HD and towing trailers

[Phu Cat]

There has been much speculation by mechanics, salesmen, upper management types and HTT members in the past about whether or not pulling a trailer voids the warranty on a Harley. I was so confused I wrote a letter to HD and got this response from them just now. (I told them I was thinking of buying a new 2016 Tglide.):

Page 7 of the 2012 Triglide owners manual states "Do not pull a trailer with a motorcycle. Pulling a trailer with a motorcycle can cause tire overload, damage and failure, reduced braking performance, adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury." The same disclosure will also be found in the 2016 Owners Manual. If you decide to tow a trailer it will void certain areas that are directly affected by the added weight so for example the suspension portion would be voided but the electrical portion would continue.

There you have it straight from the horse's mouth. But it doesn't make any sense to me. Our trailer doesn't put any more than 10# of weight on the rear suspension, much less than the average adult passenger. And unless you use a "bypass" system for your trailer electrical system, your trailer would put a lot more load on the Harley's electrical system. Seems like they really have it back assward!

Any way, since only getting your suspension warranty voided, that isn't too much to worry about. Sounds like we're free to trailer on. This info came from somebody named Mic Erwin in HD's Customer Care.

PC

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I got a similar letter when I asked the same question ... mine stated the extra weight being pulled would result in voiding the engine and possibly the tranny portion of the warrantee ... bottom line, remove the hitch before bringing it to an HD Dealer, or when you need warrantee work

[DK Custom Products]

Since the big lawsuit a couple of years ago against the auto manufacturer, it seems all vehicle manufacturers (including HD) have let up on their "warranty is void if you...fill in the blank".

It wasn't too long ago that it was printed right in the owners manual that if you towed a trailer the warranty was void on the entire bike.

10 years ago I had my Road King at a dealership for warranty work. The district manager saw the trailer hitch on it and let the dealership finish the warranty work they had already promised me, but he also voided any future warranty work on that bike, at any dealership, from that point forward...because of the hitch.

If you ever have a engine/primary/transmission warranty claim, and they know you pulled a trailer, it may not be so difficult for them to prove that if you had not been pulling the 300# (or more) trailer, there would not have been a problem.

I know that's not good news. But it does make a bit of sense, especially with the Tri-Glides and Freewheelers that already have more weight and wind drag.

Kevin

[Sloufoot]

Dave Zien is a famous rider that put over 1,000,000 miles on his Harley. His warranty was voided on his drive-train for carrying flags all the time. He had his clutch fail on his '14 bike which Harley says is the fault of the non Harley parts used for mounting the flags, giving the ability to mount large flags on the bike causing too much drag on the drive-train.
Here is a link to the story:

http://www.jsonline.com/business/mot...260267341.html

Here is a link to his story doing the million miles.


http://www.bikernet.com/pages/First_...yDavidson.aspx

[consitter]

I got a similar letter when I asked the same question ... mine stated the extra weight being pulled would result in voiding the engine and possibly the tranny portion of the warrantee ... bottom line, remove the hitch before bringing it to an HD Dealer, or when you need warrantee work

Or ANY parts that might void a warranty. They look hard for that stuff (unless they have put in on, then they might turn a blind eye).

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I think I'd hang on to the letter you got though ... might be some good evidence if you ever got to the point of court or maybe a district rep that was having a bad day and taking it out on you ... you know ... a hammer to hold over their head ...

[GARYD]

Or ANY parts that might void a warranty. They look hard for that stuff (unless they have put in on, then they might turn a blind eye).

That's what I was told last year when I wanted some engine work done on my TG. He told me that H-D might not cover what I wanted, but they would if they installed it. And if it happened out on the road, the dealer(he) would reimburse me for any repairs. So it looks like it's a dealer thing.

- - - Updated - - -

[RickDeVon]

I will just say this...Buy New and ride them hard till the warranty is gone...Cam'em build'em the way you want...if you brake it just build it bigger and better...I have been buying my cams and may even do a 107 kit...during the 2 year break end do chrome and lighting...even exhaust...
You paid for it and maybe even an extended warranty....if be careful with a hitch and motor work...js

[pddgm]

Since I don't ever plan on buying a new Harley, don't have to worry about it. But what really pisses me off is, in most HD dealerships, you will find a trailer hitch on display and they sell them and install them. I would think in a court of law, that would make the dealer or HD responsible for anything that happens under warranty to the bike. I know on my O5, they tried to tell me towing a trailer or using the hitch as a mount for a flag holder wasn't good for the bike. I towed the trailer over 5000 miles and don't know how many PGR missions and parades I flew the flag. Never had a problem related to either. As most companies, in my opinion they are looking for ways to void the warranty and cut their expenses..




