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[Midnight Rider]

This won't happen anytime real soon, and I always swore I'd never pull a trailer with a bike, but my mind is in the process of changing since I'm retired now and will likely be taking some extended trips on the new SERGU in the years to come.  As some of you know, I have a passion for photography, and if for no other reason, a trailer would allow me to carry my camera backpack, tripod, etc, without having to give up needed clothing options on an extended trip where we are likely to encounter a lot of different temps.  I find it difficult to carry my "big camera" on the bike, even with just one lens attached, much less filters and a tripod.  Judi has relatives/friends as far away as San Diego and Northern Virginia, so we are likely to visit those areas of the country in the future, and of course spend as much time as money allows sight seeing to and from.  I plan on keeping this bike a very long time, as it is basically my "dream" bike, I have the ESP for 7 years, will get the bike paid for well before that time period, and then just fix things as needed.

The trailer will definitely be a Bushtec when it happens.  I've actually always liked the looks of the Roadstar better than the Turbo +2...behind an Ultra Classic.  Now that I've got the new Road Glide, I'm thinking the Turbo +2 might go better with the shark nosed fairing, and the overall "look" of the '11 SERGU, with the stripes and lines of the bike from a side view.  I also remember seeing Jerry's (ultrafxr) Turbo and it having a nice garment bag attached to the lid of the trailer...a big plus for Judi and her clothing needs.

Looks are subjective, but I'd like some feedback on my thought process on which trailer would both look better with this bike, and be more functional for my needs.  Along with that, I need some advice/opinions on whether to get the pin type hitch, or the ball type...what are the advantages/disadvantages of each design?  Also, while I do not have to have the trailer painted to excactly match the bike with all the stripes, etc, I would kind of like the basic paint to be the same color as the Rio Red, or at least very close.  Does Bushtec consider a base color (one color) to be one of the colors they offer as a "standard" color, or would they consider the Rio Red as a one color option on the bike without doing the graphics?  Also, for those who have Bushtecs, what are the options you consider to be essential with regards to function, looks, and safety?  Bumpers, lighting, racks on top, etc?  Chrome wheels, and which design?  I guess the other option would just be get basic black...how much more does it cost to get it painted a different color?  These things are a considerable chunk of money, so I want to do it right the first time, with no "I wish I'd done this or that".

[Twolanerider]

Terry, the trailer you mention above they call a Roadstar rather than a Roadmaster.  No  big deal.  Just their name for it.

It does happen to be the smallest (by volume) they offer.  It's 21 cubic feet.  Having said that it has proved to be a lot of space.  I've never come close to utilizing it all even packing for trips whose season and geography needed three seasons of clothes coupled with all the photography gear, tool bag, parts spares, munchies, first aid backpack, etc etc etc.

Granted, that is usually just packing for me.  But the times a friend has come along she's never hurt for space either.  So if the Roadstar is your visual choice it likely will have plenty of room for your needs.

On the pin versus ball question I quite like their pin.  The lock is built in to the assembly so there's no extra pad lock to carry as you'd choose to lock a ball.  It's also just easier to mess with.

[ultrafxr]

Terry, I think you know my choice but in any case you cannot go wrong with any of their models.  I personally like the Turbo +2 because the squared off look from behind just matches the angular look of the saddlebags and tour pak on the dressers.  I view the Roadstar as a more sporty model better suited to softails, road kings and electra glides with no tour pak.  JMO of course but that's what you asked for!

[JCZ]

I've only had the old style Turbo and for a brief time the Turbo +2.  And that was because I thought that model was better matched to the Ultra Classic look (even my SEEG with the King Tour pack).

There are two major advantages to the pin hitch....it'll rotate completly around without pulling the bike over or if the bike goes down, the trailer still stays upright.  And, you don't get the slop or jerk of the ball and cup style during stopping and starting.....that's why they always say "you don't even notice it back there".....just no slack in the coupling with the pin hitch.

Back when I had the old style Turbo it was fully carpeted with the ice chest, garment bag, mounted spare and wheel cover for it, etc.  When I bought the trailer my initial thought was that the garment bag would be pretty much useless however that proved not to be the case.  Not just for the woman in your life but it's nice to be able to bring a pressed, button-up collared shirts for the evening out, when on the road.....and she appreciates that, as well.

