trailering with the valk

[bigdanIA]

hi guys!  this is my first post, i just recently picked up a '98 tourer over in Cedar Rapids that had 61k 2 owner miles on it, i added a set of highway pegs and love it!  great ride! 
today as i am packing for a 4 day trip to Red Wing, MN (and then following the mississippi south in a big loop back to Brooklyn) it occurred to me why you sometimes see people pulling trailers with their bikes...
i have no experience whatsoever towing with a bike... do any of you guys have any thoughts on trailering with the valk?  anything (ie manufacturers) to avoid, obviously there is a connection between price and quality of product and towing experience. i can see me towing next spring... would value any input you guys are willing to share!

[old2soon]

First the job I retired from was over the road truck drier for right at 40 years. Now to your question-for me-your results MAY be different-the first time I puled a trailer with my I/S in less than 3 miles I didn't worry about it any more. Much like the first time I went D/S-for me anyway a short learning curve. Just remember the added length. My brother last year going to I-15 in Asheville N C pulled his trailer down the Dragon with his Valkyrie. In addition to the added length is the added weight. Increase following distances and be advised it WILL take longer to stop. I and others on this board have the Harbor Freight tag along trailer. Light weight easy pulling. There are other trailers to pull behind the Valkyrie. You WILL decrease our fuel mileage somewhat. Every so often a trailer comes up or sale in our classifieds. And-Welcome to the insanity that are us!  RIDE SAFE.

[pitbull]

Over here in the UK we have some strict rules on the size of trailer we can tow with a bike.

There's only two or three manufacturers that make bike trailers over here and what they produce are not very pleasing to the eye and definitely not "Valkesque".
So much so, I built my own.

Apart from the single wheel bike trailers, I don't think there's a US made one that would be legal to use on UK roads, which is a shame, some of your trailers look the dogs doodads.

With a bit of imagination, some hard graft and money thrown at it, this is what I came up with.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

old2soon pretty much covered the pulling considerations. I have an American Legend trailer.

[Rams]

A couple of very nice pull behinds above.       I can't recommend one brand over another, they are all too expensive for me.  But then, I'm so tight, they say I squeak when I walk.  

The only advice I'll give is this, once you decide on the trailer you want, pull it empty for several miles so that you learn trailer tendencies.    O2S was right on in things to be aware of.    Once you feel comfortable with the empty trailer, then start adding weight/loads to it.    Always be aware of the weight and balance of the trailer.   Your trailer's load needs to be balanced with slightly more weight on the tongue.    Also, be aware that loads can and do shift inside that trailer if you don't secure then in place.    A good example is an unsecured tool box or anything else that is heavy can move to the front or the rear of the trailer as you ride, something shifting it position in the trailer will change that weight and balance which can and will effect the handling of the Valkyrie pulling it.   If you're an experienced rider, trailering isn't that difficult as long as you remember O2S's words of wisdom.   Once you feel comfortable with that trailer, it's easy to forget it's back there.   It will remind you it's back there.    First time you cut a corner too close and curb it, you'll be reminded, when there is that big ass'd pot hole you swoop around and your Valkyrie misses, that trailer will remind you that you didn't swing wide enough when it hits the same pot hole.    When passing, cutting in front of the passed vehicle too soon can result in rather unpleasant and unplanned sight seeing.   Let's not forget about how that pull behind is going to push you in quick stop situations or, how that additional weight will effect your Valkyrie, especially in wet conditions and in sharp curves.

I didn't put a lot of money into my pull behind, I found an older trailer previously owned by a GW rider.    It's slightly larger than I really wanted but, that's because I travel light.    What I enjoy about my pull behind is that my Valkyrie while traveling is naked and, when I get to somewhere I want to stop, all I do is pull a pin and drop the trailer.   I do advise a pad lock to something very heavy or securely stuck in the ground.     Using my trailer is a real joy when I need something.   Before I had the pull behind, I remember spending time and effort at every stop having to dig though my travel pack/luggage looking for that something I needed, it was always on the bottom.     Or, when I got to a destination or hotel, having to take all the packs/luggage off the bike so I could roll on some ride.   Now, I bring what I want into the hotel and just lock up the trailer and go ride.  

But, as I said, O2S called it like it is.   When trailering, riding it like you stole it can result in bad things.    Be safe out there.  

[Bighead]

I can't recommend one at all as I don't or never have or will pull one. I have never seen/had the need, I have ridden to the four corners of the U.S. and into Canada packed within the limits of my bags and trunk

[Ramie]

A few of us from Minnesota will be over on the Wisconsin side this weekend Durand/Nelson area.  Maybe will run into you.

