JUST BOUGHT A LIL "B" BUNKHOUSE TRAILER

[Gene McCall]

I am going this Sat. (9/8) to pick up a Bunkhouse Lil "B" trailer. It is a 2006 model and appears to be in very good condition (less than year old). I will be going in my pickup as I do not yet have a hitch on my 2000 ST1100. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding a hitch for this bike. I have been told to get a hitch that mounts to engine or frame, not to sub frame. I have been told Bushtec hitches are good. Thanks for any comments

[Tx White Knight]

Cool, congrats on the purchase. :)

Have you checked this site to ask about a hitch??

MC trailer towing (http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing/messages)

[motomac]

I got my hitch for my ST 1300 from Unigo and have pulled my full sized Bunkhouse across the country with it. I normally pull my Unigo trailer with and it is a very sturdy hitch. I have Bushtec on my Wing and it is a good hitch also.

[wrk101]

I have a uni-go hitch for my ST1300, it is by far the best hitch I have seen for the ST1300.

They also make one for the ST1100, so that would be my recommendation. Here's a link: http://www.uni-go.com/

I just ordered a new Bunkhouse myself at the factory a couple of days ago. I bought a LX model with some extras, I will be pulling it behind my GL1800.

I know you will enjoy the Lil B.

[Gene McCall]

Thanks very much for the responses. I picked up the Lil B with my S10 pickup and all went well. Since I have been back it has rained (we badly need it!) and I have not been able to set it up for some picture taking. Sun returns tomorrow afternoon, maybe then. I have decided to go with the Unigo hitch, it is pricey but not as high as Classic from Oz. I am going to have a local machinest friend make the adaptor to accept the ball hitch. Hope to be up and running with the trailer in time for a maiden voyage to the Barber Motorsports complex in Alabama. They are having vintage show and races Oct. 19-21. I think this trailer is going to be perfect for my Alaska trip next year. I will be learning how and what to pack between now and next June 14th. I am enjoying this board very much, good folks, good advice and lots of good ideas! I am very glad I joined!:bike1:

[motomac]

If you are going to Alaska get a copy of The Milepost. It has every amenity listed by tenths of a mile on every road in NW Canada and Alaska. Absolute must for traveling and camping up there. I've made the trip three times and the road was different each time I went. I don't know if I have another trip up there in me or not, but sure would like to go again.

Make sure when you get your adaptor made, it allows the tongue to be level with axle of your bike. The one I got from Unigo was much too short. The tongue had a severe up angle when hooked up. And the Ungio hitch is pricey, but you really get what you pay for. I think it is better than the Bushtec hitch on my Wing, much sturdier.

[dualsportguy]

I just looked at the site for those trailers. I must admit they are impressive. How hard is the set up/tear down? How does pulling the trailer effect the handleing of the bike?

John in Vegas

[wrk101]

I've been towing one trailer or another for almost 20 years, and probably at least 300K miles. The biggest impact is on braking, it takes longer. You should approach corners with a little lower entry speed.

The convenience of a trailer behind a bike makes the minor additional hassle worth it in my book.

[Gene McCall]

If you are going to Alaska get a copy of The Milepost. It has every amenity listed by tenths of a mile on every road in NW Canada and Alaska. Absolute must for traveling and camping up there. I've made the trip three times and the road was different each time I went. I don't know if I have another trip up there in me or not, but sure would like to go again.

Make sure when you get your adaptor made, it allows the tongue to be level with axle of your bike. The one I got from Unigo was much too short. The tongue had a severe up angle when hooked up. And the Ungio hitch is pricey, but you really get what you pay for. I think it is better than the Bushtec hitch on my Wing, much sturdier.

Thanks for the advise Mac! I see you are 64, I will be 69 in Feb. 08, triple by-pass, 2 stents, diabetic, prostate cancer, cataract surgery. I have beaten all these things (at least for now) and I am still rolling! Now I know you had a serious mishap earlier this year but surely you have at least one more Alaska trip, probably more than one, left in you!

