Towing with my F3 – Questions

So after years of two-wheel tent camping I have purchased a 2016 F3-T which I consider the perfect vehicle for pulling a small motorcycle tent camper. I am planning a number of trips in 2019 to the Ozarks, Smokies and possibly a 2-3 week Colorado/Utah trip. Not getting any younger and want to get it off my bucket list while I can. I am hoping I can tap in to the experiences of those Spyder Lovers that tow small campers.

The camper I will probably pull the trigger on is the Mini-Mate by Kompact Kamper. I have tried to find a used one which is near impossible so will buy new soon. The unit is shown in the following: www.kompactkamptrailers.com. Trailer weight is 265 pounds with a tongue weight of 25 pounds. I always travel one up and want to keep the set up as simple and light as possible. Here are some of my questions:

•Which Hitch should I use? Suggestions are welcomed! My first thought is to go with the BRP hitch but it is certainly pricey. The Show Chrome hitch is much less but is it a case of “you get what you pay for” ? My dealer has said they will install the BRP hitch and wiring harness for $600-$650. Pierre at Spyder Accessories has one as well. I would like to know the +’s and –‘s of hitch set ups.

•What can I expect with the handling of the F3 when towing a loaded camper? I would suspect it would handle it fine with just allowing more stopping distance given the added weight. Any tips would be helpful.

•Can towing effect the warranty at all. I thought I heard at one time you had to use the BRP hitch or the warranty might be effected…true or false?
Anything else I need to take in to consideration? Total cost on this camper and hitch purchase will be pushing $4,500 so I am trying to do all the research I can. I am sure after a 2-3 years use I can always easily sell the camper and recoup some of the investment.

I would appreciate your collective thoughts and suggestions.

Bump; I have been looking at hitches also, the BRP hitch seem to be built much better.

What was your conclusions?

My thoughts:
1. I did find an earlier post that suggests BRP (what does that stand for?) hitch is the way to go. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ighlight=hitch
2. My installed price is $728 for a BRP hitch. My other quote was much higher.

"BRP (what does that stand for?"

Google for info... just have to ask the right question sometimes.... "BRP"

https://www.brp.com/en/about-us.html

https://can-am.brp.com/on-road?redir...765.1519235155

I confess I may be looking right at it and not seeing it (I have been doing that more than normal lately) but I know B stands for Bombardier, I am not finding the RP.

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Originally Posted by gnorthern

I confess I may be looking right at it and not seeing it (I have been doing that more than normal lately) but I know B stands for Bombardier, I am not finding the RP.

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Bombardier Recreational Products.

Brp hitch I believe you have to remove the axle to install. The aftermarket ones you don't. So it's an easier install and removal when you need tire changes. Any one you choose will not void warranty. I will probably get Pierre's. I like the looks and it looks well built.

But what about a wiring harness versus a control module that BRP sells? Are they the same thing?

I have a Bushtec on a 2015 F3S, I like the look of it and build quality is very good. Also you can remove hitch with minor tools when not in use. I do not have a camper but a trailer we load up most of the time. Only had one time even felt the trailer, was on highway with the groves in it. Jim

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Originally Posted by gnorthern

But what about a wiring harness versus a control module that BRP sells? Are they the same thing?

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I believe brp harness is 4 pin square plug for there trailer. Aftermarket uses 4 pin flat connector like on a pickup. If you are using an aftermarket trailer get a flat pin connector harness.

I have the hitch from Pierre Polliquin (Spyder Accessories) on my 2017 F3Ltd., along with the flat 4 (plug & play) wiring harness supplied by him. In fact, I had Pierre install for me - a 15 min. job with his hitch which has a bolt through the rear axle and easy connection to power (under rear seat). I'm pulling a Fibrotech fiberglass trailer ("Ladybug") that weighs about 250# empty. Only been a few hundred miles with it so far, so fairly limited experience to go on. However, the hitch seems solid, my lights all work (I converted the trailer from square 4 to flat 4), and there is no noticeable performance difference in the road operation/driving of the F3L. All trailer outings to date have been two-up with mostly light loads (nearly empty - maybe 100# cargo). The trailer is very obedient, pulls smoothly, never know it's there without looking. Perhaps a little extra braking distance required, but even that isn't a problem. Fuel consumption not much different from normal when running empty on the flats; did drop rather significantly when pulling loaded or climbing, but to be expected. Love the ryde both with and without the "Ladybug" attachment.

Late last fall I purchased a Mini-Mate new and the hitch from Pierre. I installed everything myself. It was really easy. I have a 2015 f-3s. I took it a few weeks ago on a 2 week trip out west. Can't compliment the Mini-mate enough. It was awesome. The spyder handled very well an as you would expect, stopping distance is increased. I set up many times in the rain.... The inside stayed dry and I was out of the rain in less than minute. I rode up the PCH and through LA in a huge traffic jam. The spyder and mini... Great combo!

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Originally Posted by gnorthern

I confess I may be looking right at it and not seeing it (I have been doing that more than normal lately) but I know B stands for Bombardier, I am not finding the RP.

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Good morning all, BRP is Bombardier Recreational Products. When we bought our F3's I asked the dealer the same question and he had to look it up. He had the answer, but it took him 10 min or so to find it.

today i bought Pierre Polliquin (Spyder Accessories) hitch for my 2019 f3t