Lowes 3.5x5 Trailer - Advice needed!!

[Jersey]

I'd like to get a trailer for my 99 I/S.  Have looked at the many designs/types on the market and am seeking something I can carry a 3x6" folding table and a 10x10' popup tent.  Both of these require a more 'flatbed' type of design - which I can't find at a decent price.

Those who ride with trailers, what are your thoughts on the 3.5x5' trailer offered at Lowes:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Trailer-3-5-ft-x-5-ft-Wire-Mesh-Utility-Trailer/3680952

It says it weighs 250# empty.  I took a look at it and it seems to have about 12-15# tongue weight empty.  Assuming packing is properly balanced, I think the tongue weight could be managed.

I'm well experienced ride (45+ yrs on motorcycles) and towing trailers in cars/trucks.  I have never towed a trailer with a motorcycle, so seeking advice from the experienced ones on here.

Thanks!!
Jersey

[WintrSol]

I pull both the little Harbor Freight pull-behind clam shell trailer, fully loaded about 300#, and a large camping trailer, about 700# (this one has electric brakes). I can't tell when the small one is back there, and the big one is just a bit more work with than without. Only really need the brakes in the mountains. I think that trailer, while rather ugly, will work just fine. You should have about 15% of the total weight on the tongue when fully loaded, or the trailer can become unstable, and wave around - you won't like that.

[Jersey]

Thanks for the info. I'm trying to locate the HF pull behind, but they don't seem to sell them anymore.

[WintrSol]

I don't think the HF trailer would hold the table, anyway.

If you do get a small trailer like that, make sure to take the axles apart and check for proper grease and the bearings are tightened properly. My HF trailer was in need of both, with one greased but loose, the other almost dry and over tightened.

[Jersey]

I don't think the HF trailer would hold the table, anyway.

If you do get a small trailer like that, make sure to take the axles apart and check for proper grease and the bearings are tightened properly. My HF trailer was in need of both, with one greased but loose, the other almost dry and over tightened.

I've read that in a number of places. It seems like the manufacturer is out of business. Haul-Master

[Jims99]

I have heard that people extend the tunge of the hf trailer by 12". Does that help it pull better?

[Dr K]

I have pulled different trailers    the camper we have I made an anti sway hitch for made a world of difference

[Houdini]

I have a HF trailer I only used once, $300 if you want to come to TX to get it, take the shell off to haul your table.

[Jersey]

I have a HF trailer I only used once, $300 if you want to come to TX to get it, take the shell off to haul your table.

That would be a fun ride, but don't have the time.  ugh.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I don't do trailers with motorcycles but seen a nice one made from a personal watercraft trailer at Deal's Gap. He claimed he bought it used for $200.00 on Craigslist just had to cut the tongue down and remount the hitch. Very well made and could handle your need's with ease.

[Jersey]

I don't do trailers with motorcycles but seen a nice one made from a personal watercraft trailer at Deal's Gap. He claimed he bought it used for $200.00 on Craigslist just had to cut the tongue down and remount the hitch. Very well made and could handle your need's with ease.

Thanks.  I looked at those and agree.  Just need to find one at a reasonable price.

[da prez]

The Lowes trailer has 12 inch tires with is a plus. You are buying the trailer for you. I , personally would check the wheel bearings and make sure they are a quality bearing. Both my motorcycle trailers were converted to 12 inch tires. I also run balance beads in them.  If you need a good hitch , contact me.

                                        da prez 

[MarkT]

This one was until recently sold by HF.  If you find one, it's a good small trailer but it needs a couple things.  The suspension softened - it's way to stiff.  I replaced the leafs on mine with an adjustable trailing link suspension using Valkyrie OEM (Showa) shocks.  Adjustable due to the preload settings and changable angle of the shocks - mine laid down quite a bit.  The other thing - add a cooler frame to the front so you can easily change the tongue load.  Also it's not 6' long.  I can haul longer things by tying them on to the top of my Timeout camper.  The HF cargo trailer has a shell 47" X 38". Inside dimensions a couple inches less.  I also changed the lights to LED's and added a spare wheel underneath.  I'm towing this one to Inzane this year.



