TRAILER SAFETY

www.timeouttrailer.com

TRAILER TOWING ~ SAFTY ITEMS

1 ~ Check all lights and tire pressure before each trip and every few hundred miles... Do a walk around at every gas stop... Proper pressure, proper tire wear... Cargo trailers 18 to 20 psi. Campers 25 to 30 psi. Tires will not get hot and will give you a softer ride...

2 ~ Check lug nuts periodically... Grease bearings every 2 to 3 thousand miles...

3 ~ Maintain 15 to 20 pounds of tongue weight at ball... Use bathroom scale, place on solid surface, same height as ball... Fish scale will also work... Pack trailer to achieve proper 15 to 20 pounds... Don't load up cooler before leaving on trip, load up at destination... But if you do, counter-balance heavier items to the back... A fish scale works well also and is small to take with you...

4 ~ Don't overload trailer... Don't put heavy items on roof rack, like animals... Would you like to breath exhaust fumes? Also can make trailer top heavy...

5 ~ Your bike is now twice as long... Allow more time to stop, use both brakes... Down shift to slow down... Be sure you have enough room when passing to pull back in... Always signal... Hand signals work well, but finger signals don't... Respect others...

6 ~ Remember, trailer may be a inch or two wider than handlebars... Watch curb at toll booths and when parking... Watch pot-holes in road....

7 ~ Don't ride down center of your lane, that's where the oil is... Half way between center of your lane and center line, or, center of your lane and pavement edge is proper area to ride... Trailers are generally 38" to 44" same as touring bikes handlebars width across to each outer edge...

8 ~ On very windy days I find that a trailer may help to stabilize the bike, but don't get over confident, could change instantly...

9 ~ It is very easy to forget trailer is behind you... Ride safe and be aware...

10 ~ Use safety chains, most states require them... Proper chain length should be; Coupler should rest on chains and not touch ground if it comes off the ball...

11 ~ Always lock or bolt coupler on trailer ball... Also, if you have a receiver style hitch, be sure pin is in and lock that also...

12 ~ Remove the heavy items from saddlebags and trunk... Use the trailer...

13 ~ Home made trailer info: Too short a tongue also not enough tongue weight can cause trailer to wig wag at about 50 mph... Rule of thumb; Ball to center of axle should be twice the distance as center to center on tire... Example: 3' tire to tire center needs close to 6' from axle to ball coupler... Longer dose'nt effect it...

14 ~ Swivals for trailers is a nice option, but not a necessity... A coupler has a 28 degree movement in every direction and will not bind... But if your bike should tip over, than a swival is then appreciated... Can be added to most trailers any time...

15~ Do not overload manufactures weight capacity... My rule of thumb is; 13 pounds for each cubic foot of cargo capacity... So a trailer with 18 cubic feet of cargo space times the 13 pounds per cubic foot equals 234 Lbs carry capacity... Follow hitch manufactures recommendations...

16 ~ Never leave home without a can of instant tire flat and a tire plug repair kit...
Bungie cords, duct tape, electrical tape and tie raps are also very handy...

17 ~ Drinking or drugs while driving is stupid... While on a motorcycle will probably be fatal... Read percription drugs for side effects...

18 ~ Railroad tracks proceed over at ninty degree angle...

19 ~ High on the important list is a good flash-light and a first aid kit... Imagine having a accident on a dark moonless night... you or your passenger could bleed to death if you had neither... Paper and pen is also a good idea to write down all information if involved in a accident, you may need it later...

20 ~ Last, for 2 up riders... You're tired, been riding all day, you're getting gas, your love one went to get directions but you know you're not lost, don't take off without her or him... Will not make for a good day when she or he catches up with you... Enjoy each other's company, when you stop for the night and leave TV off... Talk, read or maybe take a little walk...

~~ May be copied... Keep one in your trailer for reference... Make copies for your friends or club members... If I can help with a answer to your question, call me... If I don't know, I will get a answer for you... I have been pulling trailers since 1983 with both my 1983 Goldwing and !987 Harley FLHTC... Have many thousand miles pulling trailers including a 12' rowboat..

~~ I have Camper <> Cargo <> Carry Trailers by: Time Out, Cycle Mate, Diamond Back, Rocket, Tear Drop, Rover, Trail Pro, Kendon , Diamond Back, Easy Hauler, Backwoods Bungalow and Sport Tote...

~~ Visit our historic Hudson valley & majastic Catskill Mts. both with beautifull picture taking views... Kingston NY and surrounding area within a half hour ride can get you on river boat cruise on the Hudson, rail ride in the Catskills, many museums to visit along with a large array of stone houses... Kingston has the only corner with a 1800's stone house, on each corner... There are resonable price motels, camping, fine dining and a fantastic touring area...