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[theweelad]

Was about to order my new trailer today and chatting with a friend about it.  he told me that a trailer hitch voids your warranty.   Eeeeek!  I probaly should have known this, but, alas, I didn't.  What sucks about it is when I bought the new scoot, the dealership sales dept. helped me make sure the hitch company would have a hitch for 2009's soon.  I cannot figure best way to approach my dilemma.  Should I hold their feet to the fire and make sure they got my back, or do I install and remove the hitch for each service (PITA!).  Plus, even if my home dealer has my back, what happens when we travel if something goes wrong.  Being told any dealer that sees a bike with a hitch is to take a picture and document it aginst your VIN.  Why does the man gotta ruin my dream of camping every chance I get for the next few years!!!!

Annoyed at Myself,
Pissed at my Dealer
The Wee Lad!

[Buffy]

I hate to say it, but it sounds logical, huh? 

(And I was looking at a Bushtec too...)

[SBB]

WE and Buffy!


You pay your money and you take your chances.

A dealer can refuse warranty for just about any reason.

I have a hitch on mine and it stays,,,,,,,,,,if I'm on the road and have an issue,I will deal with it.

SBB

[ultrafxr]

I've had a hitch on all my bikes since '98 and never been an issue.  Did remove it once before extended warranty rep inspection for a major repair 'just in case.'

But ordinary service - don't think it would be an issue.

[Firechief2]

I only have a trailer hitch mounted for "aesthetics" -- I never pull a trailer 
I intend to have a machinist build me a 4" long tube with a 3/4" threaded bottom to insert where a trailer ball would "normally" fit. This would then make my "aesthetic" hitch a flag holder ------ no ball=no trailer !

[GC_Super]

Like any other non factory part we put on our bikes, if there is a problem, it's up to the MOCO to prove that our part caused the problem. An aftermarket stereo doesn't cause transmission problems, but it could cause problems with other wiring issues. Also, it's not the dealers warranty to void, it's a manufacturers warranty. In my Harley life, I've only had sporadic warranty issues, and although my bike has lots of non OEM parts, it's never been a problem. If you want a trailer hitch to pull a trailer, go for it and enjoy it.

[VaEagle]

I would think the Magnuson-Moss Waranty Act would protect you unless the dealer can prove that your mods such as a trailer hitch had a direct effect on the problem?  

[Bojiboy]

Never been an issue at my dealer. It's never even come up. Besides that, "I've never pulled a trailer with it".  

[grc]

As noted above, the mere presence of a hitch without direct proof of using it to exceed the GVWR of the motorcycle is not sufficient reason for denying a warranty claim.  I would suggest that you don't leave the trailer attached when you pull in to a dealership and ask them to repair the clutch, trans, etc. under warranty, however.

Jerry

[timo482]

what is fascinating is that you can pull a HD sidecar and not void the drive train warranty.

with a hd sidecar you get to have gross wt of 1600 and some odd pounds

so if the trailer had brakes they should honor the warranty up to 1600 gross

so it goes

to

[Trapperdog]

The dealer here in Ca. I take the bike to for warranty claims (4 imes) said that in Ca. and other states MoCo can not legally deny a claim due to a hitch. When I have brought the bike in for claims they all jokingly shout out "it's the trailer hitch"! Don't know the truth to it but it works for me. May take it off for extended warranty claims though

[thatrhinoguy]

I think the MoCo is more worried about liability in not wanting to encourage "pulling a trailer" period. The drive train on a Harley, since it can pull the extra load of a side hack can obviously pull a trailer. I am sure their concern is more with the stability of towing on two wheels and stopping without trailer brakes. I equate it to all the idiots who think that a 4wd can go faster in the snow than a 2wd, until they realize they still may have to stop. I've been towing an N-Line for years. Like others I pop the hitch off before service, also pull the trailer light harness. No problem...

[HDBaggerDave]

Was at the dealer yesterday.  Used 08 Ultra on the floor with a hitch.  Sign said "Remainder of full factory warranty".  Don't know but some like to have it both ways.  Page one of my FLTRSE3 says "Never tow a trailer".

[MIKEYTEE]

Was at the dealer yesterday.  Used 08 Ultra on the floor with a hitch.  Sign said "Remainder of full factory warranty".  Don't know but some like to have it both ways.  Page one of my FLTRSE3 says "Never tow a trailer".

[/font][/color]

That really reads " Never tow on a trailer"!
Mike