I can also pull this HF trailer with the bike but I wouldn't do it cross country.  It's heavy enough I would want brakes and it doesn't have them.



For your needs and "decent price" I would think a cartop carrier mated to a small trailer  might be the ticket. Sears sells this one that HF used to sell for about a third the price.

http://www.sears.com/seg-1090-lb-capacity-40-1-2-in-x/p-A018075282?plpSellerId=SEG&prdNo=30&blockNo=30&blockType=G30

[Jersey]

I FOUND A TRAILER!!

Checking CL I located a used HF 40x49" trailer in pretty good shape.  I've already removed the axle and have started the cleaning a prep process to repaint it.

While this is the 8" version, I believe I can swap the 12" tires on with no problem.  The tire guard has plenty of room around to handle the extra diameter.

QUESTION: Swivel Ball vs Swivel Hitch?  What are your opinions about these two.  There's quite a bit of difference in price.

Thanks for ALL the feedback.  I'll have this ready to take to Inzane!

[Jersey]

The suspension softened - it's way to stiff.  I replaced the leafs on mine with an adjustable trailing link suspension using Valkyrie OEM (Showa) shocks.  Adjustable due to the preload settings and changable angle of the shocks - mine laid down quite a bit. 

This sounds like a good change to make.  The trailer top itself is very light and even with a platform, etc. I'm a little concerned.  Could you provide some photos on how you did this?  I actually have an old set of Valkyrie shocks that I could use.

Thanks!

[MarkT]

This thread is a discussion on that HF trailer suspension mod.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,99493.msg990680.html#msg990680

BTW I've found you can run these tires quite fast w/o a problem.  I've run it up to 115 sustained. They have a weight rating more than the gross weight of the trailer - 590# ea at 60psi. Also they are cheap to replace at HF.  $30 for the wheel and tire and they typically have them in stock. That's convenient if you're on the road when you need one.  I put a spare under the frame but haven't needed it yet.  I run them usually at 45 though they are rated up to 60.  At that pressure the centers wear faster.

I put a swivel hitch on the bike since I have several trailers.  This one plugs into the Hitchdoc hitch that has removable hitch balls.

[WoodyFL]

+1 on the swivel hitch. I have the same HF Haul Master trailer. Have to look back every once in a while to make sure it's there!

Bob

[MarkT]

I'm concerned about trailer security at Inzane while I'm out riding.   I have hitch locks but a strong guy could muscle this into a pickup.  If I bring a chain and lock will there be something solid I can lock it to?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm concerned about trailer security at Inzane while I'm out riding.   I have hitch locks but a strong guy could muscle this into a pickup.  If I bring a chain and lock will there be something solid I can lock it to?

Google Maps shows the parking lots surrounded by trees. I'm sure you could find something. 

[Jersey]

This thread is a discussion on that HF trailer suspension mod.

I put a swivel hitch on the bike since I have several trailers.  This one plugs into the Hitchdoc hitch that has removable hitch balls.

Did you make this or purchased?   I've ordered a hitch doc. Should be here next week. How would I get this setup?

[MarkT]

I bought it - just checked their website.  It's 404'd. I'm sure you can google or ebay a swivel hitch.  Several sellers peddling this one on ebay for $50.  It replaces the ball.

[Jersey]

I bought it - just checked their website.  It's 404'd. I'm sure you can google or ebay a swivel hitch.  Several sellers peddling this one on ebay for $50.  It replaces the ball.

Have you ridden with this?  Curious how well it does under load in the curves?

[MarkT]

No.  I put up a pic of the one I ride with.  There are quite a few reviews of this swivel on ebay.  I didn't see any bad ones.