Trailer - 12in wheels

[MarkT]

If you have this HF trailer - you can get 12" wheels for it at Big R. About $85 ea compared to $30 for the 8" ones at HF.  They bolt right up.  Still rated at 60lb (I have 90lb ones on another HF trailer which are showing almost no wear in thousands of miles).  Still I expect these to last considerably longer than the 8", which one is at the wear bars after only the 4,000mi ride to Roanoke.  I modified the suspension again to lower it so it remains level.  The diameter is 5.25" bigger than the 8" wheels.

[old2soon]

Done something similar-12" wheel/tire setup-on my H/F trailer and with a bit of modification-think jig saw and files-I was able to retain the stock fenders with the addition of the 12" setup. Where you have the cooler frame is where I mounted the spare wheel with a U-bolt da prez fabbed up for me. I believe my wheel/tire setup came from Big R but what I do KNOW is that 3 complete tire and wheel setups from them wuz cheaper than 2 12" setups from wally wurld. Even removed the rubber valve stems and replaced with metal valve stems and balance beads. Pulled it well over 100 M P H and not one wobble!  RIDE SAFE.

[Patrick]

I think thats a very good change. Those little 8" critters are spinning way to fast for me.

[Mr Whiskey]

Jus' recently started pullin' one of these, would be interested in both the suspension mod & how to keep oem fenders.
TIA for any help!

[MarkT]

I wrote up the suspension mod before, here - http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,99493.0.html

For the 12" wheels I lowered the lower mount to raise the axle.  I might weld more steel onto the lowered mounts though what I added is 11ga so it may be enough already.  The fenders were discarded since I damaged them before.

[old2soon]

Jus' recently started pullin' one of these, would be interested in both the suspension mod & how to keep oem fenders.
TIA for any help!

            There are NOT any dimensions written down or that I bothered to write down as with a lot of my stuff thinkin it were a one off deal. Those H/F fenders remove easily and I had the trailer on jackstands and the wheels were snugged up on the hubs. Lotsa eyeballin and windage adjustments made. Best piece of advice when you start removing material-sneak up on the fit. Couple of dry fits and you will see where material is to be removed. Slappin the back of my gourd and seem to recollect there wasn't a Lot of material removed. I also seem to rekemember the wheel-12"-would ALMOST go completely on the hub with the fender in place. Hope my description helps you and others doing this mod. RIDE SAFE.

[Mr Whiskey]

Thanks MarkT, wow had no idea you're suspension mod was that extensive (nice work by the way!) I've removed the helper leaf (friend of mine said he saw it jump higher than the Wing trunk  ) & that seems to ride fine. We've never got anything more delicate than my antique Coleman lantern in it & it's in a case. If I can work out something about fenders (gotta have 'em here or risk gettin' stopped & it jus' aint worth the hassle) I might see how high it sits with 12" wheels.

Thanks old2soon, gonna take a look at fenders. They really don't hafta be stock, I'm sure I can Macgyver-ize up somethin'.

Actually don't mind the 8" Lower c.o.g. & tracks like it's on rails¯\_(ツ)_/¯
may jus' leave it be
'Preciate ya both

[sandy]

Having had a tent trailer with 12" wheels, I looked into the 8 vs 12 issue. The weight limits of the two tires are both way under stressed considering the weights we pull behind a bike. The 2 bearings can also take lots more abuse than our trailers weigh. Change them for a "look", but don't worry about spin speed.

[MarkT]

Noticed while I was changing these to 12" the bearings were loose.  Could only be that way from wear - cotter keys still in place. They were freshly packed and correct tightness when I left for Inzane 4,000 miles back.  I checked them for heat at gas stops regularly - never hot.  They are OEM bearings - from HF.  Keep an eye on em. I think going to 12" is a good idea to slow them down.  Also I expect significantly less wear on the tires - we'll see I keep good records.  I carried plenty of weight in the trailer this trip.  Also kept an eye on tire pressure.  BTW these tires are also balanced with ride-on.  And part of the reason for the suspension mod was to get the right amount of tension so the tires could move enough for the ride-on balance to work.  If it's too stiff, it doesn't balance in fact it gets worse.

[old2soon]

Another thought came up whilst enjoying my first cup od caffeine. The H/F website with the trailer has the comments section below the description of the trailer. In addition to removing the smaller leaf spring and installing rubber hose on the shackle bolts at the rear. I noticed when dry fitting the coupler to the tongue that washers were needed to shim out the coupler. The shimming out was mentioned in the comments also. I also cut down length wise some 3/8" or 1/2" pipe nipples to install Inside the tongue so as to Not partially deform the tongue. Also mounted the safety chains to the front coupler bolt. Also splurged on the H/F L E D trailer light kit. ALL the wire splices are soldered and heat shrink wrapped. Could NOT get removed what ever was put in the bearings as "lube"? so to the bearing house for new bearings which I hand packed with good ole bearing grease. Also replaced the chinese zerk fittings with American made zerks. Had the loaded H/F trailer to over 100 M P H and truth be knowed-could not tell it was there! On the inside the bolts that mount the body to the frame I installed some H/F tie downs that are mounted on 2 hole flat plates. One bolt holds nicely and I can use either friction straps or ratchet to hold down my "stuff". The inside is now carpeted bout hallway up in the cargo compartment. Those free floating things that held the top clamshell down are gone and I drilled a hole near the middle and put on a padlock. Has NOT leaked even in Heavy rain. Also replaced the license plat frame that was plastic with a metal frame.  RIDE SAFE.

