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How to trailer my RT and hubby's Harley

Babyblue

New member
I am seriously thinking of going to spyderfest '13, but we don't want to ride the whole way from MN to MO. I have read that putting a RT on a trailer can be a bit touchy. Any suggestions?
 
Should not be problem

I have trailered my rt at least 15k miles both open and enclosed trailer. You have to decide open or enclosed and trailer with at 5000lb
capacity then what to pull it with. I have a 3000lb enclosed that I pull behind my camper or with a Venza. I like the enclosed as you can keep your stuff dry a safe.

Hope this helps, we will be at the 2013 Spyderfest, will be our third, great fun and Cuba is a great place.

Stormspyder
 
What kind of trailer?? I have a standard utility trailer with drive on gate I used for our RT. I jacked up the font of the trailer so I could drive the Spyder on. Really have to watch the front end clearence. The trailer for the RT has to be at least 6x10. The RT is 8 3/4 ft. long. I screwed blocks in in front of the front wheels and behind the rear wheel and used tie downs. Sounds like you'll need a good size trailer for both bikes.
 
spyderfest 13

ride them ?

or do like flamingo babe did when she brought hers to cuba for repairs a 20 ft trailer harley in front spyder in back
 
Trailer for the RT

I also trailer my RT to California and back each year. We winter there as Mn winters are more than I want to face now. I have a 16 foot ATV trailer and load my Rhino in front and the Spyder in the rear. I do not have a lift gate so I use aluminum ramps. They are light weight and easy to handle. I have two sets so I place two ramps together in the center for the spyder rear wheel. They have a slight curve in them which gives me excellent clearance for the front of the spyder when loading or unloading. Purchased some good tie down straps on eBay and secure the spyder through the wheels as BRP recommends. Since the 4x4 is in front I secure the front straps back and the rear straps ( I use 2 on the rear wheel) towards the front of the trailer. Been doing that for 3 years and it has not been a problem. Make sure that rear straps go through the wheel only, not the wheel and rear pulley as it could be damaged. Good luck.
 
Also dont forget to put a towel or other soft cloth between the wheel rim and the strap so you dont scratch the wheels. Double check straps at every stop.

Joe

Sent from my iPad 3 using Tapatalk HD
 
I have an enclosed single axel ramp door trailer that I've used to haul my RT & Valk, at the same time. I've added some aluminum cabinets, and a shelf for bike and other storage. After my trip to Yellowstone, I have a fixed list of stuff I always take along - including a spare gas can for the Spyder.

I have E-track at 6" and 48" off the floor, it's fully insulated finished (I did the painting), and has a removable wheel chock for a two wheeler. I can attach and load both bikes in the trailer and be on the road in under 10 minutes. I pull it with a Ford F150 Ecotech, and get 16mpg at 70, pulling it. The pic shows my old RAM 3500, that I swapped off for the Ford - but it's the same trailer.

I have about $3500 into the trailer - which was purchased NEW. I wouldn't consider hauling a bike in any other type of trailer. I don't worry about people seeing what's inside, it has a RV door on the side, and dual locks on the rear (plus a battery operated audible and wireless alarm). The bike stays clean & dry during transport. JMHO….

YP 1113.jpg
 
Good trailer place in MN

Wow, the information posted is fabulous! I have printed all of it.

I knew there could be an issue with the front end which is my main worry.

We sold our old drag bike trailer, so will have to start looking again. We built the old trailer, but not really interested in doing that again.:rolleyes: Any suggestions for an open trailer in MN? We live in Mpls, but have no problem driving to a dealer.

Thanks again.
 
Try looking at the Drop Tail trailer, easy to store when not being used and fits the RT perfectly.

Joe

Sent from my iPad 3 using Tapatalk HD
 
II have 12x7dual axle enclosed trailer which I pull behind my Motorhome.I have had it for 15 months and did 7000
miles towing my Goldwing.I bought my RT in Northen Michigan and last Friday was the 1st time I trailered the RT.Did 540 miles Saturday to Kentucky and 250 miles yesterday to Greenville TN for Lamonsters BBQ.All went great.
I have 3 d rings in the front and 3 at the back.I put the RT in neutral and lock the break.I ran tie downs to the d rings in front x style.2 tie downs through the back wheel to the centre d ring.No problems at all.
ivor:spyder:
 
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Speaking of trailers

Does anyone have the AirRide AST-3? I've been looking at those as a possibility for towing my RT-S. I'd like to hear some comments on it. Thanks.
 
