Stupid trailer tricks . . .

[PrairieSpyder]

My Bushtec trailer did something I bet no RT622 would even think of trying. . . . a 2-point roll off a curb . . .

I was on my way to the Bayou and stopped at a coffee shop for a break. The parking and driveway situation was confusing, and I must have ended up going out an entrance drive. I made a sharp right into a right-turn lane where I wanted to be. There were some traffic cones marking a stripped area and I suddenly see a traffic cone slide by and then a scraping noise. I thought the trailer must have hit and dragged a cone. I look back to my left and see the bottom of my trailer; it was at an acute angle to the Spyder. Thankfully, a couple guys in a car got out and set it upright for me. The contents were non the worse for the wear. the left side and the top are scraped up pretty bad.

So I went ahead to my planned overnight at Shreveport (awful hotel stay at Red Roof), barely slept thinking about the expense of repainting the trailer and decided to cut the trip short to save some money. So I didn't make it to the rally. I went about 430 miles on 3 hours sleep yesterday. I got home today and called my body shop guy, but he's on vacation until Monday. So I'll see what the damages will be and how big the hit will be in my travels this year. Pics to follow.

Needless to say, no farkles for me this year.

[Gilda]

That sucks!
Hope it comes out cheaper then you anticipate.

[ARtraveler]

Sorry to hear of the incident. Glad to hear that it was not worse than it turned out. Hoping the repair job is less than anticipated. :thumbup:

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Unless the trailer was damaged more than cosmetically I would have kept on going! It's easier to deal with a problem after a few days of fun in the sun! :yes: But I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. Stuff like that is always a bummer!

[Bfromla]

Srz to hear & glad it was just the trailer. (Might be worth double checking you hitch & connections tho). & Louisiana roads can make vehicles & attachments do funny things just a fyi. Srz i missed u in Shreveport its right across the river from me. & the hotel market has gone downhill &quite restricted to the casinos it seams.

[Mr. Pickels]

Wow that is a bummer... I hope they are fair w u at the body shop. [emoji3]


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[PrairieSpyder]

Srz to hear & glad it was just the trailer. (Might be worth double checking you hitch & connections tho). & Louisiana roads can make vehicles & attachments do funny things just a fyi. Srz i missed u in Shreveport its right across the river from me. & the hotel market has gone downhill &quite restricted to the casinos it seams.

The Bushtec has that kind of hitch that tilts. It's great with a 2-wheel bike, but not necessary with a trike. The trailer could do a full roll and not mess up the hitch. So I'm not so worried about that.

[PrairieSpyder]

Unless the trailer was damaged more than cosmetically I would have kept on going! It's easier to deal with a problem after a few days of fun in the sun! :yes: But I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. Stuff like that is always a bummer!

You may be right, Mac, but I decided it was one way I could save some bucks now so I can afford a longer trip later in the year, maybe around the Homecoming.

[PrairieSpyder]

Wow that is a bummer... I hope they are fair w u at the body shop. [emoji3]


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The body shop I use has been great to work with before. My car was damaged at an airport long-term storage place and they did the insurance work. He really went above and beyond for me. The guy bought his property from my dad, so we've had some prior business with him.

[Bfromla]

The Bushtec has that kind of hitch that tilts. It's great with a 2-wheel bike, but not necessary with a trike. The trailer could do a full roll and not mess up the hitch. So I'm not so worried about that.
Good to know. Thx:2thumbs: Hope the repairs are simple & painless:bowdown:

[SpyderAnn01]

We were wondering where you were

[PMK]

Sorry to read this. I'm sure they will get your trailer fixed nice and for reasonable costs.

