Topic: Let's talk Trailers for a moment (Read 12973 times)

Jim Kennedy · « **on:** October 06, 2009, 09:43:46 AM »

Specifically "cargo" trailers that you would pull behind a motorcycle. There doesn't seem to be much discussion on this topic - and with very few exceptions I seem to see a general lack of trailer hitches attached to bikes that have photos posted to this site.
I would love to hear about trailering experiences, best / most recommended hitch manufacturer, and comments [both positive and negative] on the individual styles and types of trailers currently available in the marketplace.
I am seriously contemplating a trailer purchase for my Canyon Copper 2008 FLHTCUSE3 and would like to make sure all the bases are covered before jumping in with both feet.
Your comments are greatly appreciated.

DICKW · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2009, 09:50:05 AM »

I had an 06 Autumn Haze my trailer and bike are one of there adverstisements. Loved the extra space, the trailer pulled very well.

Nothing bad to say, worth the investment.

http://sarasotatrailers.com/

Fired00d · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2009, 09:55:01 AM »

Just did a search on "Trailer" in this board and came back with 8 pages of hits....

Here are a few threads from the first page that relate to pull behind trailers...

Bushtec matching trailers to CVOs

Another trailer for the SEUC4

Warranty vs. Trailer Hitch

Trailers

BUSHTEC trailer choice

Motorcycle trailers

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

ultrafxr · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2009, 10:01:14 AM »

I was going to say 'welcome to the site' but I see you've been a member almost two years. Anyway good to see your post. You will find several members who have trailers myself included. There are several good brands and everyone has their personal preference. But from what I've read and heard Bushtec is the standard much as Harley is with heavyweight bikes. Just yesterday I came home from a three week 6,300 mile road trip and I don't know how I could have done it without my Bushtec.

As far as any negatives go the only one I've found is having to look a little harder for that right parking space and backing up takes a little practice. Once you are underway you hardly know the trailer is back there. Especially with the 110 engine I have all the torque I need for highway speed passing and climbing hills.

JCZ · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2009, 10:04:34 AM »

Quote from: HDKENNEDY on October 06, 2009, 09:43:46 AM

Specifically "cargo" trailers that you would pull behind a motorcycle. There doesn't seem to be much discussion on this topic - and with very few exceptions I seem to see a general lack of trailer hitches attached to bikes that have photos posted to this site.
I would love to hear about trailering experiences, best / most recommended hitch manufacturer, and comments [both positive and negative] on the individual styles and types of trailers currently available in the marketplace.
I am seriously contemplating a trailer purchase for my Canyon Copper 2008 FLHTCUSE3 and would like to make sure all the bases are covered before jumping in with both feet.
Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the board! There are a number of threads on both kinds of trailers.....try the search feature. Bushtec now has a hitch that's hidden when the trailer is not on the bike.

EDIT** I see a couple others already gave the same advice.

Harley88 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2009, 02:47:06 PM »

Hi I have trekker trailer and i love it want to the wall last year and then keywest then home about 10,000 miles www.trekkerteailer.com will try and send some pic.

flhse · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2009, 04:03:23 PM »

I've had this trailer for a few years, pulled it all over the country. I really like having the weight low and behind when traveling. Beats loading the bike up so high in the rear.

http://www.tourtectrailers.com/

Brad

Trapperdog · « **Reply #7 on:** October 06, 2009, 07:30:36 PM »

How about this for a list of trailers! More thatn just cargo for those whom are interested

