Considering getting a pull behind trailer for my freewheeler. Pros and cons please

[beagleman]

Considering getting a pull behind trailer for my freewheeler. Pros and cons please

Hello folks. Although the Harley owners manual STRONGLY discourages pulling a trailer with a trike, I have gotten the bug to get one for extended touring and MC camping. As part of my due diligence I'm asking for opinions pro or con from anyone who's been there/done that. And any recommendations for trailers and for hitches that would be quick detach or hidden when not in use.

 

[Tucci]

Trailer

Friend has a 2014 triglide and hooked up a trailer last summer. I had a fw and we left n.e. Pa rode to Louisville Ky, then to Nashville, Memphis, back to Nashville then to Gatlinburg Tn. Caught in torrential rains from Nashville to Gatlinburg. Rode home without a problem. Trailer packed to top (both wives took multiple bags) and i loaded in all my gear. Trailer tracked perfect. Ten days and 2500+ miles.

 

[Tucci]

Trailer on triglide

Nashville

 

[Freewheeling Ron]

This is the hitch I put on mine. From a bit of reading it seemed to be the most robust. Completely hidden when removed. If you still have a warranty, installing a hitch will most likely nullify it.

https://openroadoutfitters.com/freewheeler-hitch-2014-hidden/

I towed a Aluma MCT and never knew it was back there, even on the twisties. I would recommend you do some heat abatement if you haven't already, like Love Jugs and auxillary oil cooler.

 

[beagleman]

Thanks for the info, Ron. I have seen that hitch and at a lower price. As for the love jugs, already have them since I live in Florida. Also been looking at that trailer. Good to know you haven't had any problems.

 

[3-4me]

pulling a trailer

I have pulled a trailer for years ,bought the frame from harbor freight [48in by 40 ] used ultra light materials to box it in along with a section for our Doberman to ride in we camp at K O A ,s their clean secure & have laundry & hot showers. last year we were out for 7 weeks with out a hitch you just have to load it correctly &ride accordingly[a little slower]I had to change the rear tire because this was on a 2wheeler[Harley soft tail]I am going to get a freewheeler this spring[a couple of false hip replacements]I would think pulling one behind a trike would. be a cakewalk there is a great selection out there now a days & I am going to get a leisure lite . hope this helped

 

[18Wheeler]

I have a Bushtec Turbo 2+ trailer and hitch. I pull it with my RG and my CVO Ultra before. only negative I have is backing the thing up and remembering its behind me. Thinking about putting a hitch on the wifes Freewheeler. Trailer weighs about 125lbs empty, 225lbs of load capacity, and the wife can get close to that number packing. storage capacity of a Cadillac ats trunk "25cuft", Cooler on the tongue. A arm with air shock suspension, once you get the trailer air suspension set for the load its only noticeable when taking off and stopping, it eats bumps and pot holes like they aren't there. Its nice having the camp chairs, extra helmets "full face", we usually pack the heavy leathers or heated gear also depending on our destination. At rallies when we have a "group room" to run to the store get food, drinks, ice etc with the trailer, one run and done. Down side is if you still have a warranty. It WILL VOID your power train warranty. As far as I know the Can am is the only bike that you can pull a trailer with that won't void the warranty but you have to by there hitch and trailer. I had a few ppl laugh at me when I got it. after the first 4day trip down to the Dragon and Maggie Valley with all the parking lot party gear and extras, 2 of them went out and bought trailers and love them.

 

[beagleman]

I have pulled a trailer for years ,bought the frame from harbor freight [48in by 40 ] used ultra light materials to box it in along with a section for our Doberman to ride in we camp at K O A ,s their clean secure & have laundry & hot showers. last year we were out for 7 weeks with out a hitch you just have to load it correctly &ride accordingly[a little slower]I had to change the rear tire because this was on a 2wheeler[Harley soft tail]I am going to get a freewheeler this spring[a couple of false hip replacements]I would think pulling one behind a trike would. be a cakewalk there is a great selection out there now a days & I am going to get a leisure lite . hope this helped

Thank you for the valuable info. I'm very appreciative of the anecdotes and it makes me really want to gear up for some camping excursions and ralley's. I am really enjoying my 2018 Freewheeler. Safe riding, my friend!

