If the weight is to heavy in the rear of the trailer it can start to shake back and forth uncontrollably also tongue angle I have built meny motorcycle trailers started in the 90s meny were scraped because they were dangerous
I rode with a couple (very experienced), as part of one of our HOG rides, who forgot he had a trailor, and he tried to back in-to a parking space. Oops! Luckily it didn't cause any damage before we all got his attention, and he stopped. He had the same hitch as you have. So - even the most experienced can forget. Also - I don't think you fully answered the first question. I love having that electric reverse on my Goldwing. 😁👍 I would also recommend that those pulling a trailer drive at your own pace; don't worry about those trying to pass you.
I have a bushtec trailer also , pulled it fully loaded from Sturgis sd to Philadelphia Pennsylvania with a Road King, ill admit you can forget its there because the pin hitch , I asked my wife several times if the trailer was still there because I couldn't feel it back there, great video
Years ago, while stationed in Montana, I saw two mid sized motorcycles, each pulling a dual axle trailer, with a smaller off road capable motorcycle on each trailer. Months later I read a story of two guys traveling to the northernmost point in AK. They rode the street bikes as far as they could, then switched to the off road bikes to complete the trip north.
Too light of tongue weight will cause trailer sway! This could be catastrophic even at low speed. Also too much can cause rear axel bearings to fail. Both of these happened to me!
Ignoring the proper way to attach the safety chains is a mistake also. The hitch I have on my spyder allows me to cross the chains. This makes sure the slacker chain in a turn does not drop down. I Also use carabiner clips to attach as the s hooks drop off sometimes on really rough roads.
Really great tips for pulling a trailer with your bike! One other way to overcome backing up from a parking space is to unhook the trailer and back it up (especially if you don't have someone to help when it is attached to the bike) then get the bike faced the direction you want to go and hook the trailer up again. Also be aware of speed limits when pulling a trailer! In California the speed limit when pulling a trailer is 55mph, and applies to ALL vehicles including motorcycles! The Bushtec trailer I pull with my Harley has air adjustable suspension, and sometimes I have to add or reduce air pressure in the suspension to keep the tires parallel with each other. I carry a small hand pump in the trailer along with a tire pressure gauge!
All good points. I’ve been trailering behind my motorcycle for years now. I’ve experienced the frustration of downslope parking and being pushed out of a parking spot. If I had to pick the most important mistake to avoid it would be a tossup between being an experienced rider and properly loading of the trailer. Everything you said was applicable and I agree with all of it and more…… you touched on one mistake but Id like to say that when you break camp, or initially start out be mindful of the process of towing. It doesn’t start when the bike moves. It begins with everything you do up to that point, proper loading, tongue weight, tire pressure, tire condition, DOUBLE CHECKING your hitch connection and making sure you are safety chained and have lights. In short everything you do before you move the bike and trailer combo. I am glad I watched this segment of your videos. I am buying a trailer tire monitor now…👍👍
You are a very nice couple. I enjoy your videos a lot. I needed to put my production out of my property. So I bought a Yamaha 125, year 2006, and a heavy brand new cargo treiler, car wheelled. I am on the top of the hill, 57 years old, muddy access road... Absolutely no experience on motorcycling... Can you imagine the adventure?!...
Hello friends! You two are so inspiring I love it! You picked up thoughts of middle age/empty nest/why it means to retire and growing old” and shoved it down the line, never to be thought of. Thanks for sharing- your in our prayers for safety, great lodgings and utmost fun🙏💕
HI Guys, thank you for a very good informal video. What you both said will help newby bikers to pull a trailer. I have been pulling a trailer on the back of my Goldwing for about 12 years while traveling and camping in the UK and in Europe, for anyone pulingl a trailer STAY SAFE and HAVE FUN.
I pull an Alumilite XL behind my Goldwing and everything you covered is spot on. There's also those trailers with top luggage racks to consider and not wanting to make your load too high. This can cause one or both of two things...top heavy, which is never a good thing and/or your trailer becomes a sail or air brake which will drastically change the driving ability. So keep those luggage rack use lean and low. Cheers! Zip~ p.s. as I already stated, get a Goldwing. You'll never look back. This is coming from a devoted HD owner and rider. Also.......Maintenance is much cheaper and the bikes are 5 times more reliable.
I have a 2008 Honda goldwing, and the reverse is awesome to have it. I personally couldn’t imagine doing what you are doing without my goldwing. Not beating up your Harley, be safe
#8 just because everybody else is pulling them, doesn’t mean it’s something you’re going to want to pull. I believe a lot of these large tent trailers are more designed for a trike or a small car. Trailers coming in at over 400lbs loaded simply add more “headache” to the ride along with undo stress on the bike itself. In the end, it’s up to the rider but for me, I’ll stick with 200 pounds total. JMHO
I towed a trailer from western Oregon to Key West and back in 1980 in the winter. My tow vehicle was a '79 Yamaha 750 triple (about 550 lbs). The trailer had a ball and coupler hitch. There is an adjustment on the coupler to get rid of the slop. In fact, in severe cross winds, I tightened up the coupler slightly so it would act sort of like a steering dampener to increase stability. I only had two "oh manure" moments. The first, I was in a sweeper and I felt the back of the bike twitching. I looked in the mirror and saw the trailer slid out and trying to pass me. I was on black ice--not much fun, but I got through OK. The second, I was in the tight 10 to 15 mph corners on the northern part of CA hwy 1. I didn't have a swivel on my hitch, and I locked up the ball and coupler. This meant I couldn't stay in my lane--one way I was going to enter oncoming traffic, the other I was going off a 300 foot cliff down to the ocean. I slowed down a bit after that. Thank goodness that trailers have made some improvements in 40 years.
