I pull a trailer and carry a passenger with my 22 Trike with no problem. Can’t tell it’s behind us.I did install an oil cooler and Flo filter that helps keep it cool.
I own a 2012 Bunkhouse XL yes It tugs you some. Towed it on my 2008 Streetglide and Came with brakes. Love it, never had a heat problem towing it. Used a hidden hitch from Hitch Doctor easy to drop in/off after install.
I pulled 2 different cargo trailers and a 4 person timeout with 1100 and 1200 GoldWings for years. Riding an Ultra Classic now and am also looking at fabricating a receiver hitch for my Harley. Going to decide on an oil cooler first. Enjoyed the video, thanks!
Thanks for sharing! Here is a link to some Jagg Oil coolers that we have tested and run on our bikes. They outperform all of of the other brands that we have tested - www.dkcustomproducts.com/oil-coolers-c134.htm Here is a link to our written report on why and how to cool down your bike that you may find useful/interesting-www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm Thanks for commenting!
Had a trailer custom made by 3 Wheeler Trailers a local company for my Victory. Had swivel hitch. Rode great, but guess they didn't check torque and locktight the 4 bolts holding ball cover. Was riding hard at rear with an mc . Heard a ping thought was road debri, then anther ping. Well the 4 bolts had fallen.out. Good thing had safety chains crossed. I did not feel anything but more the noise. The girls in the chase truck said trailer bounced almost my head height. Was in fast lane of interstate. Girls said cars around all started braking so I managed to pull over to paved shoulder. I never touched my brakes but coasted to a stop on the shoulder. Got AAA for RV so.just called and flatbed took me home. Then bought a Freewheeler, dealer installed trailer hitch before I took possession . Problem on first trip was height of trailer hitch being higher than for original mc. Friend ended up cutting and welding to have connection at proper height. Just some stories that some may find usefull.
Wow! Thanks for sharing! It is important for others to know all the possibilities of danger when pulling a trailer with a motorcycle. Glad you made it out of that situation unharmed! Thanks for commenting! 👍
I think you should be careful encouraging people to keep the tongue weight "light". There is a limit. While I agree with that it's also more important that the tongue weight be no less than 10% of the overall weight of the trailer. The script could also be misunderstood by some where they might load all heavy stuff in the back, where overall balancing is more important. For example, 350 pounds of trailer (that's a lot in a tent trailer) and contents, the tongue weight should not be less than 35 pounds. The reason the tongue weight should not be less than 10% of gross trailer weight is that will encourage a "death weave" that is almost non recoverable. Independent brakes on the trailer is the only sure way to recover. Luck might work as well. There are many videos online illustrating the hazards of tongue-light loading. We have also ridden tens of thousands of miles with a trailer and used a fish scale to determine tongue weight. Otherwise, great video and glad you mentioned a swivel hitch right out of the gate.
Good point on addressing how to load, tongue weight and the angle of the tongue in relation to the bike/trike hitch is also important. I think we will be doing a follow up video. Great to hear you are enjoying your travels with your tent trailer. Thank you for the comment! 👍😎👍
First started pulling trailers in 1978. Swivel & ball. Never a issue. My friends wife weighs. More than my cycle mate . That is more scary . Start posting maximum load from Harley.
The trailer tongue weight should be between 25 & 40 lbs. So that is not much weight on the bike at all. Of course, it is on the hitch, so 30 lbs on the hitch may have about the same effect as 60 lbs in the Tour Pak. As mentioned in the video, you do not want to go over 40 lbs on the hitch, you could start experiencing a little lightness in the front tire....same as when you have a heavy passenger. Other than watching the tongue weight of the trailer, the actual weight of the trailer is on the trailer tires. Thanks for commenting!
Ha Kevin do you have a swivel hitch when towing with the trike. I pull an Escape elite trailer no problems behind my trike. The m8 motor is nice in the mountains and hill because of the power. I heard if you install a low end torque cam really hepls. By the way Harley made trailers years ago.
