wisdom on a trailer

[rocketray]

the fashion model/motocross racer/Guilia driver wants to go Arkansas in 2 weeks with my Goldwing buddy who thinks we need a trailer for the 4-5 day cruise from  Big D...suggestions?..and no..a motorhome isn't invited..I'm riding the Valkyrie and have a hitch...unused for ..10 years..a pretty one all chromed up- a ball---non-receiver type.....like me...

[Bighead]

I have traveled for 2 + weeks two up with no trailer. So I say if you dont want to pull one dont. Another question have you ever pulled one?.

[carolinarider09]

I too have traveled for two weeks without a trailer (more than once).  It takes some planning and packing right.  And you have to plan on doing some laundry on the trip but it can be done.

One option is, if you know some of your stops on the way, you can mail items to the hotel so you will have them when you get there.  I have done that on more than one occasion.  I have always contacted the hotel in advance to let know know what was going to happen.

You can also mail stuff home, as needs change.  It adds to the cost but....   it is one more option.

[NewValker]

Yup, I’ve mailed dirty clothes home mostly to make room.
Wife wasn’t happy when she open that box...
Craig

[carolinarider09]

Ok,  just for the record, I did get a trailer last year to tow behind the wing.  So,  while what I said above was true.  I have the option now when I take the wing on trips.

The trailer does offer some opportunities.  Parking is a bit "different".  The bike is not loaded like it was before but it is pulling more weight.

My trailer is a Hannigan and you truly don't know its back there, but stopping and acceleration are a little different.

And while it is pretty close to the same width as the wing, when you look at mirror to mirror, it does occupy more space on the road.  The toughest thing I have had to do, (besides parking) was when you see something in the road you want to avoid.  If you miss it with the bike, you will probably hit it with the trailer's wheels.  I guess a trike is like that also.

[old2soon]

          First time I pulled a trailer with a M/C weren't hear as difficult as I reckoned it wuz. Course all the years drivin 18 wheeler all over Our Fair Country MIGHT have helped a bit.  Take turns in the parking lots a bit wider and try to NOT jump curbs. And when passing other vehicles take a bit more time BEFORE you cut back in. Someone already made mention of increased stopping distances. As da prez bout draggin a trailer over the tail of the Dragon and Moonshine 28. RIDE SAFE.

[Hef]

Never pulled a trailer nor do I want to. I take enough clothes for three days. Laundermats in practically every town.

[MarkT]

I really like a trailer.  Nice to throw your stuff in and go.  No need to carefully pack and tie it on. Can have LOTS more stuff inclufding my Markarita fixens and blender.  And a large ice chest on the tongue so you ALWAYS have plenty of ice water.  I don't care much on the mileage with a belly tank and handling isn't degraded much if you're not pushin it. Just add some stoppig space.  I added a swivel so the bank isn't reduced.  Lots of lights and reflective tape makes it more visible than just the bike too. Can haul lots of camping gear.

[Gryphon Rider]

Two people can certainly pack to fit on a motorcycle for 4-5 days, even camping with a small tent.  If you're not on an Interstate, it requires saddlebags and a large T-bag style piece of luggage on a carrier behind the backrest.  I also use a tank bag for rain gear and maps.  If you're hotelling it, you'll have more room without having to pack camping gear and towels.  Yes, I'm sure it's easier to pack with a trailer, but I don't have the garage space to store one.

[Mr Whiskey]

Lota ways to go with it, we employ most of 'em as suits the need. Depends mostly on the kind of ridin' you intend to do...
Hitch rack suits for the really light "extras" & probably affects crankin' & bankin' the least. We'll use it for quick overnights. Personally I don't like the weight cantilevered that far behind the rear wheel. I think "cargo" needs its own axle. That said though, if we're gonna be runnin' hard down some good mountain roads I'll set the hitch rack so I don't have the trailer pushin' me into the corners.
We also run two different trailers, a Harbor Freight for lake/river trips or a Timeout Aerodyne for full on camping. Both have there purposes & enhance the pleasure we get from motorcycling, but I don't "crank & bank" into the corners with either one of them. Jus' too much mass, even empty the lightest weighs 150lb. If we're goin' to ride, I jus' pack the saddlebags & roll out
So... depending on what kinda ridin' ya hope to do on this trip... can ya leave the trailer in some of the places you'll be goin' & go cut it up? Is most of the trip to said places curvy or superslab? Do ya desperately need to carve up some tasty twisties? Or would ya like the significant other to be able to take her pillows, chair, hair dryer, (keurig ) & haul all your memorable souvenirs home?   
Enjoy the ride, whatever ya decide