Stopping distances increase dramatically with a trailer! Use caution when going through manned tool booths, the droppings from thousands of engines accumulate into a grease slick right in the middle of the lane.
The wife is pushing your bike backwards? Very nice of her. But why not just put the bike in reverse? 😂 Just kidding guys. Harleys are great bikes & every Harley has a “soul” to make up for not having reverse.
On a normal trailer hitch there is a nut under that one can adjust to tighten up the slop. Just don’t over do or it will not turn on the ball. Hope this helps someone.
You forgot to add "Do not pull out into a turn and decelerate" The trailer is still going straight and will push the back of the motorcycle out from under you. I have seen this happen multiple times. Start out slow and never decelerate in a turn.
They make electric brakes for (car) trailers you can apply separately with a finger dial, which I do going down steep hills even when not using car brakes.
I agree 100% with everything you said in your video, particularly the "bonus" at the end. :) I also like your delivery and format. Well done. To qualify myself, we have ridden over 35000 miles with a trailer: Notably, to Alaska and back from our home near Vancouver, BC, across Canada and back over 3 1/2 months as well as various shorter trips of 2-3000 miles. I wrote an article in Canadian Biker pointing out pretty much everything that you said. Having said that, I think there are a couple of things you might emphasize. First, it's dangerous to go "tongue light", in fact more dangerous than tongue heavy. The tongue weight should never be below 10%. The clip of the trailer on the belt shows it clearly but I bet most folks would miss it. Second. A two wheel trailer puts you in the middle of the road a lot and can get you in trouble with the deep ruts that sometime occur in pavement (wet or dry, actually). I recall a time at the bottom of a long hill in heavy rain where those ruts were actually rivers. It was a nightmare, but then you could go on and on about little nuances like that. The third is not to overload your bike, which is easy to do. That 10-15% shouldn't put you over your bike's GVW. The intent is to take the weight off your bike, not add more. Congrats on a well presented video. I know how tough that is to get right.
All very good points. Thank you. All interesting even though I'm never going to tow with my Heritage. What about suspension on the bike? Tow rating of bike. Trailer that was designed as motorcycle trailer? Some trailers better than others? What about mounting hardware that bolts onto bike? Tires: any different tire type/tread? I bet that rear tire wears faster, and I would want high-grip tires (which won't last as many miles), do you strap down heavy things like toolbox, bigger lights?, and do you avoid rain? Wow, and I thought towing a boat with a car required a lot!
You guys rock, we dream of doing what you two have done. I ride and always think about what you guys are doing and sharing. I can't stop watching y'all. Jimmy Rutherford
@@davewiinslow7771 hello Dave, Let me ask you a question, I am running a 2013 HD Electra Glide classic with a 1985 HD sidecar for my dog and pulling a 1985 Escapade Trailer.... " Would going to the Darkside" benefit my set up !??, thanks in advance for your thoughts.
If you can't be a good example, at least be a warning. Seriously, you can safely haul a a trailer and all good info in the video. Note: have a check procedure for your hitch and lights. Make sure you have real safety chains on it and they are the proper length. I was lucky. No one was hurt and only the tongue got twisted. On the Mini Mate the tongue is easy to replace and I was back on the road for a major trip 8 days later. I'm enjoying all your videos.
Thanks for the upload of great information regarding trailers. I'm not sure if I want to put my bike through the stress of pulling a trailer. But I like the idea of having more space to carry items on the open road ☺️ Rich, that's an extremely nice trailer (with all the bells and whistles) what is a ballpark figure on something like that ? Thanks for the upload, be safe on your travels
One more thing to consider: If you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic jam, make sure you STOP & tell the car driver who is looking to join the road behind you that you have a trailer, (I had to do this alot in Paris).
Next video, Chris' wheelie while trailering lessons. Very informative from seasoned veterans. You guys should auction off a dinner with you either at a campground or restaurant. I bet people would pay big bucks to have dinner and talk.
Great info. Me and the Mrs are in the process of getting a camper to eventually do some full time traveling, and while we have been riding for close to 100k, I learned lots of new info that I haven't even considered. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Stay safe guys.
Even experienced riders will need to learn new skill sets, to a be top shelf safe operator of their equipment, to enjoy a better ride with greater confidence ")
Great video, I have a reverse on my 2002 FLHTPI (Police), it was on there when I got it and have only used it a few times, but I know it will be a help some times, especially with the trailer, I bought one last fall and did pull it a few times, mostly just testing the hitch and coupling, The coupler was a solid one and there is no way I was going to ride with that! I cut it in half and built the swivel section for it, ready to go now!
Love my Bushtec Roadstar, I pull it with my 2000 HD Fatboy. It's maiden voyage was on the 'Tail of the Dragon'...never had any issues. Common sense prevails when towing.👍
That's awesome advice, thank you! Not that I'd expect to ever pull a trailer with the bike I currently have... But sooner or later I'll upgrade, so I'll bookmark this video for later.
I run a Lumina diamond aluminum trailer with swivel mechanism on the hitch. Put over 6000 miles on it and pulls just as you describe. The big notice that the trailer is on the bike is at the gas pump. My HD Road Glide loses about 5 MPG.
Thank you. Informative, responsible, well done tutorial. I will be pulling a mini mate with my trike next year:) FYI HD Tri-Glide and Honda Goldwings do have a reverse gear. PS: my tee shirt came today - fast shipping, good price, good quality material, sized correctly, and a great logo. Take care.
