Towing a Trailer on a Motorcycle

[@harleyed6830]

I had a 1996 ultra classic Electra Glide, rode 2-up with an Escapade trailer loaded with camping equipment from Houston to Sturgis ( twice ) and didn’t have any clutch issues. That EVO didn’t miss a beat.

[@zaks9919]

I run 12 inch rims . .The cargo box, a second hand car top carrier ,only because they are cheap , light & don't split .As a bonus they don't close well if overloaded. The trailer weighs 167 lbs , empty , the bike 726lbs . Trailer cargo I limit to about 200lbs max. The swivel hitch is a large stainless bolt & aircraft nut run through a block of aluminum cut in half. It's rarely going to move, so you don't need bearings , but it will keep a fallen bike from trying to pop your hitch off like a beer cap, /& or bend stuff for a later surprise !. A good rule of thumb is 10 to 15% tongue weight ( about 36 to 40 lbs for mine.. Fish scale will weigh your hitch( held level) .Cooler on the front, (not for looks ) but it does help add or subtract weight ,(add beer or remove beer).48"between tire centers & 70" tongue from the axle.

[@IMOZfilms]

Thank you for your interest in this video as I plan to bring you more adventures with my ATV , snowmobile and then back on my motorcycle next summer. I am still in the learning / "testing" zone with my video/audio gear and realized my helmet microphone is a left channel only mic. I have rectified this issue for my next video and I apologize for my oversight however you will only notice this wearing headphones. Thanks again for subscribing to my channel !!! Oz.

[@myakkacityriders1341]

I have a Honda Goldwing 2016. Done multiple iron but association runs. Last one was coast to coast. Done all 48 states. After my coast to coast, rode up to Washington state over to Idaho down to the Grand Canyon and home back to Florida. I have over 40,000 miles pulling a trailer. Even done to tell the dragon with my trailer fully loaded. Never any clutch issues. Matter fact, I hardly even noticed my trailer back there. I have a six man dome tent with cot. I have all the extras with a oversize cooler. Really enjoy pulling a trailer. Don’t know what you’ve been there. Love the swivel hitch and how it works. This is a myakka city rider out of Florida. Have a great day and be safe

[@IMOZfilms]

You're on a 6 cylinder Gold Wing you could probably haul my bike and my trailer attached with that Goldwind without issues..😆

[@kylekilroyshelton6822]

I just rode from southern Illinois to Everglades city 1130 one way on my 09 Goldwing pulling my bunkhouse deluxe. Open road was awesome but Atlanta was a white knuckle ride for sure. No issues with the bike and trailer but won’t do it again that far.

[@davescrazy-trailer6542]

I use a ball that flips which helps with the side torque on the bike. Dave’s Crazy Trailer

[@jimmiewilson1744]

I pull a trailer with my bike and yes it is a different experience. You need to get you a Swivel hitch. It makes a world of difference. Ride Safe & Have Fun.

[@chrislaf89]

This was my thought, it doesn't appear to be a swivel hitch on that trailer, which is likely why it popped before on him.

[@shawnkolle9317]

Swivel hitch would help. Also instead of hooking up the chains I zip tie them to my hitch so it looks like it’s hooked but if the trailer comes off then the zip tie breaks and doesn’t take me down

[@IMOZfilms]

I certainly understand the logic behind the zip tie idea however, I have to be the devil's advocate on this one. That trailer goes flying into someone it would be considered criminal negligence thus why the law requires specifically "chains". But I'm with you on wanting to lose it away from the bike. It's best not to lose it at all eh 😆.

[@michaelbrady9548]

I think it’s funny nowadays how people always do videos on showing motorcycle trailers. We started towing trailers in 1979 on our 1979 Honda CB 750 K. And back then everybody thought I was crazy. Every motorcycle I ever owned had a trailer behind it.

[@IMOZfilms]

My very first street bike was a 1981 Honda CB400T Hawk !

[@michaelbrady9548]

@@IMOZfilms my first bike was a brand new 1979 Honda XL 185. I put 78,000 miles on that little bike. And every bike after that went up in cc. Yamaha 250, Kawasaki, KH 400, CB 750 K 1984 1982 Honda CBX six cylinder. Got clocked at 147 miles an hour on the New York State Thruway.. Yamaha road star, Yamaha venture 2012 Honda Goldwing. 2024 Kawasaki KLR

[@bcdave206]

Great video, I just bought a Bushtec, but I’m still waiting for the hidden hitch to arrive…. I’m hoping 90% of your pulling issues won’t be mine. 😂

[@Tlklmk]

Thanks FreeTime or the temp conversion for us in Americans ica!!!!