Aero Sport Trailers http://www.aerobourne.com/motorcycletrailers2.htm

The Little Trailer Company http://www.littletrailers.com/

Scooter Mate http://www.scootermate.com/

Third Wheel Trailers www.thirdwheelonline.com

Road Dog Trailers http://www.roaddogtrailers.com/

Goose Classic http://goose127classic.com/

D & P Enterprises http://www.lilthoroughbredtrailers.com/

R. E. Plante http://www.motorcyclebarreltrailer.com/index_files/Page663.htm

Ride-Rite Trailers http://www.rrite.com/

American Classic Cargo http://www.acctrailers.com/

Scooter Mate Trailers www.scootermate.com

Matrix Mfg. Company http://www.matrixmfg.com/Rover.htm

American Custom Trailers www.americancustomtrailers.com

Tiny Mite Mfg. Ltd. http://www.tinymite.ca

Bike Buddies, Inc. http://www.bikebuddys.com/

Eagle Craft http://www.eaglecaps.com/Butler%20jr.htm

Aluma http://www.alumaklm.com/sections/products/template_new.php?product_id=9&product_category=2

Roadman Campers http://www.roadmancampers.com/

Car Replica Trailers www.carreplicatrailers.com

Dutchman's Flyer http://www.dutchmans.com/

Lite Tow Trailers http://www.cheyennetrailers.com/

Roadman Motorcycle Camping Trailers http://www.roadmancampers.com

Stema Custom http://www.stema.no/

Champion Sidecar http://www.championsidecars.com/trailers/

Badapple Trailers http://www.saddlebags.ca/badseed.htm

Dream Chaser Trailers http://www.dreamchasertrailers.com/

Dart Cargo Trailers http://www.wikco.com/cargot1.html

FoR BRo Trailers http://www.forbro.com/

Turtle Hull Trailers http://turtlehulltrailers.com/

Bike Buddy http://www.bikebuddys.com/

Diamond Eagle Fabrication http://deaglefab.com/

Scooter Trailer Company http://www.scootertrailer.net/

Tailwind Trailers http://tailwindtrailers.com/

Blount County Fabrication http://bcfab.net/

Scorpion Trailers http://www.scorpion-trailers.pt.vu/

Piggy Backer Trailers http://piggybacker.stehltow.com/#Specifications

Sarasota Trailers http://www.sarasotatrailers.com/

Dasz Enterprises http://www.trurons.com/dasz/

California Sidecar http://www.californiasidecar.com/

Stealth Motorcycle Trailers http://www3.telus.net/motorcycletrailer/stealth_motorcycle_trailer

Honkys Donkys Trailer Co. http://www.honkytrailer.com/

Motorvation Trailers http://motorvation.com/

Kruzer Trailers http://kruzertrailers.com/

Bushtec http://bushtec.com/

Amazing Trailers http://amazingproducts.com/harley/cargo

N-Line Trailers http://n-line.com/

Kompact Kamp http://www.jdtrailers.com

American Legend http://www.american-legend.com/index.html

Com-Pac Camp Ltd. http://www.com-pac-camp.com/home.htm

Cycle Mate http://www.cycle-mate.com/

Cellco Motorcycle Trailers http://www.cellco.ca/

TNT Motocorp http://www.tntmotocorp.com/

Trailmaster http://trailmasterinc.com/

Adventure Sports Products http://adventuresportsproducts.com/

R & W Trailers http://r-wtrailers.com/

Country Trailers http://countrytrailers.net/

Arizona http://www.trailmasterinc.com/arizona/arizona.html

B&F Specialties http://www.bf-specialties.com/

Schuring http://www.tourmaster.nl/Engels_Duits/trailers_1.htm

Fibro Concept http://www.fibroconcept.com/

Burro Products http://www.BurroProductsInc.com/

ZZ Trailers http://www.zztrailer.com/index.html

Angel Trailers http://www.angeltrailer.com

Dixon Carts http://www.dixoncarts.com/

Eagle Craft Inc. http://www.eaglecaps.com/Butler% 20jr.htm

Rover Trailers http://www.matrixmfg.com/Rover.htm

American Custom Trailers http://www.americancustomtrailers.com/

Deadhead Trailers http://www.deadheadtrailers.com/

East Coast Trailer Worx http://www.eastcoasttrailerworx.com/

Monogo Trailers http://monogo.com/index.php

Lees-ure Lite Trailers http://www.leesurelite.com/index.htm

HDBaggerDave · « **Reply #8 on:** October 06, 2009, 08:06:35 PM »

Ya see how easy that was. All you have to do is ask!