Yes, I prefer the swivel, even with the trike. That way if anything happens with a 450 lbs trailer, it will not unsettle the trike...it is more important with a 2 wheeler, but it can only help with the trike in strange instances. Yes, a good low/mid range torque cam really shines when pulling a trailer...ONCE one has a good foundation and has the heat under control. Here is a video on what is important to do with any 2012 or later HD, and is super important to do if pulling a trailer- ua-cam.com/video/GK5x3lcQvJU/v-deo.html Once the foundation is in place, then getting it running at optimum temps is next...video series on that here- ua-cam.com/video/HC-Z_rZtY9c/v-deo.html I've pulled trailers with many 2 wheel HD's, and with two different trikes, all with OEM cams...but here is a video of the cam I put in my M8 114 and am really pleased with it- ua-cam.com/video/Ax1e2gNvdsk/v-deo.html
i liked this video lol. it would be very helpful if u listed links for the companies that provide the hitches, trailers, etc that u discussed. there's a guy who lives near me and travels a lot with a trike towing a full size pop up. i'm green with envy. i have a trike too. i appreciate that u cover both two and three wheeled mc.
Yes, this video was more about tips and info on towing a trailer. Glad you liked the video, and thank you for your suggestion. We may very well do a video on different hitches, and trailers. Thank you for commenting!
What would be a recommended size in motor. I have a 94 electra glide ultra classic. Or set up. If u know u r going to be pulling should u build the motor to handle more low end power or stock?
As far as power, the more you have, the easier it will be to accelerate when pulling a trailer. Also, the easier it will be to go faster when cruising. There are so many variables: -The actual weight of the trailer, which will be felt more when accelerating from a stop and when going up hills. -The profile of the trailer, which will affect how much wind resistance there is, which really comes into play once you are at cruising speed. -Do you have a heat issue now? If so, it is going to be much worse when pulling a heavy or large profile trailer...and the faster you like to cruise the more the heat becomes an issue. The route I would take is make sure the heat is under control...which will be a bit easier on your Evo than a Twin Cam or M8. Get a Good Foundation in place (see video link below). Once that is done you may find that you are perfectly content with the power you have when pulling your trailer. ua-cam.com/video/GK5x3lcQvJU/v-deo.html If you get your foundation set up well and you want more power still, then you have the foundation for adding a torque cam, and likely you will be happy with that...if you still want more, that is when to look at going bigger bore. Thanks for commenting!
The warranty on my Tri Glide expired 3 years ago so that isn't a factor. I have a lightweight cargo trailer which pulls very easily and (to my surprise) doesn't reduce my fuel mileage very much. It looks like a miniature horse trailer and I use it mostly to transport my dog. It's lit up like a Christmas tree because I certainly don't want anyone to hit my lttle buddy. I can't really tell it affects the handling at all on the trike.
We have a written report at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm We have a full video series linked at the bottom. And here is a link to a video of 10 Low and No Cost ways to lower temps- ua-cam.com/video/o3T3yA9BKwE/v-deo.html Full video series link- ua-cam.com/video/HC-Z_rZtY9c/v-deo.html Always feel free to email or call with any questions. Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828
Approximately what is your fuel mileage drop with a trailer? My '23 triglide with just me on it gets in the very low 30s at 65 to 68 mph. If i add a passenger, cargo and trailer i am concerned my mileage will get so low it will make sense to consider taking the pickup!
You can get much better mpg on your Tri Glide than the low 30's at that speed...unless you are constantly riding into a strong headwind or lots of stop and go with very hard acceleration. Here are a couple of videos on the subject- ua-cam.com/video/wTHPFR7RY7k/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/jqBGhvZWOyg/v-deo.html Regarding trailers- There are so many different profiles (wind resistance plays a major role in reducing mpg, and then there is how much weight for the trailer...which can vary from under 200 lbs loaded up to 500 lbs loaded. Then there is the issue of heat...which is already a challenge for the Tri Glide...more load=more heat=less mpg. Depending on the variables listed above, mpg could drop as little as 3-4 or as much as 10-12. How To Get More Harley Power Without Losing Mpg www.youtube.com List of 10 Steps to Better MPG & Better Performance www.youtube.com Thanks for commenting! 👍
Kevin, does Harley void the whole warranty or just the power train. I have a 23 CVO tri glide with all your cooling system upgrades except for the fan, transformer and air cleaner, adding soon. I plan on doing a four corners next year with a stop during Sturgis for my 70th. A pop-up or trailer to carry a decent tent and gear would save me a ton on lodging and food. Does your insurance guy cover towing a trailer? If he does, I just might add a torque cam like the one you just put in your tri glide and tuner. Just spit balling here any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
I am living proof that Harley will void your drivetrain warranty for just having a hitch on your bike. When my CVO 117 broke a piston and destroyed my motor I replaced it with the 131 stage 4 crate motor. The 131 is a heat monster when pulling a 600 pound trailer along with a passenger. I have Harleys behind the motor cooling fan, Love Jugs to cool the cylinders, and a Ultra cool dual fan and thermostat controlled oil cooler to keep my heat down. I have thousands of miles pulling a trailer behind my Tri Glide with NO problems.