[@marcelolavoyer2627]

Nice video. Congrats from Brazil.

[@rodneydrover8392]

Enjoyed the video, thanks. FYI, you haven't done Coast to Coast unless you travelled to NL... lol

[@IMOZfilms]

Yes I've said the same for too long now and it's on the going "to do" list. I also plan to visit a Labradorian in Labrador City who owns a purebred Labrador...just so I can say that I did.

[@bcdave206]

I have a 24 Honda Goldwing and have installed a the Revco hidden hitch and pull a Bushtec Turbo 2 trailer… I check everything prior to heading out on road trips and have had zero issues pulling. Maybe it’s a Goldwing Versus a Harley thing …… just maintenance and properly loading the trailer helps…

[@IMOZfilms]

@@bcdave206 yes indeed your 6 cylinder Goldwind wins the "pulling a trailer" competition hands down for sure... Especially going over the Rockies. Ride safe.

[@Kawinomad]

Great video. Come to Newfoundland you will love it.

[@efrainbustos4053]

Cool set up 😎🙌 can you share trailer info and hitch I'm riding a harley trike wish I could still ride two wheels, but still riding, love been outhere enjoying open country, just looking at you video want to get out 😁😁 thanks keep on riding 😀 👍

[@Lastcallrepent]

Thanks for telling people don't do it .

[@IMOZfilms]

@@Lastcallrepent I stand by that statement. It's dangerous and most motorcycle insurance companies will not cover the accident claim if there was a trailer hooked to said motorcycle...Something I failed to mention in the video.

[@patrickprince8446]

Sounds like you need a goldwing 🤷🏽‍♂️, every problem is self inflicted cause any year goldwing will snack that trailer like nothing, a 5,000 dollar goldwing with 100,000 to 200,000 miles is easy way to fix your issues, and use your roadking for what the harley engineers designed it to do a over night cruise or bar hopping....by the way goldwing has reverse , 2 side bags, top trunk for drone, and back seat for more room and you hide it in your backyard so you can be the 100 percent Harley davidson lover...just use when you pack your trailer, that's what most people do nowadays 🤔🤔🤔

[@IMOZfilms]

Yes indeed a 6 cylinder Gold Wing or Valkyrie would certainly do a much better job hauling a trailer. Unfortunately once I get to my destination and lose the trailer, I absolutely want to be on my Harley Road King for whatever ride I aimed for like the Cabot Trail for example.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

@@IMOZfilmsI find that my goldwing just isn’t as comfortable as my Harley, the foot pegs directly under my butt….. limited foot positions, Harley on the other hand, engines not sticking out there and the legs, feet and back are much happier. Just saying.

[@Kawinomad]

I had a 2008 wing. Awesome ride but due to bad knees I needed my feet forward. Had to let it go

[@PainterD54]

Pulling a trailer is hard on brakes and clutches and in my book, it's justnot worth it. Not to mention the handling freedom and parking problems that it brings.

[@IMOZfilms]

I totally agree thus why my best advice is " don't ". For me it was about the adventure, the freedom of no agenda, living on the road for months under $100 (cnd) a day all in...But do carry a spare clutch and spare brakes cuz you're gonna need them 😆 !!!

[@TomOreilly-c7h]

Nice .glad your enjoying life

[@peterwest267]

Great information in a practical explanation.

[@donaldpruett852]

In the 1980's my neighbor who lived next door to my son's baby sitter was killed in a one vehicle accident on Arizona SR 60 somewhere near the mountain pass heading into or out of Superior Arizona. He was on is Harley Road King pulling one of those small trailers. Nobody knows what exactly what happened other than he lost control of the bike and went off the road. Steep rock wall on one side, deep canyon on the other. Motorcycles are freedom machines. If you are touring, stay in motels. If you need that much extra stuff, rent a U-Haul and haul the bike along with all that other junk. Maybe someday they'll put a fifth wheel plate over the rear fender and you can pull a fifth wheel trailer.

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

Stick one of those little trackers on your drone. Not the expensive ones that need its own service, but the little bluetooth ones for finding your keys with your phone. That way you dont have to see it, you just have to walk down the road with your phone.

[@IMOZfilms]

At the time I was very new to my drone. I read instructions after the fact 😆....Since then I have lost it a few times and I do in fact use the GPS and/or the audio "beeping", follow the sound feature that only works if the battery does.