[Chupaca]

glad your alright and help was handy. Fingers crossed that it will be minor damage. :pray: be careful out there and hope to see you at the Red Rock Ralley....:thumbup:

[Bfromla]

We were wondering where you were
:pThe town is called Bossier. We even have an air base here (Barksdale AFB) but thankfully we dont get quite as well known as Shreveport for various reasons. Fyi our local PD EVEN HELP stop the Mardigras parades on this side of river because too many drunken injuries (usually not the drunks getting hurt) actually have more casinos than Shreveport lol but ( they have the "clubs"):dontknow:
Some of us are the quite type:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

[seaweed]

I am glad that you and your Spyder are okay. By the way how is your Dad??

[dlby]

Came home a few times after incidents.
Always ended up shoulda stayed & had good time.
So now unless the Spirit shows me different I keep on trucking.
4 years ago (pre Spyder daze) my 2010 Road King went to limp mode (yep it did) 40 mph tops. I was bumming as 20 other couples were going riding nxt day while I wz going to trailer home.
5 late comers pulled in- asked me prob-took front electronics apart & repaired it. Glad i stayed

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[PrairieSpyder]

I am glad that you and your Spyder are okay. By the way how is your Dad??

He's doing fine, same as when you met him. When I'm gone he takes care of his own meals, either goes to the senior center or fries something (the only way he cooks).

How's the camper doing?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

The Bushtec has that kind of hitch that tilts. It's great with a 2-wheel bike, but not necessary with a trike. The trailer could do a full roll and not mess up the hitch. So I'm not so worried about that.
Patti, if the trailer was able to do what it did ( because you think the BUSTEC HITCH ALLOWED IT TO ) consider what might have happened with a conventional Hitch that would have PUT a HUGH amount of strain on the F-3 Hitch ANNNNNNNNNNND rear suspension of the Spyder .......... you may have dodged a bullet .......just a thought ......... Very happy to hear you weren't injured ....................Mike :bbq:

[trucker1]

Sorry for your mishap. Glade you are ok. May be it won't be to bad a hit to repair. Hopefully the next ride will be better. God speed my friend. Live well ride often.

[oldgoat]

Do you have to have it painted? Can't you use it as it is, with its battle scars showing?

[PrairieSpyder]

Here's some pics.

145308 145307

If I get the whole thing repainted I may match it to my Spyder. But they could probably just paint the top and left side and fix the vinyl. I'll see what the comparative costs are.

[PrairieSpyder]

Do you have to have it painted? Can't you use it as it is, with its battle scars showing?

I could, but I don't want to. But that would be an option, depending on the cost.

[Bob Denman]

:shocked:...
But I'm glad to hear that you and the bike are okay. :thumbup:
This can be easily fixed, and will soon become just another "War Story", told by folks about their journeys.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Here's some pics.

145308 145307

If I get the whole thing repainted I may match it to my Spyder. But they could probably just paint the top and left side and fix the vinyl. I'll see what the comparative costs are.
Patti - if you decide to re-paint and want match your Spyder ....... the price of BRP paint is prohibitive :yikes:...... However ..... Toyota has a RED that is sooooooo similar it's almost a dead ringer ...... annnnnnnnd because the two colors aren't touching - extremely close , is close enough ............ and the Toyota paint will be 1/3 what BRP paint will cost....... Talk to a pro painter about it ........jmho ...... Mike

[Highwayman2013]

Ouch!

[cognaccruiser]

Patti, really sorry to hear about and see the results. I completely understand why you want to get it fixed as it would be a constant reminder of the mishap.
In 2005 we went to Palm Dessert to meet some friends on our brand new Yamaha Venture. Second day we went for a ride and got into a gravel parking lot with a severe side slope and I lost it while turning around and scratched the fairing, windshield and some other bits. I wanted to just go home and every time I looked at it, it really bothered me. I wasn't happy until I got it repaired.
Hope it doesn't end up affecting your travel plans.

Gary

[oldgoat]

I could, but I don't want to. But that would be an option, depending on the cost.


Having now seen the pics, I can appreciate why you want it painted. Hope it works out ok & you can still enjoy your summer.