[vanavyman]

 We pull a BushTec Roadstar everywhere we go on the Valkyrie if over one day.  It tracts and pulls great. Not to big to temp you to carry too much.  We also have a Goldwing GL1800 with an Escapade trailer. It is larger but does not track as well. Trish comes with me on all my trips. Trailers keep her happy. We also have a cooler on the front of each trailer. Very handy for food and drinks. Good luck with your trailer search.
Dan

[the bull]

I have an interstate and I pull a bushtec roadstar as well.  I also take the trailer if I am going on any ride that is over one day.  All I can say is you do not even know that it is back there.  Just remember to increase your following distance, and yes it does cut into the gas tank.  However, it is well worth it.  I have towed it on the dragon and many other roads of that type.  It keeps the wife happy when we travel, and I am happier when she is happy.  We each have a small suitcase on wheels that we travel with, and all we do is take it out of the trailer and roll it into the room.  Just makes life much easier.

[WintrSol]

You should get a hand-held scale, so you can check the weight at the ball; many trailer forums say you should have more than 10% of the total trailer weight there, with 15% being the most stable. I can tell you that, with a ~750lb trailer, about 55-60lbs was enough to keep the back of the bike from bouncing, but then, I have air suspension from a Wing, so YMMV. Make sure you adjust the preload on your shocks to match the weight. For example, my hitch ball is just about twice the distance from the swingarm bearing as the center of the rear seat, so 60lbs on the ball is about the same as a 120lb passenger. Total weight less than about 500lbs doesn't require brakes on the trailer (would be nice at that weight, though), so if you've packed a lot less than that, don't worry about it. Going down hill in a curve, though, you will feel some push from the trailer, so approach that kind of corner with caution, until you really know how it feels, especially on damp or wet pavement.

[BudMan]

First off..WELCOME!
The only things I have ever noticed pulling our StarLite are, gas mileage and STOPPING DISTANCE. The second of those two can REALLY raise the pucker factor. Not a problem as long as you keep alert and plan your stopping distance accordingly.

[fudgie]

I do local if Im camping or something. I wont pull on a trip anymore. Cut my MPG into the low 20's. Me and the g/f did 16 day trip last yr. 5 of them at Sturgis and the rest on the road. We each packed 3-4 days worth of clothes. Washed them at the hotels.

[BudMan]

I can't recommend one at all as I don't or never have or will pull one. I have never seen/had the need, I have ridden to the four corners of the U.S. and into Canada packed within the limits of my bags and trunk

I'm guessing you don't carry a screen room, two ice chests, food, stove, table, camp stools, pillows, sleeping bags and other niceties and necessities. We do.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I can't recommend one at all as I don't or never have or will pull one. I have never seen/had the need, I have ridden to the four corners of the U.S. and into Canada packed within the limits of my bags and trunk

I'm guessing you don't carry a screen room, two ice chests, food, stove, table, camp stools, pillows, sleeping bags and other niceties and necessities. We do.

We just did our first big trip with a trailer. I've got to say it sure was nice  

[Oss]

I have a 1994 Bushtec Turbo+2 that I use every few years

Dont need it since I got my wife to pack small, a real achievement !

The trailer has Large Wheels, Independent Air Suspension 

In back is Gman's home made trailer

You did a nice job on yours !

[BudMan]

Here's link that can answer basically ANYTHING you want to ask about trailering.http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=MCTrailertowing&nav=start&prettyurl=%2FMCTrailertowing&gid=2042853740
This is where I went when starting to think about whether or not we could long term camp with the Valk. (We were avid back packers so we had most of the gear already. With the trailer, we really "camp" in style!)

[Wizzard]

I have a 1994 Bushtec Turbo+2 that I use every few years

Dont need it since I got my wife to pack small, a real achievement !

The trailer has Large Wheels, Independent Air Suspension 

In back is Gman's home made trailer

You did a nice job on yours !

Amen to that one Oss,, I got my wife to do the same on our last 10 day trip and she surprised herself.
I rarely use my trailer at all,, should probably sell it.

[Marinakorp]

I yank a Roll a Home WIDE with my 98 Std Valk.

Pulls it with no issues. I do not have electric brakes - and no problems with stopping. Just need to be more aware (than normal) of your surroundings....

Takes a little longer to reach speed... and a little longer to stop.

Watch for turning in to get gas...take it wide.

Try to find parking where you can pull out directly... along a long stretch of  side parking... or a fron to back (through and through) parking... etc. Backing out of a spot is a BITCH...

gotta watch coming down a hill ... it will try and push you. I have puckered once or twice... but my own fault for trying to go in too hot....

When I pulled a Harbor Freight Tag along...it was like it wasn't even there.. the Roll a Home... heavy, you know it's there, but it is not too intrusive

[Slvrvalk1]

Here is a web site listed on the Gold Wing Board that covers some of the trailer suppliers.  Good luck deciding which one you want.

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?491033-100-different-trailers!!

