I took this trailer on a 6,300 mile trip from northern California to Kansas City, Little Rock, Idaho and back. I was impressed on how well it behaved itself. Except for a noticeable bit more clutch use when starting to move, there is really not much of a feeling while riding that something is behind you. When towing with a vehicle, like a pull trailer behind a SUV, there is ample feedback to help you remember that "it" is back there.
One of the noteworthy things I learned on the trip was that the trailer will tow without problem during "hellish" crosswinds and driving rain. While heading east from Abilene Kansas, there was a colossal thunderstorm moving slow to the north; threatening to cut off my route. The storm was so large I think it would have taken about 8 hours for it to clear my path. I suited up and headed east hoping to beat it. Though I had to lower my speed to about 40 mph in the driving rain and wind, the trailer tracked true with no indication of slipping sideways, no leaks.
One very important thing I learned was that when pulling a trailer with a motorcycle, gradual acceleration is important because if you accelerate like you normally do without a trailer, you will peel the tread right off your rear tire. When I left home, I had nearly 80 percent of my tread. When I got to Branson, MO, all the tread was gone and cord was nearly showing. Of course, getting a tire while out on a trip was very expensive. When I arrived home, I had nearly all my tread because I used my "new" acceleration technique. Finally, I have made long cross country trips without a trailer and with. The great thing about a trailer is that you can carry kitchen items and food as well as being able to lock things up.
I appreciate all of the help I received from the participants of the Delphi Motorcycle Trailer Towing forum in helping to make these trailers successful.
This is really the tale of two trailers. The Harbor Freight trailer with a Sears cartop carrier (#1) and the other being a Harbor Freight "Tag-a-long" trailer, (#2), which are now discontinued. However, Northern Tool offers a trailer that looks like a Tag-a-long, with some nice improvements.
(Click a photo for larger view)
This is my first trailer, the Harbor Freight/Sears Cartop carrier. I logged a lot of mileage on that trailer. In 2009 I towed it with my Harley, a 2004 Road King Custom to Key West, FL then on to Daytona Beach where the bike and trailer stayed for the winter. Photo was taken along Hwy 395 south of Walker, CA.
In the following spring, I continued my trip with my final NE destination, the east end of the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia.This photo was taken in N.S. on a waterway fed by the Bay of Fundy. When the tide comes in, it produces a wave which locally is called the "Tidal Bore."
By the time I made it home, I had ridden on 9,300 miles on that leg alone and I saw more than 60 different attractions along the way, many of the best attractions are listed here. There was no problem with the trailer at any time, but in upper Ohio, I had to replace the tires and I serviced the bearings as well. I averaged 39 miles per gallon towing the trailer.
This photo was taken on the "Beartooth Highway" with my Tag-a-long trailer.
This photo was taken on the "Beartooth Highway" with my new Tag-a-long trailer.
Trailer #1 Behind my '95 Heritage Softail. I originally went with 2 bicycle kickstands and I was not happy with them because of there asymmetrical look and they were not all that sturdy. I since have installed a regular trailer stand and it works a lot better.
In the building process, I narrowed the trailer axle by 6.5 inches. I would recommend only 5.5 inches because the fenders were squeezing the shell a little. I ended up spacing the fenders out 1/2 and inch on each side to resolve the problem. I lengthened the tongue and added an additional cross member out of angle iron. I am very happy about the way it tracks, no sway at all.
In the little box in the front I mainly carried riding clothing. This was very handy for helping to make quick changes. I didn't try to carry an ice chest since then I would have to be searching for ice every couple of days.
I installed some small bumpers in the back. I can plug in some other longer ones and set the whole thing on its back edge. When storing for the winter, I remove the shell and store the trailer separately. I ended up mounting the license plate up high on the shell.
Rear view, the whole trailer is fairly streamlined since the top was built for the top of a car.
In order to support the lid, I made holders from PVC, so far, they worked great. If The wind is blowing, I have the option of clipping the supports to an attachment point on the bottom of the carrier. The attachment is actually eye bolts that also fasten the carrier to the trailer. These lower the lid a bit.
Here's a closer look at how the PVC support rod is made.
These containers will keep things from moving around. I have a strap attached to the box in the front, it holds everything back. With the wheels located so far toward the back, it would be real easy to overload the hitch. If necessary, I can move the whole carrier 4 inches further aft using another set of holes. My next phase will be to build a support for the spare tire behind the axle and under the deck.
This is how I stored the trailer during the off season, it took up a minimal amount of space.
I wanted to make a carrier for a couple of chock blocks and a spare fuel can. It had to be inexpensive, lightweight and functional. This is what I came up with it is made from a surplus ammo can. Specific "step by step" instructions on how I made this carrier are available on this link.
It's sort of ironic, since carrying the extra fuel, I never had to use it but it sure gave me a lot of peace of mind. The fuel was also available for anyone that needed it.
Obviously, the black color of carrier would be greatly heated up by the sun. So to provide some airflow while motoring down the road. This inexpensive solution is what I came up with. The slot that catches the air can be turned 90 degrees to the bottom when it is raining. Here's how it is constructed. Two of these are also installed on the back lid to provide an exit for the hot air.
Question, When is a trailer bumper not a bumper? Answer, when it's a lug wrench. I had been "lugging" around a 1/2 inch breaker bar to use, if, and when, I need to change one of the trailer tires. But, I always like to find ways to multi-task whenever possible. This is what I came up with.
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