Fired00d · « **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2009, 08:35:17 PM »

Quote from: trapperdog on October 06, 2009, 07:30:36 PM

How about this for a list of trailers! More thatn just cargo for those whom are interested

....

I'm going to have to bookmark this thread that is the most comprehensive list of trailers I've seen in one place here.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

WFP · « **Reply #10 on:** October 06, 2009, 10:00:05 PM »

I don't think I will ever again be able to take a week long trip (and longer ones) 2-up without our Bushtec trailer.

Anne (and I!) is way too spoiled now with the storage.....4 Cowboy hats carried, 2 more bought in Gatlinburg, 6 Baseball Hats carried and 4 more bought along the way. Also picked up on that recent MV trip, a couple bottles of Sticky Fingers BBQ sauce, 2 Bubba Gump Glasses, a case of Cashiers Condiments, a couple of Jars from the Pepper Palace, new Prints from Charleston, Savannah and Beaufort, a new SE Sweatshirt and Jacket, a new Jacket for Anne and 15 new HD shirts....EACH!

/Bill

grandpadoc · « **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2009, 10:36:43 PM »

Its so much better to load up the Bustec rather than the tourpak and rack...the bike handles better and you really don't know its there. When away from the bike everything is secure and locked so you can stop and enjoy a meal or check out a interesting location. I'm sure folks will be giving you a lot of input about trailer brands and preferences, but I'm partial to Bustec because of the suspension and quality. You also will have to look hard to see a Bushtec hitch, the receiver is almost invisible with the hitch out. Doc

NVTHIS · « **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2009, 11:54:36 PM »

Nice work Trapperdog........Nice Work.

Jim Kennedy · « **Reply #13 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:05:01 AM »

First of all - Thank You folks for your responses.
I had NO idea there were so many choices when it came to trailers manufacturers and styles. Thought about "googling" - but trusted the folks here on this site to provide information that was more objective and also more specific to the CVO Ultra's.
Actually a little disappointed with the results - I had hoped there were only a couple of makes and models so the choice would be easier. Now it appears I have A LOT of research to do.
I have never pulled a trailer. Never thought I wanted to. Always concerned about the weight pushing the rear of the bike during a panic / emergency braking situation.
However - Wife and I just got back from a 5 day trip from Vancouver Island to CoosBay Oregon and back. We were loaded up pretty good and with brisk cross-winds coming in off the Pacific there were times that it was difficult to hold the bike steady and upright when sitting at a stoplight in some of the Coastal Communities. Too much weight packed too high. Yes - I know - Not a great idea and I know better.
After this short trip I started thinking more and more about the benefits of a trailer.
I am OK when travelling solo. After all - "I" can pack light enough for a month on the road with no overlaoding - but when the Mrs. is with me it is another story.

DICKW · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:08:46 AM »

Quote from: HDKENNEDY on October 07, 2009, 08:05:01 AM

First of all - Thank You folks for your responses.
I had NO idea there were so many choices when it came to trailers manufacturers and styles. Thought about "googling" - but trusted the folks here on this site to provide information that was more objective and also more specific to the CVO Ultra's.
Actually a little disappointed with the results - I had hoped there were only a couple of makes and models so the choice would be easier. Now it appears I have A LOT of research to do.
I have never pulled a trailer. Never thought I wanted to. Always concerned about the weight pushing the rear of the bike during a panic / emergency braking situation.
However - Wife and I just got back from a 5 day trip from Vancouver Island to CoosBay Oregon and back. We were loaded up pretty good and with brisk cross-winds coming in off the Pacific there were times that it was difficult to hold the bike steady and upright when sitting at a stoplight in some of the Coastal Communities. Too much weight packed too high. Yes - I know - Not a great idea and I know better.
After this short trip I started thinking more and more about the benefits of a trailer.
I am OK when travelling solo. After all - "I" can pack light enough for a month on the road with no overlaoding - but when the Mrs. is with me it is another story.

