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Author Topic: Buying First Pull Behind?  (Read 27358 times)

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Buying First Pull Behind?
« on: February 19, 2016, 05:27:24 PM »

If you find yourself in this category. Shop around and if possible buy a used one. The reason I say this is that you want to make sure and get what you want at the least possible price to make sure that a M/C Trailer is what you really want/need. There are several different type hitches for different brands so a test haul is not usually possible. If you camp or pack heavy on trips, a trailer might be just what you need as it puts the weight down low and on its own wheels. I bought a N-Line from a member and while I haven't pulled it in the last 3 years, it easily paid for itself on 2 extended(10 day) trips to the West Coast & Canada. I offer this advice to those that might not be sure if they want/need a trailer. The general thoughts I have read on this site is Bushtec is the best. The main thing I like about the N-Line is its tire follows the Scooter therefore much less chance of a flat. So.....shop, shop, shop and if at all possible try one first. Oh yea &.........."Happy Camping"   
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2016, 07:17:00 PM »

American Legend also makes great trailers. I used to own one then sold it to a member of this site. Or if you are handy, or not so much you could do what I did when I decided I wasn't through with long haul week to 10 day or more motorcycle trips. I built my own for just over $ 500.00. 20 cu ft capacity.
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« Last Edit: February 19, 2016, 07:28:20 PM by MIKEYTEE »
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2016, 07:24:37 PM »

I have painted it all black and gone to 12" wheels.
This trailer is rock steady at 95MPH with a total weight of 450lbs.
I originally assembled it in one day. Have disassembled and reassembled it 4 times as I made modifications to it, but each time completed in one day.
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2016, 07:41:37 PM »

If you find yourself in this category. Shop around and if possible buy a used one. The reason I say this is that you want to make sure and get what you want at the least possible price to make sure that a M/C Trailer is what you really want/need. There are several different type hitches for different brands so a test haul is not usually possible. If you camp or pack heavy on trips, a trailer might be just what you need as it puts the weight down low and on its own wheels. I bought a N-Line from a member and while I haven't pulled it in the last 3 years, it easily paid for itself on 2 extended(10 day) trips to the West Coast & Canada. I offer this advice to those that might not be sure if they want/need a trailer. The general thoughts I have read on this site is Bushtec is the best. The main thing I like about the N-Line is its tire follows the Scooter therefore much less chance of a flat. So.....shop, shop, shop and if at all possible try one first. Oh yea &.........."Happy Camping"


A pull behind the bike trailer is a great addition to the riding experience. I bought my first one in 1999 at Bike
Week Myrtle Beach. It was an American Legend sport. For the next few years I put over 10,000 miles on that trailer.
My second trailer was an N-Line. I bought it and painted it to match my 09 SEUC. That is the trailer Jimmy above has now and I had a blast pulling it. The trailer I have now is a BushTec Quantum. BushTec's have always set the standard for a high quality trailer.
Having had three of the best trailers I can't imagine being without one. Each of these three (N-line, American Legend and BushTec) are excellent trailers. Each of these are fairly simply made and can be worked on easy. My Quantum is a 2002 model and is in great shape. (right color also) There are many other trailer builders but I have had good luck with each of those three.

A word of warning though. There is a company in China that is building a knock off of the American Legend, the N-Line and the Bushtec. I have seen all three and a guy I know bought one of the American Legend knock offs. The three I have seen have been POS. Half ass wiring, wavy fiberglass, thin tubing. Overall a piece of crap. So buyer beware. A used BushTec, American Legend and the N-Line is a much better deal.

Since most of us have grown a little bit older as we go on our adventures I have also grown to appreciate my BushTec. The days of trying to maneuver a loaded top heavy SEUC can be a distant memory with a trailer. Every bike I have has a hitch so I can pull the BushTec. When you use a trailer it is a world of difference in comfort and confidence not having to balance that top heavy load.

I recommend using a trailer for any overnight or long distance ride. Just make sure you get a quality trailer.

SBB



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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2016, 08:13:31 PM »

I too pull a Bushtec and have owned many trailers. I cannot imagine traveling without one with Terri along. The knock offs mentioned are truly pieces of chit do not get screwed and buy one.  Sadly American Legend is no longer in business but there are a lot of nice used ones out there still. Another trailer I like is Motorvation Engineering they have Harley style fenders and are American made. Hannigan makes a great trailer but it is big and goes better behind a trike. Escapade trailers are nice but they too are on the heavy and larger side.

