Tow behind trailers

[Fathertime]

Anybody have any comments or suggestions for tow behind trailers?  I have heard that Harbor Freight offered a model just right for pulling with a bike, but I have not been able to find it on the catalog.  They do offer a small model that one can put a car top carrier on, but not really thrilled with the looks.
Regarding hitches, I gather Hitchdoc is the gold standard.  Would I be falsely pinching pennys looking at other brands?

[CajunRider]

I've got a HitchDoc... I'm plenty satisfied with it.    

As for the trailer, the HF model most use is the small "flat bed" model.  It's basically a frame without decking or anything.  Then they put a box on it ("turtle Shell"). 

I've heard of several that extended the tongue by another foot or so to make it pull better. 

[sugerbear]

here's the one i use. piece of plywood for a deck

http://www.harborfreight.com/1090-lb-capacity-40-1-2-half-inch-x-48-inch-mini-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-four-lug-wheels-and-tires-90153.html

[Earl in Pensacola]

I bought a "slightly" used 20 cf cyclemate and had it color-matched (Pearl cream & Jade green) painted.  I've pulled it empty and fully loaded and never a problem.  Well, that is except that I pulled the bearings for inspection and lube at about 5K miles.  Good thing I did, it turned out that Cyclemate had installed Russian bearings( !!!) and they were shot.  I replace them with American made Temikens (sp?) and a good HD water proof bearing grease 7 years ago and all is still good.

[PhredValk]

Hey, Sugarbear, do those sails really help with gas mileage? 
Fred.

[GOOSE]

farthertime......why don't you look at daryl at xf6 customs....he is one of our supporters, and has a better hitch than hitch doc.  it fits better, and is a lot easier to install.  his is stainless, and does not rust and look crappy like the other one.

[sugerbear]

Hey, Sugarbear, do those sails really help with gas mileage?  
Fred.

YEP..............with the wind i get 174.4 mpg!!!!!

against...well..........................

never noticed the "sails" until i got home and downloaded the pics

i'll be taking the car topper off this winter, too flimsy for me. i'm exploring other options.

[Walküre]

never noticed the "sails" until i got home and downloaded the pics

i'll be taking the car topper off this winter, too flimsy for me. i'm exploring other options.

First thing I noticed, too - wondered how you mounted it on the bike...   

I'll be curious what you come up with - I built one from scratch, just like it, only different, and figured I'd live with the flimsy. You can find some pretty stout fiberglass carriers, sometimes, on Craigs, but they seem to go high and fast, when you do. Don't want to spend 3 or 4 hundred for something new.

As for lengthening the tongue, as mentioned - I made mine long on purpose after reading a lot of other's suggestions, and this tracks perfectly!

[bigfish_Oh]

HF did have the one with the clam shell on it, I got mine this year with a 25% coupon making it $299. If we like trailering we can upgrade to something pretty and $$$ later. lights/wiring failed first trip.

[MP]

farthertime......why don't you look at daryl at xf6 customs....he is one of our supporters, and has a better hitch than hitch doc.  it fits better, and is a lot easier to install.  his is stainless, and does not rust and look crappy like the other one.

+1, and more     

I have one of each, and xf6 customs is MUCH better!

MP

[B]

 Several sites Including HFreight show the tag along unavailable. Either out of sto ck or haulmaster may have quit making in. I bought one for $350 about 3 years ago.
http://automotive.become.com/600-lb-capacity-78-tagalong-trailer--compare-prices--sc1088627024

[BonS]

farthertime......why don't you look at daryl at xf6 customs....he is one of our supporters, and has a better hitch than hitch doc.  it fits better, and is a lot easier to install.  his is stainless, and does not rust and look crappy like the other one.

I couldn't find it on their web site. But then again I can never find the mustard in the fridge. 
Bet they'd sell better if they advertised it.

[sugerbear]

never noticed the "sails" until i got home and downloaded the pics

i'll be taking the car topper off this winter, too flimsy for me. i'm exploring other options.

First thing I noticed, too - wondered how you mounted it on the bike...   

I'll be curious what you come up with - I built one from scratch, just like it, only different, and figured I'd live with the flimsy. You can find some pretty stout fiberglass carriers, sometimes, on Craigs, but they seem to go high and fast, when you do. Don't want to spend 3 or 4 hundred for something new.

As for lengthening the tongue, as mentioned - I made mine long on purpose after reading a lot of other's suggestions, and this tracks perfectly!

i'm thinking side boards (like pickup racks), or aluminum "tread plate" tool boxes ( 1 front, 2 back sideways).

how did you lengthen it?

[da prez]

  No matter what trailer you go with, do not run the 8in tires. They will hold up for a while, but 12in tires are not that expensive, (fewer rev's per mile) and get a spare and lug wrench. A simple jack can be made from a 2x6.
  The flat will happen when there is no help around. Also , balance or use beads. Thats my two cents worth.
                                                     da prez

[Bad On 3]

Hi i bought the HF trailer used 2 years ago for 150.00 from a Harley Rider --he said it bounced and jumped when he pulled it --i bought it and before i pulled it lowered the air pressure in tires { he had 50 lbs of air in the tires } to 20 lbs --the trailer pulled great no bounce and tracked great --his eyes got big when i lowered the air --it had 8 in tires on it --this year i put 12 in tires and its even better  --i only use it 5 6 times a year and it works great !!! some i ride with spent 3 to 4 grand on a trailer and i haul more than them !!!