[@gcragg11]

its my understanding A trailer hitch will NOT void your warranty. Good vid man. Some good advice in there for beginners for sure. Particularly regarding loading. Ones gotta know that. One thing kinda surprised me though. And that's the clutch issues you've had. I've been towing behind my bikes since 1983 and haven't burnt a clutch yet. Not one. And pop up camper trailers loaded heavy. So maybe you're feathering your clutch alittle too much at the starts...clutch adjustment....not sure but. There's something wrong there somewhere. Also I went to a swivel hitch and would highly recommend one. Even if you're not a real aggressive rider (I'm still fairly aggressive sometimes ) I think they just make sense. Anyway...thanks for the vid and safe travels man

[@IMOZfilms]

@@gcragg11 The warranty getting void due to a trailer hitch is written in the owners manual. The dealership I bought my Harley from was very adamant about this. Any failure of a drive train will be investigated by the regional rep before Harley picks up the tab for it. My previous motorcycle was a Vulcan and this was also written in their owners manual as well. And as for frying my clutch...Both times I was way overloaded, going uphill in 30+ degrees Celsius weather.

[@gcragg11]

@@IMOZfilms hummm? Well the way it’s been explained to me ( by a lawyer ) is that yes. If the part in question failed due to pulling the trailer. ( and they could prove that ). Then that particular claim would not be covered. But in no way can they totally void your warranty. Now they may try and say that. But legally they can’t. I’m on my forth Harley ( had a Yammy in there too). And I personally have never received notice mailed or personally stated to me by a dealer saying my warranty was void. I guess your dealer is worried about this for some reason but… he would like I said… have to prove the trailer was the cause of any failed part. Now if you went in and wanted a new clutch that had premature wear I’m sure thay would have a good case to say it was because of the towing. But every case is probably different to a certain degree but for myself I’ve never worried about this because over the 40 years plus of me towing. I’ve never had an issue with my bike that I tried for warranty or had any issue with my bike owing to towing railer. Every year at Sturgis, I just see more and more trailers all the time. That said there’s probably some people that shouldn’t tow a trailer because they’re just not smart enough to realize that they have a trailer behind them and they want to ride like they don’t have one.

[@chistinelane]

Lol, well, it's a Harley. Their first mission as a company is to Rob you. The next is to sell t-shirts. And when that's done well enough, they funnel the last scraps of their brain power into building motorcycles. If you wanna tow with your motorcycle, get a Honda. Old gold wings aren't even that expensive, and they last forever with basic maintenance. Many come WITH a hitch.

[@gcragg11]

Well, Harley‘s aren’t for everyone that’s for certain and they’re certainly not cheap. I’m not sure how many years you’ve been towing but I first towed with my first Harley in 1981. 44 yrs ago. I’ve been riding Harleys as well an other makes of road and dirt bikes all my life. I’m now 67 yrs old and any of the big bikes, especially nowadays, any of them will tow very well. It’s all depends on the person. Some people should probably just not tow. Actually some people should probably not even ride 😄 If the bike and trailer are set up properly and you ride respectful of the fact, you are towing a trailer there should be no issues with any of these larger bikes, regardless of the make.

[@Tlklmk]

Good video thanks!!!!!

[@6thwatergateplumber]

Interesting. I'm wondering if HD can get away with saying no trailering, and at the same time actually selling trailer hitch accessory. In addition, they just had to revise their warranty where they can't outright deny warranty coverage, but can deny in some cases under more narrow circumstances.

[@IMOZfilms]

Trailer hitches are all after market. I bought mine cash under the alias Professor X written on the invoice so they never knew I had one. Harley isn't going to start replacing crank journals in people's bikes who push the bike's limit as I admittedly did. Luckily the clutch took the brunt not the crank and a clutch is an easy enough fix on a Harley.

[@6thwatergateplumber]

@@IMOZfilms I'm debating whether to do this. Near retirment, and I was looking maybe at a small camper trailer. There are not a lot them out there. The GVWR on my SGS is 1360, but the owner's guide splits that 500 front, 937 to the rear. I think I can get away with 3 to 500 LB rig, better near 3 than 5 though. Thanks for the video, it helped!

[@Edub1281]

Swivel hitch …. Game changer

[@kassiedreaneai7459]

Curiosity question. Have you ever considered lowering the gearing to make it easier on the clutch for take off. At 100 kph a Harley is just ticking over fine for bike and rider but you could lower the gearing with a larger rear sprocket/gear and take off easier and still cruise at somewhere around 100 to 120 kph if you wanted to. I would not go over about 100 kph with a trailer myself but that would be my answer to saving on clutches and might even be better for fuel mileage but not sure on that.