[Brentc]

Patti, your trailer looks like I feel.:roflblack:

Glad your all right, everything else is secondary. Keep smiling :D

[seaweed]

He's doing fine, same as when you met him. When I'm gone he takes care of his own meals, either goes to the senior center or fries something (the only way he cooks).

How's the camper doing?

Glad that your Dad is doing okay, along with you. The camper is ready for first trip to Ariz in April. I got the cargo box mounted, ordered a awning from Leesur-lite and got it attached. Will be out your way in July will be in Topeka Kansas.

Hope your repair guy can fix the trailer to look like new!

[kngfsh27]

Glad that you didn't have more damage than just the trailer. Hopefully you can get it painted red like your Spyder. You have given me even more reason why I never want to pull a trailer. I would only remember that I was pulling it when something bad happened. Mine would upside down more than upside up. Then my wife would be selling it.

[murphybrown]

Sad it happened but could have been so much worse and looking for the silver lining!!! Hey you get to have painted color(s) of your choosing. Seriously glad you weren't hurt. Let us know what you find out on Monday.:thumbup:

[cptjam]

Glad you are ok! Be even gladder you were on a Spyder!
No more barrel rolls! I'm thinking jumps are out, too! All 5 on the ground, at all times!😉

[dlby]

Welp I wld stick wi black.
Cheaper to repair & I could tell it is great looking! How bout a chrome or black rack on top? Maybe not your style but I wld use it a lot for quick grab items, lock jackets or helmets to it at stops.etc. glad U R OK

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[SpyderAnn01]

:pThe town is called Bossier. We even have an air base here (Barksdale AFB) but thankfully we dont get quite as well known as Shreveport for various reasons. Fyi our local PD EVEN HELP stop the Mardigras parades on this side of river because too many drunken injuries (usually not the drunks getting hurt) actually have more casinos than Shreveport lol but ( they have the "clubs"):dontknow:
Some of us are the quite type:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

I was wondering why Patti didn't make it to Spyder's on the Bayou. I know where Shreveport and Barksdale are

[Flamewinger]

My first trailer was a Bushtec. I pulled it behind a Goldwing and almost every time I backed up the trailer jackknifed. Compared to most other trailers with longer tongues, the Bushtec is easy to pull but can be a little tricky. Hope you can get it fixed up.


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[PrairieSpyder]

My first trailer was a Bushtec. I pulled it behind a Goldwing and almost every time I backed up the trailer jackknifed. Compared to most other trailers with longer tongues, the Bushtec is easy to pull but can be a little tricky. Hope you can get it fixed up.


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I'm still practicing backing up. I think Ann gave up on teaching me, but I keep practicing and I'm getting better.

[jaherbst]

The Bushtec has that kind of hitch that tilts. It's great with a 2-wheel bike, but not necessary with a trike. The trailer could do a full roll and not mess up the hitch. So I'm not so worried about that.



How about the wiring and safety chains? Were they twisted?

​Jack

[reissooz]

My Bushtec trailer did something I bet no RT622 would even think of trying. . . . a 2-point roll off a curb . . .

I was on my way to the Bayou and stopped at a coffee shop for a break. The parking and driveway situation was confusing, and I must have ended up going out an entrance drive. I made a sharp right into a right-turn lane where I wanted to be. There were some traffic cones marking a stripped area and I suddenly see a traffic cone slide by and then a scraping noise. I thought the trailer must have hit and dragged a cone. I look back to my left and see the bottom of my trailer; it was at an acute angle to the Spyder. Thankfully, a couple guys in a car got out and set it upright for me. The contents were non the worse for the wear. the left side and the top are scraped up pretty bad.

So I went ahead to my planned overnight at Shreveport (awful hotel stay at Red Roof), barely slept thinking about the expense of repainting the trailer and decided to cut the trip short to save some money. So I didn't make it to the rally. I went about 430 miles on 3 hours sleep yesterday. I got home today and called my body shop guy, but he's on vacation until Monday. So I'll see what the damages will be and how big the hit will be in my travels this year. Pics to follow.