[frosty]

I have the Big Bike receiver type hitch. That way can remove the tube and no hitch seen when no using it. I also prefer this over my trailer. Is more convenient and alot better MPG. 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTORCYCLE-HITCH-COOLER-CARRYALL-GOLDWING-ALL-M-C-s-/150638754581?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2312c4fb15

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I built a harbor frieght trailer to pull behind the bike. I narrowed it down to the width of the bike and removed one leaf spring. I replace the stock 8 in tires with the next size 8in (5.6 x8in) and they are only slightly small in dia. than the 12 x4.8 tires.I run 20psi in the tires and the trailer pulls great. I also lengthen the tongue.

[Walküre]

i'm thinking side boards (like pickup racks), or aluminum "tread plate" tool boxes ( 1 front, 2 back sideways).

how did you lengthen it?

Oops, sorry - didn't see this until now - I saw a place that made "custom" sized aluminum tread plate boxes, I think in Michigan or Wisconsin. It was a pretty large one, for a Goldwing, and it wasn't too expensive, or at least it wasn't as expensive as I THOUGHT it would be! I found it on a google search, I think. Tried, but can't find it - it turned out like this one, but a bit bigger box, MADE to fit his existing frame:



As for lengthening, I built my frame from scratch, because I wanted torsion suspension, and 12" wheels. I built it long to begin with. But, just about anybody can lengthen yours, by welding in a section of the same-size tube. Mine is 2", and came off one of those exercise stations you find out alongside the trash on town clean-up day - people get tired of dusting them!! 

[Chrisj CMA]

 No matter what trailer you go with, do not run the 8in tires. They will hold up for a while, but 12in tires are not that expensive, (fewer rev's per mile) and get a spare and lug wrench. A simple jack can be made from a 2x6.
  The flat will happen when there is no help around. Also , balance or use beads. Thats my two cents worth.
                                                     da prez

Yeah, I heard that about the 8" wheels too.  So I repacked the bearings with good waterproof grease after the frist couple trips.  That was 5 years ago and they are still good.  I also was told you had to stay to 55mph with the 8"ers.  Well, the speedo reads high right.  So I figured it its only reading 75mph then thats pretty close to 55 (real speed) again, no problems.  Been to
Cheaha 2 or 3 times
Johnson TN twice
Daytona 3 or 4 times
and many short and medium range missions.

I see no probelm with 8" wheels and tires set at 35psi or so

[fudgie]

I say unless your going to be on a month long trip, I hate the trailer. Not for the convienance but for the low MPG. I was getting around 25 mpg. My pockets are not deep and figure I'll carry less stuff. Now I only use it for close events where mpg really dont matter. I do like the trailer and has been to Sturgis & Cheaha with it. I got a $20 hitch/cooler rack that I made and like it better. Helmets and rain gear on it and the oem rack for clothes and leather. No change in mpg with that set up.

[frosty]

I agree. I pulled my trailer to Key West and up to Biketoberfest last year.  Had to stop and get gas more than the other bikes without trailers. Was debating if the trailer was worth what I was spending in additional gas. was ready to leave it down there. I now use the carry-all/cooler carrier iIposted earlier here. Wife even likes it better. Don't even know its back there.

[sugerbear]

nice looking box.
i'm still thinking 3 smaller boxes. one for me, one for her, and one for general stuff. that way there's no complaining that I'M taking more than MY share of room. .
i'll let you know what i come up with.

[CajunRider]

I say unless your going to be on a month long trip, I hate the trailer. Not for the convienance but for the low MPG. I was getting around 25 mpg. My pockets are not deep and figure I'll carry less stuff.

Try out the Uni-Go trailer.  They're expensive, but they pull awesome and makes NO difference in gas mileage. 

Riding 2-up interstate at 75 - 80 mph... 32 mpg
Riding 2-up interstate at 75 - 80 mph pulling a Uni-Go... 32 mpg

Stop/Go traffic makes the Uni-Go drain a little extra fuel... but once on the highway, there's no difference. 

And the best part is that you don't have to worry about dropping a tire off the side of the road... where ever your bike tire tracks, the Uni-Go tracks. 

[fudgie]

They have crossed my mind but from the looks of them it dont look like it would haul much. I can get a 2 duffles on my hitch rack without paying $$ for another trailer. We only travel once a year (over 1100 mile 1 way). Good thing is that its cheaper to ship 50 lbs of camp gear then it is to haul it. 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I've had the harbor frieght with some plastic toll boxes mounted, Th "pod" trailer and now an American Legend trailer. Never a problem pulling any of them except mpg drop. The American Legend is a dream compared to the others. Pulls as smooth as can be. I highly recommend a swivel hitch. This is my first trailer with it and it is like night and day. Not necessary,  but well worth the upgrade. 