Regarding the adaptor, I am going to get the Unigo hitch mounted, then take it to my guy to get the adaptor made. Do you have a drawing or pic showing the up angle you were speaking of? I know you have seen pics of bunkhouses before but I can't resist posting some of my newest toy.

[Gene McCall]

I just looked at the site for those trailers. I must admit they are impressive. How hard is the set up/tear down? How does pulling the trailer effect the handleing of the bike?

John in Vegas

John, this afternoon I set up the camper for the very first time. It took less than 5 minutes! I could probably get that down to 4 maybe but I don't know since I didn't have to disconnect it from the bike. I have not pulled it yet and will make a post on that but I think your question in that area has already been answered.

[motomac]

Gene, just as the trailer is set up, measure from the ground to the coupler. That is the measurement you want from the top of the ball to the ground. My adaptor is made from 2 1/2 X 3/8 plate. The distance from the top two holes to the inside of the 90 degree bend is 7 1/4. There is about 1" above the top two holes. If you got the Unigo plate with your hitch taek it to the guy making you adaptor. the holes have to be drilled pretty acurately to get the bolts to line up. There isn't room for any mismatch as the holes on the hitch are threaded. Hope this helps you get to Alaska with your camper.

[Mellow]

Gene, sounds like you've had a tough time. Bravo for enduring, I truly believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.. I also believe what kills you really sux..

You are a great example... after all that.. you still ride and you still enjoy life. Thanks, makes my day.

[dualsportguy]

John, this afternoon I set up the camper for the very first time. It took less than 5 minutes! I could probably get that down to 4 maybe but I don't know since I didn't have to disconnect it from the bike. I have not pulled it yet and will make a post on that but I think your question in that area has already been answered.

I realize that everyone has chimed in on how a particular trailer handles on some of the different posts, however, it sounded like your 1st bike trailer and I was mainly interested in your 1st impression of pulling it as compared to say pulling your boat with your truck.

John in Vegas

[wrk101]

In regards to the up angle of the uni-go hitch. It is due to the placement of the coupling device (not a ball in the case of a uni-go). The Uni-Go trailer has a draw bar that rises quickly, so by the time you get to the coupling, it is much higher than other trailers. My other trailers, the tongue/draw bar is relatively level. So the Uni-Go trailer does sit level, it just attaches to the bike at a higher point because of the unusual design/shape of its draw bar.

Should be simple a matter of having an adapter that drops down from the Uni-Go mounting point.

[Gene McCall]

Gene, just as the trailer is set up, measure from the ground to the coupler. That is the measurement you want from the top of the ball to the ground. ............ Hope this helps you get to Alaska with your camper.

Thats just what I needed! Now I understand the angle. When I get this trailer to Alaska will you be waiting on me? Thanks again, this has been a big help. I will order the unigo hitch next week.:bike1:

[Gene McCall]

Gene, sounds like you've had a tough time. Bravo for enduring, I truly believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.. I also believe what kills you really sux..

You are a great example... after all that.. you still ride and you still enjoy life. Thanks, makes my day.
Thank you Joe, you're very kind. Mac sets a good example! BTW do you have a smiles in a tent camper?:bike1:

[Gene McCall]

........ however, it sounded like your 1st bike trailer and I was mainly interested in your 1st impression of pulling it as compared to say pulling your boat with your truck.

John in Vegas

John, you are dead on target! In fact I am one who hates to pull a trailer even with a car or truck. I have always said I would NEVER pull a trailer with my bike! Just goes to show you, once again, you should never say never. Also, this brings new meaning to "teaching old dogs new tricks". When I am up and running I will post my impressions asap.:bike1:

[motomac]

John, you are dead on target! In fact I am one who hates to pull a trailer even with a car or truck. I have always said I would NEVER pull a trailer with my bike! Just goes to show you, once again, you should never say never. Also, this brings new meaning to "teaching old dogs new tricks". When I am up and running I will post my impressions asap.:bike1:
I can help with this also. I teach a Trailering course for GWRRA. Give yourself more room to stop!!! Take it into a paking lot and practice stopping at speeds up to 35 if you have room. While you're there practice swerving around obstacles. It is easy to miss stuff in the road with two wheels, but much more difficult with the added trailer wheels

When backing, if you want the trailer to go right, push the right handle bar and opposite for left. Once you have an angle on the trailer, use SMALL handlebar inputs.