Needless to say, no farkles for me this year.

Oh no, Patti, I'm so sorry this happened. I know you were very excite about this trip. Get that trailer fixed up and you'll be good as gold!:thumbup:

[oldgoat]

I'm still practicing backing up. I think Ann gave up on teaching me, but I keep practicing and I'm getting better.

Last summer I pulled the spyder & trailer nose first into a parking spot with a fence in front of me . My brother was with me on my Honda Aero. When it came time to back it out I would jack-knife all the time. In the end we kept lifting the trailer to line it up properly, back out a bit more etc. There was quite an audience & cheers when I finally rode away.

I guess I need more practice as well.

[murphybrown]

Hey lady...if I can learn to back my Spyder trailer...so can you. I can get it where I want it (or close enough!!) most times. So I don't get frustrated and then reallllly mess up backing....I always have in back of mind...easy peasy, unhook, place trailer where you want...back to and hook up!!! Pretty sure that is not in Spyderann training course!! But hey you gotta do what you gotta do...
Anxious to hear your report after talking to your paint/fixer dude..:thumbup:

[PMK]

Here's some pics.

145308 145307

If I get the whole thing repainted I may match it to my Spyder. But they could probably just paint the top and left side and fix the vinyl. I'll see what the comparative costs are.

Sad to see those scrapes.

After hearing about what happened, I did a quick google search and you are certainly not the first nor last to flip a Bushtec trailer.

Since you do not need the lean function of the hitch, maybe it could be safer to keep the heim joint, but keep it from rotating and only use the misalignment capability of the joint.

As for paint, Pitbull can tell you or send you the BRP color codes. Last time I was researching paint colors, the BRP color codes were available by various paint manufacturers. Typically, the body shop gives the paint supplier the color code, and same as buying house paint at Lowes, the computer adds the exact amount of color to give a matching paint color.

Most important is you are ok, the paint and refinish work looks pretty straightforward. If the trailer structure is ok, maybe just Krylon to match until you save up for a matching color coat when repaired. The Krylon will be wiped away with solvent.

[PrairieSpyder]

How about the wiring and safety chains? Were they twisted?

​Jack

No, the wires, etc, were fine. It just did a 180.

[PrairieSpyder]

Got the estimate: $400-$500 to repaint just the parts that need it, leaving the whole thing black. $700-$800 to repaint the whole thing, unless it needs a tri-stage paint, then it's about $1k. So I'll leave it black and have them fill and paint the damaged areas. I'll take the vinyl "bra" to an upholsterer and see if they can patch it, so that will be additional. Now I'm waiting for a call back about when they can get it done.

I may forego Spyderfest this year so I can do a longer trip around Homecoming and Red Rocks.

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: It's good to hear that it's not any worse than that! nojoke
But I just know that you don't want to let go of the trip to Missouri! :thumbup:

[Zip]

Glad both you and the bike are OK

[missouriboy]

...$700-$800 to repaint the whole thing...Holy Mackerel, Andy! Not too many years ago, friend-o-mine got his big 4340 John Deere tractor with dual wheels completely repainted at an automotive body shop for $750, and a mighty fine job it was too, with new decals and all. I guess the $ just isn't worth very many pennies anymore, right?

[cptjam]

Got the estimate: $400-$500 to repaint just the parts that need it, leaving the whole thing black. $700-$800 to repaint the whole thing, unless it needs a tri-stage paint, then it's about $1k. So I'll leave it black and have them fill and paint the damaged areas. I'll take the vinyl "bra" to an upholsterer and see if they can patch it, so that will be additional. Now I'm waiting for a call back about when they can get it done.

I may forego Spyderfest this year so I can do a longer trip around Homecoming and Red Rocks.
Ouch! Get more estimates!
Another idea: we had our community college autoshop paint our legion trailer after it was stolen and the criminals tried to paint over. The school did it for materials! Looks great!
try a big, busy car shop. Often, they do a 1 color whole car for 300. I can't believe there is more than a few hundred in bodywork to be done.
Good luck!