Hair dryers are a B..ch, mine has to bring it.

Braking distance increases.....but you'll be fine.

Jim Kennedy · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:09:34 AM »

I will also apologize for never having posted before.
You see - in almost all situations any questions I had had already been asked / addressed by someone else here so I was able to find the answers without ever asking the questions.
Besides - my most recent career position was that of a Service Manager at a harley Davidson Dealership and while I was working for a Dealer I did not feel particularly comfortable jumping in with my 2cents worth due to potential conflict of interest.
And yes - a few of you on this site know me personally......

WFP · « **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:17:00 AM »

Quote from: HDKENNEDY on October 07, 2009, 08:05:01 AM

First of all - Thank You folks for your responses.
I had NO idea there were so many choices when it came to trailers manufacturers and styles. Thought about "googling" - but trusted the folks here on this site to provide information that was more objective and also more specific to the CVO Ultra's.
Actually a little disappointed with the results - I had hoped there were only a couple of makes and models so the choice would be easier. Now it appears I have A LOT of research to do.
I have never pulled a trailer. Never thought I wanted to. Always concerned about the weight pushing the rear of the bike during a panic / emergency braking situation.
However - Wife and I just got back from a 5 day trip from Vancouver Island to CoosBay Oregon and back. We were loaded up pretty good and with brisk cross-winds coming in off the Pacific there were times that it was difficult to hold the bike steady and upright when sitting at a stoplight in some of the Coastal Communities. Too much weight packed too high. Yes - I know - Not a great idea and I know better.
After this short trip I started thinking more and more about the benefits of a trailer.
I am OK when travelling solo. After all - "I" can pack light enough for a month on the road with no overlaoding - but when the Mrs. is with me it is another story.

I had to make a panic stop during my recent trip. I have an 08 Ultra with ABS and was towing the Bushtech loaded to maybe a GVW of 250 lbs. The cars in front of me came to a sudden stop and the one directly in front did not have brake lights so I was late to respond as we were just lazily cruising down 17 in SC. I would have rear ended the car in front of me if I had not moved to the shoulder during the braking. With ABS, the wheels never locked up BUT, the shoulder was small and I was soon on the grass and with the brakes fully depressed, the bike kept rolling forward on the slippery grass. Could I have stopped better if I stayed on the pavement, Yes, but would I still have rear ended the car, I don't know but in the end the decision worked out for me.

Through all this, the trailer did not appear to affect my stopping ability one bit and tracked true right behind me the whole time.

I think the bigger lesson was the fact that slippery grass and ABS means that you will not be stopping anytime soon!

/Bill

DICKW · « **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:21:04 AM »

Quote from: WFP on October 07, 2009, 08:17:00 AM

I had to make a panic stop during my recent trip. I have an 08 Ultra with ABS and was towing the Bushtech loaded to maybe a GVW of 250 lbs. The cars in front of me came to a sudden stop and the one directly in front did not have brake lights so I was late to respond as we were just lazily cruising down 17 in SC. I would have rear ended the car in front of me if I had not moved to the shoulder during the braking. With ABS, the wheels never locked up BUT, the shoulder was small and I was soon on the grass and with the brakes fully depressed, the bike kept rolling forward on the slippery grass. Could I have stopped better if I stayed on the pavement, Yes, but would I still have rear ended the car, I don't know but in the end the decision worked out for me.

Through all this, the trailer did not appear to affect my stopping ability one bit and tracked true right behind me the whole time.

I think the bigger lesson was the fact that slippery grass and ABS means that you will not be stopping anytime soon!

/Bill

You are correct a trailer will not effect ability to stop, but braking distance is increased. Nature of the beast.

You could say nature of physics....