Yes Honda Goldwings have a reverse and now a walk forward mode on the newer GWs. Great video. I tow tent trailers often and a smaller cargo not as often.. Tongue Weight is so important especially on mountain twisty roads. Braking distance - A steep down hill into a T intersection has almost pushed me into the intersection, so be aware and break earlier. Do not forget to put and LOCK the lock pin on the hitch and always use chains.
Excellent video. You could have spoken more or backing up, but since you don't have reverse on your bike, it would have been difficult. Ether way, I enjoyed it
I can see a problem in your thumbnail. Your trailer is a semi-trailer, with a significant portion of its weight resting on the hitch. For a motorcycle, or any other vehicle NOT designed specifically for hauling semi-trailers, you should only use full trailers, where ALL or nearly all of the weight is supported on the trailer’s own axles. Also, if you could rig an electrical brake system for the motorcycle trailer, it would help a lot.
first thing you need to know is ------ get a car and do that crap. Bikes are about freedom and enjoying the road, not pulling trailers........come on guys
May I ask what trailer you have???I have a 2022 Can-Am Spyder RTL and for the life of me I can’t find a freedom trailer… And the bush tech has a six pin connector😢… now I’m looking at a discovery trailer from the USA trailer store.
so I have pulled trailers with a vehicle of one sort or another logging to delivery vans and I learned one thing here .. the swivel hitch, then I wondered if trailer brakes would be useful ? Oh and YES I have an 83 GOLDING , just sayin..😁
What I'd like to know is how it feels to tow with a stock Harley 88. Does it feel like you're dragging an anchor? How much does it change acceleration? Does it impact hill climbing? What happens when the trailer hits a bump? Does it jostle the bike? How big of a difference between the old trailer and the new one?
A few years ago a company offered a reverse that runs off the starter. This is a available on Harley 3 wheelers. Been watching Old Guy for a couple years.
Thanks for putting this out there. I get a lot of questions from other riders about my trailer and how it handles and I give pretty much the same advice you convey here.
There are trialing coursing you can take. When you started on your adventure, we was surprised that you didn't get a camper trailer.The couple that we travel with pull one and love it. Fast and easy camp set up and breakdown, also lots of storage. We were looking to purchase the Aspen King size, and heading out for 2 years but our plans changed. Hopefully we can get back on track next year.Yeah Honda have reverse...Get one lol. Great advice.
Thank you for the video . Sometimes there might be something in the road that you missed running over with the bike , but not the trailer ! Just pointing it out . Since you camp most of the time in camp grounds , how hard is it riding in dirt and gravel ?
So true about missing something with the bike, but not the trailer. However, we haven't had that experience - hopefully never. I did install a TPMS system on the trailer tires just for that scenario. As for riding in dirt and gravel, there isn't an issue with the trailer - it tracks along behind the bike just like on paved roads.
Glad we found your channel! My husband and I are HD enthusiasts that are non riders..we just love attending HD events locally. We live near HD Atlanta in Lithia Springs, Ga. Stay safe & warm..definitely stay closer to the warmer climes..we both LOVE Montana & the Black Hills area of SD. We've been to Sturgis several times starting back in 2010..💗 Love & Peace..Merry Christmas from the Carlisle's
If you ride a motorcycle and pull a trailer... use common sense and regular maintenance of both. You may even want to read the user guide that comes with your trailer.
Ya he had chains, Old Guy( I think his name is Jim) admitted to not getting the coupling secure and the carabiners that were attached to the chains failed once the trailer detached. The tongue on the camper did pull loose on impact. Made for a good vid though. I dint know I could get a coupling like Rich's that I could put on my Roll-A-Home or my cargo trailer. I've been pulling trailers for 25 years, haven't had the standard ball type coupling come loose. But then I adjust it fairly tight too. Oh and yes, I do love my Ree-verse on me Wing...
Yes there were chains. It was a series of mistakes and assumptions. I was relatively new to trailers. The chains were longer than they should as I had been pulling with the car for a trip. The previous owner just had open hooks holding the chains in place. I had not checked to see if the ball was seated. The coupler was locked above the ball. I still don't know why it did not come off on my way out of the campground over bumpy ground. Sometimes being wrong gets you being lucky. When it did pop off, the long chains let the tongue hit the pavement. If I had hit the brakes, the tongue would have been into the back wheel. That would have been a disaster for me and the bike. The open hooks bent totally open and slid out of their hook points. Luckily little traffic on a weekday in beautiful Gros Morne National Park. I now have good chains, the right length and a procedure to check everything before I ride. Hint: you can use your glove over the front brake lever to activate the brakes lights during your checks when you have no one else with you to check your lights.
@@OldGuyonaBike Great recap. I was pulling my cargo and forgot to put the lock on the pin upon leaving. I was luckier than you. We were going slightly up hill when the tongue came off the ball due to riding over a bridge with a little pump. Wife and I both heard a dragging sound and I know immediately what it was. We were dragging the trailer. I just did a slow stop and reattached the trailed to the hitch. I had to find a metal clip to use for the lock pin until we hit the next town. Replaced with a new lock pin from the local Walmart. I am very experience at towing with the bike, but I forgot one thing in my hookup process. Thankful it only cost me a new lock pin.
@@OldGuyonaBike I have never pulled a trailer, but am a lifelong rider. That said, it seems to me that having the trailer safety-chained to the bike would be more dangerous. I would prefer to have break-away brakes, a tongue skid so the trailer tongue can't jab into the asphalt and go pole vaulting down the highway, and no safety-chains. Based on your experience, what are your thoughts on that??
