The tractor trailer of MC trailers

[Guest]

I found a huge Cycle-Kamp trailer on Craigslist. 11' 6" from the front tip to the rear bumper. That makes my GS 550L about 20' long going down the road. I installed a trailer ball and wired up the lights. I still have some work to do on lights. My bike used separate brake light and turn signals. this trailer uses the flat 4 prong connector. I plan on adding a set of lights to the back for braking. Initially it pulled real smooth and handled well to. However the bearings sounded dry so I got more work to do. I am planning a trip to the Grand Canyon. I'm guessing I will be the slow poke with the big trucks going up the hill from Phoenix. It weighs about 330 lbs and I'm around 270. A lot of weight for a GS 550 to take up the Flagstaff hill.
Here is a picture of one very similar to the one I got. Mine is getting renovated so I don't have any pictures yet.

pop up 2.jpg

This is my first MC trailer. Do any of you have experience and suggestions for pulling MC trailers?

[Phred]

I have no experience pulling trailers on a bike but.... that looks like a lot of trailer weight for a 550 to be pulling.

[alke46]

Really? Pull a trailer that size with a 550 and a 270# rider?

[Steve]

Yes, I have pulled trailers for a few years. Started in 1978, with a KZ650. Only took one trip, going east, up Indio grade (you should know where that is) to tell me that there was not enough "oomph" in the engine to handle my 160-pound carcass and my 300-pound trailer (including cargo). My wife was not with me on that trip, or we would have never made it to the top.

When I saw her a couple of days later, there was the usual greeting, then the next words were "we need a bigger bike". A few weeks later, there was a KZ1300 in the garage.

Your GS550 does not have nearly the power the KZ650 had. You are also pushing a Vetter Windjammer (which might help with streamlining, but still weighs a LOT), you have a bit more 'gravitational attraction' than the average rider (let alone one who rides a 550), and you want to add a 330-pound trailer? You will only be a "slow poke" until you get rear-ended, then you will just be a grease spot on the shoulder of the highway.

I have (briefly) considered adding a hitch to my 850, but have chosen to leave the towing duties to my Wing.

.

[dorkburger]

Feels like I'm reading an unfolding tragedy.... Seriously, it sounds like a recipe for disaster.

[whatparthurts]

Yes, I have pulled trailers for a few years. Started in 1978, with a KZ650. Only took one trip, going east, up Indio grade (you should know where that is) to tell me that there was not enough "oomph" in the engine to handle my 160-pound carcass and my 300-pound trailer (including cargo). My wife was not with me on that trip, or we would have never made it to the top.

When I saw her a couple of days later, there was the usual greeting, then the next words were "we need a bigger bike". A few weeks later, there was a KZ1300 in the garage.

Your GS550 does not have nearly the power the KZ650 had. You are also pushing a Vetter Windjammer (which might help with streamlining, but still weighs a LOT), you have a bit more 'gravitational attraction' than the average rider (let alone one who rides a 550), and you want to add a 330-pound trailer? You will only be a "slow poke" until you get rear-ended, then you will just be a grease spot on the shoulder of the highway.

I have (briefly) considered adding a hitch to my 850, but have chosen to leave the towing duties to my Wing.

.

I am reviewing, the situation...Really, thank you for your insight. I had no idea what was ahead of me. Phoenix is flat so yes it pulled well here. Traffic rolls about 80 to 85 on the I-17. With the steep grades....Houston...We have a problem....lol. I am sure a few of you could be thinking "He's so dumb he doesn't even know what he doesn't know. " No No No, that is not the case. I came here to learn, to be informed, So I don't get myself in a tight spot. I appreciate all the information I get here.

[tkent02]

I have had trailers get loose while towing with a pickup truck, towing with a motorcycle? No thank you.
Towing one bigger than the bike is not even going to be considered.
Ludicrous, there are far cooler ways of killing yourself.

[whatparthurts]

It looks so easy in the pictures...lol
d78da07.JPG
The model trailer I have is a little bigger and my bike is a little smaller.

[tkent02]

So does flying from one trapeze to another in the circus.

[whatparthurts]

Tractor Trailer MC

20151025_105720ab.jpgHere it is before I add the cooler and spare.

[whatparthurts]

Cycle Kamp MC trailers

They are nice, lots of room20151025_153939tt.jpg

[Gorminrider]

wow. Man, you've got guts....good on you! report back on the ins and outs of this! There is something very cool about a "Bike/ Tractor "...butmaybeI am seeing that trailer full of firewood...or stripped down with plywood aboard.

no need for a car anymore!
I think I would make it a rule to never use top gear, though . And stopping; v e r y gentle...a panic stop would do what? ! with that trailer ...

[alke46]

[QUOTE=Gorminrider;2240023]wow. Man, you've got guts....good on you! report back on the ins and outs of this! There is something very cool about a "Bike/ Tractor "...butmaybeI am seeing that trailer full of firewood...or stripped down with plywood aboard.no need for a car anymore!I think I would make it a rule to never use top gear, though . And stopping; v e r y gentle...a panic stop would do what? ! with that trailer ...[/QUOTE]

Would have his adrenaline pumping at a dangerous rate~.

[mikerophone]

That's a cool little trailer. I've wanted a motorcycle tent trailer ever since I saw my aunt using one back in the 80's. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for it? Or if you consider selling it, would you let me know?

[Rob S.]

What part hurts?

Towing that trailer, your right wrist, your engine, etc. You get the picture.

Listen to the consensus - a liter or more of motor-vation is called for.