[MarkT]

That's surprising.  You actually did a couple more things than I did. I didn't replace the bearings - yet. Did weld in tiedowns on the tops of the 4 bolts inside, didn't carpet it (have had fluids spill inside, so I did drill a couple drainage holes), continue to use the OEM overcenter clamps to hold it closed but don't trust them so I added a small bar clamp from HF as insurance. Did install the LED light kit which included a steel plate mount, as well as the navigator bar across the back; all connections soldered & shrink wrapped and loomed where appropriate.  Don't remember what I did with the ball latch but there was some mod.  I tried the helper leaf spring removal first, as well as adding rubber cushions at the back end to quiet it down. Both are of course gone now with the suspension mod.  Haven't changed any zerks.  I did add the cooler frame and the spare tire underneath.  Added a swivel hitch to Jade - that company's website is now 404'd so I guess they are gone.

[Mr Whiskey]

Got correct shims for swivel hitch direct from manufacturer...
Black Tie Accessories Inc
610 S Lake St
Amherst,  OH,
44001-2002
440-988-7233
& replaced hitch head! I'd throw that factory pos it came with in the trash! Kept binding, didn't wanna latch, then didn't wanna unlatch. Actually had to beat it loose from the ball with a hammer when we got home from Ky.! ??? Course, once you install swivel you need a standard 1 7/8" hitch that fits a 2" bar anyway. Rubber shimmed rear leaf spring mounts & greased 'em so it will still slide/flex but is much quieter. (Seems the thing that makes the most noise now is the hood levers rattling inside it.) 
It's runnin' 4 red 17" led light bars in rear , 6 red 3/4" led side markers in frame, (yes I know the front ones are supposed to be amber but it looks so cool all "murdered out" black & red ) & red led tag light, rewired 5 wire for independent brake/turn & all connections weather proofed. Repacked HF bearings by hand with good high temp grease & installed new zerks (the oem's are notorious for breakin' off). Blacked out wheels & hub covers. Made sure 8" tires were not on recall (some have been) & may jus' go with better 5.70-8 when these wear out. Runnin 'em at 20psi & they're still a bit too crowned when pullin' empty. Replaced hitch bolts with hardened #5's. Replaced bucket mount bolts with eye loop bolts to secure cargo. No carpet yet but intend to throw a white remnant in it & leave it unmounted (easier to find small stuff on white & I can take it out to clean it). Still has the oem latches but I've knocked 'em off 4 or 5 times so gonna put some truck pull latches on it. Cooler rides inside ours to help ever so slightly with wind drag.
So far it's pretty great for "day ride" stuff or short weekends. Loaded for the lake or 3 day weekend it's 'bout the same weight as our big trailer empty! (but it could never haul all our campin' gear like the 26cft hardshell Aerodyne can )
Only other thing I wanna do (besides latches) is mod the oem tag mount & paint it black. I don't like the mount I bought, keep bending the tag. I've had a copy shop shrink my full size tag down to motorcycle tag size for improved clearance (& thanks RDA Bull for the idea). I'll post some pics when I get 'er finished

[old2soon]

MarkT-WHAT did you use to remove that gray looking gunch that was on the bearings? Gasoline diesel and brake cleaner did virtually nothing. THAT were the point I made the trek to the bearing house.   When I tested that gray gunch on a finger tip-before the solvents-it wanted to stick sorta similar to super glue!   The funny thing was it wasn't on-gray gunch-any of the bearing surfaces in the hub-Only on the bearings. I've hand packed more than my share of bearings over the years and have NEVER encountered that gray gunch crap before.   I believe that gray gunch stuff was mentioned in the comments by some buyers of these trailers. Once I got er sorted out am Very Happy with my purchase. RIDE SAFE.

[Mr Whiskey]

WHAT did you use to remove that gray looking gunch that was on the bearings?

New grease goin' in jus' pushed the vaseline lookin' stuff out on mine, was pretty thin.

[MarkT]

Soaked overnight in gasolene.  Then used this.  And a compressor with airgun.



Crap.  Just found on HF the same wheel/tire I paid $85 for at Big R, for $50. That's a nice dinner out for 2, down the crapper.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-four-ply-rated-tire-with-4-lug-rim-64236.html

[old2soon]

H/F and wally wurld are a little Too Proud of their tires and wheels. Here in Missouri currently that 35 bucks would git ya near bout 14 gals of 87 octane!  And B T W-thanx fer that degreaser thingy.  RIDE SAFE.

[MarkT]

That's $35 EACH.  $70 dinner wasted.