[@IMOZfilms]

Well to clarify both times I burnt the clutch hauling my trailer it was uphill with traffic stop n go, in very hot weather over loaded. I've done many miles without issues. As for changing the gearing, I don't travel with my trailer often enough to go all out and besides I'm one who really likes his bike stock and smooth. Keeps me going farther.

[@DarrylBraun]

There's a lot to take away from this video. The most important that I'd like to point out though, is there is NOTHING difficult about pulling a trailer. Just different riding style that's all. But there's one thing that I don't think he mentioned but listen to his engine while he's driving through town. He's sounds like he's at least 1 gear lower than normal. For a big V twin his revs are quite high sounding and that's exactly what you want to get used to, if you're a cruiser guy anyway. Most cruiser riders love the sound of that loping V twin. Forget it when you pull a trailer. And the only "rule" you need to know BEFORE you pull a trailer is what he said at the beginning. Make God damned sure you have hitch weight, 20 lbs will do it. WAY back in the 80s we did some testing and let me tell you... negative hitch weight is the single best way to shed skin sliding down the road. That said... get a trailer... pull it... it's no big deal.

[@ExtraCheezy]

Do people still give bells? I haven't seen anyone with one in a while.

[@JoeT.1960]

Hey can you send it link to the song on this video.?? Thanks

[@IMOZfilms]

The song is from KZbin's "HouseCoat Cowboy" and it's called "Redneck Feels"

[@JoeT.1960]

Thanks@@IMOZfilms

[@TrueHelpTV]

I wonder if your digital cruise control isn't what is burning your clutch up

[@IMOZfilms]

@@TrueHelpTV no not at all. The plates were all burnt blue. It was definitely overloaded up hill heat damage. A Screaming Eagle clutch would have done a better job but stiffer to pull and hold in traffic is the issue there so I stuck with stock. Once I shaved off 100 pounds to lighten the trailer, I haven't fried a clutch since.

[@TrueHelpTV]

@@IMOZfilms may have to check one of those clutches out just to play with

[@notrueflagshere198]

You convinced me not to do that.

[@christophersmith5116]

His Trailer was way overloaded and his Bike was way under powered for a 350# Trailer.

[@zavlo72]

get rid of ball and get a heim hitch. get rid of toolbox and get tool rlll. get rid of some of that stuff..just cause you have room doesn't mean you need to fill it.

[@psslonaker]

Dump that ball connection and get a Heim connection. You will never have that bolt/nut issue again. If you cant find a Heim, I will build one for you. kzbin.info and you can see a Heim connection. BTW...using a Heim connection, there is no slop or lose feeling. Your hitch connection will be like there is no trailer. Your trailer fights back because you do not have a swivel connection...something that could put you on the ground. Most Harley riders have clutch issues because they rev the engine up several times from a stopped position while letting the clutch out which results in them cooking the disc to get started. There is no reason for that/ My 2008 Goldwing has 144,500 miles and running the same clutch as when I bought it new.

[@fryingduck1527]

What kind of drone and camera do you have on it ?

[@IMOZfilms]

@@fryingduck1527 using a DJI mini pro 3 drone (I strongly suggest you get the mini pro 4) and 2 GoPro 11 are mounted on the bike and helmet.

[@thomasreyes2857]

It looks like when you make turns the weight pushes you "WIDE"😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ruthdoyle9085]

What if you were riding a Spyder reverse trike? Would your opinion change?

[@IMOZfilms]

@@ruthdoyle9085 I have never ridden a Spyder so I really have no opinion however, I have seen them hauling trailers so they are obviously capable of it.

[@chuckwilson2301]

Ruthdoyle9085, Hello I have a 22 RTL and pull a freedom trailer with it. I have not had any problems pulling the trailer. The Spyder does well with the trailer. I had the hitch installed on the bike when I bought it new. Pulling trailers very simple, just have to remember the trailer is behind you on corners and turns. Ride safe out there. Spyder’s rock!!!

[@susierebelryder492]

Pulling a trailer will NOT void the warranty! Read the Magnesen-Moss act. A federal law protects the consumer. I’ve had warranty work done with the hitch on and no problems. Weight should be on the axle or in front of it. Tongue weight is 10% of trailer weight.

