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[05Quadrasteer]

Saw this trailer at HarborFreight; http://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-auto-200-lb-motorcycle-capacity-78-in-tag-along-trailer-62644.html

I have been considering a basic type trailer and wondering if anyone has any experience with these?

Bill

[MIKEYTEE]

This is what I  built from a Harbor Freight trailer and a Sears cartop carrier. I did a few mods like only using 1 leaf spring per side instead of 2. Using 12" wheels and tires instead of the 8" that came with the kit and LED lights. I run 22 to 25 lbs. in the tires and that reduces bounce and runs cool. I have pulled it around 4000 miles and the only problem I have had was the nut under the hitch loosened up last year on the way to Eureka Springs and resulted in me laying her down on I 70. I was able to continue after having front and rear tires replaced on the bike. ( also part of the reason for the mishap) I now locktite that nut. Total $$ spent, just over $500.00. I had an American Legend trailer before this one. The trailer is all black now and has a cooler mount on the tongue.

Mike
 

[2k]

Agree with Mikey about the tires.......if you buy the already built trailer, dump those 8" tires ASAP. If you can't go to at least a 12" because of fender, DON'T buy it!!!!!

[MIKEYTEE]

I slotted the mounting holes on my fenders and bent them upward too. No tire rub after the slight upward bend.
Mike
 

[05Quadrasteer]

Thank you all for the feedback.  I will definitely upgrade to the bigger tires, have read that on multiple other sites dealing with feedback on the trailer.

Trying to make contact with a local one on Craigslist now that looks to be in excellent shape.

Where ever I get the trailer from it will be getting lots of usage this year.  Have a coast to coast ride coming up, Michigan in mid summer, then NC in August to see the solar eclipse, who knows maybe even some other weekend trips in there as well.

Bill

[MIKEYTEE]

You can always come to Eureka Springs in June or Maggie Valley in September!
Justa sayin!
Mike
 

[05Quadrasteer]

Mike,

The return trip of the coast-to-coast has a planned stop in Eureka Springs to see you all in June.  We plan to arrive on Tuesday evening and depart for home on Friday morning.  Looking forward to meeting you all and enjoying that area, wife and I spent a partial day there a couple years ago.

Bill

[MIKEYTEE]

Bill, I see your on the Eureka Springs list, my bad! The good thing is we can compare notes.
Mike
 

[Rooster]

Agree with Mikey about the tires.......if you buy the already built trailer, dump those 8" tires ASAP. If you can't go to at least a 12" because of fender, DON'T buy it!!!!!

What's wrong with the 8" tires. I have them on my tent trailer and ran them prolly over 110k until changing up to some beafier and slightly larger diameter 8" tires a few years ago.

[MIKEYTEE]

The  12 inch tires run cooler and the bearings  last longer. I think my trailer tows better with the 12 inch tires than it did with the 8 inch tires.
Mike
 

[05Quadrasteer]

I got the trailer last night.  Went by Harbor Freight and the sign said they were on sale from $499 down to $299, decision made, purchased it on the spot.

Put it together today, now have to order the hitch and wiring assembly for the bike.  If they can come in this week that will be next Saturday's job to install that portion.

Will give me a couple weeks to do some test rides and see how it feels and get comfortable with it before going across the country.

Bill

[MIKEYTEE]

Bill, repack the bearings with good high speed grease. Also order yourself two sets of timlkin bearings ( 1 per wheel ) nd pack them with high speed grease and carry them with you in the trailer. I also have a scissors jack that I keep in the trailer along with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and 3/4 inch deep well socket. Just in case!

Mike
  

[05Quadrasteer]

What wiring harness are you all using on the bike?  I have been searching, one site will say a particular one will work but then when I look at another site to compare prices it says the same one doesn't work.

Bill

[MIKEYTEE]

Mine is a 4 wire flat plug. I don't know any more than that as it was installed in 2004 when I bought my American Legend trailer, They installed the hitch and the wiring. I wasn't there when it was installed. I think we went to lunch. Too many years ago in Daytona!

Mike
 

[CVODON]

I agree with the posts above about changing to the larger tire/wheel. What about using a set of Bearing-Buddies? Have had them on every boat, car and motorcycle trailer I ever owned with no complaints and have never lost a bearing, ever.
Doesn't mean you don't need to remove, clean and repack occassionally but it sure makes periodic top-offs easy.