MIKEYTEE · « **Reply #18 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:52:03 AM »

No matter which trailer you buy, you will wonder why you waited so long to make the leap. I thought I would only use mine for long extended trips. I find it is easier to tow the trailer than to load up the bike. Everything is easy to get to without having to dig thru the saddle bags and tour pack. I even use mine grocery shopping. ( Get a lot of strange looks.)
Mike

DICKW · « **Reply #19 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:54:16 AM »

Quote from: MIKEYTEE on October 07, 2009, 08:52:03 AM

No matter which trailer you buy, you will wonder why you waited so long to make the leap. I thought I would only use mine for long extended trips. I find it is easier to tow the trailer than to load up the bike. Everything is easy to get to without having to dig thru the saddle bags and tour pack. I even use mine grocery shopping. ( Get a lot of strange looks.)
Mike

Good for beer runs too I bet Mikey

grandpadoc · « **Reply #20 on:** October 07, 2009, 10:49:44 AM »

We take ours shopping too and again its nice to have everthing out of sight and secure while wandering around malls and flee markets. Here is Terry Christmas shopping right after I loaded a new Craftsman 12" miter saw and box...still plenty of room. Doc

Grizzly · « **Reply #21 on:** October 07, 2009, 11:03:09 AM »

Maybe I missed it, but with such a big list provided by Trapperdog, my personal favorite is missing...

http://www.american-legend.com/

Since my wife started riding an Ultra there was little need for a trailer, so it was sold with the '97 back in 2005.

This trailer always served us well and I like the styling to match the saddlebags of the Harley.

Jim Kennedy · « **Reply #22 on:** October 07, 2009, 11:32:50 AM »

Anyone out there have any personal experience with the RoadDog Trailers?
I see a CVO or two in the gallery of customer photos.
I spoke with the owner of the business last week and was fairly impressed with what he had to say. They appear to be a good trailer, priced well [at least in comparison with some of the other trailers out there] and seem to have a lot of good features.
Doesn't hurt that I also think they LOOK real cool!

Sioux City Bob · « **Reply #23 on:** October 07, 2009, 12:05:55 PM »

I too have an 08 SE Ultra and I tow my Aluma behind it. It is great having a trailer because you can put everything in trailer and keep weight off of the bike. It also keeps the saddlebags and trunk open for cameras and rain gear and stuff like that. This is the second bike I have towed this trailer with and have had it all over the country. I had the hitch put on by the dealer at the time I bought the bike and I do not remember what brand hitch it is.

Other than making sure you allow for a little more braking distance if your trailer is loaded, you probably will forget it is back there once you get on the road.

I carry a chain and heavy lock and when we get to a motel we will be at for two nights or more I chain the trailer to a tree or sign post and tour without it.

Bob Harris

Trapperdog · « **Reply #24 on:** October 07, 2009, 12:13:26 PM »

Quote from: Grizzly on October 07, 2009, 11:03:09 AM

Maybe I missed it, but with such a big list provided by Trapperdog, my personal favorite is missing...

http://www.american-legend.com/

Since my wife started riding an Ultra there was little need for a trailer, so it was sold with the '97 back in 2005.

This trailer always served us well and I like the styling to match the saddlebags of the Harley.

I can't seem to edit my post that far down, maybe Gary (firedOOd) will add on the list as more manufacturers come up

I also forgot our trailer and personal favorite for our dogs.

Wags trailers http://www.wagstrailers.com/

MIKEYTEE · « **Reply #25 on:** October 07, 2009, 12:26:37 PM »

Quote from: Grizzly on October 07, 2009, 11:03:09 AM

Maybe I missed it, but with such a big list provided by Trapperdog, my personal favorite is missing...

http://www.american-legend.com/

Since my wife started riding an Ultra there was little need for a trailer, so it was sold with the '97 back in 2005.

This trailer always served us well and I like the styling to match the saddlebags of the Harley.

