer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
I feel a little brake effect if stopping quickly, but haven't had any scary moments. On my '84 Yamaha Venture I had linked brakes, and really liked being able to apply both front and rear with just the rear pedal. The newer campers are available with brakes....mine is a '92 model.
The one problem area I have experienced over and over, is entering a gas station or other driveway slowly at an angle, where there is an edge in the driveway. At an angle, first one trailer wheel hits the edge, then the other. You can feel it pushing slightly on the hitch.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Wow! Lot's of opinions here. Good stuff to hear how others think about this.
First, Getting to 800 lbs is easy. I use vacuum bags to compact extra bedding material. We pack the storage area so tight and balanced, that I have a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like for each time we pack up. The part I didn't mention is that we also carry 2 instant up shelters and 2 very nice camping chairs on the top of the trailer. All that added up was just shy of 800 lbs the last time I weighed each tire and the hitch.
As for lifting with one finger ... Although I might be able to do that empty, I am pretty sure it will be a strained finger in short order. Even fully loaded, I can lift and push the trailer around by myself, just not with one finger.
When I first started loading it, I learned fast about balance and tongue weight. If it is not balanced, it will fishtail when on a big slab at more than 60 MPH. That is not fun at all! I don't mind avoiding those kinds of roads, but they also come in handy when going a long ways from home!
As for tongue weight, the same thing happens. If I don't put at least 10% of the weight on the tongue, the trailer starts bouncing and fishtailing at speeds as low as 30 MPH! I have an ice cooler on the front that I use to finish off the weight I need there. The amount of soda/beer/water and ice makes a big difference. Just a couple lbs more makes the trailer handle so much better.
First, Getting to 800 lbs is easy. I use vacuum bags to compact extra bedding material. We pack the storage area so tight and balanced, that I have a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like for each time we pack up. The part I didn't mention is that we also carry 2 instant up shelters and 2 very nice camping chairs on the top of the trailer. All that added up was just shy of 800 lbs the last time I weighed each tire and the hitch.
As for lifting with one finger ... Although I might be able to do that empty, I am pretty sure it will be a strained finger in short order. Even fully loaded, I can lift and push the trailer around by myself, just not with one finger.
When I first started loading it, I learned fast about balance and tongue weight. If it is not balanced, it will fishtail when on a big slab at more than 60 MPH. That is not fun at all! I don't mind avoiding those kinds of roads, but they also come in handy when going a long ways from home!
As for tongue weight, the same thing happens. If I don't put at least 10% of the weight on the tongue, the trailer starts bouncing and fishtailing at speeds as low as 30 MPH! I have an ice cooler on the front that I use to finish off the weight I need there. The amount of soda/beer/water and ice makes a big difference. Just a couple lbs more makes the trailer handle so much better.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 14
From: Texas
Wow! Lot's of opinions here. Good stuff to hear how others think about this.
First, Getting to 800 lbs is easy. I use vacuum bags to compact extra bedding material. We pack the storage area so tight and balanced, that I have a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like for each time we pack up. The part I didn't mention is that we also carry 2 instant up shelters and 2 very nice camping chairs on the top of the trailer. All that added up was just shy of 800 lbs the last time I weighed each tire and the hitch.
As for lifting with one finger ... Although I might be able to do that empty, I am pretty sure it will be a strained finger in short order. Even fully loaded, I can lift and push the trailer around by myself, just not with one finger.
When I first started loading it, I learned fast about balance and tongue weight. If it is not balanced, it will fishtail when on a big slab at more than 60 MPH. That is not fun at all! I don't mind avoiding those kinds of roads, but they also come in handy when going a long ways from home!
As for tongue weight, the same thing happens. If I don't put at least 10% of the weight on the tongue, the trailer starts bouncing and fishtailing at speeds as low as 30 MPH! I have an ice cooler on the front that I use to finish off the weight I need there. The amount of soda/beer/water and ice makes a big difference. Just a couple lbs more makes the trailer handle so much better.