@@charlieswearingen500 This is the first motorcycle trailer I have hauled and I had limited experience with a family tent trailer behind the station wagon in my late teens. In Canada and I'm pretty sure all states, it is the law that you have functional safety chains or rated wire-rope tethers. Since first posting that video and in other touring forums I have found a vocal number of people saying they don't use them or have gone as far as using plastic Halloween chains to hide the fact they don't use them. I thought I was doing the right thing but I did not have the proper equipment and I blew it on the hookup. I think that all trailer runaways are the operators fault. Even if it was equipment failure it would have to be neglect in inspection. A hitch or ball or any other type of connector does not suddenly disengage. It will show looseness or cracks when you inspect it before you ride. It is your trailer... it is your responsibility. I would have been sick if the trailer had hit an oncoming car or a hiker at the side of the road. I also would have been sued into the next century. The chances of the trailer coming off randomly are almost nil... and if your chains are the proper length and crossed to cradle the tongue I am confident that one can bring their trailer to a controlled (and slow) stop. I have never felt unsafe hauling the trailer. It felt a little awkward the first 100 km. when I picked it up 2 days ride from home, but it was easy to adapt to. I am just always aware that I am hauling it. Rich and Chris have done a good job covering the things you need to think about. I would not tow without the chains especially now that I know I have the right length and that they are properly hooked up. My pre-ride checks make me sure I won't have to rely on them. I had a very cheap lesson in the long run.
One thing you did not mention is bumps. When pulling a trailer, bumps are more difficult to avoid because you have three wheel tracks, instead of one. Hitting a large bump, pothole, etc. with either trailer tire will give you a substancial wiggle. The bigger the bump, the bigger the wiggle. It's usually not a big problem, but something to be aware of.
I don't know exactly the distance. But I have always made sure the distance from the rear wheel of the bike, to the wheels of the trailer are about 2/3 the total length of the bike. Just my thought and opinion though
Nice video, and as a long time trailer puller, I'd agree with about 99.9% of everything you said. In line with tongue weight, I've seen a lot of trailers (usually cheaper ones) with what I felt was too short of a tongue. (Mine is from a J.C. Whitney Catalog, and looks very much like what Harbor Freight sells, now.) I added about 8 inches to the tongue and have never had issues towing it. This also gave me room for a small rack for a cooler so I can always have water/ice handy. 2nd thing I did, was added separate turn signal lights. (If you don't have them). This allowed me to NOT use a special adapter and the turn signals are more noticeable. (currently using LED lights) 3rd, I switched from a 8 inch wheel to a 12 inch wheel. (Biggest tire that would fit under my fenders). The Trailer handles better and takes chuck holes much better and a lot less wear on the trailers wheel bearings/grease seals.
This is information that you absolutely need to know. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Shaun.
Love the solar cell.
Negative tongue weight will hurt you faster than too much tongue weight. Should should be #1. In my opinion
I agree. Always have some downward pressure (weight) on your tongue
If the weight is to heavy in the rear of the trailer it can start to shake back and forth uncontrollably also tongue angle I have built meny motorcycle trailers started in the 90s meny were scraped because they were dangerous
Love my Goldwing reverse gear, Cia has never had to push me around. Well not my bike.
Same here.. I love my Goldwing reverse..👍
Parking. Shouldn’t leave the bike in Neutral.
Realy good video guys great info first video iv seen on this subject
I rode with a couple (very experienced), as part of one of our HOG rides, who forgot he had a trailor, and he tried to back in-to a parking space. Oops! Luckily it didn't cause any damage before we all got his attention, and he stopped. He had the same hitch as you have. So - even the most experienced can forget.
Also - I don't think you fully answered the first question.
I love having that electric reverse on my Goldwing. 😁👍
I would also recommend that those pulling a trailer drive at your own pace; don't worry about those trying to pass you.
Having to break in a turn is an eye opener towed 1000s of miles with my gold wing
Yes That's why i like the Hiem joint. It still can be scary
Can brakes be added to the trailer?
@@sirdirtydog705 no having that on a motorcycle trailer is very dangerous
I have a bushtec trailer also , pulled it fully loaded from Sturgis sd to Philadelphia Pennsylvania with a Road King, ill admit you can forget its there because the pin hitch , I asked my wife several times if the trailer was still there because I couldn't feel it back there, great video
You guys did a great job doing this video
if the spot is down hill then back in....gravity is your friend (sometimes).
Also, I was going to mention, you can adjust the tension on the latch of a ball hitch, to where it won't have that slack in it.
liked the physics display of weight balance . good. fish tail
Years ago, while stationed in Montana, I saw two mid sized motorcycles, each pulling a dual axle trailer, with a smaller off road capable motorcycle on each trailer. Months later I read a story of two guys traveling to the northernmost point in AK. They rode the street bikes as far as they could, then switched to the off road bikes to complete the trip north.
I always try to park facing out, even when in a cage, your safest, and easiest, way to leave a parking spot is forward
Too light of tongue weight will cause trailer sway! This could be catastrophic even at low speed. Also too much can cause rear axel bearings to fail. Both of these happened to me!
Ignoring the proper way to attach the safety chains is a mistake also. The hitch I have on my spyder allows me to cross the chains. This makes sure the slacker chain in a turn does not drop down. I Also use carabiner clips to attach as the s hooks drop off sometimes on really rough roads.
very true.
If your ball hitch is adjusted correctly you will not get that clunky feeling, know what you are talking about though.
Outstanding information, Thank you.. Currently researching camper trailers and a new ride....... Stay safe, and keep rollin'
Really great tips for pulling a trailer with your bike! One other way to overcome backing up from a parking space is to unhook the trailer and back it up (especially if you don't have someone to help when it is attached to the bike) then get the bike faced the direction you want to go and hook the trailer up again. Also be aware of speed limits when pulling a trailer! In California the speed limit when pulling a trailer is 55mph, and applies to ALL vehicles including motorcycles!
