My New Tow Rig and Trailer

[Joe Hummer]

Took it around town last night and it towed very nicely.  Can't wait for my first long trip to see how it handles long term. 

The trailer is a 2009 Harbor Freight 78" Tag Along Trailer (item # 66771). 

Joe

[roboto65]

Looks great Joe still want a report on how it wheelies 

[Normandog]

Looks a lot like one I pulled from NC to Paducah several years ago. We took the scenic route up thru the mtns. of NC, TN, and east KY. Only time I could really feel it back there was while stopping. BUT, I never forgot it was back there. Kept wondering what it would be like if a tire blew on the trailer and it started whipppin back and forth behind the bike. Also couldn't enjoy the twisties.  Haven't pulled a trailer since.

[R J]

Ya better put some hubcaps on it.  Don't want ya gettin arrested for indecent exposure.

Nuts showing.

[Cliff]

HF lists the max speed for this to be 55mph... make long rides longer   

[Joe Hummer]

HF lists the max speed for this to be 55mph... make long rides longer   

Yeah...I tested that last night...I pulled great up to 70...   i have had reports of people pulling similar trailers up to 110.  So, i am not too worried about it. 

Joe

[Cliff]

Confirms my suspicions that the speed limitation is extremely conservative.

[Chrisj CMA]

looks solid Joe.  If you didnt have to assemble the wheels/bearings (Im assuming you did) Id repack the bearings with a known good grease like Lucas HD or something before any long high speed trips.......

[Joe Hummer]

looks solid Joe.  If you didnt have to assemble the wheels/bearings (Im assuming you did) Id repack the bearings with a known good grease like Lucas HD or something before any long high speed trips.......

I did not and I will be sure to do that.  It actually has zerk fitting on the hubs.  I will squeeze a little grease in them soon just to hold me over on the shorter trips them will repack before InZane. 

[Ice]

Hey Joe,

I would love to hear your report on distance ride with that thing on the back, since my Wife packs enough junk for a weekend ride that I could use a trailer . Not that she is getting one, otherwise I might as well tak e the truck , I just want to know your experience with that on the back, I have always wondered about cornering and general handling with a trailer in tow.

Yuri

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Looks a lot like one I pulled from NC to Paducah several years ago. We took the scenic route up thru the mtns. of NC, TN, and east KY. Only time I could really feel it back there was while stopping. BUT, I never forgot it was back there. Kept wondering what it would be like if a tire blew on the trailer and it started whipppin back and forth behind the bike. Also couldn't enjoy the twisties.  Haven't pulled a trailer since.

I feel the same Ron we pulled one to the Outer Banks in 94 with the Goldwing I had then. I cared nothing about draggin' that thing around I could'nt enjoy the curves and it pushed me on every stop. If I got carry that much I'll take the car and dig on the a/c or heater  
I sold my trailer to VRCC member Fudgie and I've never missed it.

[Spirited-6]

Joe looks great, but you need to "JAZZ" it up a little. I don`t know what, maybe a chrome dragon. 

[alph]

they put that 55 speed limit on it for legality reasons.

just wondering, did you pay $350 for it?  that's what our harbour freight has them for.  also, in that motor cycle magize "cycle world" they've got 20% off coupons, did you use one?  you would have saved $70!!

[Big Mike]

YOU CAN NOT HIDE MONEY!!!!!

[HayHauler]

I pulled my Escapade, 1999 vintage, trailer all the way to Colorado and back.  I just had to remember it was back there when making turns in parking lots and slow speed stuff.  I didn't have any problems in the twisties, but I didn't go very fast through them anyways. 

Worst thing was that my gas mileage sucked even worse than it does normally.  I was getting about 22 miles per gallon once we got up into CO and the altitude.  My bike is set up for running strong at sea level and had waaay too much fuel for those altitudes.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Dogg]

Looks great Joe still want a report on how it wheelies 

Ditto. report joe...

[timk519]

Worst thing was that my gas mileage sucked even worse than it does normally.  I was getting about 22 miles per gallon once we got up into CO and the altitude.  My bike is set up for running strong at sea level and had waaay too much fuel for those altitudes.

A set of "dial-a-jets" from  http://www.thunderproducts.com/dial_a_jet_valkyrie.htm will help with that problem.  I pulled a trailer ~15K miles last summer from 0 to 11K feet altitude and managed to keep the MPG above 30 for most of the trip by adjusting the jets to the altitude.

That they also give the bike more pep and MPG is an added bonus.