[@IMOZfilms]

Actually "YES' it will. Putting a trailer hitch is considered an aftermarket part modifying the original product not covered under warranty. It's in the owners manual and all "authorized" dealerships will tell you the same. You modified the bike, used it for something not design for it to do and spun the journals right off the crank, it is definitely and certainly a " ON YOU" problem not the manufacturer. At the end of the day an investigation by Harley reps to determine what caused the problem will certainly happen in a powertrain failure. If you want to take on a multi billion dollar company such as Harley Davidson (notorious for not settling on anything) that told you point blank not to do that, well be my guess and let me know how that worked out for you $$$$.

[@bennoury8509]

Gold wings? My brother has had those, he’s a motorcyclist… us that are into the lifestyle, ride the bikes we want because we want it ! and Harleys can do everything a Goldwing can! Honda took the Honda Civic engine and put it in a bike frame, and covered it with a ton of plastic, i’ve had them all. I’m sorry but riding a motorcycle cross-country is not as much fun on a Goldwing.,. if you think it is, you haven’t ridden anything else, so many guys don’t know how to work on their bikes and that’s OK ..I’ve put half 1,000,000 miles on Harley’s and another half 1 million on metrics, and pull trailers, everything breaks , don’t matter what you ride budget the money if you ride more than 10,000 miles a year….

[@christophersmith5116]

But it's just the Peace of Mind on a GoldWing and it's Comfort and Reliability compared to any HD. That Trailer was just too much for that under powered Road Queen I mean king...

[@kennethcole1551]

Do not hook up the chains. If the trailer comes off the motorcycle, let it go the chains Will pull the motorcycle and you down I said that to my friend how do you say the little Susie Q was going to have to dodge the trailer And I said better just the trailer, the new trailer, the motorcycle and me so we designed a hitch 360° rotation And bolted fast to the motorcycle and the trailer

[@IMOZfilms]

@@kennethcole1551 Having the trailer secured to the vehicle with chains is the law. Not doing so and someone gets hit is criminal negligence causing bodily harm or death and all the legal jumbo that goes with it.

[@kennethcole1551]

@@IMOZfilms I would rather be wrong, breaking the law and alive then following the law being incorrect and dead. Those laws are for cars and trucks and four-wheel vehicles. The next thing he’ll do is have us put seatbelts on while we’re riding a motorcycle. That is why we build a hitch in one piece. I hit a pothole in Arizona with the trailer. It was so deep it actually off the axle off the trailer and blew out the tires. If I had a ball and. Chain thing it would’ve flipped over and pulled me and the motorcycle down no thank you no chains . Be safe. By the way, they sell hitches for motorcycles, pulling trailers and they’re not the ball there a pin with a swivel check it out. The ball is not safe on a motorcycle.

[@buzzhead817]

98% of honda are still on the road today the other 2% made it home 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@patrickmckowen2999]

👍

[@NC750X]

I think safety chains are really dangerous on a motorbike if that comes off I would rather stay upright and let the trailer go than that fall off and drag me off

[@IMOZfilms]

Yep I can understand that. The reason it's the law is if that trailer goes flying into someone it would be criminal negligence causing ( ? ? ? ? ).

[@southernrebel]

Dude; excellent set up trailer. I pull one alot with my harley. Everything you said is true. BUT SCREW GOLDWING stay AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! clutch is not hard to change. get the service manual and change it yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nobody touches my ride with a wrench but ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if ever in U.S. would like to meet. safe ridin rubber down

[@IMOZfilms]

Right you are. I have had many bikes and I am now Harley all the way. Easy to work on where ever you are with no "special" tools required. A "U.S tour" is definitely in the making, it's only a question of when...Keep the shiny side up eh ! 🇨🇦

[@housecoatcowboy]

Rock n Roll

[@1wheeldrive751]

Just say no to trailers. Pack less junk that you don’t need anyway.

[@alandeon]

Glue a iPhone AirTag to the drone. That will help.

[@IMOZfilms]

@@alandeon actually it's got GPS and an audio alarm.. But yes with a dead battery those features become useless.

[@joewildwest2241]

towing a trailer with a motorcycle ?

[@IMOZfilms]

@@joewildwest2241 😆 I suppose you are indeed correct !!! But I am towing a trailer as I am "on" the motorcycle so technically I can get away with it 😆

[@IMOZfilms]

@@joewildwest2241 😆 I suppose you are indeed correct !!! But I am towing a trailer as I am "on" the motorcycle so technically I can get away with it 😆

[@pascalfo6014]

Let that bike breath put at least 50/50 on it more air in ,it will give you the push more ,nice ride