towing a trailer

[knockdolian]

Hi all, I have a Campmaster trailer tent which is designed to be rowed by a motorcycle. I have towed it with my Harley trike with no issues except you have to brake a bit earlier than norm as the trailer is quite big and will push as its not braked. I want to tow it behind my Valk IS. Does anyone on here pull a trailer. What size and what sort of weight will it pull without trailer brakes.
Any advice appreciated. Im In UK so towing laws may vary but an idea of what people pull would help
Thanks

[gabby]

      I tow a trailer with my Valk/trike and have no trouble with it.  You are correct that I have to brake sooner and be more vigilent watching for other vehicles and my surroundings. Try not to overload the trailer as it will get squirelly behind you weaving from side to side but slowing down and following speed reccomendations are a must. Ride with your thoughts on riding safely and watch your enviroment around you.

Gabby

[Jess Tolbirt]

i dont know if that Valk has the hp that harley had,,

[knockdolian]

i dont know if that Valk has the hp that harley had,,

Think the Harley 89 FXR which my trike is, is less than 60 bhp so that shouldn't be a problem. The chap I bought it off delivered it on the back of a 1500 wing.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

i dont know if that Valk has the hp that harley had,,

Think the Harley 89 FXR which my trike is, is less than 60 bhp so that shouldn't be a problem. The chap I bought it off delivered it on the back of a 1500 wing.

Me thinks he is toying with you 

[The emperor has no clothes]

i dont know if that Valk has the hp that harley had,,

Think the Harley 89 FXR which my trike is, is less than 60 bhp so that shouldn't be a problem. The chap I bought it off delivered it on the back of a 1500 wing.

Me thinks he is toying with you 

Me thinks he's toying with US. 

[flsix]

I bought a tent camper trailer and pulled it home for about 300 miles on the interstate with my Interstate running about 65 to 70 mph. No problems with the actual towing but the stopping distance is defiantly increased.
As with any trailer you need to keep weight on the tongue. If the tongue is light you will always have problems with the trailer tracking straight. If you experience swaying just move some of the load in the trailer to the front and the swaying will usually stop.

[sandy]

I've towed my tent trailer behind the Valk. It weighs 400+ lbs. Not many issues except when the brakes were wet. Stopping was a bear on wet brakes. I now use my wing because the brakes are better.

[WintrSol]

I've been practicing towing the Aspen Ambassador camping trailer; packed, it weighs around 700 pounds, maybe a bit more. But, it has its own brakes, controlled by a box in my saddle bag. If I need to calm it down, I just apply just enough brake lever to turn the brake light on, which activates the trailer brakes through a ramp-up sequence. Otherwise, it tows just fine behind my Tourer, but I've yet to challenge it on a really hilly and curvy road.

[knockdolian]

Thanks all for the info, and the banter  Ill hook up and give it a go

[crow]

No issues towing.  Just rember you are 16' long now!

[old2soon]

For me as an ex truck driver the learning curve for towing a trailer was short. As others have stated-be aware of the extra weight and most importantly-the stopping distance. Increase your following distance and in city traffic try not to go faster than the traffic around you. Get a "feel" for the trailer on the streets in your neighborhood. Get some experience BEFORE you head to the slab and the higher speeds. 2 keys-longer length longer stopping distances. Pick a low traffic area and try some hard or panic stops BEFORE you need to do it for real. AND MAKE DOUBLE cursed sure your lights are ALL working as they should. IF your trailer does not have side marker lights-install some. RIDE SAFE.