Is the RS trailer worthy?

[Ga Blue Knight]

Just curious what would be the damage done to the RS by pulling a trailer? Any? I know BRP says the RS is not rated for trailers but I really don't see what is so different in the RS versus the RT which is heavier in fact. Any thoughts?

 

[SteveMac]

I think Lamont pulled a trailer with his original GS just fine.

But this post alone should convince anyone that the RS can pull a trailer with no problem.

Yazz's Alaska trip from Texas and back.
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27462

 

[CyncySpyder]

Its totally doable, but. ............

You can do , as many others have. The main issue you have to worry about, would be voiding your Warranty if you had a problem & your dealer could prove that towing the trailer was the cause. Of course, if your Spyder is out of Warranty, then no worries, have fun :thumbup:

 

[Big Arm]

I've pulled my Bustec trailer for over two yrs. with no problem. hyea:

 

[SPYD1]

I pulled a Aluma trailer all summer with my 2009 RS SE5 with no issues. I didn't go through mountains or such. Under normal conditions I had to remind myself it was back there. I put a BRP hitch on it and that was pretty simple. I didn't over load the trailer weight wise just camping gear or luggage for a long weekend trip.

 

[rcdurango]

I think the one difference, RS and RT w/ trailer mode. Higher rpm's should be around 4000 before shifting up.

 

[SPYD1]

I don't have a RT but isn't there a trailer mode you are supposed to switch to?

 

[rcdurango]

I don't have a RT but isn't there a trailer mode you are supposed to switch to?

Cant speak for sm5 but with the se5 it just seems to me the difference is the computer controls the rpm's. it will not allow you
shift up until 4000 and while coming down it's 4000. It's just when your in that mode it wants to run at that higher rpm. There
are a lot smarter people in here than I but that's what I noticed. So if I had an RS with a trailer behind me I would keep that
in mind and I think you would be fine.

 

[NancysToy]

Many GS/RS owners have put many, many miles on their Spyders towing trailers. There are a few things to remember or consider. As was said, the SE version does not have the trailer mode, as the RT does. Remember to keep the rpm up, upshifting and downshifting at a little higher rpm. You will likely do this sort of automatically with a manual clutch. There are some drive components that are not as heavy on the RS. Pay close attention to the rear wheel and sprocket bearings. If you use a frame mounted hitch, you may want to increase your rear shock preload a notch, especially if you also carry a passenger or have loaded saddlebags or other gear. Be sure to watch the trailer weight and tongue weight, too. I think that the 400 lb./40 lb. limits for the RT are a good cutoff for the RS, too...maybe even a bit less. Also, be aware that some issues may not be covered under warranty, if they can be related to towing.

IMO there is no more worthy tow vehicle than the Spyder in the motorcycle world. It does a great job, and the trailer actually enhances the handling rather than making it trickier. Just remember that you have a bit less braking power...although an RS will have more than an RT due to the lower weight.

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

Thanks all for the great comments! To sum up the suggestions; keep the weight at or below 400#s for the trailer and at or below 40#s for tongue weight, shift up and down above 4,000 rpm and wait until my warrentee is up!

 

[Bob Denman]

Hey! A concensus! :thumbup:

 

[Yazz]

Thanks all for the great comments! To sum up the suggestions; keep the weight at or below 400#s for the trailer and at or below 40#s for tongue weight, shift up and down above 4,000 rpm and wait until my warrentee is up!

Spydee pulled a trailer over a couple of mountains with a BRP hitch. Coming back home, the teeth started coming off the belt. It was covered under warrantee. Had to pay the labor though.. taking a belt off a floor RS, taking Spydee's belt off, putting new belt on...

P.s. The bearings are still good. :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

No trailer towing experience for me. Glad to see a concensus of opinion though. :2thumbs: