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[billhuntz]

I am looking at some camping trailers to tow behind my Ultra.  Does anyone have experience with towing one?  I need advice on the importance of brakes on the trailer.  I read on the Bushtec/Bunkhouse site that they have moved away from electric brakes to electric/hydraulic brakes.

Do I need brakes on a 300 pound trailer??

Thanks
Bill

[hogasm]

 I build and sell trailers you pull behind your bike, but for legal purposes I do not recommend brakes on "pull behind motorcycle trailers". We recommend to the individual to confer with their insurance company on the installation of trailer brakes.
Some "pull behind motorcycle trailer" manufactures will not install brakes on their trailers because of liability issues. If you do decide to install them on yours, practice, practice, practice....it will affect they way you control your bike in braking situations, especially heavy braking while cornering.

[flhse]

I have a bunkhouse that I've owned for over 10 years, pulled it all over the country with my ultra, not an issue.  No brakes on mine and its always loaded for the trips.  You will know you have extra weight on take off and while braking, just take your time. 

Brad

[Harley88]

I pull a quick camp no brakes have had no problems

[Rooster]

I have a Canadian built copy of a kwik camp. Weighs 326 before adding gear. I pulled it with my 96 WG for the first few years and the old single puck breaks just weren't enough. Newer bikes brakes much better.

[JDLEE]

I pull a bunkhouse camper with my 05 SEEG (and have for years)......no brakes on trailer and no problems. 

[billhuntz]

Thanks all!! 

Found a used Bunkhouse LX (without brakes) in NC and sent the man the money!  I will ride down from MD and pick it up next weekend and camp my way home.....!

[Rooster]

Congrats on your new trailer. You will love it.

[funbiker1967]

Just felt I needed to throw in my two cents.  I know you bought a camper.  Congratulations!!  I have had three different campers.  I have pulled them with four model HD's.  I am currently pulling a Roll-A-Home.  I feel it is one of the best campers out there.  Living in the north east I mounted a  7 gallon propane tank and my huge cooler on the front.  We carry a propane heater, 10X10 easy up, two chairs shower tent, instant hot water maker, Coffee make and toaster,  Everything for us for a three week trip.  Just to give you and idea.  My tongue weight gets pretty high.  The total weight is high.  I DO run trailer brakes.   I have a switch to turn them on and off.  As soon as I get up an moving at speed.  I turn them on.  I don't use them to stop me.  Just to assist in slowing down.  When the camper matches the weight of the bike (not hard to do on a long trip with the wife)  A little extra help at speed never hurts.  Slowing down at toll both's or exiting a ramp it is comforting to have that assist or drag when slowing.  This is just my opinion.  I have pulled a camper for around 15 years now.  You are going to be looking very close at how much everything weighs.  People laugh at me in Cabellas.  I pick everything up and feel the weight.  I wish you tons of luck and want to offer any help if you need it.  I truly love my camper.  I like that we are totally self contained.  We don't have a support vehicle.  Wear the "I rode mine" patch with pride knowing you did it.  Just you, not you and the truck load of camping gear. Congratulations again!!  Happy riding and camping.

[Rooster]

Tongue weight is critical. What kind of camper trailer is that?

[funbiker1967]

That is my Roll-a-Home.  I looked at evry camper out there.  I thought for me.  It was the best fit.  Billy the owner of Roll-A-Home is one of the most honest craftsman out there.  Price point is right with everyone else but the custom design. Over the top customer service is the best. I really do load my camper down.  I will post a pic for you.

[funbiker1967]

If you look at the pic on the previous post.  On the tongue is the propane tank that I mounted.  You will move everything around as you load a few times.  They really pull differently how you load them.
 

[cvolovermi]

BE CAREFUL with the trailer thing.  My friend's motor blew on our way to Cali and Harley denied the warranty claim due to the trailer hitch.  And he had ESP.

[funbiker1967]

That is true.  As soon as HD see's the hitch they void your warranty.  My Dealer has always worked with me though.

[Rooster]

Just an idea you may have already used. We usually wait to load the cooler until we are almost at destination that way you only have it loaded for a short time. Most of the small trailers should have 20-30lbs tongue weight but when you load the ice chest you could be 40-50. If you could mount the propane tank on the back it would be better.