Utards whos riding what - Page 364

The Walrus · 01-23-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terracruz

Hey guys, I've been looking at a small utility trailer for a while now.
I'm thinking something like a 5x10ft utility trailer. Now, I just have a little 4 cylinder subaru, so can't go much bigger. Also, the space at the side of my house would not allow for a much larger trailer. Ideally I could tow 3-4 mid size bikes and other less fun things (probably lots of home improvement stuff). The home improvement/remodeling stuff will happen often and I'm pretty sure I'll tow bikes several times a year. So, I need a trailer.

I've only pulled a trailer 2-3 times and I've never owned a trailer. So, I don't have the experience/wisdom that many of you do. So, I would appreciate any feedback constructive or destructive ;-)

So, what do you think?

Should I spring for an enclosed trailer?

PS: Hick, thanks for your backcountry medical insight on your post several days a go.

I have a 4x8 trailer with 15" wheels and the 2" ball hitch. You are welcome to test it out. Realistically, that size will haul 1 big bike, I've put a K12RS, GS and RT on it.......or #2- 650cc like the XR's....but they have to be loaded correctly.....

switchback · 01-23-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terracruz

Hey guys, I've been looking at a small utility trailer for a while now.
I'm thinking something like a 5x10ft utility trailer. Now, I just have a little 4 cylinder subaru, so can't go much bigger. Also, the space at the side of my house would not allow for a much larger trailer. Ideally I could tow 3-4 mid size bikes and other less fun things (probably lots of home improvement stuff). The home improvement/remodeling stuff will happen often and I'm pretty sure I'll tow bikes several times a year. So, I need a trailer.

I've only pulled a trailer 2-3 times and I've never owned a trailer. So, I don't have the experience/wisdom that many of you do. So, I would appreciate any feedback constructive or destructive ;-)

So, what do you think?

Should I spring for an enclosed trailer?

PS: Hick, thanks for your backcountry medical insight on your post several days a go.

Even a 5x10 trailer seems a bit large for a subaru. A 4x8 seems much more appropriate. Most 5x 10 trailers are 850 lbs to start with and who knows if trailer weights are as deceptive as bike weights. Add a couple of bikes and gear and you are near the towing limit for many small wagons and utes. 4x8 trailers are much lighter and are typically rated for 900-1200 lb payload, good enough for a couple of bikes.

terracruz · 01-23-2010, 04:31 PM

Thanks for all of the great feedback on the trailer.

I just read a great article in wired on open source DIY manuracturing titled
"Atoms are the new Bits"

Below are a few links I thought utards might enjoy

rally fighter car by local motors:
http://www.local-motors.com/rf

techshop, a place to get access to cool tools (plasma cutters and more...):
http://techshop.ws/index.html
(supposedly there will be many techshops popping up around the country, maybe SLC )

cool electronics site:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php

DIY drones:
http://diydrones.com/

tylerjwhite · 01-23-2010, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiFastBadly

Have to disagree here. The smaller the tire (that is, the smaller the diameter) the faster it will turn as you're pulling it down the road. Which means the hotter the hubs will get. Which means the faster it will fail. Unless you're only going to go short distances, at low speeds, avoid those small wheel deals.

Small also means less resistance and therefore easier to pull. My trucks tires are small comparatively speaking since it is an 86 Toyota and getting an average trailer with truck sized tires is bad Ju ju in this similar situation. If you keep regular maintenance on the bearings and keep them full of grease they will last as long as your truck. When I say small tires I am referencing the trailers about the size that Lowes sells.

Thanks

trackhead · 01-23-2010, 04:52 PM

I have a Toyota Corolla and pull two dirt bikes on a 4x8 trailer NO problem at 75mph down the highway. No problems with hills or wind. No need for a truck or a big gas guzzling motor to pull dirt bikes.

pluric · 01-23-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackhead

I have a Toyota Corolla and pull two dirt bikes on a 4x8 trailer NO problem at 75mph down the highway. No problems with hills or wind. No need for a truck or a big gas guzzling motor to pull dirt bikes.

