Swivel Hitches

[Scott in PA]

I know there are a lot of opinions about swivel hitches. I was wondering if anyone has a really good reason to avoid them? I know many people say they they aren't needed and I don't dispute that. I towed a trailer thousands of miles without a swivel hitch without a problem. (Of course the problem would most likely occur during the 1st & last mile, not all the ones in between.)
Has anyone ever seen one CAUSE any kind of problem?

I am asking because I just ordered a new trailer with a swivel hitch. Did I make the right choice or should I make a change while I still can?

[G wizz]

I had one on one of my trailers ... It got worn some, and got so the hitch felt loose. it was the swivel getting sloppy.
Took it off and never got another one.

G wizz

[greybeard]

had one didn't like the way it felt too much play

[SidecarMike]

I know there are a lot of opinions about swivel hitches. I was wondering if anyone has a really good reason to avoid them? I know many people say they they aren't needed and I don't dispute that. I towed a trailer thousands of miles without a swivel hitch without a problem. (Of course the problem would most likely occur during the 1st & last mile, not all the ones in between.)
Has anyone ever seen one CAUSE any kind of problem?

I am asking because I just ordered a new trailer with a swivel hitch. Did I make the right choice or should I make a change while I still can?
It's OK with a heavy trailer, but I've had an empty one do scary things if a wheel hits a pothole or you hit a railroad track at a bit of an angle. I removed it and replaced it with a normal hitch.

[motomac]

I have two trailers, one with a swivel because it was on there when I bought it, and one without a swivel. I teach trailering for GWRRA and it is entirely up to the individual owner whether to use a swivel or not. I have heard all the arguments both ways and if I buy a new trailer with a choice to get a swivel or not, the Scottish blood in me will save the extra bucks and not get the swivel.

[HodagBill]

From what I've read, the main reason for a swivel hitch is that if you happen to lay the bike down, you avoid possilble twisting/flipping the trailer. On the other hand any place for movement can cause a "loose" feel. I built my own swivel hitch which has 2 spring loaded ball bearings at the swivel point. By trying different springs, I have it set that you cannot turn the swivel by hand, but but picking up one side of the trailer and trying to flip it over, you overcome the springs and the hitch will swivel. During normal riding the swivel stays "locked" and acts like you have no swivel.

[George]

Khris' single wheel trailer uses a universal joint for the "swivel", no play at all. I hope to have mine soon.

[GoldWingGL]

This is a very strange thread as it seems from all the experienced Riders, including myself, say there is no reason for one and no one on the opposing so far..lol.....as for your new trailer....GREAT choice..

[VStarCowboy]

I pull a trailer without a swivel, and the only problem I have is when I hitch-up, or unhitch. With my bike (a V Star 1100) on the side-stand, it seems that the hitch likes to go straight-up, and with the bike leaning over, I have a hard time pulling it off the ball, or putting it on.
Maybe a small block of wood under the side-stand?

[G wizz]

I pull a trailer without a swivel, and the only problem I have is when I hitch-up, or unhitch. With my bike (a V Star 1100) on the side-stand, it seems that the hitch likes to go straight-up, and with the bike leaning over, I have a hard time pulling it off the ball, or putting it on.
Maybe a small block of wood under the side-stand?

You can get away from the problem you have by changing you coupler on your trailer ... Had the same problem with a Harbor Freight trailer ... invested in a high quality, well made coupler, and the problem went away.

[SidecarMike]

I pull a trailer without a swivel, and the only problem I have is when I hitch-up, or unhitch. With my bike (a V Star 1100) on the side-stand, it seems that the hitch likes to go straight-up, and with the bike leaning over, I have a hard time pulling it off the ball, or putting it on.
Maybe a small block of wood under the side-stand?
Now that is the first good argument I've ever heard for a swivel hitch.
I was going to replace it on my Napper with a solid one.
I'm thinking about taking the sidecar off of the Guzzi. It lays way over when on the sidestand. Maybe I'll keep the swivel on my camper until I can try that.

[Scott in PA]

...I built my own swivel hitch which has 2 spring loaded ball bearings at the swivel point. By trying different springs, I have it set that you cannot turn the swivel by hand, but but picking up one side of the trailer and trying to flip it over, you overcome the springs and the hitch will swivel. During normal riding the swivel stays "locked" and acts like you have no swivel.

I'll bet there is a market for your invention. I am guessing this is not how normal swivel hitches work?

[Scott in PA]

So Scott,,,,,, What did you decide to do Swivel or not>>>:dizzy1:
Well, I have been pulling a trailer without a swivel hitch and never had a problem but I thought a swivel may be a good idea anyway.

After reading the posts here and seeing the bike on it's side still connected to the trailer, I decided to go with a standard hitch and reduce the number of potential failure points.

[Jeff in Ferndale WA]

I teach trailering for GWRRA and it is entirely up to the individual owner whether to use a swivel or not.

I just attended a GWRRA trailer seminar on Saturday.If I understood correctly,a standard connector,if it is rotated beyong 47 degrees,could cause some problems.
Granted,47 degrees would be extreme,but if you hit something hard at speed,it could happen.
That was enough to convince me that I like the swivel on my Roll a Home,but I doubt I will spend the bucks to put on on my Coleman Caboose

[GoldWingGL]

I have said this before and will again…which is in no way directed at or against anyone.

If you find yourself in a situation to which a swivel hitch MAY become functional, you have Much bigger things to be worried about than how much your hitch will swivel.
This is just my opinion but give that some thought…

I am neither for or against one, just have never seen nor heard of a situation that did not involve bigger issues where a swivel may have come into play.

[Scott in PA]

If you find yourself in a situation to which a swivel hitch MAY become functional, you have Much bigger things to be worried about than how much your hitch will swivel.
:D

Actually, that is the exact thought thought that made me consider a swivel in the first place. If things are that bad, why add another problem?
Or...
Just because things are bad now, don't think it can't get worse. (Army Vet.)

:dizzy1:

After I considered everything, I just hope those big problems are few and far between and I hope to never wish I had a swivel.