Joe

[Moe55]

I tow a trailer to carry my wives wheelchair and have for thousands of miles. When we went from 2 wheels to 3 talked to the dealer before buying anything. I said not having a trailer is not an option and I am not spending that much money and no warranty. He had no problem with the trailer. He said they wanted to put the hitch on so if they had to remove it they knew how it went on. Okay that seamed reasonable. As long as we brought it to him for warranty there would be no problem. Now I do all my own work it never sees the service department unless there is a warranty issue. They have fixed all recalls and one minor problem no one said anything about the hitch.

Our trailer weight 125 pounds and the wheelchair weight 40 pounds not much else goes in the trailer. We have towed it for about 70,000 miles on a 2 wheels and about 17,000 on 3 wheels. Never had any problem wearing out anything.

Have also been told that if there is a medical reason for the trailer Harley can and will make an exception and honor warranty. Not sure how true that is but have heard it from several sources.

[Texan]

Next time you have a run in with a regional manager or service manager stating something about the extra weight ask him about a 300# girl friend..... much more added weight than a 32# tongue weight. Or better yet ask 'em about Harley sidecars. That was about 500# added to the bike plus a passenger.

Just get you a copy of the Magnuson-Moss Act and carry it around in your tour-pak. Great reading when you're having problems getting to sleep.

8~\o

[Bruhow]

There has been much speculation by mechanics, salesmen, upper management types and HTT members in the past about whether or not pulling a trailer voids the warranty on a Harley. I was so confused I wrote a letter to HD and got this response from them just now. (I told them I was thinking of buying a new 2016 Tglide.):

Page 7 of the 2012 Triglide owners manual states "Do not pull a trailer with a motorcycle. Pulling a trailer with a motorcycle can cause tire overload, damage and failure, reduced braking performance, adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury." The same disclosure will also be found in the 2016 Owners Manual. If you decide to tow a trailer it will void certain areas that are directly affected by the added weight so for example the suspension portion would be voided but the electrical portion would continue.

There you have it straight from the horse's mouth. But it doesn't make any sense to me. Our trailer doesn't put any more than 10# of weight on the rear suspension, much less than the average adult passenger. And unless you use a "bypass" system for your trailer electrical system, your trailer would put a lot more load on the Harley's electrical system. Seems like they really have it back assward!

Any way, since only getting your suspension warranty voided, that isn't too much to worry about. Sounds like we're free to trailer on. This info came from somebody named Mic Erwin in HD's Customer Care.

PC

A trike is not a motorcycle it has three wheels. Therefor everything they said means absolutely nothing.

[Lee H. Mann]

Bruce, Welcome to Trike Talk Forum.

You probably should use the members introduction thread first.

According to NHTSA

“Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. Motor-driven cycle means a motorcycle with a motor that produces 5-brake horsepower or less.”

According to FHWA

Motorcycles:

1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling).
   
2. A seat or saddle for driver and passengers.
   
3. Wheel rim diameters 10 inches or more.
   
4. Do not include an enclosure for the driver or passengers.
   
5. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles — a motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit.
   

Motorcycles With Enclosures:

1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling).
   
2. A seat or saddle (in-line or side-by-side) for driver and passengers.
   
3. Wheel rim diameters 10 inches.
   
4. Includes an enclosure for the driver or passengers
   
5. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles — a motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit.
   

[Bruhow]

Bruce, Welcome to Trike Talk Forum.

You probably should use the members introduction thread first.

According to NHTSA

“Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. Motor-driven cycle means a motorcycle with a motor that produces 5-brake horsepower or less.”

According to FHWA

Motorcycles:

1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling).
   
2. A seat or saddle for driver and passengers.
   
3. Wheel rim diameters 10 inches or more.
   
4. Do not include an enclosure for the driver or passengers.
   
5. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles — a motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit.
   

Motorcycles With Enclosures:

1. Two or three wheels in contact with the ground (excluding trailers suitable for motorcycle hauling).
   
2. A seat or saddle (in-line or side-by-side) for driver and passengers.
   
3. Wheel rim diameters 10 inches.
   
4. Includes an enclosure for the driver or passengers
   
5. Sidecars and trailers are not regarded as separate vehicles — a motorcycle and sidecar or trailer is reported as a single unit.
   

mo·tor·cy·cle

(mō′tər-sī′kəl)n.A two-wheeled motor vehicle resembling a heavy bicycle, sometimes having a sidecar with athird wheel.

[Lee H. Mann]

motorcycle



noun

Definition of motorcycle for English Language Learners

• : a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by a motor and that can carry one or two people
  

But which rules will play out in a civil court ???

The manufacturer(s) follows the rules set by the Federal Government, and of course California, NOT WEBSTER's rules !!

According to Webster, and your argument, a Segway would be a motorcycle TOO ????



Definition of a Motor according to Webster



1. one that imparts motion; specifically

: prime mover

: any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: such as

: a small compact engine

: internal combustion engine especially

: a gasoline engine

: a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical

energy