Trailer Hitch Install

[atomsplitter]

It's not off center, that's the camera angle. From the rear it's pretty much dead center. The sticker may have the ratings I just didn't look close enough. Blowing up the photo I see the sticker has just a phone number and web address. My guess; it's not rated Class II or III.

 

[Navigator]

Nicely done Atom. Did the hanger supports come with the hitch or did You make those up from flat bar stock. They look to be aluminum but I'd think steel would be best. What is the thickness of the hangers.

A short trailer story my neighbor told me the other day. He is a member the local Gold Wing Road Rider chapter.

One of the members was towing his trailer while wearing a full face helmet with ear plugs. He apparently hit a bump in the road and the spare tire that was attached to the front of his trailer fell off. The left wheel of the trailer rolled over it, tipping the trailer over on its side. For whatever reason the rider did not realize it and dragged the trailer down the road on its side for about a quarter of a mile.

I am not sure when this happened, recently or otherwise, but I think it falls in the "Not Good" category.

 

[CADFather]

Wow Mike, I'm fairly used to the masses in cars not knowing what's going on around them, but to notice that you are dragging your trailer. And while I have ridden my Dad's Wing, I've never flipped his trailer on it's side and not noticed it. I may have to try that just to see how it does. I'd guess he could save money on trailer tire wear that way. As smooth as a Wing rides it seems like he would have noticed a difference in the bikes handling.

On another note, I really like this hitch setup, it looks really well thought out and executed. If those pieces that look like aluminum are really AL I can make those look like mirrors.

CAD

 

[Navigator]

Wow Mike, I'm fairly used to the masses in cars not knowing what's going on around them, but to notice that you are dragging your trailer. And while I have ridden my Dad's Wing, I've never flipped his trailer on it's side and not noticed it. I may have to try that just to see how it does. I'd guess he could save money on trailer tire wear that way. As smooth as a Wing rides it seems like he would have noticed a difference in the bikes handling.

On another note, I really like this hitch setup, it looks really well thought out and executed. If those pieces that look like aluminum are really AL I can make those look like mirrors.

CAD

If I ever get a trailer, I believe I'll have the spare mounted on top or aft where it belongs.

 

[leigh_m_gardner]

can I ask why people reckon the towbar wont work with Rivco passenger footboards? the reason I ask is that I have just taken delivery of a rocket3 towbar from a company in Oz and am putting it on this weekend - but when I come to the US at the end of June, I will be buying the Rivco Passenger boards and relocation arms - obviously im f*cked if I cant use em with the towbar - so spill the beans someone.

 

[Geek_Law]

Nice work. A trailer is in my future ... but probably at least a couple of years off. I need to be able to ditch the kids at home over night. Right now, I can only ditch them for a few hours.

I'm thinking a little camp trailer behind the Rocket would be just kick ass fun.

 

[leigh_m_gardner]

for those interested:

Fitting of the australian supplied towbar was pretty straight forward and the the wiring was not that much of an effort. I think its safe to say that having panniers and frames on the bike did not help the job go any easier - however having the right guys doing the work makes all the difference! Opted to go with the oz style socket and it had a nice mounting point on the upright (see picture).

Major thanks (as always) to Steve and Dave for doing the necessary - especially given the terrible weather and my pretty sh*te attitude to the jokes ;D















The final looks of the bike with the towbar:

 

[walleye_jig]

Any advice on building one of these????? I am seeing a Bunkhouse LX in my future but 1st things 1st...I need a hitch.
John