7 Mistakes to AVOID When Pulling a Motorcycle Trailer

We make sense of pulling a Motorcycle Trailer and cover the top 7 mistakes riders make when pulling a motorcycle trailer. If you’re thinking of purchasing a pull-behind trailer, then this video is for you.

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[shaunhall]

This is information that you absolutely need to know. Thank you for sharing!

[robertheinkel]

Years ago, while stationed in Montana, I saw two mid sized motorcycles, each pulling a dual axle trailer, with a smaller off road capable motorcycle on each trailer. Months later I read a story of two guys traveling to the northernmost point in AK. They rode the street bikes as far as they could, then switched to the off road bikes to complete the trip north.

[sradful]

Negative tongue weight will hurt you faster than too much tongue weight. Should should be #1. In my opinion

[Frenchy]

I have a bushtec trailer also, pulled it fully loaded from Sturgis sd to Philadelphia Pennsylvania with a Road King, ill admit you can forget its there because the pin hitch, I asked my wife several times if the trailer was still there because I couldn't feel it back there, great video

[stephanbrown]

Love my Goldwing reverse gear, Cia has never had to push me around. Well not my bike.

[kaptainobvious]

Hello friends!
You two are so inspiring I love it! You picked up thoughts of middle age/empty nest/why it means to retire and growing old” and shoved it down the line, never to be thought of.
Thanks for sharing- your in our prayers for safety, great lodgings and utmost fun🙏💕

[floydlacroix]

Having to break in a turn is an eye opener towed 1000s of miles with my gold wing

[stephensmith]

I rode with a couple (very experienced), as part of one of our HOG rides, who forgot he had a trailor, and he tried to back in-to a parking space. Oops! Luckily it didn't cause any damage before we all got his attention, and he stopped. He had the same hitch as you have. So - even the most experienced can forget.
Also - I don't think you fully answered the first question.
I love having that electric reverse on my Goldwing. 😁👍
I would also recommend that those pulling a trailer drive at your own pace; don't worry about those trying to pass you.

[agentsmith]

Outstanding information, Thank you.. Currently researching camper trailers and a new Stay safe, and keep rollin'

[MRMRSwheeler]

Great info. Me and the Mrs are in the process of getting a camper to eventually do some full time traveling, and while we have been riding for close to 100k, I learned lots of new info that I haven't even considered.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Stay safe guys.

[jacaughron]

This was WAY more info than expected for less than 20 minutes and hit all the marks!! I've been riding most of my life and am thinking of getting a camp trailer so thank

[mickyprice]

HI Guys, thank you for a very good informal video. What you both said will help newby bikers to pull a trailer. I have been pulling a trailer on the back of my Goldwing for about 12 years while traveling and camping in the UK and in Europe, for anyone pulingl a trailer STAY SAFE and HAVE FUN.

[Nodak_chondros]

This was a pleasant surprise. Couple bonus videos the last few weeks. Thanks

[SidecarRob]

Thanks for putting this out there. I get a lot of questions from other riders about my trailer and how it handles and I give pretty much the same advice you convey here.

[brucelund]

Also, I was going to mention, you can adjust the tension on the latch of a ball hitch, to where it won't have that slack in it.

[ttjbiggunner]

Realy good video guys great info first video iv seen on this subject

[edpretty]

I agree 100% with everything you said in your video, particularly the "bonus" at the end. :) I also like your delivery and format. Well done. To qualify myself, we have ridden over 35000 miles with a trailer: Notably, to Alaska and back from our home near Vancouver, BC, across Canada and back over 3 1/2 months as well as various shorter trips of 2-3000 miles. I wrote an article in Canadian Biker pointing out pretty much everything that you said. Having said that, I think there are a couple of things you might emphasize. First, it's dangerous to go "tongue light", in fact more dangerous than tongue heavy. The tongue weight should never be below 10%. The clip of the trailer on the belt shows it clearly but I bet most folks would miss it. Second. A two wheel trailer puts you in the middle of the road a lot and can get you in trouble with the deep ruts that sometime occur in pavement (wet or dry, actually). I recall a time at the bottom of a long hill in heavy rain where those ruts were actually rivers. It was a nightmare, but then you could go on and on about little nuances like that. The third is not to overload your bike, which is easy to do. That 10-15% shouldn't put you over your bike's GVW. The intent is to take the weight off your bike, not add more. Congrats on a well presented video. I know how tough that is to get right.

[grprather]

Really great tips for pulling a trailer with your bike! One other way to overcome backing up from a parking space is to unhook the trailer and back it up (especially if you don't have someone to help when it is attached to the bike) then get the bike faced the direction you want to go and hook the trailer up again. Also be aware of speed limits when pulling a trailer! In California the speed limit when pulling a trailer is 55mph, and applies to ALL vehicles including motorcycles!
The Bushtec trailer I pull with my Harley has air adjustable suspension, and sometimes I have to add or reduce air pressure in the suspension to keep the tires parallel with each other. I carry a small hand pump in the trailer along with a tire pressure gauge!

[roger]

All good points. I’ve been trailering behind my motorcycle for years now. I’ve experienced the frustration of downslope parking and being pushed out of a parking spot. If I had to pick the most important mistake to avoid it would be a tossup between being an experienced rider and properly loading of the trailer. Everything you said was applicable and I agree with all of it and more…… you touched on one mistake but Id like to say that when you break camp, or initially start out be mindful of the process of towing. It doesn’t start when the bike moves. It begins with everything you do up to that point, proper loading, tongue weight, tire pressure, tire condition, DOUBLE CHECKING your hitch connection and making sure you are safety chained and have lights. In short everything you do before you move the bike and trailer combo. I am glad I watched this segment of your videos. I am buying a trailer tire monitor now…👍👍

[theodoreresch]

I have pulled a Bushtec trailer for going on 15 years. From 2 wheels to now a Harley Triglide. My wife has had to push me out of some tight spots. Not now, with the reverse gear. You had great info and hit all the right spots. I'll be watching for more tips. "Let's Ride" 😎