When pulling into a gas station or toll booth, don't forget you have the trailer behind you. It could be embarassing to have the inside wheel of the trailer up on the curb or worse the front of the trailer up against those pipes used to protect the pumps.

[Gene McCall]

Mac, thanks for the tips, I am printing out and making a "hard" file of a number of tips & advice I am receiving on this board. One question, the former owner never used a safety chain with the trailer. His reasoning: If the trailer comes loose I don't want it to take me down with it. I don't think this is valid. I thought the safety chains were supposed to be tight enough to keep the tongue from hitting the pavement but loose enough to allow tight turns on the bike. Am I right, I wonder how many use safety chains?:bike1:

[motomac]

Gene you are correct. Two chains crossed under the hitch in the event it comes off the ball. If the trailer comes loose from the bike your insurance no longer covers it unless you have the trailer insured by itself.

[bvail]

Mac, thanks for the tips, I am printing out and making a "hard" file of a number of tips & advice I am receiving on this board. One question, the former owner never used a safety chain with the trailer. His reasoning: If the trailer comes loose I don't want it to take me down with it. I don't think this is valid. I thought the safety chains were supposed to be tight enough to keep the tongue from hitting the pavement but loose enough to allow tight turns on the bike. Am I right, I wonder how many use safety chains?:bike1:

You are correct and the person who sold you the trailer is wrong. I am a moderator on a motorcycle trailer forum and there are many discussions of this topic. This fellow's logic is pretty self centered. He is not taking into account fellow motorist and their passengers who share the highway. If there are no chains to hold the trailer back in the unlikely event of a disconnect, the trailer becomes an unguided missile which could kill or hurt many innocent folks. He would be responsible. I would not want to be in his shoes.

As long as your hitch assembly is in good shape and the coupler is properly adjusted and locked down, you should have little worry about a problem.

Not only is it important to use the chains, but they should be secured properly to the hitch. Most chains are supplied with 'S' hooks, but they can be jolted out of the hole or loop that they go into. Some people use a threaded removeable link as a further precaution.

I am not trying to scare you. Trailer dragging is pretty safe as long as you are alert to the fact that it takes a bit longer to stop and your motorcycle becomes a bit wider.

You can check out my trailers at my photosite: www.picturetrail.com/bvail

Here is a pretty good motorcycle trailer site: http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing/start

[Gene McCall]

You are correct and the person who sold you the trailer is wrong. I am a moderator on a motorcycle trailer forum and there are many discussions of this topic......................

I am not trying to scare you. Trailer dragging is pretty safe as long as you are alert to the fact that it takes a bit longer to stop and your motorcycle becomes a bit wider.

You can check out my trailers at my photosite: www.picturetrail.com/bvail

Here is a pretty good motorcycle trailer site: http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing/start

bvail, thanks for the response, I have picked up on your pictures (very nice) and the trailer forum, it was one I did not have.

Your comments are still valid but my circumstances have changed since I first started this thread. Last Oct. 25th I suffered a massive heart attack that left me with about 30% of heart function. My rejection factor is now about 25% after a low of 20%. I recently added to my personal toys in the form of an implanted pacemaker/defibrulator. That is going to be my safety net on this summer's tour of the western US, Alaska and Canada. When I made this post I was planning on going by myself, now an old Aussie friend is flying over to join me as co-pilot of the STMMH. Thats ST1100, Mini-motorhome! Your comment about remembering you are wide pulling a trailer is now more so than before! I will post some pics when I get the bike back from Hannigan's Motorsports in Murray, Ky with the Astro Sport sidecar installed, probably this next Friday.

Thanks again for the response.
Gene:bike1:

[bvail]

Oh, WOW! Gene, I'm so sorry to hear about your heart problem. I'll say this about that: You have a big heart and lots of soul to continue to plan on your upcoming trip, even though you have an issue with your ticker. And how lucky you are to have a friend who will travel all that way to accompany you on your adventure. Good luck, hang in there and Godspeed to you.