The Bushtec trailer I pull with my Harley has air adjustable suspension, and sometimes I have to add or reduce air pressure in the suspension to keep the tires parallel with each other. I carry a small hand pump in the trailer along with a tire pressure gauge!
Thanks glad you liked it.
check trailer wheelbearings for wear and lubrication too
Yes. Didn’t think to mention that. We had Bushtec service all of that when they put new tire on.
All good points. I’ve been trailering behind my motorcycle for years now. I’ve experienced the frustration of downslope parking and being pushed out of a parking spot. If I had to pick the most important mistake to avoid it would be a tossup between being an experienced rider and properly loading of the trailer. Everything you said was applicable and I agree with all of it and more…… you touched on one mistake but Id like to say that when you break camp, or initially start out be mindful of the process of towing. It doesn’t start when the bike moves. It begins with everything you do up to that point, proper loading, tongue weight, tire pressure, tire condition, DOUBLE CHECKING your hitch connection and making sure you are safety chained and have lights. In short everything you do before you move the bike and trailer combo. I am glad I watched this segment of your videos. I am buying a trailer tire monitor now…👍👍
Thanks Roger all great points you said.
You are a very nice couple. I enjoy your videos a lot. I needed to put my production out of my property. So I bought a Yamaha 125, year 2006, and a heavy brand new cargo treiler, car wheelled. I am on the top of the hill, 57 years old, muddy access road... Absolutely no experience on motorcycling... Can you imagine the adventure?!...
Hello friends!
You two are so inspiring I love it! You picked up thoughts of middle age/empty nest/why it means to retire and growing old” and shoved it down the line, never to be thought of.
Thanks for sharing- your in our prayers for safety, great lodgings and utmost fun🙏💕
HI Guys, thank you for a very good informal video. What you both said will help newby bikers to pull a trailer. I have been pulling a trailer on the back of my Goldwing for about 12 years while traveling and camping in the UK and in Europe, for anyone pulingl a trailer STAY SAFE and HAVE FUN.
I pull an Alumilite XL behind my Goldwing and everything you covered is spot on. There's also those trailers with top luggage racks to consider and not wanting to make your load too high. This can cause one or both of two things...top heavy, which is never a good thing and/or your trailer becomes a sail or air brake which will drastically change the driving ability. So keep those luggage rack use lean and low. Cheers! Zip~ p.s. as I already stated, get a Goldwing. You'll never look back. This is coming from a devoted HD owner and rider. Also.......Maintenance is much cheaper and the bikes are 5 times more reliable.
I have a 2008 Honda goldwing, and the reverse is awesome to have it. I personally couldn’t imagine doing what you are doing without my goldwing. Not beating up your Harley, be safe
#8 just because everybody else is pulling them, doesn’t mean it’s something you’re going to want to pull. I believe a lot of these large tent trailers are more designed for a trike or a small car. Trailers coming in at over 400lbs loaded simply add more “headache” to the ride along with undo stress on the bike itself. In the end, it’s up to the rider but for me, I’ll stick with 200 pounds total. JMHO
I towed a trailer from western Oregon to Key West and back in 1980 in the winter. My tow vehicle was a '79 Yamaha 750 triple (about 550 lbs). The trailer had a ball and coupler hitch. There is an adjustment on the coupler to get rid of the slop. In fact, in severe cross winds, I tightened up the coupler slightly so it would act sort of like a steering dampener to increase stability.
I only had two "oh manure" moments. The first, I was in a sweeper and I felt the back of the bike twitching. I looked in the mirror and saw the trailer slid out and trying to pass me. I was on black ice--not much fun, but I got through OK. The second, I was in the tight 10 to 15 mph corners on the northern part of CA hwy 1. I didn't have a swivel on my hitch, and I locked up the ball and coupler. This meant I couldn't stay in my lane--one way I was going to enter oncoming traffic, the other I was going off a 300 foot cliff down to the ocean. I slowed down a bit after that. Thank goodness that trailers have made some improvements in 40 years.
Wow that’s an E ticket ride.
I’ve been to Bushtec in Tennessee with my friends trailer to get tires and service on his trailer. Those guys have their stuff together there.
Yes, they are amazing to work with.
Stopping distances increase dramatically with a trailer! Use caution when going through manned tool booths, the droppings from thousands of engines accumulate into a grease slick right in the middle of the lane.
Yes especially with a light rain. Really pulls the oil up.
I just found this nd i m. Wey thankfull for it. I hve a 2016 roadglide and will be putting a coffin trailer behind it.
The wife is pushing your bike backwards? Very nice of her. But why not just put the bike in reverse? 😂 Just kidding guys. Harleys are great bikes & every Harley has a “soul” to make up for not having reverse.
On a normal trailer hitch there is a nut under that one can adjust to tighten up the slop. Just don’t over do or it will not turn on the ball. Hope this helps someone.
You'll be going through brake pads quicker as well
You forgot to add "Do not pull out into a turn and decelerate" The trailer is still going straight and will push the back of the motorcycle out from under you. I have seen this happen multiple times. Start out slow and never decelerate in a turn.
They make electric brakes for (car) trailers you can apply separately with a finger dial, which I do going down steep hills even when not using car brakes.
