OzSTOC
Farkles, Gear & Accessories => Trailers & Towing => Topic started by: sac468 on October 27, 2011, 11:37:09 AM
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Hi All,
I am looking at purchasing a trailer either a camper or luggage trailer to put camping gear in, so that I can do some touring.
any advise would be more than welcome. :13Candy
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Sac I'm not sure of what you're experience with bikes and trailers are mate, but I would suggest that you borrow a trailer from somebody if you haven't done the bike & trailer thing and ride with it first of all to see whether you like the idea. Some people just don't like the feeling with the trailer.
There are differences between the single wheel and 'normal' styles also bloke. There is a wealth of knowledge on the US site to look through:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?262-Trailers
and then also through these websites:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=MCTrailertowing&nav=start&prettyurl=%2FMCTrailertowing%2Fstart
http://www.motorcycletrailerstore.com/trailer-guide/
I have done a couple of '000km with mine now and love using it, so I hope you have the same experience.
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Thanks for the threads, lots of good reading. All I need to do is find one at the right price and convince the minister to let me spend some money. :well
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I'm in the process of designing my own trailer, with the intention to build. Hard part is finding some of the bits I want to use like small coil over springs n shockies to support the custom trailing arm independent suspension that I want.
When its done, I will publish the plans and parts with the costs involved.
Oh, I probably need access to a lathe to make hinges as well.
(Now if only I could wiin lotto and get a workshop) :o||| :o|||
:wht11
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If you win Lotto Brock you won't have to worry about a workshop.........you could just go and buy one :rofl
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Hey Sac,
TerryTJ, Barry (as in Barry & Marissa) and Beatup are all members on here that tow trailers - there are more too, they could be a great source of info on what to expect, as Tack rightly points out, you have to dramatically change your riding technique and velocities, as well as lane position etc etc when towing - no to mention compensating for the extra weight.
A lot of people also comment "It's so good, I forget it's there", so clearly - they are a great addition to the ST experience!
Here are some pics of Beatup's bargain trailer...
(http://i44.tinypic.com/10f6rn7.jpg)(http://i44.tinypic.com/20fstag.jpg)
(http://i41.tinypic.com/35i4zlu.jpg)(http://i43.tinypic.com/33otco6.jpg)
(http://i44.tinypic.com/jjmrg9.jpg)
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Nice looking trailer.............and nice looking bike to go with it :thumbsup
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Not to mention, that lane splitting with a trailer is not advisable....
:rofl :rofl
:wht11
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And I'll ad mine to the mix.
I bought my first trailer before my bike. Makes good sense. Just that I saw the trailer for sale before I found the bike. It wasn't until after I bought the bike and installed the towbar that I discovered the trailer never had the rotating coupling. Generally on the road it was ok but a different matter when it came to slow speed U turn's etc. Guess i got used to it after awhile. I sold this trailer a few weeks ago.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4300/35846008552_f26c52d15f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WBAaud)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4319/35846009102_8e7d01e1f5_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WBAaDG)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4317/35166645134_c3e9c8659a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VzyfpQ)
In January 2011 I found my current white Classic trailer. It's about twenty years old and has been well looked after. I upgraded the clearance and tail lights to LED and I was lucky enough to find a set of tail lights that matched the original. This trailer is a little larger than my previous black one but it isn't as heavy. I did notice that when I first picked it up it swayed a little when i was over 80kph. I put that down to it being empty and a fairly strong side wind. Tyre air pressure was a little excessive so I fixed that back to the recommended 12-15psi. It's been stable ever since.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4301/35846008812_2e75bf565f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WBAayG)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4294/35177559854_6531dba86c_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VAwbYE)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4320/35964575436_5d9291f764_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WN4RhQ)
The trailer has an interior light but until I rewire the bike I have moved the wire to the tail light connection. Also looking at installing a 12volt battery and possibly solar/bike charging system.
Under normal riding conditions the trailer is hardly noticable. Maybe the odd downshift when passing or up a hill otherwise 5th gear all the way from 60kph. Most of the time unless I have my partner on I double shift and go from 2nd to 4th with out any apparent complaints from the motor.