Bob Vail

[bdgflht02]

Gene I just ordered a Lil B myself. I have been looking and considering for several years now,
and finally made the jump. I had started to buy a Lees-ur-lite until their prices jumped after
the value of a dollar dropped. For a thousand dollars less I will enjoy the Lil B and the savings
I am getting. It seems a little small but after all we're on motorcycles, I think a huge camper
looks a little silly behind a scoot. Anyway good luck on your planned trip Im sure you will have plenty of memories after that excursion. Take plenty of pictures also and post a few for us unlucky souls who cant go right now.

[TFee3]

Can someone please give me the link to the "Lil B" bunkhouse trailer? I'm new to the forum and have been looking for one I can pull behind my C90T. Thanks!

Tom

[mrprez]

Here you go:

http://www.bf-specialties.com/lilb.html

Also, here is a link to a list of trailer manufacturers:

http://www.tailpullers.org/content/trailer_index.cfm

John

[Gene McCall]

Gene I just ordered a Lil B myself. I have been looking and considering for several years now,
and finally made the jump. I had started to buy a Lees-ur-lite until their prices jumped after
the value of a dollar dropped. For a thousand dollars less I will enjoy the Lil B and the savings
I am getting. It seems a little small but after all we're on motorcycles, I think a huge camper
looks a little silly behind a scoot. Anyway good luck on your planned trip Im sure you will have plenty of memories after that excursion. Take plenty of pictures also and post a few for us unlucky souls who cant go right now.

Thanks for the good wishes! I am currently on that trip, tonight in Thunder Bay, Ont. Yesterday we went over 10,000 miles on this trip. The Lil B is doing well. One tire is showing signs of wear and I may have to mount my spare before I get home in August. It is not small, once you get used to it, I really love this little rig! I am taking pictures of each of our camp sites, we have camped about 98% of the time so it is going to be a lot of sites! We pretty well covered Alaska, camped just north of the Arctic circle, among many other places! You may not know but I am pulling it behind my ST1100 with a Hannigan sidecar, quite a load, including me and my co-pilot, Don Seedsman from Oz. Will try to post to this thread again when I get home.
Gene McCall:cool:

[Ripshod]

Wow. Gene, you are an inspiration.

[Abnmarine]

Gene,
I'll be pulling my Roll-a-home with a sidecar attached to my bike. Does the allowed towing weights change any once the sidecar is installed?

[Gene McCall]

Gene,
I'll be pulling my Roll-a-home with a sidecar attached to my bike. Does the allowed towing weights change any once the sidecar is installed?

Abn, to tell you the truth I didn't check any allowed towing weights. The ST makes about 100hp (new) and I put it in as good a condition as I could. The bike has shown no signs of stress. On some hills I have had to go down to 3rd gear and even 2nd on gravel/mud the bike is doing well. As you can guess my mileage has suffered. We have done as well as 30 mpg and as low as 20. We no longer check it. We hold our speed between 50 to 55, mostly around 51/52. This seems to give us the best compromise between not blocking traffic and not dropping our mileage out the bottom. We have a 7 gallon transfer tank for gas on the back of the trailer. It has saved our bacon 4 times now. In addition it helps (when it has gas in it) to lighten the tongue weight of the trailer. Tonight we are in a KOA near Spraggue, Ont about 285 miles away from our next victim, oops I mean friend we are going to visit, in Woodville, Ont. He is also a sidecar rider of many,many years and is known on many boards as Sidecar Bob.
Gene:cool:

[Abnmarine]

I was curious as my bike is rated at 850 lbs that includes passengers and if towing a trailer. My engine will put out close to 140 hp/ 145 tq at the wheel so the power will be there. I upgraded my trailer with an electric brake axle and the sidecar has a disk brake as well. I think my braking will be good too. With me and the OL plus the trailer, this only leaves us about 100 lbs for gear. I guess I'll just have to try it out. I'll ensure to not exceed the tongue weight though.