It was a very useful video, thank you. My conclusion is that I shouldn't use the Trailer xD
I understand
if you're pulling a larger trailer forcing you to ride in the center of the road, beware of oil in the center of the road
I agree 100% with everything you said in your video, particularly the "bonus" at the end. :) I also like your delivery and format. Well done. To qualify myself, we have ridden over 35000 miles with a trailer: Notably, to Alaska and back from our home near Vancouver, BC, across Canada and back over 3 1/2 months as well as various shorter trips of 2-3000 miles. I wrote an article in Canadian Biker pointing out pretty much everything that you said. Having said that, I think there are a couple of things you might emphasize. First, it's dangerous to go "tongue light", in fact more dangerous than tongue heavy. The tongue weight should never be below 10%. The clip of the trailer on the belt shows it clearly but I bet most folks would miss it. Second. A two wheel trailer puts you in the middle of the road a lot and can get you in trouble with the deep ruts that sometime occur in pavement (wet or dry, actually). I recall a time at the bottom of a long hill in heavy rain where those ruts were actually rivers. It was a nightmare, but then you could go on and on about little nuances like that. The third is not to overload your bike, which is easy to do. That 10-15% shouldn't put you over your bike's GVW. The intent is to take the weight off your bike, not add more. Congrats on a well presented video. I know how tough that is to get right.
All very good points. Thank you. All interesting even though I'm never going to tow with my Heritage. What about suspension on the bike? Tow rating of bike. Trailer that was designed as motorcycle trailer? Some trailers better than others? What about mounting hardware that bolts onto bike? Tires: any different tire type/tread? I bet that rear tire wears faster, and I would want high-grip tires (which won't last as many miles), do you strap down heavy things like toolbox, bigger lights?, and do you avoid rain? Wow, and I thought towing a boat with a car required a lot!
You guys rock, we dream of doing what you two have done. I ride and always think about what you guys are doing and sharing. I can't stop watching y'all. Jimmy Rutherford
Thanks Jimmy!! Cheers.
Seems you become motorcycle truck driver! Goldwing with reverse is sure nice, also darkside rear tire.
Dark Side Victory Vision pulling teardrop
@@davewiinslow7771 a lot of darksided Harley's out there...
@@davewiinslow7771 hello Dave, Let me ask you a question, I am running a 2013 HD Electra Glide classic with a 1985 HD sidecar for my dog and pulling a 1985 Escapade Trailer.... " Would going to the Darkside" benefit my set up !??, thanks in advance for your thoughts.
@@davewiinslow7771 what DS tire are you using?
If you can't be a good example, at least be a warning. Seriously, you can safely haul a a trailer and all good info in the video. Note: have a check procedure for your hitch and lights. Make sure you have real safety chains on it and they are the proper length. I was lucky. No one was hurt and only the tongue got twisted. On the Mini Mate the tongue is easy to replace and I was back on the road for a major trip 8 days later. I'm enjoying all your videos.
Don’t forget to make sure the trailer lid is latched during travel.
thx for the video
Great video thank you. I was just contemplating getting a trailer to go on some longer adventures.
Glad it was helpful!
To avoid your trailer dancing around behind you require 20% tongue weight
one small NO NO you forgot. Do NOT filter between traffic lanes. ,?!?!?!?
Good point great info
no hatters goldwings are great bikes made in America, just quite, i help all riders ,
Thanks for the upload of great information regarding trailers.
I'm not sure if I want to put my bike through the stress of pulling a trailer. But I like the idea of having more space to carry items on the open road ☺️ Rich, that's an extremely nice trailer (with all the bells and whistles) what is a ballpark figure on something like that ?
Thanks for the upload, be safe on your travels
One more thing to consider:
If you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic jam, make sure you STOP & tell the car driver who is looking to join the road behind you that you have a trailer, (I had to do this alot in Paris).
Next video, Chris' wheelie while trailering lessons. Very informative from seasoned veterans. You guys should auction off a dinner with you either at a campground or restaurant. I bet people would pay big bucks to have dinner and talk.
For bad parking unhook your trailer move it then move your motorcycle.
Great info. Me and the Mrs are in the process of getting a camper to eventually do some full time traveling, and while we have been riding for close to 100k, I learned lots of new info that I haven't even considered.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Stay safe guys.
i love you guys, i watch all your videos & im envyous.you eat better than i do & it pisses me off LMAO !!!
Thank you for sharing and in such a conversational manner! Much enjoyed!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Even experienced riders will need to learn new skill sets, to a be top shelf safe operator of their equipment, to enjoy a better ride with greater confidence ")
Hyme joints don't allow 360 degree rotation on a vertical plane.
Great information! Great presentation! (The K1600 also has a reverse option.) Cheers!!
Great video, I have a reverse on my 2002 FLHTPI (Police), it was on there when I got it and have only used it a few times, but I know it will be a help some times, especially with the trailer, I bought one last fall and did pull it a few times, mostly just testing the hitch and coupling, The coupler was a solid one and there is no way I was going to ride with that! I cut it in half and built the swivel section for it, ready to go now!
#1 for me....Don't forget you are MUCH longer than just the bike itself when changing lanes.
That’s a good point for sure. 👍👍
Love my Bushtec Roadstar, I pull it with my 2000 HD Fatboy. It's maiden voyage was on the 'Tail of the Dragon'...never had any issues. Common sense prevails when towing.👍
Yes Bushtec awesome.
That's awesome advice, thank you!
Not that I'd expect to ever pull a trailer with the bike I currently have... But sooner or later I'll upgrade, so I'll bookmark this video for later.
Glad this helped. Thanks.
Fantastic video. Tons of valuable information here. I appreciate it guys. Stay safe out there and keep that rubber side down.
Thanks! Will do!
I run a Lumina diamond aluminum trailer with swivel mechanism on the hitch. Put over 6000 miles on it and pulls just as you describe. The big notice that the trailer is on the bike is at the gas pump. My HD Road Glide loses about 5 MPG.
