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Message started by Digger on 03/29/07 at 19:55:21

Title: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Digger on 03/29/07 at 19:55:21

I'm about to take the plunge, I think.

My latest stupid idea is to give up on cars and trucks. As such, I've been looking at installing a trailer hitch on my Savage.

I've bought this trailer:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42708

139 bucks and only $12 for shipping (!). The ad says this trailer weighs only 130 lbs. Couldn't find any useful trailers lighter than this.

Looked all over the internet for trailer hitch kits for the Savage. Found none. Contacted a few local fabricators. One guy backed down, he was scared of liability concerns.

Found one guy who is willing to give it a shot. His plan is to mount the receiver to the swingarm. I initially thought this to be a bad idea, until I saw this:

http://www.trailtail.com/main.html

I'm willing to try it. My plan is to treat the whole rig like an unknown aircraft (from my test-piloting days) and to gradually expand the "performance envelope" when I'm pulling the trailer.

Any ideas? Am I gonna kill myself (finally)?

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Trippah on 03/29/07 at 20:30:28

perhaps, but ...a lot of people who ride with trailers. I would have thought a reinforced rear wheel well would be the place for a hitch, for wiring as well as tracking right behind where the bike has been. Pictures please as you go through the process.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by verslagen1 on 03/29/07 at 20:38:12

I've seen a couple of trailer hitches for HD's on ebay.
search 'motorcycle trailer' and you'll find 'em.
They hook up to the chrome fender braces.
That would give the trailer a little softer ride then hooking up to the swing arm.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Paladin on 03/29/07 at 21:10:07

Not that I've been thinking the same, but I have bookmarked motorcyclehitchusa.com/ (http://www.motorcyclehitchusa.com/)

They don't list one for the Savage, but they say to call them if you don't see your model there. I would imagine that the fender rails would be where they would attach the hitch.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Jack_650 on 03/29/07 at 21:23:48

I too am back burnering the idea of fabricating a trailer hitch for my 650. All I've heard is that you don't want the hitch on the swing arm. Theory being you don't want anything screwing with half of your ground contact. Don't know about on dirt backtrails, but going down the highway at 55-65 I have a feeling things get a lot more critical. I saw one hitch for a bike that had a connection to the swing arm but the weight was all on the fender. I suppose it was just for lateral stability or sumthin'.

I feel your pain about the liabilty. There's a major hitch for bikes shop in my area and they won't touch anything under 1100cc because of liability issues. I did find a guy out in Seattle (I think) who would do it though. But since he hadn't done a Savage he would need the bike in his shop for who knows how long. This summer I'm going to be working on doing some inside the fender design and do one for myself.

I have the same trailer you got. I got it for $100 at a late fall clearance sale at our local national chain hardware/home store up here in MN. I got the bike rail for it too. Doesn't fit the Savage too well. It's too short and the rail's a little tight on the slightly oversized tire on the back of mine. What I did was took a 2"x6" bolted it to the trailer and then bolted the two pieces of the rail to the board about a foot and a half apart. I use it to haul the bike and as a utility hauler, but bought it with the idea of using it behind the bike for camping trips and such.

JC

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by diesel on 03/29/07 at 21:25:14

built that same trailer back in early 80's. towed it with a GL 1100 wing. used black tie swivel hitch. towed it from Pa. to Americade many times,to Marysville homecoming 3 or 4 times, and to Ashville Honda Hoot at least 4 trips. 600 mi, one way. hint-use a big square on all corners before final tighting. don't ask. put on a Sears X-cargo car top carrier and bearing buddes. 8 inch wheels worked great. cheap way ouy for a bike trailer. diesel

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Digger on 03/31/07 at 18:27:27

The more I think about it, the less concern I have about the proposed swingarm mount of the hitch receiver.

I'll be using the trailer sparingly for around-town duties, when I need to carry something too big to put on the bike. I won't need to exceed 45 mph, as I live in town and everything I need is fairly close by.

For Diesel: Do I need a swivel hitch? Thnx for the head's up on the construction technique!

BTW, I'll just be mounting a piece of 5/8" plywood for a deck on the trailer. No pods.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Greg_650 on 04/01/07 at 07:16:44

Digger wrote:

Interesting idea. How much can you lean the bike and tilt the receiver and ball with a standard trailer hitch?

As for killing yourself...I bet that slowing and stopping is gonna be a new challenge. Keep in mind that the trailer will push the rear tire to the outside if you are turning. I envision a possible jack knife if not careful...could be wrong.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Paladin on 04/01/07 at 07:48:47

You can ride/drive nearly anything safely if you bear in mind it's limitations and compensate. For Digger's proposed trailering, hold the speeds down so you can brake in the distance you can see and so you can corner without excessive lean.

There are times you need to carry more than what you can easily strap onto the bike -- such as a 4x8 sheet of plywood or a double bass. Some of us look upon cages as vehicles of last resort -- to be used only if we cannot figure out how to manage with the 'cycle. I find Digger's proposal to be quite reasonable.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Greg_650 on 04/01/07 at 08:07:50

Paladin wrote:

I also find Digger's proposal to be quite reasonable, but I think that considering some of the consequences in advance to be equally important.