If you just want to build one do like Mikey did I've seen it and it is another good option. Good Luck.
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2016, 11:10:04 PM »

If you find yourself in this category. Shop around and if possible buy a used one. The reason I say this is that you want to make sure and get what you want at the least possible price to make sure that a M/C Trailer is what you really want/need. There are several different type hitches for different brands so a test haul is not usually possible. If you camp or pack heavy on trips, a trailer might be just what you need as it puts the weight down low and on its own wheels. I bought a N-Line from a member and while I haven't pulled it in the last 3 years, it easily paid for itself on 2 extended(10 day) trips to the West Coast & Canada. I offer this advice to those that might not be sure if they want/need a trailer. The general thoughts I have read on this site is Bushtec is the best. The main thing I like about the N-Line is its tire follows the Scooter therefore much less chance of a flat. So.....shop, shop, shop and if at all possible try one first. Oh yea &.........."Happy Camping"

Happy Camping is right!!! And you are right on target about spending some time looking at and researching your trailer choice. Wife and I very much enjoy camping off the bike so when we first started looking at trailers our first look was at the trailers with the built in tents that unfold out of them. They are nice if you only use your trailer for camping. If you will take a realistic look at what you want out of the trailer and what you could use it for could change the direction you go. The cargo type is where we ended up. Ours is an Aluma, but there is several nice trailers out there depending on what you want to spend. N-line and Bushtec to name a couple. The trailer has really expanded what the we use the bike for. Trips to the grocery store....Sam's have all became a ride rather than a trip in the cage. Hope this category catches on because they are so useful
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2016, 10:15:20 AM »

I'm on my 3rd Bushtec and it's what I'd buy again if I were buying a cargo trailer all over again (although this one came as a part of the set).  And like Yellow09Serg mentions my first Bushtec spent more time on the bike than it did off the bike.  I used it to and from work, shopping, site seeing, grocery getter, etc.  The more you pull it, the more you get used to it and it becomes as simple as just riding the bike.

However, many years ago I did a lot of research on tent trailers and nearly bought a Time Out trailer.  At 6'4" I could stand up in it to get dressed, there is a table to eat, play cards or sit your lap top (they didn't have lap tops back then....didn't even have cell phones back then).  The other thing....it was raining in Sturgis....actually pouring big time when I got an opportunity to see the inside of this trailer first hand.  Comfortable room for four adults, completely dry inside and all their belongings were dry and the floor of the trailer is up off the ground 6" or 8" so even your feet stay dry. 

Doing a quick google I see that they're still making them a couple decades later.  It had an option of an additional zip on room to put the bike in but they didn't have that option set up (see second video).

 http://www.timeouttrailers.org/Pages/TimeOutCampers.aspx








« Last Edit: February 20, 2016, 10:32:28 AM by JCZ »
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2016, 11:26:17 PM »

You are very correct on the Time Out camper trailers. They or one of their dealers had a couple models on display this year at Bikes, Blues, and BBQ. The room in them was amazing once they were all unfolded. Really caught the wife and I attention. But the more we talked after leaving their booth we are thinking for what we use the trailer for we will have to stick with the cargo.... sure hope they don't have a booth next year because I really don't have room in the garage for 2 trailers....  :2vrolijk_09:

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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2016, 12:21:31 PM »

Bushtec bought Bunk House camper trailers a few years back.  I've seen them at the Bushtec factory in Jacksboro and they look pretty sweet to me but the wife and I aren't into camping so I cannot fully evaluate. 

http://www.bunkhousecamper.com/
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2016, 09:47:58 PM »

I'm glad to see this forum! I've been debating back and forth about getting a trailer as the wife and I like to camp. Thanks for all the great info.
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2016, 10:35:39 PM »

I've had three bushtec trailers over the years and wouldn't have any other if I were in the market for a trailer again. All three were great additions to an extended trip. Made packing a breeze. I pulled the last one all over the US and western Canada.
I've learned a few things on what to and not to carry from my travels so packing a bit lighter on the long trips now days.  If I found a need for a trailer again, it's just 40 miles up the road to Jacksboro from the house... ;D
As for camping, I had my share of tents in scouts. After a long day of riding, I want a shower, room and bed so no bunkhouse or time out for this old boy...:2vrolijk_21:
« Last Edit: February 24, 2016, 10:06:31 AM by Haird »
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2016, 07:10:43 AM »

This Bushtec is on it's third paint job. Nothing better than coming out of your hotel, opening the lid and dropping your bag in while others are getting their luggage strapped into place. When it rains you don't have to worry with rain flies. The list of advantages goes on and on.
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2016, 12:46:48 PM »

where did you get the stripe for the trailer?   Everything looks nice.
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2016, 03:29:13 PM »

where did you get the stripe for the trailer?   Everything looks nice.
A local paint shop did it. He does the custom paint work you see at Smokey Mountain Harley and the other stores they own.
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Re: Buying First Pull Behind?
« Reply #14 on: February 24, 2016, 05:06:43 PM »

Do t yourself...
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