Towing anyone ?

[gallowglass]

The idea of being able to take along more gear on an extended road tour has me intrigued.

Does anyone have any experience with towing a trailer behind them and would like to share that knwledge ?

I am particularly interested in the bike hardware side of the equasion and where to purchase said hardware.

Any help gratefully appreciated.

[nevgriff64]

A few good ideas and comments posted here..

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368178

[johno]

Classic Industries in Brisbane do tow bars for most bikes, and they build trailers as well.

Or, get a sidecar

[drdave_2006]

Same trailer. Different bike







Trailer hitch specs for a DR 650

[LOFTYBOB]

Just had this one made by Shadow Trailers in Glenelg (Adelaide SA)
It's for my 09 R1200GSA,


They also made one for my 07 GSA, which we used for a Tassie trip in 07/08


but they have made towbars for my Harley Ultra Clasic,


and Honda Goldwing.


We have been towing trailers with many bikes as small as a Honda Transalp (650cc V-Twin) to 1,800cc Honda Goldwings. Depending on the bike you intend to use, the effect on the towing bike will vary.
Most noticable will be longer braking distances and slower acceleration (overtaking) times.
Another thing you have to be thinking about is not cutting corners & round a bouts too close with the bike as you will be inviting the trialer to hit the curb and possibly flip the trailer (don't ask me how I know this) but even with the trailer on its roof, the bike remained upright (360 degree swivelling trailer coupling)
Overall, they can add a lot to your touring comfort with the ability to take a lot more gear with you so you can set up a comfortable camp. Then you unhook the trailer and look around at your leasure.
Handling wise, and depending on the bike, I have only had problems with downhill hairpin corners (when doing stupid speeds) with the trailer wanting to push the bike over. But that is pressing on very hard. With normal riding at relaxed touring speeds, most trailer users will say you forget it's on there.
Good luck with your choices and touring, and ask away if you need any more help / advice.
There are about a dozen trailer manufacturers in Australia, and most of them are advertised in Australian Road Rider Magazine.
I only know of two companies that make tow bars, and they are Shadow Trailers in Adealide, and Classic Industries in QLD.
Regards Bob

[gallowglass]

Thanks Bob, I emailed them so now its wait and see.

Thanks also to everyone who replied.

Gerry

[gallowglass]

Well for better or for worse I've gone and done it.

I have lined myself up an Ali-lite trailer at a good price and he's going to include the hitch in the price.

I just need to modifify it a little to fit my bike. Collecting it all on Monday.

I will post pics when I have it all done.

Thanks again for everyones input.

[Bigem]

Another happy ending. Cool. Don't forget pics.
I like to watch!!

[bully1]

I have an Elite camper trailer that I tow with my BMW LT, It makes serious touring that much more enjoyable when you know that when your day in the saddle is finished you are going to have a comfy bed and a cold beer .

I have travelled over and back, up and down several times with this rig and as with a car and trailer you keep aware of the extra length and width you won't have any problems. The rig went exceptionally well on the great Ocean rd and Grampians.

Don't know how the KLR would pull the rig but then again bought that for a back to basics and all terrain type of travel

[johno]

A mate of mine, and myself made 2 trailers years ago, and he has towed his behind his NX650 OK. He usually tows behind a Honda Shadow 1100.

We have found that the stability of the bike is better in windy conditions with the trailer on. Seems to hold the bike straighter.
Fuel economy suffers a bit, but not as much as a sidecar.

Just make sure that the trailer has a decent length drawbar. They dont tow too well with a short bar

[vortexau]

Because of the price of factory-builts (e.g. Classic, Bandicoot, etc) I opted to go for a cheap small car-towed two-wheeler -- and modify that.

Initial choice was between the Aunger APT4300 Box Trailer ( http://www.aunger.com.au/newproduct_protrailer.html ), and the Easy Trailer model 830TA ( http://www.easytrailer.com.au/multif..._trailers.html ). The later are do-it-yourself kits from China and are all S.A.E. except for the mudflap mounts. In the US another version of these, with smaller wheels, is a common choice and known as the Harbor Freight (or HF) trailer. These are commonly cut-down smaller, have the drawbar lengthened, and are fitted with a car roof-top pod as the cargo carrying unit.

I opted for that 830TA and,after looking at how flimsy car pods sold in Oz were; decided to use the Poly tub from a trailer made for towing behind a rideon mower. ( http://www.melbournesmowercentre.com...at=21&catid=42 ) I judged this to be more impact-resistant than the material that car roof-top pods are made from.

Changes I made to the frame included drawbar lengthening, adding a swivel fitting for the coupling, and reducing spring resistance (removing the half-leaves) for lighter loads. Drawbar lengthening reducing trailer-wagging effect at the 'cycle rear wheel, and a popular final length is conceded to be coupling-to-axle equal to between 1.5 to double trailer wheel track. I opted for the 1.5 measure to still fit into a standard car park space.

I choose to add the swivel as the original Carac coupling was limited to 25° lean left & right. Cruiser riders in the US usually keep the non-swiveling fitting. A fitting of this kind can be made from a Heavy-duty lubricated hinge pin; to save cost over a factory-job.



There were 14 holes in that green tub so I made-up a surface luggage carrier from bathroom fittings and carpet edging. A couple of reflectors attached through the holes at rear.

The cover hinges at the forward edge on a piano hinge and is restrained by custom bonnet catches at the rear. Inside I have a surface made from inter-locking matting (as sold by B.C.F.), plastic side load limiters, and some eye-bolts. It is best to restrain the load from shifting.

Tow machine is a Suzuki AN650A Burgman, and tow hitch is from Classic Industries in Yandina. (Their wiring guide has incorrect colours)

[Clancy]

Having just done a couple of tow bars, there's really no mystery for anyone with a bit of fabrication skill. Just don't OVER engineer. The whole set up is only as strong as the weakest point, which, if you overdo things, is going to be the bike not the tow bar.
I'm currently gauging interest in custom built trailers. I've recently had a look at a couple of "professionally" built ones, and you could build better with a leggo set.

[johno]

I have built 3 tow bars for bikes, and one trailer.
As Clancy says, not rocket science if you have basic skills.

Am thinking along these lines again I still have the "coffin" box off my sidecar, and with a steel frame for support, would make a good trailer.

[Phil_Fong]

Is it true that trailers of this size don't require rego in Vic ??

[Clancy]

Originally Posted by Phil_Fong

Is it true that trailers of this size don't require rego in Vic ??

Yep, it's true