New Job Takes Me To The West

[GSXR7ED]

Thanks Charlie. I'm sorta terrible with updating this trip but I just wanna get to my destination.

Got about 4 hrs left...eating lunch in Clovis, NM, tanking up one last time then arrive!


Ed

[chuck hahn]

I had one of those for many many years and it towed awesome, tracked perfectly nad you could hardly tell it was behind you.

I added eyebolts in the corners and used 3/4 marine plywood for the deck. swabbed the side that was to face the road with some roofing tar to sort of water seal the underside.

If it doesnt have bearing buddies..get some. Every 2,000 miles I would hit the bearings with 5 or 6 pumps from the grease gun and never spun a bearing

[GSXR7ED]

Replies

Ed, how is that Pilot for towing? We have a slightly newer one.

DB,

My 2003 Pilot handled the towing with ease! Here's what I guess-timate on weights:

Trailer: 211 lbs
4X8 3/4" Plywood: 40 lbs
Front Wheel Bike Stand: 40 lbs
2 Ramps: 30 lbs
2 Rail System tie downs: 10 lbs
And of course my "T": 500 lbs

So roughly about 831 lbs. This doesn't include my 2 toolboxes and other things I packed inside the cab. The Pilot has 240 HP and it had no problems on those steep uphill roads where acceleration is a must at 70+ mph.

Now when I got into NM, the mountainside curves (both uphill & downhill) I took it slowly. Other than that...I'm happy with the performance.

What weight are the tires rated at? 13" trailer tires should be rated over 1000 lbs each I would think.
I wouldn't even consider doing 55, you will be no where near the tire's weight limit. No point in getting rear ended or causing accidents behind you. Just keep plenty of pressure in them and they won't even get warm. Trailer tires usually go to 80 psi or so?

Just checked, my 12" trailer tires are rated at 1050 lbs ea. at 80 psi, with no speed warning and they have been fine at 80mph with over 1000 lbs of bikes on the trailer.

Unless HF stuck some inferior cheap ass junk tires on there... In which case...

Good quality trailer tires are very inexpensive.

My tires were recommended to inflate at 60 PSI. The MAX weight for the trailer is 1175 according to the placard where the VIN is located.

I always like to stop and feel my hubs on a trailer trip, just to make sure that they are not overheating. Along with the 55 mph tires, HF also said to clean all the grease out of the bearings, and re grease them. I never did. That is still a great trailer for the money. In 2011, I decided to put a new axle, springs, hubs and wheels on my sailboat trailer and tow it from Oregon to Maine. (bad maintenance, and too many dunks in the ocean) Found a place that sells components to trailer manufacturers, and got the stuff at a fraction of what I could find on line.

I checked em' every stop. They were warm but not alarmingly HOT. I have bearings and they were well greased...no probs.

I had one of those for many many years and it towed awesome, tracked perfectly nad you could hardly tell it was behind you.

I added eyebolts in the corners and used 3/4 marine plywood for the deck. swabbed the side that was to face the road with some roofing tar to sort of water seal the underside.

If it doesnt have bearing buddies..get some. Every 2,000 miles I would hit the bearings with 5 or 6 pumps from the grease gun and never spun a bearing

My front wheel stand has 2 eyelets and I used the rail system to hold the ramps down as well as brace the bike. The bearings installed were well-greased. I will pump them before my trip back to Delaware.

Thanks again for the comments fellas.

Ed

[dorkburger]

I assume that you've arrived, and ok. Glad to hear it..

[tkent02]

Great, now unload that T and take it for a ride!

[chuck hahn]

On the way back to Delaware, try to work it so your in OKC again on a Saturday AM or so. I am just 20 miles South literally right off I35. You can swing in, get fresh coffee and a stretch, some home cooked breakfast and some GSR fellowship with myself and Stahlgrau333 ( Matt ). Heck even got a pretty comfy couch if you wanna crash a night.

[GSXR7ED]

Replies

I assume that you've arrived, and ok. Glad to hear it..

Yes, I arrived yesterday around 7pm. Not a bad trip...just over 2000 miles in 3 days. I'm staying in TLF (Temp Lodging Facility) on Holloman AFB until I can get into an Apt Lease.

Great, now unload that T and take it for a ride!

I'm gonna hold off for the moment. I saw a lot of riders yesterday and I'm excited.

On the way back to Delaware, try to work it so your in OKC again on a Saturday AM or so. I am just 20 miles South literally right off I35. You can swing in, get fresh coffee and a stretch, some home cooked breakfast and some GSR fellowship with myself and Stahlgrau333 ( Matt ). Heck even got a pretty comfy couch if you wanna crash a night.

That would be cool Chuck. It won't be until Mar/Apr 2014 and trust me...I will consider it! Thanks!


Ed

[dorkburger]

Ill think about you when its cold on the North East Coast...

[GSXR7ED]

Winter Blues

Ill think about you when its cold on the North East Coast...

Hahaha!

It's in the upper 50s here...which I can bundle for so my riding can continue. Plus, I enjoy cold-weather riding.


Ed

[chuck hahn]

Fresh coffee. Eggs any way you want them. Sausage patties and hash browns. Toast with strawberry preserves. Ice cold OJ.

Crap!!! Now I gotta go make MY breakfast now!!!

Seriously though..pencil it in...tattoo a reminder on your forehead...whatever it takes bro.

[GSXR7ED]

Alright Chuck

Fresh coffee. Eggs any way you want them. Sausage patties and hash browns. Toast with strawberry preserves. Ice cold OJ.

Crap!!! Now I gotta go make MY breakfast now!!!

Seriously though..pencil it in...tattoo a reminder on your forehead...whatever it takes bro.

Sounds like you aren't giving me much of a choice Chuck. I will oblige with going to the tattoo shop.

Now, go get some breakfast!


Ed

[GSJim]

Is your trailer the heavy duty folding trailer? It looks like you didn't build it to fold.

Enjoy your warmer than us riding. We haven't had a killing frost yet in Toronto but the mornings are getting cold.

Jim

[GSXR7ED]

Heavy Duty for Harbor Freight Standards

Is your trailer the heavy duty folding trailer? It looks like you didn't build it to fold.

Enjoy your warmer than us riding. We haven't had a killing frost yet in Toronto but the mornings are getting cold.

Jim

Yes, she is heavy duty...the largest one HF offers. Got it for $289 regular price $399.

I was pressed for time so I did not cut the plywood to fold my trailer. All I need to do is remove the 4X8 plywood and she will fold. I put 3 bolts in the front and 2 bolts in the rear and she held up very well on this trip.

Pics are coming up...


Ed

[GSXR7ED]

Here's a couple of pics of my trailer. I had to remove an empty "Coors" can off my trailer. Seems there were folks drinking near my bike last night. I've got it locked up pretty good.






Ed

[dorkburger]

Hahaha!

It's in the upper 50s here...which I can bundle for so my riding can continue. Plus, I enjoy cold-weather riding.


Ed

For the first time in years, I actually did some winter riding last year. Partially out of necessity (we only have one car), but it didn't take much persuasion. It was fun....