Thoughts about towing with the Spyder...

**SpyderGirl** · 07-17-2010, 11:17 AM

So I am considering using the Spyder to pull my little dirtbike trailer with two dirt bikes on it down to the dealer to trade them in. The trailer is at most 175lbs and the bikes weight about 210 - 215 each. We're looking at a total weight just under 600 lbs.

Do you think the weight is safe enough for the Spyder to tow it about 50 miles?

Thanks.

**SpyderGirl** · 07-17-2010, 11:24 AM

Here is a visual....

**Big Arm** · 07-17-2010, 11:29 AM

I'd go for it,

but that's just me.

**fastfraser** · 07-17-2010, 11:37 AM

I would give yourself lots of stopping room because of the extra 600+ lbs you are stopping for !!

I tow a trailer that weighs about 125 + 60 lbs for luggage, rider + passenger 350 lbs so i don't think you are that far off. Should be O.K.

**fastfraser** · 07-17-2010, 11:40 AM

Mind you though, if you ride naked you would loose a couple lbs. in clothing.

**Sarge707** · 07-17-2010, 11:45 AM

I wouldn,t. Why not spend the extra $$ for gas in your normal tow vehicle?

**SpyderGirl** · 07-17-2010, 12:03 PM

Hmm... yeah, and both of us would be on the Spyder two-up.

**SpyderGirl** · 07-17-2010, 12:12 PM

I did a google search and they recommend not pulling more than 2/3 the curbside weight of the bike. So about 500# for the Spyder.

**Longlegs** · 07-17-2010, 12:19 PM

How much tongue weight do you have. You sure don't want to have the trailer trying to pick up the back of the spyder if you hit a bump or slam the brakes on. You could probably check that with a bathroom scale placed at the hitch height.

**SpyderGirl** · 07-17-2010, 12:24 PM

I do not know exactly, but it's very low. Actually the center weight of the trailer is just slightly behind the axle of the trailer.

**SpyderGirl** · 07-17-2010, 12:43 PM

I just got back from taking a ride around the block.... and no, I do not recommend pulling that much weight. I didn't think the thing was going to stop at even 10MPH. So I guess we're taking the car to pick up the Spyder... BOO! Oh well.

**NancysToy** · 07-17-2010, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by SpyderGirl

I do not know exactly, but it's very low. Actually the center weight of the trailer is just slightly behind the axle of the trailer.

You should always have trailer tongue weight for good handling. About 10% of the loaded weight is a good guideline. A trailer that is heavier behind the axle is dangerous!

Possible solutions include redistributing the load, adding a cooler or spare tire forward, or loading additional items forward of the axle.

**SpyderGirl** · 07-18-2010, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by NancysToy

You should always have trailer tongue weight for good handling. About 10% of the loaded weight is a good guideline. A trailer that is heavier behind the axle is dangerous!

Possible solutions include redistributing the load, adding a cooler or spare tire forward, or loading additional items forward of the axle.

Thanks for the tip. I decided to not do it and it all worked out. Our second Spyder is here at home now.

**SSG Bean** · 07-18-2010, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by SpyderGirl

Thanks for the tip. I decided to not do it and it all worked out. Our second Spyder is here at home now.

Wise decision. Safety first.

**Sarge707** · 07-18-2010, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by SSG Bean

Wise decision. Safety first.

Thats what we teach in the Army, "Risk Assessment!"

**Longlegs** · 07-18-2010, 08:50 PM

I missed the part about getting a new spyder.

**SpyderGirl** · 07-18-2010, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Longlegs

I missed the part about getting a new spyder.

That was another post. We traded the trailer and bikes towards the purchase of the Spyder for my hubby.

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