[da prez]

 Mark , not to blow smoke up your knickers , but it is listed as a spare tire. I also bought a pair and when I was getting ready to add balance beads , I read on the sidewall that they were not for continuous highway use. The are meant to be a spare. I took them back. Even a spare should be highway rated.

                                     da prez

[MarkT]

Mark , not to blow smoke up your knickers , but it is listed as a spare tire. I also bought a pair and when I was getting ready to add balance beads , I read on the sidewall that they were not for continuous highway use. The are meant to be a spare. I took them back. Even a spare should be highway rated.

                                     da prez

I take it you are talking about the HF tires as I don't find that msg on the Big R tires.  They don't mention that info on the HF link I posted above.  I see the BIG R tire, web page says "highway rated". I think that's the tire I got only I paid more in the local store. There's a SNAFU somewhere on this.

http://www.bigr.com/martin-wheel-highway-rated-tire-and-wheel-assembly-530x12-4-hole/3325972350.html

[Mr Whiskey]

Hey Mark, did you wax the trailer bucket?

(pulled your pic from other thread)

[da prez]

   Mark , it is in the HF ad. It indicates it is a spare. I put 12 inch on my trailer right after I bought it. The trailer is a 1988. It has followed the bike at 105 mph. I put in balance beads on the tire change.

                                  da prez

[MarkT]

O2S - now I discover the grease from my pneumatic gun is just blowing out the side of the zirks, not going into the hub.  Not seen that before.  Where did you get zirks that work with a grease gun yet fit the threads tapped into the hub?  TIA.

[MarkT]

Hey Mark, did you wax the trailer bucket?

(pulled your pic from other thread)

No.  The trailer is pretty new in this photo.

[old2soon]

O2S - now I discover the grease from my pneumatic gun is just blowing out the side of the zirks, not going into the hub.  Not seen that before.  Where did you get zirks that work with a grease gun yet fit the threads tapped into the hub?  TIA.

          O'reilly parts house. Barely touched one of the zerks that came with it and it broke!  You Know of course you can No longer go in a parts house and purchase one or two or three of most small items these days. Ya gotz ta buy a card of yer choice of what ever yer buying.  I also attempted to git the zerks at my local hdw store. They-hdw store-suggested O'reillys.  RIDE SAFE.

[da prez]

 Harbor freight sells a kit in standard or metric. Cost about the same as a couple at the parts store. The grease gun tips will wear out. On some , there is an adjustment. The end will turn. It can also be taken apart and clean out the gunk.

                                        da prez

[MarkT]

I have the HF set and have used them in the past.  I'll give them a go as the zirks on the trailer are useless. If they don't fit the threads then it's off to another source.  I've never worn out the grease gun tips. I have a manual pump and an airgun.  Usually use the latter.  BTW when I got my Kubota I asked what kind of grease they use.  They have grease made up for them from somewhere.  It's black moly grease.  I bought a lot of it, so I don't mix grease types (bad thing).  Cleaned out the grease everywhere else and they all have the Kubota Moly-lithium grease now.




Well.  The zirks in the HF kit all have the same threads.  Must be universal.  Replaced perfectly and they work with my greasegun.  Got er all pumped up.

[Mr Whiskey]

Bump!
Jus' wanted to show mine off too
Even with 8" wheels thought it came out alright

[NewValker]

Nice, maybe I can keep up with you towing that trailer.. 
Craig

[old2soon]

             I duz like the L E D light bars on yours.  Course the Riders here Know there is NO such thing as Too MUCH light on a motorsickle or stuff we tow!  When you've been on the brakes has anyone said-sorry dude didn't see ya?  RIDE SAFE.

[¿spoom]

FWIW, those (or similar) 12" can also be found in the Midwest at Fleet Farm / Farm & Fleet stores. I have a "Trailer in a Bag" emergency trailer for transporting a bike. Top towing speed was listed in trailer instructions as 45mph. Put the larger tires on and simple math get you a little closer to the speed you know you'll be towing it, anyway 
Funny thing, with either size tires it could go as fast as my pickup...

[Jess Tolbirt]

how did you get a motorcycle size tag for your trailer?

[Mr Whiskey]

             I duz like the L E D light bars on yours.  Course the Riders here Know there is NO such thing as Too MUCH light on a motorsickle or stuff we tow!  When you've been on the brakes has anyone said-sorry dude didn't see ya?  RIDE SAFE.

No, but I still worry they'll "overlook" the trailer, especially at the fuel pump. Got a friend with a Tailwind trailer that's been hit twice while fueling! (course a Tailwind's real low profile) Said he was gonna add a golf flag to the top of his trailer

how did you get a motorcycle size tag for your trailer?

Take the full size tag to copy shop, have them reduce & laminate copy. The full size plate stays in the trailer & I keep it up to date for pulling outta state (Tn. doesn't even require a plate). Why did I go to the trouble? Because I bent the full size plate 3 times the very first trip out & it was gonna tear my tag light off the bumper if I kept doin' that
(plus it looks "cooler" with the plastic 318/11 plate frame, goes with the one on the Wing... )