[Steve K (IA)]

I have a Cycle Mate 14 cubic ft.  Smaller than the others posted here.  Actually find myself checking the mirrors from time to time to make sure it is still back there. 
In some conditions you will drive a little slower.  Think a little further ahead when you know you need to slow down.  Swing wide when approaching gas pump islands.  And yes, the position of the weight of the cargo makes a difference.  Using the trailer wheels as a reference, more weight forward otherwise the trailer may sway going down the road, that's what mine does.

[Bighead]

I can't recommend one at all as I don't or never have or will pull one. I have never seen/had the need, I have ridden to the four corners of the U.S. and into Canada packed within the limits of my bags and trunk

I'm guessing you don't carry a screen room, two ice chests, food, stove, table, camp stools, pillows, sleeping bags and other niceties and necessities. We do.

Nope if I needed all that on a Motorcycle I would just buy an RV and take it instead

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I can't recommend one at all as I don't or never have or will pull one. I have never seen/had the need, I have ridden to the four corners of the U.S. and into Canada packed within the limits of my bags and trunk

Came with the bike already painted to match and I use the bike and trailer for work sometimes 

[icandoitfaster]

I have pulled my Piggybaker over 25,000 miles in the last four years and love it. My wife and I love camping and this little trailer fits the bill perfectly. It comes stock with 12" chromed wheels, a spare tire, swivel hitch, LED lights, tongue stand, torsion bar suspension and a large cooler rack, all at a very reasonable price of $950. Check it out...it tracks behind me beautifully.
http://piggybacker.com/Piggybacker/PiggyBacker_Cargo_Trailer.html
The first three years I pulled it two up with my 1100 Shadow ACE Tourer no problem. My Valk makes light work of it pulling this little trailer.
Good luke with your search.  
Cheers,
paul

[bigdanIA]

thanks for the feedback guys!  i would likely only use it to camp off the bike...

once again, many thanks!

[Mr Whiskey]

thanks for the feedback guys!  i would likely only use it to camp off the bike...

once again, many thanks!

That's us, we're motocampers! Couple times a year at least. Started out with a 15cf Cyclemate (pulled like a champ!) but now we're up to a 26cf Aerodyne (& there's still never enough space). Tracks like it's on rails though.
We usually set up camp then haul the empty trailer back down the mountain for a weeks worth of groceries. (We buy an extra styrofoam cooler jus' for drinks then donate it to the campground on the way out.) This is the only reason we haven't moved on up to a camper trailer like Bunkhouse or Aspen. I like being able to set my tent where ever & use the trailer as the pantry for the duration..............
Fathers Day '15


P.S. Hey Bighead, I understand it's not your thing but................
we lay around on the river tube'n & swimmin' in the swimmin' holes, cook over an open fire, sleep under the stars, with no TV on or telephones ringin', but most importantly (& this is why we do it) we ride! From our favorite ground zero we ride, The Diamondback, The Devils Whip, Mt. Mitchell, The Copperhead, The Rattler, Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, Elk River Falls, & some of the best parts of the Southern BRP jus' to name a few.
It's got its perks Bro

[Novavalker]

I'm a Motocamper too.
I went from Dartmouth NS to Sturgis and then the Grand Canyon this past summer. 15,000 km round trip. I could get about 180 miles on a tank pulling my Mini Mate camper.

This picture was taken at Shade Valley Campground 10 miles outside of Sturgis.
I was gone for 27 days. The entire trip cost me 3500.00 Canadian.

[Molasses]

Ours hasn't seen use in a number of years, because Sweet Tooth hasn't ridden along in awhile (her back keeps going out, she has a shoulder that dislocates if she moves her arm wrong and both gave her sooo much trouble on our last big motorcycle trip together). 

When I've done these kinds of trips solo since then, managed to get it all piled up and strapped down on the bike itself:





However, I really like our N-Line  (http://n-line.com/) .  It carries enough for two to camp and doesn't feel like there's anything back there in the twisties.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Ours hasn't seen use in a number of years, because Sweet Tooth hasn't ridden along in awhile (her back keeps going out, she has a shoulder that dislocates if she moves her arm wrong and both gave her sooo much trouble on our last big motorcycle trip together). 

When I've done these kinds of trips solo since then, managed to get it all piled up and strapped down on the bike itself:





However, I really like our N-Line  (http://n-line.com/) .  It carries enough for two to camp and doesn't feel like there's anything back there in the twisties.

Hey, don't look now but one of your exhaust tips is upside down. 

[Molasses]

Huh, never noticed on those old pics.  Oh well, that's okay; I'm running Cobra 6 into 6 pipes these days.  If I ever managed to get those on upside down it'd be REALLY worthy of notice. 

[bigdanIA]

i like the looks of that n-line trailer...  i'm only about an hour away from WDMto boot.  certainly worth a look