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Hints on pulling a trailer

Discussion in 'Pull up a chair and sit for a spell' started by HarleysLR, Jun 7, 2011.

  1. HarleysLR

    HarleysLR Active Member

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    I am going to start pulling a trailer with my bike, I've pulled lots of different kinds of trailers with trucks but never a bike, so what are some of the do's and don'ts of pulling with a softtail. I installed an MCHitch today still have the wiring to do.
    HarleysLR, Jun 7, 2011
    #1
  3. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    this is how i do it. i started with about 100 lbs of sand bags. then got out on some back roads....course every road around me is a back road.....the thing to remember is your stopping distance. it will increase. load the trailer with about 30 lbs on the tongue. set the stand on a bathroom scale. you dont want it too heavy or light....just like on a big rig. try to park so ya dont have to back up.....very important!!!!!! when pulling into get gas, dont get to close to the pumps.....another very,very important rule to remember!!!
    the rest is just common sence....and a bit of practice, especially the stopping distance...let us know how ya do.....and if ya got questions.....ask away!!
    chucktx, Jun 7, 2011
    #2
  4. Sleepy

    Sleepy Well-Known Member

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    oh oh ..gone to the dark side.

    Trailers..lots of folks hate 'em but they can be handy. You've pulled trailers with 4 wheels or more and you're aware of the extra length, weight etc and how that impacted the handling of your truck. I try to make sure that the trailer I pull [loaded] is no more than 50 per cent of the weight of the bike. In fact I'm closer to 30 per cent. I don't like the idea of the tail wagging the dog. My trailer has the torsion block suspension, it's a little stiff so I run 15- 20 lbs air pressure in the trailer tires. The thought behind that is that when the trailer hits a bump on the road it goes up and comes down and the tires take up a lot of the shock load so it settle down in a hurry. Load your trailer so that you have 20-30 lbs on the tongue..a poorly loaded trailer is not a lot of fun at all. One don't is don't front park in a downhill spot with a trailer..hard enough walking a bike back, adding a trailer can be a lot of work. The biggest thing for me is knowing that it's back there and ride accordingly. you can still make good time and have fun..but it's a little harder to pull out and pass..takes a little longer to stop and you may have to gear down to go up the steep hills.all in all not a bad way to go.

    and what Chuck said is good advice
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2011
    Sleepy, Jun 7, 2011
    #3
  5. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I've pulled trailers for many years and have taught classes on pulling trailers with a motorcycle. If you send me a PM with your E-mail I'll E-mail you a copy of an article I wrote a few years ago called pulling a tailer that also includes a check list. Its way to long to post here. I can convert it to a PDF but don't know how to attach a PDF to the forum.
    FLHTbiker, Jun 7, 2011
    #4
  6. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Also one thing to remember when checking your tongue weight you need to measure the weight at the height of your hitch.
    FLHTbiker, Jun 7, 2011
    #5

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