To trailer, or not to trailer? That is the question. I'm downright torn.

[Steve W.]

I have pulled trailers with two-wheelers since 1978. Most have already stated, but I will repeat, when loaded properly, you will hardly know they are there. I have not pulled a trailer with a three-wheeler, but I would presume that they are less-affected by a trailer than a two-wheeler.

The only way a trailer is going to affect your speed in the twisties is if you hit something with the inside wheel and flip the trailer. But you probably hit that with the Spyder's front wheel, too, so the trailer will just follow you over.

When we were a LOT younger (back in the 70s and 80s), we did a lot of camping, so the trailer handled all of that gear. Our personal 'stuff' was in the saddlebags and trunk on the bike, pretty much like it would be on a non-camping trip.

When you get your trailer, be aware of one of your largest dangers. THE GAS PUMP.
Remember that the trailer 'cheats' the corner, so you need to pull farther forward before turning, or you WILL hit that pole at the end of the island. It's a rather rude awakening when the trailer hits the pole and you stop. NOW.

.

 

[campermac]

I have had an RT622 Trailer and now have a Freedom Trailer. I like the Freedom Trailer better because if you damage any part of the sides, front or back you can unscrew the outer panel and replace it vs. taking it to a body shop for repair. Several people have said that the Freedom Trailers are plastic and the RT622 is fiberglass. That is a completely wrong statement, or I got lucky and got a Freedom Trailer that is fiberglass Either way stick with the Can Am Trailer which every you choose, because they trailer a lot better than an aftermarket trailer.

 

[pegasus1300]

Pull your trailer. It is so nice to not have to find a place on the bike for Everything. I carry a lot of extra but necessary stuff that the trailer just swallows with no problem. I would agree with the no cooler on the tow bar. I do put a small cooler in the trailer itself and it seems to ride well. My trailer is an old (1995) Hannigan Europa I and it tows like a dream. I did not notice any drawbacks in towing it on the trip to Deadwood for the 3 wheeler rally, a 2 mpg mileage penalty, and a slight increase in braking distance. It never hindered my ability to drive the wonderful roads of the Black Hills.

 

[C. Lee]

We have an Americade trailer and it's great. Can't tell it's there with lots more storage, backing up is just like any other trailer. You do need to allow more room for stopping since the trailers don't have brakes. We have been to Kitty hawk, Wilmington, NC and next month St. Augustine, FL. Wouldn't travel without it. Chris

 

[BajaRon]

I have never pulled a trailer behind a motorcycle. But I used to ride with Lamont all the time, and he did. He never had any trouble keeping up. And he never mentioned any downside to it. My recommendation is to get a quality trailer specifically designed for a motorcycle. My feeling is that the small tire home-builts could have some negative effect that I would not want to deal with. Not disparaging those who have gone this route. Like I said, never pulled a trailer behind a motorcycle. But I have pulled a good number of trailers over the years. And if they are not set up for the load, vehicle, etc., they can definitely give you a negative experience. And small diameter tires are always invitation to issues.

I'd go for it. The pluses far outweigh any minuses you might encounter.

 

[blacklightning]

You'll never regret buying a trailer. I've been pulling one for eight years and have many, many thousands of miles pulling it. I just got back from a 7200 mile trip and I pulled it all but maybe one mile. You don't even know it's back there.

Copperman, I have nothing to add to the trailer debate. But I just want to say, that is an awesome picture of your spyder and trailer:bowdown:

 

[Mazo EMS2]

We love our Lumina XL. More space for half the price of the fancy fiberglass versions.

 

[Copperman]

Copperman, I have nothing to add to the trailer debate. But I just want to say, that is an awesome picture of your spyder and trailer:bowdown:

Thanks.

 

[NEXUS]

Now I may be a little on the extreme side of this debate, but I have never gone anywhere with my Spyder
without the trailer. I have 7500 miles on the 2020,all with the trailer Why? Because I just like having the trailer.
Never had an issue with any trailer always check the wheel bearings, never overloaded it, RT 622 is the one to get.
I've had 4 RT622 trailers.. I totaled 1 Spyder and trailer in a accident.


Nexus

 

[bikerbillone]

I considered a trailer a trailer when I bought my 20 RTL, but there was their was the cost of the trlr and the hitch and storage when not in use. The 20 RTL has 47 gallons of storage, so we adapt and have not needed a trailer yet. Would it be more convenient for a road trip, oh yes, no question. I keep an open mind about a trailer, seems a unigo would work just fine if I got real serious. I think a special hitch is required.

 

[pidjones]

I considered a trailer a trailer when I bought my 20 RTL, but there was their was the cost of the trlr and the hitch and storage when not in use. The 20 RTL has 47 gallons of storage, so we adapt and have not needed a trailer yet. Would it be more convenient for a road trip, oh yes, no question. I keep an open mind about a trailer, seems a unigo would work just fine if I got real serious. I think a special hitch is required.

I have cut the vertical frame off of my GL1800 Uni-go hitch and bored a 3/4" hole in it that mates to the 3/4" hole in a standard RT hitch. Mounted with a 3/4" bolt and nylock nut plus a 1/4" spring pin to prevent rotation. Makes the same adapter you can buy from Uni-go, and you don't have to wait a year to get it. Still awaiting electrical adapter (needs to be a five-wire) to connect to the Uni-go mating plug that I saved off of the GL1800. I will post when it is all together and tested. We plan to pull our Uni-go to Barber in October. Love how we can just roll it into the room which takes care of unpacking/security/parking issues.

 

[bikerbillone]

Great plan pidjones, thanks for the reply. Enjoy the journey. The 'we' means you ride two up, the unigo should be 'just right.

 

[pidjones]

Great plan pidjones, thanks for the reply. Enjoy the journey. The 'we' means you ride two up, the unigo should be 'just right.

But, I've learned to have her pack the trailer the night before we leave, then I sneak in and remove about 50% of the stuff she put in it! We came back from the Grand Canyon and I found five pairs of blue jeans in the bottom that had never been removed.

 

[bikerbillone]

:spyder: Another good plan, well maybe.

 

[pegasus1300]

But, I've learned to have her pack the trailer the night before we leave, then I sneak in and remove about 50% of the stuff she put in it! We came back from the Grand Canyon and I found five pairs of blue jeans in the bottom that had never been removed.

You sir are very courageous man, or your wife has very short memory, or both:spyder::bowdown:

 

[BigLenny]

Thanks everybody for all of your great insights and ideas. You have convinced me that I need to put a trailer in my sights for shopping.
I know many have said they are having great experiences with different brands of trailers, however, I think I'm leaning toward going with a Can Am. There's something about it being the same brand as the bike that I like.
I kind wanna puke when I think about right after I bought our RTL last October, I was at Cruizr Joe's house. Copperman was there too. They both encouraged me to buy a black/red RT622 that was for sale on this site at the time, for a good price. It would've closely matched my RTL color. I hesitated back then, and now what few RT622's that come up for sale are substantially higher in price. One of those snooze ya lose type things.
Well, I'm gonna be in the market.
Thanks again for your help.
Big Lenny