My other project...

[CaveManDave]

The tilt trailer is almost complete! Just needs a short ramp and second winch installed.

 

[Sidecarbill]

You planning on useing that with the motor in? The rear axle weight on my trike is about 1000 lbs. might not have enough tongue weight.

 

[stinger608]

You planning on useing that with the motor in? The rear axle weight on my trike is about 1000 lbs. might not have enough tongue weight.

I was just going to comment on the same issue. You will have waaaaaaaay too much back weight vs tough weight Dave!

That trailer will be swaying all over the road man.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

That trailer will be swaying all over the road man.

True That.

Maybe move the axel back. On the boat trailer I converted to a trike/bike trailer, the axel is movable (4 U bolts) and I put the trike on the trailer and moved the axel ... test drove ... moved ... etc, until I had it where it ran true.

Or, Maybe you could build a tool box on the tongue to add some weight forward.

Other options would be to put the spare on the tongue, maybe even some free weights from a weight lifting set, I see them all the time around here in garage sales ... ahhh the world of good intentions, becomes the land of garage sales.

 

[CaveManDave]

After the first test drive, we have decided to move the axle back 2 feet. As well, we are adding storage boxes and the ramp storage to the front of the trailer. I will post some more pics this week. Thanks for looking out for a fellow triker!

 

[stinger608]

Get with a trailer manufacture and discuss the axle position bro! There is a "science" to installing trailer axles that will give the best trailing for a given trailer.

And believe me, it is very important.

Most of it depends on the length of the trailer and what is being carried on said trailer.

Spokane should have some trailer manufactures available or if that doesn't work out, contact Redneck trailers. They are a great bunch of guys and are always willing to give a person advice.

Having an axle too far forward or too far back can have the same ill effects as putting too much weight on a trailer!

I guess what I'm saying is; do the science before making decisions and having ill effects which can end up costing more than just bucks bro.

 

[CaveManDave]

I will make some calls on monday. Thx.

 

[Sidecarbill]

One other thing. When I was looking at a trailer. The trailer I wanted was rated 1000 lbs. With the motorcycle offset because of the sidecar he said it wouldn't work. Thats when he told me that trailers are rated at what he called water weight. In other words the weight needs to be distributed evenly over the whole deck. He said a thousand lbs of bricks layed out in a even layer ok. But not a pallet in the middle.

 

[CaveManDave]

Put the trike on the trailer in reverse. It fit on the platform, but not enough room between the back of the trike and the tow rig.

Up for sale it goes and time to shop for a different trailer.

Thanks guys!

- - - Updated - - -

Going to look at this Low boy tilt trailer this afternoon. Owner will take $500.

12' long x 8'6" wide. 7' between the wheel wells. Looks like I can drive up in reverse and get the correct weight over the tongue. My trike is 12' long from rear bars to the front wheel and 6' wide at the rear tires.

Your thoughts guys?

 

[stinger608]

Yep, that looks like a great trailer Dave!!! And as you said, you could back the trike on it.

And wow, $500 seems like a great deal for what that is man.

 

[CaveManDave]

The owner lady said that it was 7 feet between the fender... All lies , to get us there! 5'10" and not wide enough to drive thru. I wish people could use a tape measure and not just make us drive 2.5 hours round trip for nothing! One of my pet peeves!

Oh well, on to the next!

 

[vwbug72501]

Are you towing with the Suzuki? What is the rated towing capacity of it? Make sure to do the math of trailer weight + trike. If you end up pushing the limits you might want to look at trailer brakes. You usually have to stop way quicker than you need to accelerate! An engine oil / trans oil cooler might be an upgrade for the Suzuki also.

 

[CaveManDave]

The Suzuki has the factory towing package with the transmission cooling package. With a combined trailer and cargo weight of 4,400lbs max. Here is our new trailer and it weighs 1350lbs. Tows like a dream!

 

[peteg59]

Looks good, & should be plenty rugged enough to haul your trikeThumbUp
One less "project" for you now though...

 

[CaveManDave]

I am going to add a front wind and stone blocker for the trailer. Simple enough! ThumbUp

 

[peteg59]

Good idea. Maybe a front wheel chock & an electric winch too?

 

[CaveManDave]

I will be reversing the trike and load it rear tires first. Allowing me to get the proper tongue weight for a safe and smooth ride!

 

[stinger608]

There ya go Dave!!!!! That's an awesome looking trailer man! Perfect for hauling the trike bro.

 

[CaveManDave]

Thanks Stinger!

 

[CaveManDave]

epper: