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Basic Trailer


TimTheAzn

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Hey guys, just like the title says, I'm thinking about getting a trailer so I can tote my bike back and forth from NEO to Columbus for weekend twisty rides and track days. Anyone have one for sale or have any opinions on brands/ where to go? I do not want anything big. I will be most likely pulling it with my civic. Thanks in advance!

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There are already multiple threads on this topic. Either buy something used for $300, or just go out and buy the harbor freight folding model that a bunch of us already have.

If you wait for it to go on sale, or use the 20% off coupon, it's under $300.

http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=92357&highlight=light+trailer

http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=90761&highlight=light+trailer

I have the 4x8 folding model with 12" wheels (1100 lbs max load). There is also a cheaper model that has 8"(?) wheels, and a lower max load, but would be fine for one bike. The smaller wheels would mean you want to keep it under 60 on the highway, but if you're not using it that often and never doing much more than 100 miles per trip, you'd probably be okay.

Edited by redkow97
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12" wheel model is actually 1195 lbs. capacity, and online price is $289

http://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-capacity-48-inch-x-96-inch-heavy-duty-foldable-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-wheels-90154.html

8" wheel model is 950 lbs. capacity, but only $10 cheaper (at least online)

http://www.harborfreight.com/950-lb-capacity-foldable-4-ft-x-8-ft-utility-trailer-with-8-inch-wheels-and-tires-42709.html

There's also a 13" wheel model that's over 1700 lbs. capacity, and $349. I don't know anyone who owns it though.

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Smaller wheels under 60mph is a myth. I have hauled ass, long distances, with tiny trailer tires for years. Just make sure you know how to properly grease bearings, with the proper grade grease, if you do it yourself.

Edited by Gump
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If you need a 20% off coupon for harbor freight go to a magazine rack and look through the advertiser lists in the back of the mags.

If you get one of the harbor freight trailers, clean the shit out of the bearings and repack them with quality grease. I did mine and they stay within a few degrees of ambient temp. Also a friend and an impact will save you a ton of time putting it together.

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Smaller wheels under 60mph is a myth. I have hauled ass, long distances, with tiny trailer tires for years. Just make sure you know how to properly grease bearings, with the proper grade grease, if you do it yourself.

That's a big if. I have seen a 13" wheel come of an enclosed trailer at 65 mph. It was coming toward me, so I have no clue if that was due to bearing failure, but that image has stuck with me.

How does one properly pack trailer bearings? I searched a bit online for this when I first got my trailer, but didn't find much clear advice.

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Chris, this tool will also do the trick -

http://www.drillspot.com/products/539704/kd_tools_kds2775_hand_bearing_packer

How fast are you all going with the 12" wheels? I keep it at 65-70mph in 5th out of 6 gears but I always wonder if that's riding the limit of the bearings or not. (I've replaced all included bearings with Timken brand equivalent during initial build)

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Chris, this tool will also do the trick -

http://www.drillspot.com/products/539704/kd_tools_kds2775_hand_bearing_packer

How fast are you all going with the 12" wheels? I keep it at 65-70mph in 5th out of 6 gears but I always wonder if that's riding the limit of the bearings or not. (I've replaced all included bearings with Timken brand equivalent during initial build)

I keep it under 70mph indicated (so more like 65 according to the GPS).

But it would be nice to feel comfortable pushing 80mph at times. Just to get around trucks, or get out of people's way when i get caught in the left lane and can't move over right away.

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Chris, this tool will also do the trick -

http://www.drillspot.com/products/539704/kd_tools_kds2775_hand_bearing_packer

How fast are you all going with the 12" wheels? I keep it at 65-70mph in 5th out of 6 gears but I always wonder if that's riding the limit of the bearings or not. (I've replaced all included bearings with Timken brand equivalent during initial build)

Dude, I've ran 80-90 for long periods of time, bursts of 100ish before. Way too much fear mongering about little wheels. Use high temp DISC brake wheel bearing grease, I don't use anything less on any wheel bearing. (Disc brake type because Disc brakes get hot as f*ck) Make sure they're packed correctly. Bearing buddies are only for use after the bearings have been greased properly. Older cars with tapered wheel bearings, like trailer wheel bearings, go tens of thousands of miles without issues. If a bearing fails it's due to dirt or the hubs not tight enough or to loose, if greased properly with good seals.

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Dude, I've ran 80-90 for long periods of time, bursts of 100ish before. Way too much fear mongering about little wheels. Use high temp DISC brake wheel bearing grease, I don't use anything less on any wheel bearing. (Disc brake type because Disc brakes get hot as f*ck) Make sure they're packed correctly. Bearing buddies are only for use after the bearings have been greased properly. Older cars with tapered wheel bearings, like trailer wheel bearings, go tens of thousands of miles without issues. If a bearing fails it's due to dirt or the hubs not tight enough or to loose, if greased properly with good seals.

OK what about not using 6th gear while towing with a midsize FWD and auto trans?

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All I know is most vehicles that call the last gear "over drive", the manual states to not run it in over drive when towing. Like early Ford E4OD tranny use to quit prematurely, especially if towing and not taking it out of overdrive. It was junk to begin with, I think they fixed that though. I wouldn't tow with a Chrysler product but I wouldn't own a Chrysler either.

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