This was a pleasant surprise. Couple bonus videos the last few weeks. Thanks
Hey Rich, have yo ever considered installing a reverse gear on your bike? I would think that Baker Drivetrain has the best unit
Thank you. Informative, responsible, well done tutorial. I will be pulling a mini mate with my trike next year:) FYI HD Tri-Glide and Honda Goldwings do have a reverse gear. PS: my tee shirt came today - fast shipping, good price, good quality material, sized correctly, and a great logo. Take care.
You're welcome. Cheers
Yes Honda Goldwings have a reverse and now a walk forward mode on the newer GWs. Great video. I tow tent trailers often and a smaller cargo not as often.. Tongue Weight is so important especially on mountain twisty roads. Braking distance - A steep down hill into a T intersection has almost pushed me into the intersection, so be aware and break earlier. Do not forget to put and LOCK the lock pin on the hitch and always use chains.
Thanks for sharing
Excellent video. You could have spoken more or backing up, but since you don't have reverse on your bike, it would have been difficult. Ether way, I enjoyed it
Good point!
I can see a problem in your thumbnail. Your trailer is a semi-trailer, with a significant portion of its weight resting on the hitch. For a motorcycle, or any other vehicle NOT designed specifically for hauling semi-trailers, you should only use full trailers, where ALL or nearly all of the weight is supported on the trailer’s own axles. Also, if you could rig an electrical brake system for the motorcycle trailer, it would help a lot.
All great points. But this set up has only 10% of the total weight on the tongue and is designed specifically for motorcycles. It’s an awesome trailer
first thing you need to know is ------ get a car and do that crap. Bikes are about freedom and enjoying the road, not pulling trailers........come on guys
Cages are not as fun.
Oh I'm going to work on surge brakes on trailer!
Very nice video thank you
but Lucy wants to get a rock from every place we've been. :)
2 things I must add: YOU TWO ARE AWESOME, also I watched the ' Old Guy ' video months ago, truly scary 👍
Thanks David.
The guy who lost his trailer just curious what happened to the safety chains?!?!??
His channel is @oldguyonabike he has a complete video of this. I think they broke
No problem with my Can Am RTL, I have reverse, great videos, thanks for all the travel tips
May I ask what trailer you have???I have a 2022 Can-Am Spyder RTL and for the life of me I can’t find a freedom trailer… And the bush tech has a six pin connector😢… now I’m looking at a discovery trailer from the USA trailer store.
I am buying a Goldwing and it supposedly has a trailer package. So this is invaluable info. Just saying because it's my ladies idea.
Thanks glad you found it helpful. BTW this was Chris’s idea also.
a lot of this applies to mcycle fixed luggage too...
so I have pulled trailers with a vehicle of one sort or another logging to delivery vans and I learned one thing here .. the swivel hitch,
then I wondered if trailer brakes would be useful ?
Oh and YES I have an 83 GOLDING , just sayin..😁
Brakes would be for the big trailers but mine does not have them.
-A 38 year old bike? Don't be embarrassed to say U can't afford to up date. We all get into jams from time to time. We understand,pal.
What I'd like to know is how it feels to tow with a stock Harley 88. Does it feel like you're dragging an anchor? How much does it change acceleration? Does it impact hill climbing? What happens when the trailer hits a bump? Does it jostle the bike? How big of a difference between the old trailer and the new one?
A few years ago a company offered a reverse that runs off the starter. This is a available on Harley 3 wheelers. Been watching Old Guy for a couple years.
Thanks for putting this out there. I get a lot of questions from other riders about my trailer and how it handles and I give pretty much the same advice you convey here.
Glad it was helpful!
There are trialing coursing you can take.
When you started on your adventure, we was surprised that you didn't get a camper trailer.The couple that we travel with pull one and love it. Fast and easy camp set up and breakdown, also lots of storage. We were looking to purchase the Aspen King size, and heading out for 2 years but our plans changed. Hopefully we can get back on track next year.Yeah Honda have reverse...Get one lol.
Great advice.
Yes we considered one of those, but we decided to use what we had in the garage at the time. but who knows what the future holds 🤔🤔
Have a Kwik Kamp and had a Aspen Classic . Both are great for camping and not a hassle to tow with a Goldwing.
Thank you for the video . Sometimes there might be something in the road that you missed running over with the bike , but not the trailer ! Just pointing it out . Since you camp most of the time in camp grounds , how hard is it riding in dirt and gravel ?
So true about missing something with the bike, but not the trailer. However, we haven't had that experience - hopefully never. I did install a TPMS system on the trailer tires just for that scenario. As for riding in dirt and gravel, there isn't an issue with the trailer - it tracks along behind the bike just like on paved roads.
Great info thanks
There are alot of bikes that are not rated to pull trailers too.
Like the Vespas. But don't tell anyone in Asia that they cannot be overloaded 🤣🤣
Glad we found your channel! My husband and I are HD enthusiasts that are non riders..we just love attending HD events locally. We live near HD Atlanta in Lithia Springs, Ga. Stay safe & warm..definitely stay closer to the warmer climes..we both LOVE Montana & the Black Hills area of SD. We've been to Sturgis several times starting back in 2010..💗 Love & Peace..Merry Christmas from the Carlisle's
Awesome
If you ride a motorcycle and pull a trailer... use common sense and regular maintenance of both.
You may even want to read the user guide that comes with your trailer.
Good advice
What do you use to lock your trailer to your bike and also how do you lock/secure it when you detach it at your campsite?...chain it to a tree?
We have a cable lock to loch it up. We also bring the a luau with us when we head out for an adventure.
what is that hitch called ? do you have a link for it that helps you out ?
It’s called a Heim Joint and I found this on e at Kwick Kamp campers.
Aren't chains also required? Guess "old guy" didn't have those connected either.