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Ouch! Get more estimates!
Another idea: we had our community college autoshop paint our legion trailer after it was stolen and the criminals tried to paint over. The school did it for materials! Looks great!
try a big, busy car shop. Often, they do a 1 color whole car for 300. I can't believe there is more than a few hundred in bodywork to be done.
Good luck!
Painting ain't cheap, unless it's a cheap paint job! Estimates to repaint my 2005 Maxima have been as high as $8000. That's why it still sports peeling faded paint!

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[easysuper]

Patty,
You may want to rethink keeping the swivel hitch on your trailer, I know there is at least one on this forum that will strongly disagree but in my opinion they work great with two wheels but may not be the best thing for your Spyder, I know you had the other type on your other trailers and had no problem with turn overs, and I have over 50 thousand miles of pulling trailers with our Spyders with the standard ball and hitch with now problems.
145400

[ARtraveler]

Thank you for posting the updates Patti. :thumbup:

[PMK]

Got the estimate: $400-$500 to repaint just the parts that need it, leaving the whole thing black. $700-$800 to repaint the whole thing, unless it needs a tri-stage paint, then it's about $1k. So I'll leave it black and have them fill and paint the damaged areas. I'll take the vinyl "bra" to an upholsterer and see if they can patch it, so that will be additional. Now I'm waiting for a call back about when they can get it done.

I may forego Spyderfest this year so I can do a longer trip around Homecoming and Red Rocks.

Silly idea, maybe get a quote from Pitbull. With them doing all the custom paint work, possibly their painter could squeeze in a repair while you hit Spyderfest.

Just an idea, and sorry to see it damaged.

[PrairieSpyder]

I'll call Pitbull today. I suspect, though, they are sending panels out for painting. But they may recommend a shop there. I'll also do some shopping around here for another body shop.

Right now, I'm considering just living with it dinged up until winter. I may go ahead and do the filling myself. If so I'll have to name my Bushtec "Camaro"!!

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: If you think of the scratches as "merit badges"; it might make it easier... :dontknow:

[Brentc]

Patti, my brp 622 was done at our local vocational school as a class project. It cost me $300 in paint and materials and I have to say they did a nice job. Is it professional body shop quality, no I would say it is an 8 out of 10 and I am perfectly happy with that. Not only did I save a boat load of money, but more important for me was that the class at our local school got the real life experience. I actually stopped in a few time and met the students while they were doing it, it was kind of fun.

Good luck whichever route you take!


I'll call Pitbull today. I suspect, though, they are sending panels out for painting. But they may recommend a shop there. I'll also do some shopping around here for another body shop.

Right now, I'm considering just living with it dinged up until winter. I may go ahead and do the filling myself. If so I'll have to name my Bushtec "Camaro"!!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Patti, it's too bad we don't live closer :banghead: ...... If you could handle 90% perfect, I could help you out with this. Unless you have structural damage that needs Fiberglass work, cosmetics aren't really beyond the DIY'er. There are a lot of video's on U-tube today that enable the DARING to take a SHOT ...... I watched a guy paint an entire car with a brush ...... using self-leveling paint , that really looked damn good............ Mike :thumbup:

[PrairieSpyder]

Thanks, Mike. My brother has extensive experience painting cars, motorcycles, airplanes, etc. He said he'd help me with the filler and sanding. I don't know if going around with bondo showing (Camaro style) or the scrapes showing would be better.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks, Mike. My brother has extensive experience painting cars, motorcycles, airplanes, etc. He said he'd help me with the filler and sanding. I don't know if going around with bondo showing (Camaro style) or the scrapes showing would be better.
Post pictures of one side with Bondo, and one side in it's raw state: we could have a poll about which one is preferable! :D

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

How about black touch up paint in a marker type dispenser? That would somewhat disguise the scratches and scrapes until winter time when you'll have more time to fix it properly.