Grizzly,
Mine too is an American Legend. I have the Bandit in black ( Black goes with everything. ) I would recommend American
Legend to anyone. Tows great, plenty of space inside, good people to deal with, and reasonable price. As with most trailers you can get them painted to match your bike. I just liked the black. After you have one you will wonder how you got along without one. The only problem I have with mine is it's a PITA to back up as with allot of them. Just have to plan when you park. I usually just unhook mine and re-hook if suitable parking is not to be found. Not a problem!
Mike

tinbender · « **Reply #26 on:** November 29, 2009, 03:59:25 PM »

I have pulled a uni-go from California to the eastern seaboard. It is as it is not back there. Our average trip is 3 weeks and we can easily pack plenty. Like some of the others they are pricey. I can't say enough good about how they handle. From pulling into a parking lot to 90 miles per hour you will forget it is there. IMHO.

Tin

NVTHIS · « **Reply #27 on:** November 30, 2009, 12:10:53 AM »

I know this is not what you had in mind, but on the Toy for Tots run today this rig was in front of me for the entire ride. I'm not sure why someone would bring these dogs because they were f&%# mean. I guess the dogs were thinking someone was going to steal that quality trailer.

Rooster · « **Reply #28 on:** November 30, 2009, 08:32:42 AM »

They just want to ride and no one is going to take that away from them. I wonder if those are the dog's goggles. Their owner was kind enough to put the carpet on the front rail for them.

moscooter · « **Reply #29 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:24:20 AM »

I think the originator of this post asked for comments both positive and negative. Perusing down thru the comments, all I saw were enthusiastic positive replys.

Let me say that first of all, I have (no) personal experience with bike trailers......but I must pass on a scene I happened upon in '03 on the interstate coming back from the HD 100th annniversary celebration in Milwaukee. An Ultra was upside down on the shoulder of the road, the rider was face down in the middle of the interstate and was damn lucky following traffic didn't run over him before getting stopped. The riders bike trailer (still attached to the bike), was upside down too and the wheels still spinning when I got stopped.

Anyway, he came to and survived and couldn't figure what had happened, but the car driver running right behind him told me that the trailer started fishtailing and it just threw the bike out of control and the rider was flipped off in an instant.

Having seen boat trailers and cargo trailers fishtail before, it's usually the result of insufficient weight on the tongue of the trailer.....(should be 10% or so as I recall). Anyway, I figure he had the trailer loaded incorrectly or overloaded and/or the hitch came loose. I don't remember if the trailer was still attached by the hitch (upside down) or hanging by safety chains..........In any case, the whole scene kinda soured my desire for a travel trailer behind my bike.

MIKEYTEE · « **Reply #30 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:58:46 AM »

Bike trailers are like car trailers, I have seen plenty of cars and trucks flipped due to trailers swaying. If you load the trailer correctly and make sure your equipment is in good shape ( tires, hitch, safety chain, lights, and brakes ), and you ride at a reasonable speed, you shouldn't have problems. I usualy check everything during gas and rest stops.
So far I have never had a problem towing with cage or bike. ( knock on wood! )
Mike

DICKW · « **Reply #31 on:** November 30, 2009, 11:03:43 AM »

Quote from: MIKEYTEE on November 30, 2009, 10:58:46 AM

Bike trailers are like car trailers, I have seen plenty of cars and trucks flipped due to trailers swaying. If you load the trailer correctly and make sure your equipment is in good shape ( tires, hitch, safety chain, lights, and brakes ), and you ride at a reasonable speed, you shouldn't have problems. I usualy check everything during gas and rest stops.
So far I have never had a problem towing with cage or bike. ( knock on wood! )
Mike

I second that, everything you do on a scoot needs a little preperation and thought. If you want to Half A.. it..........then you A.. may just be dragging the concrete.... Just sayin

tazmun · « **Reply #32 on:** November 30, 2009, 08:09:14 PM »

It took me 4 years to decide to buy a trailer, and after all my research, I chose a Bushtec.
The main reasons, less dead weight (140 lbs), total capacity, 26 cu/ft, run flat tires,
swivel hitch, excellent paint, superb customer service. Is it the best trailer, I think not.
I do believe Tailwind is, but at $8k, I'm not a millionaire.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #33 on:** November 30, 2009, 08:20:21 PM »

Quote from: tazmun on November 30, 2009, 08:09:14 PM

Is it the best trailer, I think not. I do believe Tailwind is, but at $8k, I'm not a millionaire.