Nearly forgot. My average fuel usage when towing at 90kph gives about 400kms before the fuel light comes on.
:bl11
Alan
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Get a trailer. Never thought I would get one but now wouldn't be without it. Just a couple of things. Try and keep around 20 kg's on the towball, allow say half as much again to stop and don't listen to those that go rah rah rah about what you can and cant do with em. Most trailers are just a touch wider than your bike, maybe in the old scale 6 inches wider, so theirs no problem their. As to the handling, well if their roadworthy, set up right, packed right their good to any speed as justified by a mate of mine with a trailer on, with all the gear, cleaning up a couple of sports bike riders in Cunninghams gap when towing his with his Blackbird. I was behind him with mine with the trailer on and lady as pillion and seen it all ?????
I was just sitting on the speed limit watching it all happen 8) Oh yeah the mate was a sponsered rider for around ten years so that may have had something to do with it.
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Hi All,
I am looking at purchasing a trailer either a camper or luggage trailer to put camping gear in, so that I can do some touring.
any advise would be more than welcome. :13Candy
Hi,
This should be a good place to start. Even if you don't buy a trailer from them it's where you can get your model specific towbar from.
http://www.classicind.com.au/
:bl11
Alan
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That classic mob mad my trailer. Its about a zillion years old and was built when they were in Marroochydore or somewhere near their. Me thinks it was one of their first. Oh yeah that Pinstriping on the esky is what old people do.
(http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/terryjohns/Honda%20ST1100/IMG_0454.jpg)
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Wouldn't mind a trailer myself. I like the style of these Bandicoot trailers. Just a tad expensive! :eek
http://www.bandicoots.com.au/Motorcycletrailers/REGULARCOOT.aspx
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Yer i was looking at them last night. Way to exy.
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This is my version. Was made by a mate for himself and I recently bought it off him and got him to match the colour of my '96 1100.
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Tack9204/FarRiders/IMG_0564.jpg) (http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Tack9204/FarRiders/IMG_0566.jpg)
Anybody that has had anything to do with FarRiders or FJR's may recognise it from a number of different guises it has. Previous owner, and yes that is a bike towing another bike on my trailer.
(http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww323/Tack9204/FarRiders/DSCF1192.jpg)
I will never be without a trailer now no mater what bike I am on because it increases the variety of options you have for travelling. At the moment it carries two complete team bags for cricket gear, my son's gear bag, training equipment, scoring fold up table, fold up chairs and a few extras thrown in. To be modified later next year to carry a roof tent from Gordigear for camping made easier.
Point of interest for those thinking about a trailer that Australian Rules limit a trailer towed by a two wheeled vehicle at 1 metre wide.
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I have two riding buddies who tow "Classic" trailers and swear by them....................they're made in Queensland and the later models are fitted with brakes. Neither of my mates trailers have brakes but they have no problems stopping them, you just need to be aware that you need to brake a little earlier the same as you would do in a motor vehicle towing a van or boat. Storage capacity is huge and the quality of the product is excellent. :thumbsup
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Hi all. Merry Christmas to you all. I have a Classic MT trailer for sale. I live in Townsville and used to tow it behind my Honda VTX1300. We have used it for camping and I use it to cart my equipment around when I am training in towns around North Queensland. I teach first aid for Queensland Ambulance service. I have decided to sell it as the ST has so much luggage. If interested let me know. It is in very good condition. Chris.
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Hi Chris.........any chance of posting a photo!!
Hi all. Merry Christmas to you all. I have a Classic MT trailer for sale. I live in Townsville and used to tow it behind my Honda VTX1300. We have used it for camping and I use it to cart my equipment around when I am training in towns around North Queensland. I teach first aid for Queensland Ambulance service. I have decided to sell it as the ST has so much luggage. If interested let me know. It is in very good condition. Chris.
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Howdy, I tried to but it said the file was too big. Here goes but if not I can email it to you. No it happened again. Give me your email and I will send it.
Regards
Chris
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Towing a trailer is certainly different to riding solo, as others have said keep weight over the bar & the trailer loaded correctly & all should be ok.
I keep about 25psi in my tyres, one down side is overtaking takes a bit more care.