First, Getting to 800 lbs is easy. I use vacuum bags to compact extra bedding material. We pack the storage area so tight and balanced, that I have a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like for each time we pack up. The part I didn't mention is that we also carry 2 instant up shelters and 2 very nice camping chairs on the top of the trailer. All that added up was just shy of 800 lbs the last time I weighed each tire and the hitch.
As for lifting with one finger ... Although I might be able to do that empty, I am pretty sure it will be a strained finger in short order. Even fully loaded, I can lift and push the trailer around by myself, just not with one finger.
When I first started loading it, I learned fast about balance and tongue weight. If it is not balanced, it will fishtail when on a big slab at more than 60 MPH. That is not fun at all! I don't mind avoiding those kinds of roads, but they also come in handy when going a long ways from home!
As for tongue weight, the same thing happens. If I don't put at least 10% of the weight on the tongue, the trailer starts bouncing and fishtailing at speeds as low as 30 MPH! I have an ice cooler on the front that I use to finish off the weight I need there. The amount of soda/beer/water and ice makes a big difference. Just a couple lbs more makes the trailer handle so much better.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
I have a McHitch. It's my second bike with that kind of hitch. No problems with either one nor either bike.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Wow! Lot's of opinions here. Good stuff to hear how others think about this.
First, Getting to 800 lbs is easy. I use vacuum bags to compact extra bedding material. We pack the storage area so tight and balanced, that I have a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like for each time we pack up. The part I didn't mention is that we also carry 2 instant up shelters and 2 very nice camping chairs on the top of the trailer. All that added up was just shy of 800 lbs the last time I weighed each tire and the hitch.
As for lifting with one finger ... Although I might be able to do that empty, I am pretty sure it will be a strained finger in short order. Even fully loaded, I can lift and push the trailer around by myself, just not with one finger.
When I first started loading it, I learned fast about balance and tongue weight. If it is not balanced, it will fishtail when on a big slab at more than 60 MPH. That is not fun at all! I don't mind avoiding those kinds of roads, but they also come in handy when going a long ways from home!
As for tongue weight, the same thing happens. If I don't put at least 10% of the weight on the tongue, the trailer starts bouncing and fishtailing at speeds as low as 30 MPH! I have an ice cooler on the front that I use to finish off the weight I need there. The amount of soda/beer/water and ice makes a big difference. Just a couple lbs more makes the trailer handle so much better.
First, Getting to 800 lbs is easy. I use vacuum bags to compact extra bedding material. We pack the storage area so tight and balanced, that I have a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like for each time we pack up. The part I didn't mention is that we also carry 2 instant up shelters and 2 very nice camping chairs on the top of the trailer. All that added up was just shy of 800 lbs the last time I weighed each tire and the hitch.
As for lifting with one finger ... Although I might be able to do that empty, I am pretty sure it will be a strained finger in short order. Even fully loaded, I can lift and push the trailer around by myself, just not with one finger.
When I first started loading it, I learned fast about balance and tongue weight. If it is not balanced, it will fishtail when on a big slab at more than 60 MPH. That is not fun at all! I don't mind avoiding those kinds of roads, but they also come in handy when going a long ways from home!
As for tongue weight, the same thing happens. If I don't put at least 10% of the weight on the tongue, the trailer starts bouncing and fishtailing at speeds as low as 30 MPH! I have an ice cooler on the front that I use to finish off the weight I need there. The amount of soda/beer/water and ice makes a big difference. Just a couple lbs more makes the trailer handle so much better.
Moderators, I'm going to post a link from another forum...I hope you allow this to stay as it's relevant to us all who pull trailers. this is from a Honda ST forum. Note what they say about the brake effect of too much tongue weight pushing down on the back of your bike.
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/arch...p/t-79975.html
Here's also a couple of picture of my hitch, on and off the back of our Ultra.
Last edited by MNPGRider; Sep 9, 2014 at 08:26 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
I've considered doing the same thing, taking my '75 Triumph T150 (which requires 100 octane gas and weighs about 500 lbs) to British bike ralleyes. I haven't yet done it, but I think I would look for a single rail trailer with a drop axle, to get the weight of the upright bike as low down as possible.