No shit.

SkiFastBadly · 01-23-2010, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pluric

Hmmm...retro, yet torquey. Clearly something you can work on yourself. Too bad it's just a single, or I'd be getting a boner...

Which, rumor has it, is a sensation years in the past for Pluric.

Trailtwister · 01-23-2010, 07:45 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFNh8bF9AKw

Ryman · 01-23-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerjwhite

Small also means less resistance and therefore easier to pull.

?? Thats what SHE said!!

I'v been lurking for DAYS waiting for a setup like that!
Thanks Ty!

tylerjwhite · 01-23-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryman

??

Tires smaller tires..... :)

I know that you were hoping. Sory to let you down.

terracruz · 01-23-2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailtwister

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFNh8bF9AKw

very nice trailtwister :)

my brother in law does the larry h. miller speedway stuff on a bullet bike. he told me his top speed was 170mph and that the only reason he had to slow down was he had to turn. sounds really fun, but i think i would get addicted.

tylerjwhite · 01-24-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terracruz

very nice trailtwister :)

my brother in law does the larry h. miller speedway stuff on a bullet bike. he told me his top speed was 170mph and that the only reason he had to slow down was he had to turn. sounds really fun, but i think i would get addicted.

I had a Ninja. After doing only I think about 150-160 I sold it. I knew I needed something that was fun to ride when I wasn't going faster than terminal velocity and when I didn't have corners.

pluric · 01-24-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiFastBadly

Hmmm...retro, yet torquey. Clearly something you can work on yourself. Too bad it's just a single, or I'd be getting a boner...

Which, rumor has it, is a sensation years in the past for Pluric.

Ever since you moved I just haven't had the proper motivation.

Single??? What about that Buell Blast of yours?

I like what you did with it,

I like what Eric Buell did a little better.....

Miss you Craig

Please drop in more often.

The Walrus · 01-24-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pluric

No shit.

One thing I should point out is that: pluric and I have different approaches when it comes to a "smaller trailer". pluric tends to downsize the entire package, while I still have a much longer tongue..........the longer the better......any small trailer that comes with a short tongue will have additional difficulties...............

pluric · 01-24-2010, 07:08 PM

Five Mile today with some new snow.

Deer tracks were all over. Finally found a few on the hillside.

Saw a lot of rabbit tracks too, just never saw actual rabbits.

01-23-2010, 04:31 PM	#5448
terracruz Nor. UT adv rider Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Oddometer: 325	trailer stuff and article Thanks for all of the great feedback on the trailer. I just read a great article in wired on open source DIY manuracturing titled "Atoms are the new Bits" Below are a few links I thought utards might enjoy rally fighter car by local motors: http://www.local-motors.com/rf techshop, a place to get access to cool tools (plasma cutters and more...): http://techshop.ws/index.html (supposedly there will be many techshops popping up around the country, maybe SLC ) cool electronics site: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php DIY drones: http://diydrones.com/ __________________ Vrrrrrrrrrrooooooooommmmmmmmmm!!!

01-23-2010, 07:45 PM	#5453
Trailtwister To the peak! Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Salt Lick City Oddometer: 428	Haul ass highway helmet cam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFNh8bF9AKw __________________ TrailTwister Current bikes: '06 KTM 950 Adventure-S '09 KTM 300 XCW - Plated The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts -- Bertrand Russell And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. Its the life in your years -- Abraham Lincoln

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01-23-2010, 04:52 PM	#5450
trackhead Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2009 Location: Utardia Oddometer: 2,684	I have a Toyota Corolla and pull two dirt bikes on a 4x8 trailer NO problem at 75mph down the highway. No problems with hills or wind. No need for a truck or a big gas guzzling motor to pull dirt bikes.

01-24-2010, 07:08 PM	#5460
pluric Gimpy Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Salt Lake Oddometer: 11,332	Five Mile today with some new snow. Deer tracks were all over. Finally found a few on the hillside. Saw a lot of rabbit tracks too, just never saw actual rabbits.