You just have to relax with it & that comes with time on the road.
Heres Mine:
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i379/scarp57/100_3155.jpg)
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Used to run tyre pressures around the 20/25 but after dropping them to 15, when a mate said I should give it a go the difference is amazing
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A few people have suggested I run the tyres at 15 PSI Tho I tend to load the trailer up a fair bit (Esky full) I have tried it but was no real benefit (to me)
Maybe next trip I'll lower them further & give it a go, tho like I said mine seems to sit & travel very well with a load on it
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One thing I've noticed tho, with the amount of different trailers around they all seem to use the same wheels
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For anyone thinking of towing a trailer and for those who do.
This is taken from http://ali-lite.com.au/2neville.htm a trailer site.
The maintenance of a trailer is minimal, requiring the greasing of wheel bearings every 10,000 kms. Tyre pressures are critical however. Trailers with torsion block rubber suspension rely on a low air pressure in the trailer tyre to provide most of the suspension component. Check with the manufacturers of these trailer types, but the general rule of thumb is to accurately maintain a pressure of 15 psi in each wheel. Trailers using leaf spring suspension have air pressures of approximately 25 psi because the springs provide the major suspension dampening.
There's also a lot of other info on that page.
:bl11
Alan
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Thanks Alan for that, mine has leaf suspension I guess that's why it feels better with around 25 PSI
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Can some one measure the width of their rim (& Tyre) and the diameter of the wheel (including tyre). An vertical distance from axle to chassis. I dont have a wheel so cant do measurements to design my trailing arm.
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Brock,
This site may help
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
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Can some one measure the width of their rim (& Tyre) and the diameter of the wheel (including tyre). An vertical distance from axle to chassis. I dont have a wheel so cant do measurements to design my trailing arm.
What type of suspension are you planning on installing.
Independant Rubber Torsion as on my Classic Trailer or leaf spring as I think the axle to chassis distance may be different
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Just went & measured mine overall width of Tyre 150mm Diameter of Tyre 500mm Centre of axel to chassis rail 100mm
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Thanks Glen, but not what I was after, I was after dimensions to design my trailing arm suspension
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Thanks Scarp, are your tyres 8" or !0.
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Thanks Glen, but not what I was after, I was after dimensions to design my trailing arm suspension
I wasn't sure what size tyres you use for trailers but from above I guess 12" is a little big.
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Mine are 10" X 5 " Tyres on 10" X 4" rims, I know Martins trailer parts have them in stock
http://www.trailerparts.net.au/
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I'm planning on the 8x4 integral rims, to save weight. Could always change later.
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:hatwave thanks for all your input guys, some really good suggestions. all I need to do now is find the right trailer for me and convince the lovely other half to let me buy it. :rd13
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Hadn't noticed this thread before, it's a good read.
Diesel put up pics of my trailer - now bright bloody red so the tin tops see it.
It is a home made outfit by a guy in Tin Can Bay.
Instead of one big box it is two long ones.
Clever since it still has heaps of space but the centre walls provide stability without a frame. So all up it only weighs 60kg.
Has a single leaf spring and the tyres are run at 10psi.
The guy built an esky into the front and that helps provide some of the extra weight to get the 20kg on the ball.
If that weight is not on the ball the little beggar fishtails around 100kph. Load it right and forget it through until go to jail speeds.
Did a run down to Girraween National park south of Stanthorpe last week loaded up as an experiment. No probs. Even the run through that great stretch from Tenterfield to Casino was fun.
For newbies just watch the braking distance to corners - get on early and then back onto a little power and a good trailer won't be noticeable.
Read something back there abt a trailer being planned - only words of advice is the old :KISS". Every fancy bit of suspension or anything else will just add weight. Designing your own make sure to remember it's going to be pulled and stopped by two bits of rubber the size of your palms.
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Oops forgot to mention - one of the best places to search out trailers is the Ulysses site if you have access or have a mate who has.
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Good advice :thumbsup
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The trailing arm suspension should come out lighter than the standard axle and springs,as there is a lot less metal involved.
