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Thinking of buying a trailer

T

Trickie Dick

New member
I have an 08 GS SE. I am a big guy. Between the wife and I, we are at the weight limit for the GS. I am thinking of getting a trailer so we can take some gear to these events we go to.
My concern is the weight limit and the rear suspension. I already have RT shocks on the front(love 'em) but what do I need to do to compensate for the extra weight of the trailer. :dontknow:
 
I don't have a lot of experience with trailers but this is my thought. Depending on which hitch you use, I think you would have to approach this solution different ways. A swingarm mounted hitch will put different stresses on the Spyder than a hitch mounted to the Spyder similar to a Corbin hitch or a Bushtec. IMO a swingarm hitch would be limited mostly by the load rating of your tire and the strength of the swingarm. The other hitches would add the shock / spring and probably a few more things into the equation. Also, depending on your trailer design, careful loading of the trailer could get the tongue weight down very low or even negative (pulling up on the hitch :yikes: ).
 
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You shouldn't tow with negative weight on the trailer hitch. For good handling, a trailer tongue weight should be approximately 10% of the loaded trailer weight. That weight won't put much strain on your suspension, even with a 400 pound trailer and load, and a frame-mounted hitch. With a swingarm mounted hitch, like that for the RT, there is no added strain on the suspension at all.
 
Hey Dick, I just got my RT hitch, looking for a trailer, probably a Piggybacker or something similar. The RT hitch won't load the suspension, but will increase the unsprung weight, might change the ride quality, but not the load capacity.

john
 
Hey there Dick... Yah I think LaMonster has a GREAT buy.. If I where in the market for a trailer I'd go with that one for sure--However,, have you tried contacting Len at Cowtown? I was there last week and he had a used one parked outside, I don't know any of the details on it but its worth a shot..

X-Joe
 
Thanks guys for all the good information. I'm thinking the BRP hitch since Mel's Monster Garage is out of business. Unless, of course, I get a Bushtec. I agree LaMonster's Bushtec is a good deal, especially if I want to change my name.:roflblack:. But, right now, I'm thinking of something that I can carry a couple of small dogs in, as well as, luggage.
Or, since I already have a transport trailer, I could trailer the spyder & carry the dogs and luggage in the truck. But what fun is that:shemademe_smilie:
Decisions, decisions. :gaah:
 
I have a 2009 SPYDER SE5 and am also thinking of getting a pull behind trailer. Would a 225 lb dry weight trailer be too heavy?
 
225 pounds dry weight for a trailer would give you 175 pound payload. The RT is rated at 400 pounds gross trailer weight.

john
 
cyclelover63 said:
The trailer I am looking at weighs 250 lbs...Anyone with a Se5 been towing a trailer have some advice?..Thanks!
Click to expand...
Here's the trailer I ended up with: http://www.americasbesttrailers.com/escape-xl.php
Paid $1475 for it on ebay. I think it's worth every penny. I pulled it behind my GS to Maggie Valley and it pulled great; even during all that rain. It weighs 190 lbs and has 20 cu ft. They make a smaller one that is a little less. I think Yaz had that one on her trip.
 
I have a 09 SE5 which I pull a camper trailer behind with no problems. For the best use of the spyder in the long run I would focus on a balance loaded trailer.
The only thing you need to be aware of is your spyder will light the back tire up at 55 if you lay into the the throttle exiting a on ramp during a rain storm or on wet pavement.
I thought they had a lock out to stop spinning above 30 but it must not be.
 
Thanks for the reply Trickie Dick..I was also looking at the same company you purchased yours from. Where did you get your hitch and wiring from and would I need anything else?..Thanks again!
 
cyclelover63 said:
Thanks for the reply Trickie Dick..I was also looking at the same company you purchased yours from. Where did you get your hitch and wiring from and would I need anything else?..Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Ebay again..http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Can-...8357006QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
They shipped it real quick. It's heavy duty and was a pretty easy install and works fine. Cheap too:ohyea: As for the wiring, per retread's advice, I got a powered converter from Amazon and used the power directly from the battery(via a PC-8) so as not to mess with the power on the spyder. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMKG6O
Let me know if you get the trailer I have a tip for you if you use the license plate mount they send with it.
 
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