Trailer Opinions Please

[sonny8l3]

I have aquired an old, mid '60s early '70s, Apache pop up camper. All aluminum and fiberglass, no canvas. It's already gutted and the fella guesses it weighs about 1000lbs. Folded up, it's about 13' long incuding the tongue and about 6 1/2' wide. I ride a home made, wet weight 1040 lds. '71 vw trike. Any opinions on how well a '71 would do pulling it? Thanks for your time.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Just my humble opinion, but I think a 1k trailer might be a tad squirrelly behind a 1040# trike.

[Cleatusj]

If the gooseneck hitch hooked up between the drivers legs, the front wheel could be used for steering most of the time. Just my .02 .

[Doug D.]

I have to agree with Fuzzy, that sounds like a lot of trailer for such a light tow vehicle. Depending on tongue weight and height at the hitch, she might get a little light in the front end when you take off. Just thinkin' out loud...

PEACE and ride safe!

[DeathBySnuSnu]

You would probably have the power to pull it.

But that is only one part of what all has to happen.

If you ever get into an emercency/tight spot/panic situation you will not be able to stop or controll the tow weight. It is going to hurt you one day.

[LarryA]

that tail would definitley wag that dog!

[FuzzyWuzHe]

that tail would definitley wag that dog!

Well put ... Ive recently be learning a lot about trailers ... LOL ... Mostly stuff I didn't want to know. I've learned that very minor changes really affect the towing experience. In short ... I was modifying a light utility trailer to be a work trailer for my "Pool Repair Business". With all the tools and parts mounted in boxes, the tongue weight was more than I could lift comfortably. Since I hook this up to my Jeep almost every day in the summer, I wanted it to be easily connected. I had a "Bright" idea. I purchased a set of spring hangers from a trailer supply place and proceeded to mount them to allow me to move the axle forward about 8".

The Good: Trailer was well balanced and I could move it around easily.

The Bad: Above about 45-50 mph, The tail definitely wagged and almost affected the dog.

Fortunately, I didn't remove the original mounts so I just had to unbolt it and move it back. Welded a jack with a wheel to the tongue to help loading it.

I know my experience doesn't quite compare to what the OP is doing or trying to, but it does demonstrate how minor things affect the "safe" towing of trailers. Not saying you shouldn't pull the trailer, just that I'd be really cautious until you get a feel for how it handles.

[stinger608]

I wouldn't attempt to pull a trailer that was more than about 500 pounds.

I think a good rule of thumb is; don't pull anything heavier than about 1/2 the weight of the trike.

I'd honestly take that across a scale to weigh the trailer. If it's gutted and all it might not weigh in at near what you might think. The frames on them pop up trailers are very cheap made and thin steel.

[rhino 2]

Well put ... Ive recently be learning a lot about trailers ... LOL ... Mostly stuff I didn't want to know. I've learned that very minor changes really affect the towing experience. In short ... I was modifying a light utility trailer to be a work trailer for my "Pool Repair Business". With all the tools and parts mounted in boxes, the tongue weight was more than I could lift comfortably. Since I hook this up to my Jeep almost every day in the summer, I wanted it to be easily connected. I had a "Bright" idea. I purchased a set of spring hangers from a trailer supply place and proceeded to mount them to allow me to move the axle forward about 8".

The Good: Trailer was well balanced and I could move it around easily.

The Bad: Above about 45-50 mph, The tail definitely wagged and almost affected the dog.

Fortunately, I didn't remove the original mounts so I just had to unbolt it and move it back. Welded a jack with a wheel to the tongue to help loading it.

I know my experience doesn't quite compare to what the OP is doing or trying to, but it does demonstrate how minor things affect the "safe" towing of trailers. Not saying you shouldn't pull the trailer, just that I'd be really cautious until you get a feel for how it handles.

Waggen the tail, Is caused by Not enough tongue weight, Or putting the load too far back on the trailer...And in extreme cases at speed the trailer will oscillate out of control and flip the trailer or even a small tow vehicle....

[MikeyTX]

I quit pulling trailers after I had one flip trying to dodge a critter headed into Yellowstone on the highway out of Cody one year. So glad I had that swivel hitch or whatever they called it that would rotate 360*.

[loosenut]

I wouldn't do it, it's too heavy and too big. Even if it weighed 200# it would be hell to handle in a cross wind or even a semi passing you.

[Loner]

Like others here I have my own set of 'ideal' weights for a trailer (and in the past I've pulled a bit of everything with trikes). My general rule is like good eyesight - I shoot for 20/20. That means that a wet (loaded) trailer should weigh no more than 20% of the trike's gross weight, and 20% of the trailer's weight should rest on its tongue.

That combination has always resulted in balanced, stable and easily controlled tow packages for me.

And if our brother member here who self-named himself 'loosenut' wouldn't tow what you describe, then that alone should set off alarms for you. (Just a lightweight joke to start out the AM, loosenut - no offense intended )

[sonny8l3]

Hello Y'all, Thanks a bunch for all the input. A lot I forgot needs to be considered. I'll go across the road and pick it up in the next day or two, as mother nature allows. I think it could turn into a pop-up box camper. mmmm, a project.

Thanks for your time