@clydedettor7080 Yes, HD will void the entire warranty if pulling a trailer. Yes, contact Jim Palmer at jim@motorcycleagent.com or Phone: (800) 920-0890 Make sure to say you were referred by DK Custom Products. You will get a $100 discount and he has warranties that cover everything, even when pulling a trailer. Thank you for commenting!
Knew a guy who pulled a trailer with a 1982 FXR, he did it for years. No passenger. Never had a problem. He did 110% maintenance & didn't push it. Good video.
@@Nitro5454 if you use the SE epa compliant tuner, it will be running lean and hot. And the cat will cook your leg. You need a torque cam if you are running heavy weight.
Thanks for the info about Harley Davidson factory warranty canceling if you pull a trailer.
You are most welcome! Glad you found the video informative!
Thanks for commenting!
I pull a trailer and carry a passenger with my 22 Trike with no problem. Can’t tell it’s behind us.I did install an oil cooler and Flo filter that helps keep it cool.
Yes, an oil cooler and good filter are great add ons to help cool down your ride!
Thanks for commenting! 👍
Been pulling a Time out for 4 years over a hundred thousand miles. First with a 103 and now with a limited 107. Good brake pads is key.
Good brakes are important for sure! 👍
Thanks for commenting!😎
I’m with Dwayne on this one. I have no desire to pull a trailer behind my Harley.
I am sure you two are not alone! lol
I own a 2012 Bunkhouse XL yes It tugs you some. Towed it on my 2008 Streetglide and Came with brakes. Love it, never had a heat problem towing it. Used a hidden hitch from Hitch Doctor easy to drop in/off after install.
Those are pretty roomy! Thanks for commenting! 👍
I pulled 2 different cargo trailers and a 4 person timeout with 1100 and 1200 GoldWings for years. Riding an Ultra Classic now and am also looking at fabricating a receiver hitch for my Harley. Going to decide on an oil cooler first. Enjoyed the video, thanks!
Thanks for sharing!
Here is a link to some Jagg Oil coolers that we have tested and run on our bikes. They outperform all of of the other brands that we have tested - www.dkcustomproducts.com/oil-coolers-c134.htm
Here is a link to our written report on why and how to cool down your bike that you may find useful/interesting-www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm
Thanks for commenting!
Had a trailer custom made by 3 Wheeler Trailers a local company for my Victory. Had swivel hitch. Rode great, but guess they didn't check torque and locktight the 4 bolts holding ball cover. Was riding hard at rear with an mc . Heard a ping thought was road debri, then anther ping. Well the 4 bolts had fallen.out. Good thing had safety chains crossed. I did not feel anything but more the noise.
The girls in the chase truck said trailer bounced almost my head height. Was in fast lane of interstate. Girls said cars around all started braking so I managed to pull over to paved shoulder. I never touched my brakes but coasted to a stop on the shoulder. Got AAA for RV so.just called and flatbed took me home.
Then bought a Freewheeler, dealer installed trailer hitch before I took possession . Problem on first trip was height of trailer hitch being higher than for original mc. Friend ended up cutting and welding to have connection at proper height.
Just some stories that some may find usefull.
Wow! Thanks for sharing! It is important for others to know all the possibilities of danger when pulling a trailer with a motorcycle. Glad you made it out of that situation unharmed!
Thanks for commenting! 👍
I think you should be careful encouraging people to keep the tongue weight "light". There is a limit. While I agree with that it's also more important that the tongue weight be no less than 10% of the overall weight of the trailer. The script could also be misunderstood by some where they might load all heavy stuff in the back, where overall balancing is more important. For example, 350 pounds of trailer (that's a lot in a tent trailer) and contents, the tongue weight should not be less than 35 pounds. The reason the tongue weight should not be less than 10% of gross trailer weight is that will encourage a "death weave" that is almost non recoverable. Independent brakes on the trailer is the only sure way to recover. Luck might work as well. There are many videos online illustrating the hazards of tongue-light loading. We have also ridden tens of thousands of miles with a trailer and used a fish scale to determine tongue weight. Otherwise, great video and glad you mentioned a swivel hitch right out of the gate.