After all, we aren't talking about about an 800 lb Goldwing pulling a small popup trailer that is designed for a bike. This trailer is about 1/2 the bike's weight and has about a 5 foot wheel base.

As well that other trailer (for dirt bikes) states carrying a load of 20 Liters...not hardly 130 lbs.

That trailer will push the bike when slowing, and that will take more than an ounce of awareness.

That's all I'm really saying...besides, did you see those work horse bike pics that Reelthing took in China? I know it can be done. You aren't telling me anything.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by ONION on 04/01/07 at 10:03:55

Called HITCH USA on friday and they will have a hitch within 45 days.I asked about the way it will attatch and they do not recomend attatching anything to the swing arm. Due to a bounce affect. (possibly bouncing you side ways?) Any ways it will cost 275.00 + shipping. it will attatch to the last fender bolts (furthest foward) and the shocks mounts so they said. hope this helps i am still depating on weather or not to try it my self.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by diesel on 04/01/07 at 14:30:57

about the swivel hitch, a solid hitch is good for normal leaning at reasional speeds. I used the swivle on the gl 1100 in the event I was to drop it, in that event, things would get a little twisted. don't ask. that's why I'm a triker now, no need for a swivel hitch with the trike. diesel

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Trippah on 04/01/07 at 16:44:23

I 'm of the opinion it is a very bad idea. The AMA (the guys with the caduseus, not the wheels) would probably be all for it. For rainy, icey, crap days get a beater truck to haul stuff around town. That being said, best of luck with the project should you continue.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by TVR on 04/01/07 at 17:45:44

Think it would launch my 19 foot boat? No? Nevermind.....I would like to have a small trailer that would hold about a suitcase worth of stuff.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Paladin on 04/01/07 at 18:37:14

One of the options I am considering on retirement is driving. Motorhomes are delivered from the factory over the road, drivers wanted. Put a hitch on the Savage, tow a motorcycle trailer to the factory, hitch trailer to motorhome, load bike on trailer, deliver motorhome, unload bike, unhitch from motorhome, hitch to bike, ride off.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by sluggo on 04/01/07 at 21:48:21

Paladin wrote:

i like it...

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Digger on 04/01/07 at 22:00:41

ONION wrote:

Onion,

Cool, I had a note on my desk to call those guys on Monday.

Cover me boys, I'm going in!

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by callado on 04/01/07 at 23:05:26

I was reading all the messages about the motorcycle trailer (I already saw one when I traveled to Uruguai and Argentina - but this one had only ONE wheel!) and need to question: why don't you use hard cases instead the trailer? You can get about 8116,16 cubic inches......

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by mpescatori on 04/02/07 at 00:12:00

A few thoughts on a light trailer hitched to the Savage:
1) the towing hitch must be bolted to the rails of the rearmost portion of the frame, under the passenger's seat - NOT to the rear swingarm;
2) I strongly suggest you convert to chain drive and use an extremely low final drive ratio - such as 4:1 compared to the standard 3:1 - you'll need this for uphill starts and if you're towing close ratio gears are more important than high speed cruising; ;)
3) please be aware that braking in a bend may well result in the trailer pushing the rear of the bike, causing the well known jacknife effect :o not nice on an 18-wheeler, certainly unwise on a motorcycle. :-X

So think again before going for the whole nine yards...

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Paladin on 04/02/07 at 06:33:00

callado wrote:

The single wheel job was possibly a Monogo (http://www.monogo.com/Anglais/Temoignages/temoignage.php). As for why -- you can carry a much greater/bulkier mass, have that mass more easily accessible, and keep that extra mass low.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by mpescatori on 04/02/07 at 07:42:48

"You can get about 8116,16 cubic inches...... "

Which is ...er... how much in metric? ???

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by callado on 04/02/07 at 07:57:40

abou 130 L.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Digger on 04/02/07 at 20:46:53

Just called John @ Motorcycle Hitch USA.

http://www.motorcyclehitchusa.com/

He said if there was interest, they'd build a hitch for the Savage. $275 plus shipping.

I said there was interest and gave him my credit card number.

Now we'll see how long it takes.

The trailer I got for the bike is quite small as car trailers go. I'll be using it infrequently, whenever I need to pick up a 4X8, for example. Remember, I'm trying to quit cars and trucks (it's been over three months since I've been "behind the wheel." 8)

I will most likely adhere to a rather limited "flight envelope."

I'll let you guys know how it works out!

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by Greg_650 on 04/03/07 at 19:56:44

mpescatori wrote:

There's an echo in here :)

My point too, but it's a matter of planning and forethought. As a sort of pioneering idea this will be interesting to see it work.

So, good luck...take pics.

Title: Re: Debating a Trailer Hitch
Post by justin_o_guy on 04/05/07 at 20:27:19

I've seen some home builts on a Guzzi site that were really odd looking but the things looked safe. The most common design element was the wheels being on the very rear of the trailer to put as much on the tongue as possible.