REF: Trailer - Sportsterpedia

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====== REF: Trailer ======

====== Trailering Your Ride ======

Hauling your bike can be an easy or difficult task depending on what your trailering setup is. Also a large part of trailer problems are owner induced from lack of maintenance such as checking air pressure and bearing lube, or from improper loading of the trailer. ((c1skout of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=2))


"**Important Tips**":

  - 1) The weight limit is not just defined by the axle type. Be sure you don't exceed the weight rating of the trailer, the trailer tires, or the tow vehicle ((c1skout of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=2)) / attached hitch. This includes accounting for any modifications you may have added to the trailer. A standard trailer rated for 1000 pounds (1/2 ton) will hold 1000 pounds of payload (your stuff) plus the weight of the frame and any added features. But, the same trailer with additional metal welded to it since it left the factory deducts that added weight from the usable weight limit. Just the same, the addition of plywood floors and other appurtenances also deducts from the amount of weight you can pack on it. Best to only tow your bike on the trailer and pack other objects in the tow vehicle. 
  - Be sure to have adequate tongue weight (10 percent is good) and that the trailer floor rides level to the road surface ((c1skout of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=2))






**Tires**:

  * As far as speed ratings go, unless your tires say "not for highway use" on the sidewall they ARE highway rated. When you bought it new as a street legal trailer it had to have DOT legal tires on it. ((c1skout of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=2))
  * All tires (even trailer tires) have speed ratings. These are also coupled with weight restrictions. A tire rated for 90 mph with an over the limit trailer weight IS NO LONGER rated for 90 mph. Depending on how much over weight, speed rating decreases even more. Excess weight on the tires yields more heat which can easily cause a blow-out.
  * Get your trailer's tires balanced, keep a spare hub with bearings in your road kit, and have a spare on the trailer.((K1rodeoboater http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=3))




**General Tips**:

  * The cheaper trailers have a lot of flex to the frames ((XLXR http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=2)) which can be beefed up with extra welded material. 
  * Go big on the eye bolts. The hardware store variety are not very strong.

===== Pics of Bike Haulers =====
Click on a pic to enlarge:

|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_1_by_cruisader.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_2_by_cruisader.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_3_by_cruisader.jpg?direct&300|}}|
|  1/2 Ton Utility with wood bottom and wheel chock ((photos by Cruisader of the XLFPRUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=3))  |||

|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_3_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|
|  1/2 Ton Utility Trailer modded with walk panels, tire channel, wheel chock & front tire shroud ((photos by Hippysmack of the XLFPRUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=3))  |||

|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_1_by_mikeli_77.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:trailer:bike_trailer_2_by_mikeli_77.jpg?direct&300|}}|
|  4x8 heavy duty Harbor Freight trailer  w/ added rails and all bolted joints welded and a plywood bottom. ((photos by mikeli_77 of the XLFPRUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1996522&highlight=trailer&page=2))  ||







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