Good point on addressing how to load, tongue weight and the angle of the tongue in relation to the bike/trike hitch is also important. I think we will be doing a follow up video. Great to hear you are enjoying your travels with your tent trailer.
Thank you for the comment! 👍😎👍
3rd choice a Teardrop
UA-cam Dave’s Crazy Trailer
I will definitely look you up! Thanks for sharing and commenting! 😎
First started pulling trailers in 1978. Swivel & ball. Never a issue. My friends wife weighs. More than my cycle mate . That is more scary . Start posting maximum load from Harley.
The trailer tongue weight should be between 25 & 40 lbs. So that is not much weight on the bike at all. Of course, it is on the hitch, so 30 lbs on the hitch may have about the same effect as 60 lbs in the Tour Pak.
As mentioned in the video, you do not want to go over 40 lbs on the hitch, you could start experiencing a little lightness in the front tire....same as when you have a heavy passenger.
Other than watching the tongue weight of the trailer, the actual weight of the trailer is on the trailer tires.
Thanks for commenting!
It all starts with installing a cup holder
Cup holders are necessary! lol
I love my cup holder
I love having a cup holder on my bike as well! 👍
All good points 👍 Did you ever change your gearing or switch to the Baker 7 speed 🤔
I changed my fuel pump and camplate! You can see that video here - ua-cam.com/video/My7BkSnl-fQ/v-deo.html
Thanks for commenting! 👍
Ha Kevin do you have a swivel hitch when towing with the trike. I pull an Escape elite trailer no problems behind my trike. The m8 motor is nice in the mountains and hill because of the power. I heard if you install a low end torque cam really hepls. By the way Harley made trailers years ago.
Yes, I prefer the swivel, even with the trike. That way if anything happens with a 450 lbs trailer, it will not unsettle the trike...it is more important with a 2 wheeler, but it can only help with the trike in strange instances. Yes, a good low/mid range torque cam really shines when pulling a trailer...ONCE one has a good foundation and has the heat under control.
Here is a video on what is important to do with any 2012 or later HD, and is super important to do if pulling a trailer-
ua-cam.com/video/GK5x3lcQvJU/v-deo.html
Once the foundation is in place, then getting it running at optimum temps is next...video series on that here- ua-cam.com/video/HC-Z_rZtY9c/v-deo.html
I've pulled trailers with many 2 wheel HD's, and with two different trikes, all with OEM cams...but here is a video of the cam I put in my M8 114 and am really pleased with it- ua-cam.com/video/Ax1e2gNvdsk/v-deo.html
i liked this video lol. it would be very helpful if u listed links for the companies that provide the hitches, trailers, etc that u discussed. there's a guy who lives near me and travels a lot with a trike towing a full size pop up. i'm green with envy. i have a trike too. i appreciate that u cover both two and three wheeled mc.
Yes, this video was more about tips and info on towing a trailer.
Glad you liked the video, and thank you for your suggestion. We may very well do a video on different hitches, and trailers.
Thank you for commenting!
@@DKCustomProducts thank you. i very much enjoy ur channel and find it entertaining as well as informative.
Glad that we can give you information and entertainment! Thank you for watching!!! 😎
You say use a swivel young on the trailer but is it necessary if you are using a trike .
It is still so much safer and easier to maneuver and keep on the road with a swivel.
What would be a recommended size in motor. I have a 94 electra glide ultra classic. Or set up. If u know u r going to be pulling should u build the motor to handle more low end power or stock?
As far as power, the more you have, the easier it will be to accelerate when pulling a trailer. Also, the easier it will be to go faster when cruising.
There are so many variables:
-The actual weight of the trailer, which will be felt more when accelerating from a stop and when going up hills.
-The profile of the trailer, which will affect how much wind resistance there is, which really comes into play once you are at cruising speed.
-Do you have a heat issue now? If so, it is going to be much worse when pulling a heavy or large profile trailer...and the faster you like to cruise the more the heat becomes an issue.
The route I would take is make sure the heat is under control...which will be a bit easier on your Evo than a Twin Cam or M8.
Get a Good Foundation in place (see video link below). Once that is done you may find that you are perfectly content with the power you have when pulling your trailer.
ua-cam.com/video/GK5x3lcQvJU/v-deo.html
If you get your foundation set up well and you want more power still, then you have the foundation for adding a torque cam, and likely you will be happy with that...if you still want more, that is when to look at going bigger bore.
Thanks for commenting!
Who makes a plug in trailer wire harness for the Harley? That would connect inline of the lights for the tour pack lights, or under the seat?
I have seen a good wiring harnesses made by Kuryakyn that you can get from Amazon!
The warranty on my Tri Glide expired 3 years ago so that isn't a factor. I have a lightweight cargo trailer which pulls very easily and (to my surprise) doesn't reduce my fuel mileage very much. It looks like a miniature horse trailer and I use it mostly to transport my dog. It's lit up like a Christmas tree because I certainly don't want anyone to hit my lttle buddy. I can't really tell it affects the handling at all on the trike.
Glad you have the trailer lit up so that you can be seen! Sounds to me like you are pulling your trailer safely!
Thanks for commenting! 👍😎👍
I pull a Timeout Deluxe with 2017 Triglide. What do you suggest for cooling the engine temp down?
We have a written report at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm
We have a full video series linked at the bottom.
And here is a link to a video of 10 Low and No Cost ways to lower temps- ua-cam.com/video/o3T3yA9BKwE/v-deo.html
Full video series link- ua-cam.com/video/HC-Z_rZtY9c/v-deo.html
Always feel free to email or call with any questions.
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Approximately what is your fuel mileage drop with a trailer? My '23 triglide with just me on it gets in the very low 30s at 65 to 68 mph. If i add a passenger, cargo and trailer i am concerned my mileage will get so low it will make sense to consider taking the pickup!
You can get much better mpg on your Tri Glide than the low 30's at that speed...unless you are constantly riding into a strong headwind or lots of stop and go with very hard acceleration. Here are a couple of videos on the subject-
ua-cam.com/video/wTHPFR7RY7k/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/jqBGhvZWOyg/v-deo.html
Regarding trailers- There are so many different profiles (wind resistance plays a major role in reducing mpg, and then there is how much weight for the trailer...which can vary from under 200 lbs loaded up to 500 lbs loaded.
Then there is the issue of heat...which is already a challenge for the Tri Glide...more load=more heat=less mpg.
Depending on the variables listed above, mpg could drop as little as 3-4 or as much as 10-12.
How To Get More Harley Power Without Losing Mpg
www.youtube.com
List of 10 Steps to Better MPG & Better Performance
www.youtube.com
Thanks for commenting! 👍
Kevin, does Harley void the whole warranty or just the power train. I have a 23 CVO tri glide with all your cooling system upgrades except for the fan, transformer and air cleaner, adding soon. I plan on doing a four corners next year with a stop during Sturgis for my 70th. A pop-up or trailer to carry a decent tent and gear would save me a ton on lodging and food. Does your insurance guy cover towing a trailer? If he does, I just might add a torque cam like the one you just put in your tri glide and tuner. Just spit balling here any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
I am living proof that Harley will void your drivetrain warranty for just having a hitch on your bike. When my CVO 117 broke a piston and destroyed my motor I replaced it with the 131 stage 4 crate motor. The 131 is a heat monster when pulling a 600 pound trailer along with a passenger. I have Harleys behind the motor cooling fan, Love Jugs to cool the cylinders, and a Ultra cool dual fan and thermostat controlled oil cooler to keep my heat down. I have thousands of miles pulling a trailer behind my Tri Glide with NO problems.
@clydedettor7080 Yes, HD will void the entire warranty if pulling a trailer.
Yes, contact Jim Palmer at jim@motorcycleagent.com or
Phone: (800) 920-0890
Make sure to say you were referred by DK Custom Products. You will get a $100 discount and he has warranties that cover everything, even when pulling a trailer.
Thank you for commenting!
Knew a guy who pulled a trailer with a 1982 FXR, he did it for years. No passenger. Never had a problem. He did 110% maintenance & didn't push it. Good video.
@@Nitro5454 if you use the SE epa compliant tuner, it will be running lean and hot. And the cat will cook your leg. You need a torque cam if you are running heavy weight.
I'm using a Power Vision tuner and Fuel Moto header with there 131 dyno tune
Motorcycling is not dangerous. There are inherent hazards most of which are dangerously stupid people.
The biggest threat are the people around you for sure!