Farkles, Gear & Accessories > Trailers & Towing

Tow Hitch

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Dragonstaff:
What sort of hitches do you use? Ball? Rubber block type? Something else?  How do they affect your handling, especially lean and cornering?

My towbar seems to be designed to for a rubber block type of hitch, but only about 40mm square. I am planning to get or build a trailer, and want to get the safest set-up I can without hurting the ride.

Williamson:
On the Honda CB1300 I had a Aussie Classic tow hitch, a 50mm ball and swivel hitch on the Classic trailer.

I upgraded from the CB to the ST1300 when I bought an Elite camper trailer.  On the ST1300, I originally had a USA Unigo hitch, 50mm ball and swivel hitch.  Whist I had the Elite, I also bought another Classic trailer.  This Classic came with a poly block on the trailer and an attachment to replace the ball on the hitch.  Swapping these around was easy but a PIA.

I sold the Elite, the Classic and the Unigo tow hitch.  Selling all these was a mistake, as I now have a third Classic trailer and had to purchase another tow hitch.  Unfortunately all I could get is a Classic hitch.  IMO, the Classic is nowhere near the quality of the Unigo.

All hitches had a swivel action, unless you have a single wheel type Unigo style trailer, I think you would be crazy not to have a swivel action.

Other tips for the trailer:

* Brakes - some will say they haven't needed them, and they probably haven't.  But if you happen to get into a situation where you need 'em, you REALLY NEED 'em.
* Wheels - some trailers have 8", others have 10".  My first three trailers had 10" with 10 x 5.00 tube cross ply tyres.  If you have tube tyres, you may need a spare.  The current trailer has 12" wheels and 165 x12 low profile tubless radial ply tyres.  If you get a puncture, it can most likely be plugged.  Just my 2c worth, I have another 2c and then another 2c, if you want it.

 

Dragonstaff:
By swivel action I take it you mean the socket for the ball rotated inside a fixed sleeve on the trailer drawbar, yes?

Williamson:

--- Quote from: Dragonstaff on October 06, 2021, 08:59:46 PM ---By swivel action I take it you mean the socket for the ball rotated inside a fixed sleeve on the trailer drawbar, yes?

--- End quote ---

Yup!  Like this: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/51308698-swivel-hitch-roll-over-coupling-head-for-atv-quad-trailer-1700-kg-heavy-duty

Williamson:
There's an Australian Motorcycle Trailer Owners group on Facebook with trailers often for sale, and members posting their builds - plenty of inspiration

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1779366849008663/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=3026493664295969

Here's the latest offering.

https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/1710800725776152/?media_id=1&ref=share_attachment

Re. custom builds, I often look at them and ask myself why, some of them look good, some are (IMO) are absolutely shockers.  I'm not in a position to doubt the quality and integrity of the build, but that's of little consulation when you see an ugly trailer behind a fine looking bike like an ST.

Having said that, I have a few mates in Melbourne that have built a number of motorcycle trailers, campers, even a couple of mini-teardrop caravans from the ground up, these were based plans from the internet or copies of Elite or similar style campers.  All did a really good job.   

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