Tailwinds don't look right behind a Harley either. Their styling is obviously done with a Wing in mind.

tazmun · « **Reply #34 on:** November 30, 2009, 08:48:07 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on November 30, 2009, 08:20:21 PM

Tailwinds don't look right behind a Harley either. Their styling is obviously done with a Wing in mind.

You are probably right, but I see a few on his website. I did say the best, not the "coolest".
Look at all the trailers people pull, and I don't think it's the worst!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #35 on:** November 30, 2009, 09:48:44 PM »

Quote from: tazmun on November 30, 2009, 08:48:07 PM

You are probably right, but I see a few on his website. I did say the best, not the "coolest".
Look at all the trailers people pull, and I don't think it's the worst!

Amen to that. Guy local in my area has an old 1200 Goldwing that always has a trailer behind it. You could never tell what color the wing used to be or what the trailer might have actually looked like as they're both completely covered in bumper stickers and other stickers. Might be all that's holding the trailer together.

indcoltz · « **Reply #36 on:** June 13, 2010, 02:28:23 PM »

My question is, why is it that HD will void your warranty if they find a trailer hitch on your bike?? The known facts on why, not assumptions. I cannot find this out. If it's weight then I know of alot of people that have voided there warranty just by themsleves and their passenger and I do not mean that is a sarcastic way. I'm trying to be factual here. But by the time you, the rider and a passenger along with your weekend gear strapped to your bike, some of us are exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating. If it is a weight issue then why does it not void it in this instance? I would just like to know the reason why they can void your warranty without an explanation? Maybe this is something else that needs to be addressed with them with representation.

DICKW · « **Reply #37 on:** June 13, 2010, 04:38:31 PM »

Quote from: indcoltz on June 13, 2010, 02:28:23 PM

My question is, why is it that HD will void your warranty if they find a trailer hitch on your bike?? The known facts on why, not assumptions. I cannot find this out. If it's weight then I know of alot of people that have voided there warranty just by themsleves and their passenger and I do not mean that is a sarcastic way. I'm trying to be factual here. But by the time you, the rider and a passenger along with your weekend gear strapped to your bike, some of us are exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating. If it is a weight issue then why does it not void it in this instance? I would just like to know the reason why they can void your warranty without an explanation? Maybe this is something else that needs to be addressed with them with representation.

Don't believe everything you hear.

My trailer hasn't voided any warranty I have had...............ever! My dealer knows I pull.

And for what it's worth the tongue weight for my trailer is only 15lbs.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #38 on:** June 13, 2010, 05:27:37 PM »

Quote from: indcoltz on June 13, 2010, 02:28:23 PM

My question is, why is it that HD will void your warranty if they find a trailer hitch on your bike?? The known facts on why, not assumptions.

They don't have to give a reason. It's stipulated in the warranty contract that we agree to when we buy the bike. Any "reason" is irrelevant.

As mentioned above an individual dealer may or may not honor warranty if they see a hitch. The dealer is only the manufacturer's agent; they're not the manufacturer. As such they might look the other way, deem the hitch irrelevant to the failure or just simply miss that it's there. If they do (as many have done) you count your good fortune and move on. But worrying about a "reason" for the warranty stipulation to look for ground to argue against it is beating your head against the wall. It just is. You agreed to it the moment you took title. And there's not a thing you can do about it.

DICKW · « **Reply #39 on:** June 18, 2010, 04:58:07 PM »

True...............

