Shifting Problems With our 2011 RT in Trailer Mode

[BtlrSpydieRydr]

Just got back from a 3,200+ mile ryde West PA to Northern Iowa rountrip pulling a Timeout trailer.

The last day we had problems with the tryke in trailer mode surging ahead on the downshift and lagging on the upshift.

We are not throwing off any codes, (stopped at Speedway America in Findlay, Oh, a CanAm dealer to check), and we don't have a problem when the trailer is not attached and it is not in trailer mode.

We had just gone through our 15,000 mile checkup/maintenance with our dealer, and had no problems seven out of the eight days.

We suspect the tranny is not talking with the carb, but we are ryders, not mechanics.

Anybody have any suggestions besides selling the camper?

Paul and Sarlene

 

[Jeriatric]

How does it behave in trailer mode without the trailer?

 

[Jeriatric]

Can't speak to yours but trailer mode on mine will set without the trailer attached.

 

[BtlrSpydieRydr]

I Don't Know

How does it behave in trailer mode without the trailer?

We didn't try that. I extrapolated the statement from the owner's manual that running a trailer with the RT and not being in "Trailer Mode" could damage the tryke and decided to not try the opposite. Might not have been a technically correct decision, but we didn't want to be four hours from home with a bike that was fatally injured.

 

[Jeriatric]

We didn't try that. I extrapolated the statement from the owner's manual that running a trailer with the RT and not being in "Trailer Mode" could damage the tryke and decided to not try the opposite. Might not have been a technically correct decision, but we didn't want to be four hours from home with a bike that was fatally injured.

While I always use trailer mode. Others choose not to. That said, the most important thing to remember if trailer mode is not being used, is to have your RPM's at or above 5K when up shifting and don't let them drop much below 4K before you down shift. All manually of course.

 

[Grandpa Spyder]

I run mine in trailer mode all the time. And I don't even own a trailer.

 

[mob133]

why trailer mode?

just wondering why you run in trl mode, are there any advantages to doing this.

 

[JJW SpyderRider]

How can that question be answered if the computer won't go into 'Trailer Mode" if a trailer isn't hooked up? My RT won't go into "Trailer Mode" without a trailer hooked up for the computer to recognize. Just curious.

The RT does not have to have a trailer to be put into trailer mode. You can go into trailer mode from the settings screen.

 

[NancysToy]

The RT does not have to have a trailer to be put into trailer mode. You can go into trailer mode from the settings screen.

Unless you ride an SM...they have no trailer mode.

 

[jthornton]

How can that question be answered if the computer won't go into 'Trailer Mode" if a trailer isn't hooked up? My RT won't go into "Trailer Mode" without a trailer hooked up for the computer to recognize. Just curious.

I'm pretty sure the Spyder doesn't have a clue if a trailer is hooked up or not... otherwise Nanny would put you in trailer mode and not give you a choice.

Mine will go into trailer mode anytime.

JT

 

[jthornton]

just wondering why you run in trl mode, are there any advantages to doing this.

I never use trailer mode even when I'm pulling a trailer. Nanny doesn't have a clue about the grade or next action I'm about to do so I use gray matter to decide when to shift.

JT

 

[Grandpa Spyder]

just wondering why you run in trl mode, are there any advantages to doing this.

In trailer mode you must be at 4500 rpms to shift up and it will automatically downshift at 3500 rpms. Which is the minimum rpms for a SE5. That way it helps me with my Goldwing attitude.

 

[mob133]

tried using trailer mode

well I've been using trailer mode for about a week now,and I have to say I like it upshifts are pretty much the same always,i wait till at least 4500 rpm anyway. but the big ride improvement is on downshift, hardly use brakes at all, works well with turns seems to downshift right before turn so all you concentrate on is turning and gassing

 

[bmwlarry]

The funny thing here is that mine surged as you describe for the whole 20,000 miles. I didnt know it was not supposed to do it until I had the last service done and was given a 2013 loaner. The tech was very shocked it was doing it. The clutch was NEVER completely disengaging! It was toast. The whole clutch pack was replaced with a new heavier package under warranty and I can't help smile now when I ride it. It is an entirely new biking experience!!