[Walküre]

nice looking box.
i'm still thinking 3 smaller boxes. one for me, one for her, and one for general stuff. that way there's no complaining that I'M taking more than MY share of room. .
i'll let you know what i come up with.

Man, you've got one helluva woman! She lets YOU take stuff??

R

[Bugslayer]

They have crossed my mind but from the looks of them it dont look like it would haul much. I can get a 2 duffles on my hitch rack without paying $$ for another trailer. We only travel once a year (over 1100 mile 1 way). Good thing is that its cheaper to ship 50 lbs of camp gear then it is to haul it. 

You'd be surprised at how much it'll hold. Not as much as a two wheel trailer, but still not too bad.  Everything except for the two red chairs came out of the trailer.

[Farther]

Man you guy haul a lot of stuff.  I am a former long distance backpacker so I can haul a weeks gear on my back.  I rode half way across the county with what's in my leather saddle bags and one duffle.  Although I am getting to old to keep doing that crap.

[sugerbear]

nice looking box.
i'm still thinking 3 smaller boxes. one for me, one for her, and one for general stuff. that way there's no complaining that I'M taking more than MY share of room. .
i'll let you know what i come up with.

Man, you've got one helluva woman! She lets YOU take stuff??

R

why yes, yes i do. had her for 35 years and looking forward to the next 35.
thank you, thank you vurry much.

[Bugslayer]

Man you guy haul a lot of stuff.  I am a former long distance backpacker so I can haul a weeks gear on my back.  I rode half way across the county with what's in my leather saddle bags and one duffle.  Although I am getting to old to keep doing that crap.

Just your basic camping stuff...

[valknomad]

First I would regularly search Craigslist in your area for used "Motorcycle Cargo Pull Trailers"... Many 80's models (with unique looking boxes), homebuilts, and harbor freights can be found for what the cost would be to built one, or atleast they are a good platform to work from.   P.S. I like my Hitchdoc (hidden hitch) on my 98 Tourer. 

[Bugslayer]

Anybody have any comments or suggestions for tow behind trailers?  I have heard that Harbor Freight offered a model just right for pulling with a bike, but I have not been able to find it on the catalog.  They do offer a small model that one can put a car top carrier on, but not really thrilled with the looks.
Regarding hitches, I gather Hitchdoc is the gold standard.  Would I be falsely pinching pennys looking at other brands?

Delphi Forums has a great "Motorcycle Trailer" forum that will have TONS of info.... Check it out.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing/?

[scoot]

Here is my set up. The trailer run me a little over a grand. It come with LED lights, interior lighting, full carpeting interior, Alum. wheels, and a spare with a matching alum. rim. Picked it up  at the factory in Indiana. I added the cooler on the front which can be easily removed and mounted on a piece that goes into my Hitch Doc reciever.



 It runs down the road great. I won't say you don't know its there, just because of the added weight. (You always want to be aware of the trailer behind you.) My milage doesn't drop that bad. I figure I get about 28-29 mpg with the trailer, the saddle bag with misc. stuff and 2 up. still beats a cage. Once we arrive where we are going I park the trailer and go riding anyhow.
 Make sure you get a good hitch. Don't cheap out on it. I did the first time and I hated it with avengence. I replaced it with a Hitch Doc receiver type and love it. Much nicer.

[Farther]

Hey Scoot:  Have anymore information on that mini-teardrop?

[tank_post142]

http://www.adventureteardrops.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=68&Itemid=125

http://bktrailersales.com/Teardrop-Trailers.php

http://www.rvcapitalwholesalers.com/shopRVCW/pc/configurePrd.asp?idcategory=198&idproduct=17513

[BF]

I like the idea of the Uni-Go.  Instead of un-hitching it and leaving it in a parking lot somewhere while you go ride, you can just un-hitch it and roll it right up to and inside the hotel/motel room with you.  

I know they're not that big, and I haven't ever traveled long distance on my Valk yet, but if I ever do I can't see ever needing much more room than a couple of suitcases, a couple spare helmets, spare jackets, etc.......and the Uni-Go looks like it'd carry that much....maybe even a little more.  

Are there anymore Uni-Go owners here on the forum that can post some pics and provide some input on those little trailers?  I'd love to hear what people think of them.....and see some more pics.....maybe some pics of the inside too. 

[Bugslayer]

Here are a couple more  pics of my Unigo. I'll try to take a picture of the inside a little later.

[Fathertime]

farthertime......why don't you look at daryl at xf6 customs....he is one of our supporters, and has a better hitch than hitch doc.  it fits better, and is a lot easier to install.  his is stainless, and does not rust and look crappy like the other one.

I couldn't find it on their web site. But then again I can never find the mustard in the fridge. 
Bet they'd sell better if they advertised it.

  I can't find it either

[PhredValk]

The trailer hitch for the VTX isn't there, either. Maybe he dosn't make them anymore...
Fred

[pistolchamp]

I have pulled a Scooter Trailer over 50,000 miles with my Valk and love it.  Very light weight, long tongue, pulls like its not there.