[stillriding]

I'll call Pitbull today. I suspect, though, they are sending panels out for painting. But they may recommend a shop there. I'll also do some shopping around here for another body shop.

Right now, I'm considering just living with it dinged up until winter. I may go ahead and do the filling myself. If so I'll have to name my Bushtec "Camaro"!!​Have you considered contacting Bushtec to see about buying just the lid? I'm guessing it would be expensive, but you never know.

[DJFaninTN]

had my 622 repainted last year. visited several shops and some wouldn't touch it. a few shops were well over a grand. finally found a guy by word of mouth from Craigslist. contacted him and he was half price of everyone else. he just painted as a hobby and a side job. he did a great job and I was very happy.

i'd just go black so if you ever get another bike a different color then black matches just about everything. if you ever decide to sell it black will always sell faster than a custom color.

[PrairieSpyder]

​Have you considered contacting Bushtec to see about buying just the lid? I'm guessing it would be expensive, but you never know.

According to their web site, they want $184 just for the vinyl bra. I'm sure the lid would be more expensive than painting. Also the side needs to be painted, too.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks, Mike. My brother has extensive experience painting cars, motorcycles, airplanes, etc. He said he'd help me with the filler and sanding. I don't know if going around with bondo showing (Camaro style) or the scrapes showing would be better. Patti, this could be a one day job. The products they have now work super fast, very little wait time................. But then again I'm not a professional ..... I'm an Amateur DIY 'er ...... Look at Deanna777's Dash ...... amateur job ............best of luck .... Mike :thumbup:

[pegasus1300]

I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere but wouldn't this be covered under your insurance?

[PrairieSpyder]

I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere but wouldn't this be covered under your insurance?

Though the trailer is covered by my Spyder insurance, the deductible is higher than the repair cost.

[Bob Denman]

:D I was just going to mention that possibility... :thumbup:

[Explorer]

http://www.treasuregurus.com/truly-rare-and-unique/product-229.html

Ware it like a badge of honor!

Good Luck,
Roger

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

http://www.treasuregurus.com/truly-rare-and-unique/product-229.html

Ware it like a badge of honor!

Good Luck,
Roger
:hun: ....... However , in order for Patti to use this She would have to buy a Metal ( steel ) trailer and wreck it. IMHO it's not cost effective :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: .......... Mike

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: That thing probably wouldn't stick to very many cars or trucks these days... :gaah:

But it's a neat idea!! :clap:

[PrairieSpyder]

http://www.treasuregurus.com/truly-rare-and-unique/product-229.html

Ware it like a badge of honor!

Good Luck,
Roger

Thanks.

I found something similar on Amazon that are stickers/decals. I may order one or two and use them until I can get it repaired.

[pegasus1300]

Though the trailer is covered by my Spyder insurance, the deductible is higher than the repair cost.:banghead::banghead::banghead:

[missouriboy]

Thanks.

I found something similar on Amazon that are stickers/decals. I may order one or two and use them until I can get it repaired.Decades ago I saw a fairly new 1966 Ford with a bad scrape/dent along one front fender. Just above that was a professional-looking job of painted lettering that said, "SOUVENIR OF THE SANTA ANA FREEWAY, mm/dd/yy". Are you pretty handy at painted lettering? Maybe with a nail polish jar? :doorag:

You could even just paint the words, "OW" "OUCH" (etc.) in strategic places. :roflblack:

[oldgoat]

So, how are your trailer & bra doing? ;)

[PrairieSpyder]

So, how are your trailer & bra doing? ;)

No change yet. Plan to put some black duck tape over the tear in the bra and my bro said he could fix the snap that tore off. All the scrapes, etc. are still there. I learned at SF that wrap won't stick to bondo, so I'll have to at least prime it if I decide not to paint. It may be my winter project.