That was back when I was still young enough and had enough energy to sleep on the ground.  I'd pack an 8' tall six man dome tent (that really is only big enough for two and all your clothes and stuff), air mattresses, portable pump that plugged into the cigarette lighter, folding table, lawn chairs, ice chest full of water, gatorade and sodas, etc. sleeping bags, 2 battery operated lanterns, hatchet, folding tree saw (for the small fire wood), etc.  People were always surprised that I'd get all of it in that trailer.

I pretty much kept the saddle bags just for tools and to put our jackets and gloves when we'd stop.  The tour pack for sundries (sun block, first aide kit, etc.).  Nearly everything went in the trailer to keep the weight in the trailer and off the bike.

I will say the longer you have it and the more you use it, the smaller it seems to be.  In short order it quickly just seems like it's part of the bike and have room for this or that is never an issue.  I've even done grocery shopping with it.

If you're going to consider used and then paint to match, I think you're more apt to find a Turbo or Turbo +2 (that stands for +2".....the later model is 2" wider which makes a lot of difference).  You can log on to the Bushtec website to check the footage, volumne and measurements of each model.

Good luck in your decision and finding the trailer that you want.

[Keats]

I am not sure I would let appearance make the decision.

1. it is not always attached to the bike (mostly not)
2. any painted unit would be acceptable (even non painted units)
3. there is no such thing as too much room.

[Twolanerider]

I am not sure I would let appearance make the decision.

1. it is not always attached to the bike (mostly not)
2. any painted unit would be acceptable (even non painted units)
3. there is no such thing as too much room.
4. they're always better with a title

                                     ^    ^

[Keats]

I forgot that "Title" part

 

Terry,
an ugly trailer with a title is far more valuable than a pretty trailer with without one.

but if you ever need a title, just ask Don

[Boatman]

I have and like the Turbo 2+2 with the pin type hitch.  Added their LED taillights and changed out all the other bulbs to LED's..  Cooler is handy, chrome neck looks great, front bra protects, garment bag for lid, and have the lid with the integrated spoiler and rear light for visibility. 

The std wheels are some cheap metal with no coating and  the wheels looks like crap after one trip and they will not clean up (turn black/grey).  Either buy the powder coated wheels or some sort of chrome or aluminum upgrade.

The Harley shock pump will work or buy Bushtec's Progressive made pump.

These are great trailers that really pull nice.

[Chains]

Terry, the trailer you mention above they call a Roadstar rather than a Roadmaster.  No  big deal.  Just their name for it.

It does happen to be the smallest (by volume) they offer.  It's 21 cubic feet.  Having said that it has proved to be a lot of space.  I've never come close to utilizing it all even packing for trips whose season and geography needed three seasons of clothes coupled with all the photography gear, tool bag, parts spares, munchies, first aid backpack, etc etc etc.

Granted, that is usually just packing for me.  But the times a friend has come along she's never hurt for space either.  So if the Roadstar is your visual choice it likely will have plenty of room for your needs.

On the pin versus ball question I quite like their pin.  The lock is built in to the assembly so there's no extra pad lock to carry as you'd choose to lock a ball.  It's also just easier to mess with.

Roadstar is a great trailer, when we pulled one there was tons of room for her things and even room left over for mine.  Bushtec pin setup is the best, ask Doc, he took a direct hit from and SVU in the trailer and the hitch system held it all together.

[Midnight Rider]

Thanks guys...that's the kind of info I'm looking for.  I'm trailer ignorant, so all of these opinions/advice is greatly appreciated. 

[redrodo]

After pulling a different brand and being with others with different trailers the Bushtec is by far the best. The only possible disadvantage is the wheel & tire are not available anywhere but the spare takes up so little room it's not a problem to carry. They are great people to deal with and if you are in the area and stop by they are usually glad to give you a tour of the facility. Although pricey the paint quality is excellent and I like the matching look. Can't go wrong with any Bushtec product.