Rider Education Division Trailering Seminar

The Trailering Seminar should provide: Education and Information A better understanding of potential problems A reduction in risk associated with trailers An increase in riding safety

We will cover the following topics associated with trailering: Types of Trailers, Suspensions and Hitches Set-up of the Bike and Trailer Weights and Packing Braking Practice Backing Up Curves, Turns and Obstacle Avoidance On The Road

Types of Trailers Cargo or Camper New or Used Factory or Homemade Shape Cooler Rack Spare Tire

Different Suspensions Leaf or Coil Springs Shock Absorbers/Torsion Bar/Air Wheels – Small or Large Diameter Tire Width and Height Smaller wheels turn at higher RPM Bearings – Bearing Buddies vs Dexter Axle

Bushtec Cycle-Mate

Hitches Pin, Ball and Heim Joint Swivel Connection Ball – 47 Degree lean Swivel – 360 Degrees

Standard Ball with Swivel

Bushtec Heim Joint

Setting up the Bike and Trailer A straight line should pass through center of front & rear axles, center of ball and center of mass of loaded trailer

Setting up the Bike and Trailer If the ball is too high: Decreased rear wheel traction when braking Rear wheel skid/High-side If the ball is too low: Decreased front wheel traction when braking Front wheel skid

Safety Chains Required by Law Most states require two Strong enough to hold the trailer if the hitch fails Long enough to reach in a tight turn Short enough to prevent separation if pin comes out

Tire Pressure Manufacturer Specification At what load? Needs to be adjusted for your load Put white shoe polish on the tread, go for a ride, check wear pattern and adjust pressure

Maintenance Ball lubrication Grease, Vaseline, waxpaper Wheel bearings Clamp shoe Tires Lights

Tongue Weight Recommendations vary 7-12% or 10-15% is most common 20 to 70 Lbs. is the usual range What feels right and keeps trailer stable The rider needs to determine this Use fish scale or bathroom scale with coupler at towing height

Packing What is empty weight of the trailer? What is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating? GVWR minus Trailer Wt.= Load Capacity Heavy stuff on the bottom over axle Even weight side to side Heavier load = longer stopping distance, more push in corners, increased risk of rear wheel slide-out

Braking Practice 200’ long - 10 to 15 MPH Bike and trailer in a straight line Handlebars square to the bike Compare distance with & without trailer Weight transfer should be the same if mounted and loaded properly

Backing Up To back into a parking space: Pull beyond the spot, turn away from the spot and straighten out before backing Start moving with a sharp turn of the handlebars pushing forward on the side that you want the trailer to turn toward As trailer begins to move, begin moving handlebars back toward center gently following the change in the trailer angle with the angle of the bars. Leave the bars turned too long and trailer turns too sharp – “jackknife” YEAH, RIGHT!

Backing Up The trailer can be steered by directing the “BACK” of the front wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go This didn’t work for me either!

Backing Up The more people watching, the worse you will do When alone – you’ll look like an expert Practice, practice, practice

Curves and Turns Low speed – Trailer tracks inside High speed – Trailer tracks outside Driving, braking and side forces are different with a trailer The trailer creates a side force trying to push the rear tire to the outside Slow, Look, Press, Roll - GENTLY

Curves and Turns Trailer pushes in the direction of the arrow

Obstacle Avoidance Quick swerves place great side loads on the bike Trailers create additional side forces Swerves with a trailer should only be practiced with a trained professional NEVER MIX BRAKING AND SWERVING IN THE SAME ACTION

Hills The effect the trailer has on the bike is greater than on flat surfaces Up hill – Less weight on front wheel Down hill – Less weight on rear wheel

Up hill Trailer pulls Less weight on the front wheel

Down hill Trailer pushes Braking distance increases Less weight on rear wheel

On The Road Remember the added length & width At gas stations & toll booths More space needed Pulling out in traffic and passing Slower acceleration Team Riding Trailer should be at front of group Longer stopping distance

During the Seminar we have discussed the following topics associated with pulling a trailer with a motorcycle: Types and styles of trailers How to set up the bike and trailer Loading and weights Handling: braking, backing up Turning and Obstacle Avoidance

The rider is ultimately responsible for the bike and trailer. Pulling a trailer can be done safely by taking the proper precautions. Above all, be safe, take your time and have fun!

AmazingDart HonkyEscapade

Grimreaper Cyclops

? Questions ?