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Went to the usillies site. there are a few trailers there. Even those hard to find cub campers (hard floors and super easy to put up). Might go down to near Wollongong myself and check out the $900 Classic. and I can go to swansea on the way back and get my starcom serviced. to hijack the thread anyone had trouble with one speaker failing in the headset?
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Went to the usillies site. there are a few trailers there. Even those hard to find cub campers (hard floors and super easy to put up). Might go down to near Wollongong myself and check out the $900 Classic. and I can go to swansea on the way back and get my starcom serviced. to hijack the thread anyone had trouble with one speaker failing in the headset?
We upgraded to a better trailer last year. We first saw it on Gumtree and made an enquiry to the owner. He sold it to Cash Converters and we ended up getting it for a $1000. For a trailer that was 20 years old the condition was very good. I upgraded all the lights to LED and was lucky enough to find a set of tail lights that were identical to OE. Only issue was the lid light as I haven't connected that wire to bike yet, so I moved the wire in the trailer plug to the tail light wire.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4294/35177559854_6531dba86c_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VAwbYE)
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Now Alan................that's what I call a good bargain.
The trailer looks great for that price, and bugger..............it's my colour!! I've yet to see another white one anywhere!
You've done well mate!!
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Alan thats the same trailer as I have, complete with the same rack and even the same alloy bumper bar and wheels. Got mine here on the Gold Coast for $1100, but spent another $100 on the wiring. I think they were made when classic was in Maroochydore or Caloundra? Suppose some have kool ones that are black like mine :rofl
Bloody fine trailer no matter what the color
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Spent a $100 on wiring????
Thats very expensive wire..
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Now Alan................that's what I call a good bargain.
The trailer looks great for that price, and bugger..............it's my colour!! I've yet to see another white one anywhere!
You've done well mate!!
Yeah, thanks for that.
I'd like to set up a small 12volt solar system for the trailer sometime in the near future. If not, at least another battery on the trailer being charged from the bike.
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Spent a $100 on wiring????
Thats very expensive wire..
Yeah but not being an electrician I suppose a $100 is a touch over board for a couple of lights some wire and a plug or 2, but then again I could of paid an electrician to do it for a $100 I guess :rofl
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Alan, when you figure out that spare battery deal, can you post how yah done it because I'm really interested in that spare battery idea :thumbsup
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[/quote]
I'd like to set up a small 12volt solar system for the trailer sometime in the near future. If not, at least another battery on the trailer being charged from the bike.
[/quote]
Yes I see it now a 12 volt sun with 9 little 12 volt planets circling it
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I'd like to set up a small 12volt solar system for the trailer sometime in the near future. If not, at least another battery on the trailer being charged from the bike.
[/quote]
Yes I see it now a 12 volt sun with 9 little 12 volt planets circling it
[/quote]
Only a Sandgroper would have the intelligence to come up with that remark..........
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Hey don't go telling me I have intelligence :cuss
I'm sure you have me confused with someone else
BTW I used to be a mexican till I ran away from home >:()
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I have to say too that after 3 weeks running the service dept on my own & Having done 3 X 6 day weeks I'm going Ga Ga :-X :'(
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Hey don't go telling me I have intelligence :cuss
I'm sure you have me confused with someone else
BTW I used to be a mexican till I ran away from home >:()
I shall refrase my response then.
Only a Sandgroper would lack the intelligence to come up with that remark..........
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Now now girls and boys, play nice :hatwave we are here for the beer and pizza :thumb
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Hey don't go telling me I have intelligence :cuss
I'm sure you have me confused with someone else
BTW I used to be a mexican till I ran away from home >:()
I shall refrase my response then.
Only a Sandgroper would lack the intelligence to come up with that remark..........
Thank you
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I can help design a solar 12V power system, but a 12V Solar system is a cit hard, even for me......
I am thinking of doing something similar with my trailer, the batteries I can source (*18 AH sealed) and the panels from Jaycar or Altronics.
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I can help design a solar 12V power system, but a 12V Solar system is a cit hard, even for me......
Ok, I admit it. I had a seniors moment. >:()
Maybe I should have written "12 Volt Solar power system" instead of "12Volt Solar system" to avoid any possible confusion. :think1 and I apologise for crediting those amongst us for having more intelligence than what they might/might not have. :||||
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Thanks (I think????)