 

[beagleman]

I have a Bushtec Turbo 2+ trailer and hitch. I pull it with my RG and my CVO Ultra before. only negative I have is backing the thing up and remembering its behind me. Thinking about putting a hitch on the wifes Freewheeler. Trailer weighs about 125lbs empty, 225lbs of load capacity, and the wife can get close to that number packing. storage capacity of a Cadillac ats trunk "25cuft", Cooler on the tongue. A arm with air shock suspension, once you get the trailer air suspension set for the load its only noticeable when taking off and stopping, it eats bumps and pot holes like they aren't there. Its nice having the camp chairs, extra helmets "full face", we usually pack the heavy leathers or heated gear also depending on our destination. At rallies when we have a "group room" to run to the store get food, drinks, ice etc with the trailer, one run and done. Down side is if you still have a warranty. It WILL VOID your power train warranty. As far as I know the Can am is the only bike that you can pull a trailer with that won't void the warranty but you have to by there hitch and trailer. I had a few ppl laugh at me when I got it. after the first 4day trip down to the Dragon and Maggie Valley with all the parking lot party gear and extras, 2 of them went out and bought trailers and love them.

Thank you so much for that great info. Really gets me excited to pursue the trailer idea. I really appreciate the image of the Bushtec. That looks really nce! I will be going to Daytona Bike week soon and hope to see what's available there. Now that I am widowed, I hope to do some touring and hope to use a trailer to carry camping gear and extra clothes etc. I want to take a trip to Key West this year and maybe make the pilgrimage to Sturgis and I know it would really come in handy in large venue events where accomodations might be problematic. My only concern is the warrantee issue on the powertrain. I'll research that aspect more. Happy and safe riding, Friend!

 

[Burnerboy]

Personally I wouldn't even think about leaving for a four plus day ride w/o hauling my trailer behind me...........Believe it or not but with a trike you have no idea it's even behind you, even when I was on two wheels it was a delight to tow..........

My Roadsmith trike came with a tow package already installed..........

life is good!

Ronnie

 

[beagleman]

Thanks, Ronnie for the information and encouragement.

 

[18Wheeler]

Thank you so much for that great info. Really gets me excited to pursue the trailer idea. I really appreciate the image of the Bushtec. That looks really nce! I will be going to Daytona Bike week soon and hope to see what's available there. Now that I am widowed, I hope to do some touring and hope to use a trailer to carry camping gear and extra clothes etc. I want to take a trip to Key West this year and maybe make the pilgrimage to Sturgis and I know it would really come in handy in large venue events where accomodations might be problematic. My only concern is the warrantee issue on the powertrain. I'll research that aspect more. Happy and safe riding, Friend!

Bushtec used to carry/partner with a Pop up Camper trailer brand. I believe it was a queen size bed, had a port for a portable ac unit. little sitting area with a table, and it had an awning. it had 18cbft of storage. I believe it was called a bunkhouse camper. I was looking at one of those until the wife said if it didn't have a shower in it she wasn't camping hahaha. There website is a bit messed up currently and not showing the turbo +2. they may be releasing a newer model.

 

[Freewheeling Ron]

If you’re traveling a lot you might want to check out a camper trailer like Leesure Lite. They have ample room for storage plus gives you a nice shelter that goes up quick. I have a heavier camper, a Roll a Home, and I knew it was there when towing with my 2015 Freewheeler. It’s got electric brakes and king bed so it’s 385 lbs before you load it up. A Leesure Lite and other smaller tent campers are lighter and make great trailers for travelers and campers.

 

[beagleman]

If you’re traveling a lot you might want to check out a camper trailer like Leesure Lite. They have ample room for storage plus gives you a nice shelter that goes up quick. I have a heavier camper, a Roll a Home, and I knew it was there when towing with my 2015 Freewheeler. It’s got electric brakes and king bed so it’s 385 lbs before you load it up. A Leesure Lite and other smaller tent campers are lighter and make great trailers for travelers and campers.

Thanks for the info, Ron. I'll be anxious to see what might be available to look at in a couple weeks at Daytona! Happy camping!

 

[hunta2]

Trike trailer

Hello folks. Although the Harley owners manual STRONGLY discourages pulling a trailer with a trike, I have gotten the bug to get one for extended touring and MC camping. As part of my due diligence I'm asking for opinions pro or con from anyone who's been there/done that. And any recommendations for trailers and for hitches that would be quick detach or hidden when not in use.

I have a 2015 Freewheeler and just finished building a trailer for the same purpose. I used a Harbor Freight 40x48 trailer with a sears xtra-cargo carrier mounted on it. Works and tows great, just remember to not overload or exceed the weight limits. I used a trailer hitch from Kuryakyn and wired the trailer and trike with a flat 4 connector, so far everything works ok. Enjoy and hope to see you down the road.