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We have a7x14 enclosed. There is NO way my husbands HD and my Spyder RT will fit. Would have to have much longer trailer to load them one in front of the other. Also I'm not sure Six ft wide would be wide enuff cause with the 7ft wide my front end is snug riding up the ramp door because of the cables on each side?:dontknow:
 
As you can see, you'll get almost as many opinions about trailers as you will about oil. ;) Spyders travel well on trailers, but there are some things to consider. As you acknowledged, loading is a question. You will need a ramp that is both long enough and wide enough. The best bet is a tall version of an enclosed trailer...they have the longest ramps and gentlest slopes. If possible, test load the Spyder before you buy. You can get by with shorter ramps, but sometimes have to prop up the ramp, run the front wheels onto boards to raise them as they cross onto the trailer off the ramp, or tilt the trailer to make less of an angle where the trailer meets the ramp. Very few owners have not found an answer, and had to use a hill or loading ramp.

As to width, be sure and measure the clear width of the opening at the rear. Trailers' advertised widths are nominal, and may be from wheel-to-wheel. They also do not take into account wall thickness (on an enclosed trailer), smaller door or ramp openings, or cable counterbalance mechanisms. The RT is 62" wide, and you will need several more inches to maneuver safely. Be sure your trailer can provide this. If the Spyder is to "overlap" the bike, that is if parts of them will sit side-by-side, you will need even more width. The wider the trailer, the shorter it can be (in general). If the machines will be partially side-by-side, be sure there is room for the tie-downs to be angled properly.

Some dealers will let you test load your vehicles before you buy. That is certainly recommended to be absolutely sure. If you do, someone can watch as the Spyder goes up the ramp, to look for nose clearance. The tightest point is as the front wheels come off the armp, and the underbody approaches the part where the ramp meets the floor. If you can't test load at the dealer, once you have a trailer in mind, measure carefully and lay out the dimensions on the garage floor. Masking tape works well for this. You can do the same in the yard, if necessary, using a hose or rope. Test "load" both machines to be sure they will fit. Check to see that the tie-downs will be have sufficient room. Remember when doing this that no part of the Spyder or bike can overhang your dimension marks, even when loading, if you are using an enclosed trailer. Good luck in your search. It takes a pretty long or very wide trailer to accomplish what you are trying to do, but it can be done. Your biggest worry isn't as much about loading the Spyder as it is about finding room for both machines and the tie-downs...and having the trailer balanced for sufficient tongue weight in the bargain.
 
Does anyone have the AirRide AST-3? I've been looking at those as a possibility for towing my RT-S. I'd like to hear some comments on it. Thanks.


I had one of these and they certainly look and function nicely. Very clever design. They are not very durable though. All of that beautiful swoopty fiberglass takes a beating and it is a constant maintenace problem. Figure on painting it ever year. It is great if you have a show bike and want to make a real impression driving up. My trailer use to get almost as many comments as the bike (not a show bike) I am now looking for an aluminum or drop tail to do the job at half the cost. Oh yeah, AST's customer service is second to none-it is more like 8384 to all.
 
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I ordered a trailer the Air Ride Trailer a couple of weeks ago.

Does anyone have the AirRide AST-3? I've been looking at those as a possibility for towing my RT-S. I'd like to hear some comments on it. Thanks.

My Air Ride should be delivered next week. :lecturef_smilie: I am really looking forward to it. End of September taking a trip to Alabama. I'll keep everyone informed of what I think about it.
 
:agree: A 7.5x14 trailer would fit a Spyder and a two wheeler !!!!!! I have a 7x14 (plus two for the v nose) and I'm certain they would fit. I made mine into a toyhauler. link below.
http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z418/Arntufun/

Unfortunately, my husbands bike is an HD Road Glide with a wide front faring and engine guards that stick out quite wide. We also have some shelving on the inside of the trailer for our riding gear up front that limits how far forward the Road Glide could go to make room for the rear of the Spyder.
 
Wow, the information posted is fabulous! I have printed all of it.

I knew there could be an issue with the front end which is my main worry.

We sold our old drag bike trailer, so will have to start looking again. We built the old trailer, but not really interested in doing that again.:rolleyes: Any suggestions for an open trailer in MN? We live in Mpls, but have no problem driving to a dealer.

Thanks again.

Can't help you there. Only thing I know about Minneapolis is the Mall of America, snow and Tennant co.
 
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