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I can help design a solar 12V power system, but a 12V Solar system is a cit hard, even for me......
I am thinking of doing something similar with my trailer, the batteries I can source (*18 AH sealed) and the panels from Jaycar or Altronics.
Check these guys out as well.
Site came up in a search last night
http://www.12volt.com.au/
They are at Welshpool, WA
:bl11
Alan
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ah you gentlemen crack me up
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Hey don't go telling me I have intelligence :cuss
I'm sure you have me confused with someone else
BTW I used to be a mexican till I ran away from home >:() saw the light
Some would con side this a more true statement Noel. :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl
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Hey don't go telling me I have intelligence :cuss
I'm sure you have me confused with someone else
BTW I used to be a mexican till I ran away from home >:() saw the light
Some would con side this a more true statement Noel. :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl
Hey don't go telling me I have intelligence :cuss
I'm sure you have me confused with someone else
BTW I used to be a mexican till I ran away from home >:() saw the light
Some would con side this a more true statement Noel. :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl
Yes you are right Wa is the best place I've ever lived
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I can help design a solar 12V power system, but a 12V Solar system is a cit hard, even for me......
I am thinking of doing something similar with my trailer, the batteries I can source (*18 AH sealed) and the panels from Jaycar or Altronics.
Check these guys out as well.
Site came up in a search last night
[url]http://www.12volt.com.au/[/url]
They are at Welshpool, WA
:bl11
Alan
Don't know if anyone here knows the people at the 12 volt shop personally But I deal with them thru work & they are strange
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I would probably get along with rm fine then......
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I'm sure they are all part of a cult, really
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I have a solar panel and a light and use it regularly. panel is put on rack on top box. Not on the trailer because the intention is to mount a deep cycle/cell (whatever) battery that will charge through the trailer light harness. With the low draw by leds these days a ride in the country should crank it up enough to blaze like a carnival when parked up for night.
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I am looking at a similar set-up in the long run beatup. I have to modify the trailer to carry the Gordigear trailer top camp tent that I am looking at buying later this year before I get too excited about any other set ups.
The bloke I brought the trailer off and I are working on a layout that will incorporate a deep cell recyclable battery in a frame over the axle. This will be divided into a section that carries exta fuel also and one for something else, so the heavier items don't move around when touring and damage other items. Have the design concept, just need the funds now. Looks like more overtime needed.
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Plenty of overtime here at the moment Tack, Dughters boyfriend did 15 Hrs the other night, follwed by another 8 a day later. :law
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Come and work with me. 10hr shifts are the minimum it seems. Depending on how well an aphalt crew over/under estimates they will run to 12 a couple of times a week. go out in the daylight home in the daylight. Least there ain't a lot of traffic around at night.
Will be going out today to get the left overs from a mate's trailer remake, battery and cover, light and twin cigarette plug. All I need now is a clever person to help wire them in and the harness change.
Tackleberry ya gotta get an ST doing the wheel stand.
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I am looking at a similar set-up in the long run beatup. I have to modify the trailer to carry the Gordigear trailer top camp tent that I am looking at buying later this year before I get too excited about any other set ups.
The bloke I brought the trailer off and I are working on a layout that will incorporate a deep cell recyclable battery in a frame over the axle. This will be divided into a section that carries exta fuel also and one for something else, so the heavier items don't move around when touring and damage other items. Have the design concept, just need the funds now. Looks like more overtime needed.
Hi,
When ever I need to take extra fuel I use the side case on the bike, rather than in the tailer. A 10 litre container will fit in one and still have room for little things like air pump etc. Running between Ceduna, SA and Norseman, WA with 20 litres extra I need only stop for fuel about half way at Mundrabilla.
:bl11
Alan
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Dual battery info:
Possible wiring diagram:
http://www.4wdsystems.com.au/img/isoldiagram.jpg
Definitely will need one of these or similar:
http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/BEP-Voltage-Sensitive-Relay.html
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I found this site about dual batteries and how to do it.
http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/dual_bat.htm