ALASKA/CANADA TRIP TRAVEL CONFIGURATION

[Gene McCall]

I have been out in this beautiful weather trying to build up some "saddle time" pulling the Lil Bunkhouse. The only thing different when Don & I leave next month is that there will be a 7 gallon transfer tank mounted on the rear of the trailer and the spare will be carried under the tongue, just in front of the tub. We are going to be WIDE and HEAVY! 14.5 gallons of gas should give us around a 420 mile range with a 1/2 gallon reserve, at 30 mpg. Oh I am adding the small Seng mirrors near the top corners of the windshield. As you can see the low mounted ST mirrors are partly blocked by the hack and the trailer. The trailer pulls well and I am quickly becoming accoustomed to the width. One thing for sure, we won't be passing very many vehicles!:tent5::bike1:

[Mellow]

Sure looks like you're ready...

[Ironheadziggy76]

That is awesome! I can't wait to hear the ride reports about the trips everyone are making this summer. Then I can start the finishing touches on my planning for my trip up to Alaska in 09.

[Trailace]

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Abnmarine]

I'm adding a sidecar to my setup and wondered how a trailer felt behind the setup. I'd like to center it on the bike/car but the framing of the car is preventing this. I'm wondering if having a hitch fabricated to angle off of the bike over 8" would be better.

[Gene McCall]

I'm adding a sidecar to my setup and wondered how a trailer felt behind the setup. I'd like to center it on the bike/car but the framing of the car is preventing this. I'm wondering if having a hitch fabricated to angle off of the bike over 8" would be better.


Ab, I wonder what kind of hack you are adding and what kind of bike? I have been of two minds (some would say I don't even have one!) about where to put the hitch. My hitch is on the bike because I was planning this trip and towing the camper BHA (Before Heart Attack). That little episode changed many things. The trailer tows well, I have about 100 miles in pulling it around middle Tennessee. It probably would be better if the hitch was centered. AT least then I would not be so wide! The folks at Hannigan advised me against a center mount for the hitch, said it works well on a trike but puts stress on the hack subframe. I suppose you could build another subframe between the bike & the hack to limit that stress. I already had the hitch on and didn't have the money for another hitch. Post some pictures of your rig when you get it togeather.
Gene:cool:

[Abnmarine]

Ab, I wonder what kind of hack you are adding and what kind of bike? I have been of two minds (some would say I don't even have one!) about where to put the hitch. My hitch is on the bike because I was planning this trip and towing the camper BHA (Before Heart Attack). That little episode changed many things. The trailer tows well, I have about 100 miles in pulling it around middle Tennessee. It probably would be better if the hitch was centered. AT least then I would not be so wide! The folks at Hannigan advised me against a center mount for the hitch, said it works well on a trike but puts stress on the hack subframe. I suppose you could build another subframe between the bike & the hack to limit that stress. I already had the hitch on and didn't have the money for another hitch. Post some pictures of your rig when you get it togeather.
Gene:cool:
Gene,
I have a '06 HD Street Glide and ordered a Liberty sidecar. The hack is currently being made and is due to arrive in August. I have been looking at the framing of the hack and I'm not sure how I would fabricate something up. The rear frame is mounted to the leaf springs and this wouldn't be a good place to mount the hitch. I agree that towing the trailer behind the bike would be a stronger way to go but want to make the overall width of the setup less too. I will try to figure something out when I get everything installed.
My bike is currently going thru a major change right now. The I'm rebuilding the engine to a 124" setup that will make 150/150 hp tq, adding the hack, custom paint work in Black Cherry Candy and ordering a Roll-a-home camper. It just make for some good times with the family.

Here is a picture of a similar bike with the same sidecar mounted on it:

http://www.libertysidecars.com/2006/'06-flhxi.gif