deadhawg
06-19-2010, 03:25 PM
Hey all, here's a short report of our first trip towing a trailer.
We rode from Bakersfield to the coast on hwy 58, pulling my Aspen Classic camp trailer. Trailer, as loaded, was around 400#. Pulled it with my '00 SE Road Glide, 95", mild gear drive cams, bike itself not loaded down too heavy, me, 230#. Did around 300 miles, about 50% flat, straight roads and 50% twisty, steep mountain roads. My wife was riding her '05 FLHTI, 95" stage II kit. We camped at San Simeion State Park. Great campground, but not cheap, $33/night with our senior discount.
First half of the trip I took it real easy, getting used to pulling the trailer, especially in the twisties. I could always tell it was back there, but it was never a problem. After I got more used to it, I went a little faster, but still somewhat slower than I do with an unloaded bike alone.
I got 40 mpg with my bike, the wife got 50 mpg with hers following me all the way.
We have been bike camping for years using a tent, with the bikes loaded down heavy with all our gear. After this first trip, I wish we had bought a trailer sooner. We have much more room in the camper than in a tent, and it's much more comfortable too. It sets up quick and easy, and packs quick and easy too. We carry less weight on the bikes this way, which I think is an improvement also.
I am retiring next year and we plan on a lot of traveling, probably spending several months at a time on the road. I think this trailer is going to be a huge improvement over a tent, especially on extended trips.
We rode from Bakersfield to the coast on hwy 58, pulling my Aspen Classic camp trailer. Trailer, as loaded, was around 400#. Pulled it with my '00 SE Road Glide, 95", mild gear drive cams, bike itself not loaded down too heavy, me, 230#. Did around 300 miles, about 50% flat, straight roads and 50% twisty, steep mountain roads. My wife was riding her '05 FLHTI, 95" stage II kit. We camped at San Simeion State Park. Great campground, but not cheap, $33/night with our senior discount.
First half of the trip I took it real easy, getting used to pulling the trailer, especially in the twisties. I could always tell it was back there, but it was never a problem. After I got more used to it, I went a little faster, but still somewhat slower than I do with an unloaded bike alone.
I got 40 mpg with my bike, the wife got 50 mpg with hers following me all the way.
We have been bike camping for years using a tent, with the bikes loaded down heavy with all our gear. After this first trip, I wish we had bought a trailer sooner. We have much more room in the camper than in a tent, and it's much more comfortable too. It sets up quick and easy, and packs quick and easy too. We carry less weight on the bikes this way, which I think is an improvement also.
I am retiring next year and we plan on a lot of traveling, probably spending several months at a time on the road. I think this trailer is going to be a huge improvement over a tent, especially on extended trips.