Worrying about it (warranty) isn't worth it, and pulling a trailer is definitely worth it..

screwup · « **Reply #40 on:** June 19, 2010, 09:14:43 AM »

have pulled a bushtec since 84, had lots of warranty service done on the road at lots of harley dealers and not one has ever raised the issue of voiding the warranty yet. maybe just got lucky at the dealers

Lasermag1 · « **Reply #41 on:** February 23, 2011, 03:43:52 AM »

What about towing with safety chains, are they good or will they trip you up if your hitch comes undone?

tazmun · « **Reply #42 on:** February 23, 2011, 09:20:07 AM »

Quote from: Lasermag1 on February 23, 2011, 03:43:52 AM

What about towing with safety chains, are they good or will they trip you up if your hitch comes undone?

The chains are kept just short enough so as not to hit the ground. I've seen one come loose
and the owner caught it. He just let off the gas and coasted to a stop. I guess it could
be a problem, but I've not heard of any. My Bushtec has 1 chain, because of the hitch
design, and it's very short, so you probably wouldn't catch it right away if it came loose.

JCZ · « **Reply #43 on:** February 23, 2011, 10:18:15 AM »

In Calif. the safety chain is required by law. Don't ask me how I'd know that.

I had a Bushtec back in the early 90s for several years. The dealership installed the hitch. The trailer was never an issue when having warranty work done......not even when I twisted (busted) a transmission main shaft on my 89 Ultra Classic.

grandpadoc · « **Reply #44 on:** February 23, 2011, 10:40:00 AM »

The bike handles much better with a packed trailer verses a packed TP and rack. I'm sure the suspension and tires benefit also by keeping the weight off the rear axle. Another benefit is that you have a very strong barrier against a rear end crash as we found out last summer. We were hit by a SUV going 60 mph while I was stopping for traffic and walked away from it. The bike was repairable, trailer destroyed, SUV had to be towed away. Doc

Harley Guy 5 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 23, 2011, 11:30:18 PM »

the way i see if they give you hard time when the bike is under warranty, they must not what to have the work when it's out of warranty

My last rig

Chains · « **Reply #46 on:** February 24, 2011, 08:04:57 PM »

Going to Bushtec Saturday to pick up a used trailer with a couple of buddies on yes Goldwings, looking forward to seeing their operation since it changed hands.

roadking71865 · « **Reply #47 on:** February 24, 2011, 08:13:59 PM »

This has worked very well for me and not super expensive. MCT Aluma Motorcycle Trailer.
http://www.thomasamerican.com/trailers_for_sale_inventory.asp?Manufacturer=Aluma

bikerboy53 · « **Reply #48 on:** March 14, 2011, 03:40:00 PM »

Has anyone seen the new Can Am (Polaris) trailer yet? It's built to match their Spyder reverse trike. I've seen one at my local airport (I have to travel waaay too much) on display with a Spyder. The trailer is actually pretty nice looking! It might even look OK behind an H-D, but it is styled to match the Spyder. You can see more at their website:

http://spyder.brp.com/GearsAccessories/en-US/Product-Detail/PC_1

According to their website, the VSS (vehicle stability control?) has been calibrated to recognize the trailer when it's connected in order to maximize the vehicle's handling dynamics. They also claim:
"Only trailer on the market that maintains vehicle warranty requirements"

I haven't had any warranty problems while towing my trailer so I wonder about that the validity of that one! A few years ago my dealer mentioned the trailer during a "warranty exercise" and I pointed out that my trailer didn't weigh any more than the factory offered side car, and that seemed to take care of the issue. Not sure what might happen to that argument now that the side car is no longer offered tho...

I do have to wonder why H-D doesn't recognize this market and step up with something of their own. I have seen a video or two of H-D executive types riding, and at least a couple were towing trailers. (It's been too long since I saw the video to remember what the subject of the video was, or what kind of trailers they had.) Maybe their lawyers won't let them sell trailers?

Author Topic: Let's talk Trailers for a moment (Read 12973 times)