Opinions & Thoughts on a Trailer

[frodotoo]

I'm moving towards fitting my bike with wiring and hitch to pull a trailer, so far so good. I've struck out in getting hooked up with a trailer. A couple I liked were too far away to consider and one I was on the way to buy but it sold as I was traveling 2 hrs one way. Now I'm looking at the HF route. I've read about 175 threads that exist on this site about the Tag Along, and also make your own. I own a brand new never used Thule Excursion that I'm thinking about using to fashion to a HF 40x48" with either 8" or 12" wheels. I've read about extending the tongue so that's not a problem for me. My problem with this is that the Thule bed is very shallow, about 6" deep and it opens from the end making loading and unloading a little more difficult than from the side. (This pic is not my carrier, just one I found to illustrate)

 

http://imgc.classistatic.com/cps/poqac/121026/853r1/6430nlj_20.jpeg

 

It's not real large as far as capacity either, 13 cu ft. HF has a 25% off coupon right now so I could fix up a 8" rig for under $200 with LED lights and a 12" one for about $40 more.

 

My real dilemma is that I may be happier with the Tag Along for about $350 (my absolute max $$$$) w/LEDs and then sell the Thule (It's been sitting unused in my garage attic now for 4 yrs) if I can.

 

I just don't like the narrow depth and opening from the long end on the Thule.

 

I know, logic dictates that if I'm not happy with it now (and it's not even a trailer yet) I won't be happy later. Just wanted to hear a few thoughts. And it's not as if money is no object either, I'm basically a cheapskate at heart and forking out $100-150 more than I have to does not appeal to me (or my retirement pocketbook)

[Brake Pad]

this is your thure trailer. its a HF, with 12" tires. just buy the darn thing. You will not be disappointed:thumbsup2:

[M61A1MECH]

Try looking around here http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing, prety good bunch and knowledgeable, a few trailers for sale, maybe not close to you but a relay can sometimes be arrranged.

[meach]

Before I purchased my tag-a-long I considered using a HF trailer I'd had for years and mounting a cargo carrier I also had on top the trailer. I didn't like the 48' width on the old trailer and I didn't have the expertise, tools, etc to cut it down, modify the tounge, etc. so I went with the HF and added some LED's to rear for better visibility. The HF 44" width pretty closely matches the width of my highway pegs when folded down so I know in close encounters if my pegs clear the trailer will clear. One of my biggest fears was having the trailer too wide and catching something with the trailer going down the road. The trailer's been great so far, used mostly for camping trips.

 

Another mod I've see and may try to do eventually is moving the box mount back a couple inches to make trailer less tongue heavy due to I also mounted a cooler on tongue and when cooler is full it's hard to keep tongue weight down. I just put anything heavy to the rear and all light stuff toward front and we usually keep cooler empty until arriving at location, keep a small cloth cooler with couple drinks, snack,etc for the road in side bag.

[randy2]

I have a bunkhouse camper now

Just went 17000. K with it but i started with a flat bed from canadian tire and a car top carrier i put togethet my self and did many a long haul with it

[Flyinfool]

In keeping with being a cheapskate, like me.

You can always get the HF 40 x 48 with 8" wheels, put on your Thule and keep your eyes open for a bigger car topper, then still sell the Thule once you find the topper you like.

 

There are a lot of car toppers on Craigs list. I found one that was free for the hauling and it has worked perfectly for the last 3 years.

 

The HF trailer is a little wider than my bike, but not a lot, I adjust my mirrors so that I can just see the tops of the fenders to help keep track of where the trailer is. I guess the extra width was never an issue to me since every trailer that I have ever owned was wider than the tow vehicle. You just have to pay attention to your driving.

[BuckShot]

this is your thure trailer. its a HF, with 12" tires. just buy the darn thing. You will not be disappointed:thumbsup2:

Build it and use it for a couple of years. You can always look for a good used one while your using this one and sell yours if your not completely happy with it.

[XV1100SE]

...Another mod I've see and may try to do eventually is moving the box mount back a couple inches to make trailer less tongue heavy due to I also mounted a cooler on tongue and when cooler is full it's hard to keep tongue weight down....

 

I'm the one that did this mod and can say that it didn't degrade pulling the trailer. Moving the box back 4 1/4" doesn't sound like much but does give some adjustability to weight loading.

[djh3]

The car topper route to me seems to be the best bang for buck. I would go with the 12" tires I think because they roll slower than the 8" and les wear on bearings. As far as the opening of the topper, look into maybe a creative way to extend your hold opens. Maybe a simple piece of alum and a couple wing nut/bolt combos.