Ya he had chains, Old Guy( I think his name is Jim) admitted to not getting the coupling secure and the carabiners that were attached to the chains failed once the trailer detached. The tongue on the camper did pull loose on impact. Made for a good vid though. I dint know I could get a coupling like Rich's that I could put on my Roll-A-Home or my cargo trailer.
I've been pulling trailers for 25 years, haven't had the standard ball type coupling come loose. But then I adjust it fairly tight too. Oh and yes, I do love my Ree-verse on me Wing...
Yes there were chains. It was a series of mistakes and assumptions. I was relatively new to trailers. The chains were longer than they should as I had been pulling with the car for a trip. The previous owner just had open hooks holding the chains in place. I had not checked to see if the ball was seated. The coupler was locked above the ball. I still don't know why it did not come off on my way out of the campground over bumpy ground. Sometimes being wrong gets you being lucky. When it did pop off, the long chains let the tongue hit the pavement. If I had hit the brakes, the tongue would have been into the back wheel. That would have been a disaster for me and the bike. The open hooks bent totally open and slid out of their hook points. Luckily little traffic on a weekday in beautiful Gros Morne National Park. I now have good chains, the right length and a procedure to check everything before I ride. Hint: you can use your glove over the front brake lever to activate the brakes lights during your checks when you have no one else with you to check your lights.
@@OldGuyonaBike Great recap. I was pulling my cargo and forgot to put the lock on the pin upon leaving. I was luckier than you. We were going slightly up hill when the tongue came off the ball due to riding over a bridge with a little pump. Wife and I both heard a dragging sound and I know immediately what it was. We were dragging the trailer. I just did a slow stop and reattached the trailed to the hitch. I had to find a metal clip to use for the lock pin until we hit the next town. Replaced with a new lock pin from the local Walmart. I am very experience at towing with the bike, but I forgot one thing in my hookup process. Thankful it only cost me a new lock pin.
@@OldGuyonaBike I have never pulled a trailer, but am a lifelong rider. That said, it seems to me that having the trailer safety-chained to the bike would be more dangerous. I would prefer to have break-away brakes, a tongue skid so the trailer tongue can't jab into the asphalt and go pole vaulting down the highway, and no safety-chains. Based on your experience, what are your thoughts on that??
@@charlieswearingen500 This is the first motorcycle trailer I have hauled and I had limited experience with a family tent trailer behind the station wagon in my late teens. In Canada and I'm pretty sure all states, it is the law that you have functional safety chains or rated wire-rope tethers. Since first posting that video and in other touring forums I have found a vocal number of people saying they don't use them or have gone as far as using plastic Halloween chains to hide the fact they don't use them. I thought I was doing the right thing but I did not have the proper equipment and I blew it on the hookup. I think that all trailer runaways are the operators fault. Even if it was equipment failure it would have to be neglect in inspection. A hitch or ball or any other type of connector does not suddenly disengage. It will show looseness or cracks when you inspect it before you ride. It is your trailer... it is your responsibility. I would have been sick if the trailer had hit an oncoming car or a hiker at the side of the road. I also would have been sued into the next century. The chances of the trailer coming off randomly are almost nil... and if your chains are the proper length and crossed to cradle the tongue I am confident that one can bring their trailer to a controlled (and slow) stop. I have never felt unsafe hauling the trailer. It felt a little awkward the first 100 km. when I picked it up 2 days ride from home, but it was easy to adapt to. I am just always aware that I am hauling it. Rich and Chris have done a good job covering the things you need to think about. I would not tow without the chains especially now that I know I have the right length and that they are properly hooked up. My pre-ride checks make me sure I won't have to rely on them. I had a very cheap lesson in the long run.
One thing you did not mention is bumps. When pulling a trailer, bumps are more difficult to avoid because you have three wheel tracks, instead of one. Hitting a large bump, pothole, etc. with either trailer tire will give you a substancial wiggle. The bigger the bump, the bigger the wiggle. It's usually not a big problem, but something to be aware of.
This made me realize that a trailer is not for me, and in my ignorance probably wouldve gotten hurt, thankyou 🙌
How much space should be between the back of the bike and the front of the trailer?
I don't know exactly the distance. But I have always made sure the distance from the rear wheel of the bike, to the wheels of the trailer are about 2/3 the total length of the bike. Just my thought and opinion though
Thanks for making this video. You guys seem like good people! Hope to see you out on the road
Our pleasure!
Thanks! This is a great list of information and guidance! Really helpful!
Glad you liked. Thanks.
Nice video, and as a long time trailer puller, I'd agree with about 99.9% of everything you said.
In line with tongue weight, I've seen a lot of trailers (usually cheaper ones) with what I felt was too short of a tongue. (Mine is from a J.C. Whitney Catalog, and looks very much like what Harbor Freight sells, now.) I added about 8 inches to the tongue and have never had issues towing it. This also gave me room for a small rack for a cooler so I can always have water/ice handy.
2nd thing I did, was added separate turn signal lights. (If you don't have them). This allowed me to NOT use a special adapter and the turn signals are more noticeable. (currently using LED lights)
3rd, I switched from a 8 inch wheel to a 12 inch wheel. (Biggest tire that would fit under my fenders). The Trailer handles better and takes chuck holes much better and a lot less wear on the trailers wheel bearings/grease seals.
Once again! Great video! Love the content you guys make! Keep it up!
And last but not least, emergency braking??? for gettta bout it.
Whats the solar panel hooked to ? So generate electric for lights , ....i find that interesting
all of camera gear and computers along with lights.
Very good information for two wheels there are a few more things to watch for if you're on three wheels 👍
Good stuff ... I also have a RUclips channel and I pulled a Hannigan trailer with my GoldWing...... great content