Trailering the sidecar rig

[Smitty901]

I wanted a trailer for general use. Also wanted it for the bikes if needed or to help out people that head this way from out of town. Always had a beat up one to use if needed up it was getting to old. And if I was going to get one the the sidecars had to fit.

Took me a while , found one with low sides and 82 inches in side. It has a folding ramp . Had it awhile now time to make it do what I want. I am moving the fenders out 1 inch one is done already to give me a little more room. Working on getting tongue weight at it's best point before installing the wheel chalk.

Bike and sidecar weight 1275 lbs. 725 over recommended load and 925 lbs under Max load. Trailer is designed to be very light at 450 lbs. The ramp is a curve type ramp that folds in two sections and stay on the rear. Surprisingly easy to ride up. The smaller rig fit well on it with a lot of room left over.



[url=https://flic.kr/p/2hVtJ5Q]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2hVtKd6]

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Nice rig ... I looked at one locally here that looked just like it. Only had a 2000# axle, I wanted closer to 3000#. Not sure what your's has, as long as you're under limits, looks like a go rig for you.

 

[Smitty901]

Nice rig ... I looked at one locally here that looked just like it. Only had a 2000# axle, I wanted closer to 3000#. Not sure what your's has, as long as you're under limits, looks like a go rig for you.

I am well under limits. working out the tongue weight. Plan is to mount a box on the sidecar side of the trail . It will hold spare tire , jack and chain help balance out the load .

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I'd mount a nice tool box across the front of the trailer. It will also act as a stone guard

 

[Smitty901]

I'd mount a nice tool box across the front of the trailer. It will also act as a stone guard

That is the plan. I need to pick the right one and figure that into the tongue weight. When I have the bike where I want it the tongue weight is in range but a little more might be better.

Was looking at that idea today.

 

[Smitty901]

Added the tool box. It is 60 inches long that gives me 11 inches on each side for other plans.



https://flic.kr/p/2i2wL9B

 

[Smitty901]

I mounted the the wheel chock for the bikes front tire today, put a couple straps on it and went for a ride. Even with no weight add to the sidecar for balance on the trailer it rode great. Ran it from 30mph to 80 Mph up and down grades . Used some entrance ramps that went down hill and some up hill. No issues. 140 pounds of tongue weight right now. That would be a little under 10%. I am using a 4 inch rise on the ball right now . Looks like 5 inch would be prefect.



[url=https://flic.kr/p/2i4suK8]

 

[Smitty901]

When it comes to trailing a sidecar rig there is not much information or click and buy setups.You need to get creative and use other products to fit your needs.

Tie downs. Lets face it the Rig is not going to tip over unless you flip the trailer. This trailer will be used for two wheel bikes and ATV's also Tie down points are needed and the law requires them.

I do not like messy tie down straps. Adjustable tracks are great . There are a bunch of types L,E O ect. Some are interchangeable some not. From what I have seen the L and O are the same. I like the these two. For my needs will be using the O type with 12 inch section of beveled track. The working limit of each point is 1,333 pounds and the break Strength is 4,000 pounds. The rig weights 1,275 so 4 tie downs will be plenty. I also want tracks to hook trap Tie downs in should I cover it.

The beveled tracks are nice because you can roll right over them and no sharp edges. The points that hook to the track come in a few different style.

 

[stacebg]

https://www.uscargocontrol.com/1-x-...XgDOk_O7OoLYizMYpIUPG_Algm3_5VhRoCzO0QAvD_BwE

get these no mess, or straps flying

i always double up with a 2 wheeler 4 on the bars and 2 on the back wheel w a side car w no wheel chock i o 2 on each corner,, they say i am crzy but w any less if any one lets go u could ave trouble ... . just cheap insurance

 

[Smitty901]

It was warm today so Put the wiring kit in the Edge all went well turned on the switch the lights worked.

 

[Smitty901]

Cleaned up the ties downs, cut the flags off to fit 4 points. The heavy duty wheel chock hold the rig in place . I just don't want to go down the road with sloppy tie downs flapping in the wind. Changed out the ball to a Aluma-Tow adjustable, bit of over kill but it allowed me to get the inch rise I wanted. And allows quick easy adjustment for any need.

Towed it around last night and it is not moving. next is to decide if I want a matching spare or just pick up a steel rim and tire off the rack.

 

[Smitty901]

Depending on NC governor looks like out June trip is on. Few last minute things to do on the trailer. After repeated loading and unloading looking for issues I found one. When bike is in the wheel chock some times rear tire spins when trying to back out. I plan to add a non skip patch under rear tire.

It was time to just get the spare tire and wheel and mount it. Decided I wanted a matched wheel and tire. Place I purchased the trailer had one in stock ready to go and a good mount.

Put the grandson to work on it. Mounted it on the side to help balance weight.

 

[Smitty901]

Well NC governors games of on again off again change with the wind. As of this morning he is now allowing the resort to open with limits. We were informed we are a go for the trip as planned.