I would like to add a trailer

[STRMN]

I did my first long trip this summer on my 06 LT. All went well for the most part.

What I would like to do is buy a trailer. I klnow there are tons of options abd I am looking at a tent trailer made here in BC. From what I understand the LT should have no problem pulling it. The trailer weighs about 165 kg (300 lbs)

Is there a problem with the extra weight putting strain on the final drive?

Does this effect the warrenty?

Thoughts please

Norm (STRMN) Ingram :bmw:

[SilverBuffalo]

Welcome to the LT forum,
what you see in the picture below is trailer number four and LT number two.

I once had a bunkhouse camper trailer, (great camper) weighs 225 lbs
I absolutely hated it,
much to heavy, way too much work to haul around
unless you're going in a straight line on the interstate.

The trailer I have now is a Bushtec 125 lbs I love it.

Check out some of the previous topics on this site just type trailer into the search feature,
that should keep you busy for a while.

And check out the motorcycle trailer towing forum.
(skip the advertisement)
http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=MCTrailertowing&nav=start&prettyurl=%2FMCTrailertowing%2Fstart

[Jburwell]

I'm keep looking also, but my wife don't want one. Yesterday, she told me that she hear last week somebody got kill and the rider was hurt bad when a wheel on a trailer can off. I was out of town and did hear the story.

[Lynn_Keen]

I have lots of experience pulling a trailer both on my Lt as well as several Gold wings prior to the Lt. For many years I pulled a Kwik Kamp tent trailer. don't remember the empty weight but it was somewhere around 250/300 lbs. Of course when the wife got finished loading it it was way more. As Hans said, it will slow you down some, or at least it should. For me, since when my wife is my passenger I do not ride aggressively anyway, it was not a bother. The wife and I used that trailer for about 8 years and loved it. Probably put about 30 or 40,000 miles on it including a round trip from Florida to Oregon and never hit an interstate. It's important to distribute the weight front to back properally when loading the trailer so as to not overload or lift the back of the bike. Loaded incorrectly the trailor can sway and induce a real tank slapper. Also, it's most noticeable when stopping so leave a little extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you although the LT's ABS brakes do a spectacular job of stopping the unit. The little bit of bother caused by pulling the trailer was more than made up for when you stop for the night and have real bed and matress to sleep on rather than a sleeping pad on the ground! It was great until I retired and the wife decided that in addition to the real bed she also wanted an on board bathroom and AC. So, we now have a 33 ft toy box RV and have had to resort to trailering the bike between stops. I preferred the pop up camper but I also enjoy my wife's company while traveling so, as any good husband would do, I said "YES DEAR"!! Good luck with your decision. Oh yea, if you get a trailer, cargo or camper, be sure to get a swivel hitch.

[katnapinn]

Norm....
I will agree with Hans. I just got my "NEW" Bushtec and so fare I love it,Now understand I only have about 500 miles on her so far but....most of the miles are on the backroads of the Hill Country here in Texas :D my real test comes next week when we hit the trail to CCR. :dance: I have made a point to ride the twisties and most pothole filled roads I can find in my early testing and..... As advertised by Bushtec " you would know it's even back there" She pulls wonderfully Here is a few pics. The best part is you can put a tent and all your gear and still have room at half the wieght of the " Bunk House" style trailer
BTW I bought new but.... you can find great preowned ones if you look ;)

[munson]

Is there a problem with the extra weight putting strain on the final drive? Does this effect the warrenty?
Pulling a trailer will not invalidate the warranty, but if something happens to a component in the drive train, and there is any evidence that you were pulling a trailer, they can decline to repair the specific item that failed. BMW has issued a bulletin on this. Just be aware that you may be on your own.

That said, most people do not have a problem with trailers. I pull a Piggy Backer, myself. Just take it easy on the clutch when starting out with a heavy load.

[bemmerbiker]

I also have pulled trailers for many years. What everyone said is true.

I have pulled home made trailer, using a R75/5 to pull my first trailer.

I now have a Freedom camper trailer. I like it, pulled it from here in eastern PA to the the BMWMOA rally in OR in2001. Went by the way of Penticin, BC.

Which is where the Freedom trailer was manufactured.

If you have special ?, call me or E-Mail me

George

610-349-4168

iiupbmw@ptd.net

[UncleRock]

I have pulled trailers for many years, I now pull a Aspen Ambassodor. It is large.
If you don't ride like a retard (or like me) you should have no problems. Pulling a trailer with any vehicle will add to your pull out time, stopping distance etc. (It has to; extra weight and an extra axle)
I can have camp set up by myself in 10 minutes and not sleeping on the ground makes it worthwhile.
I have taken the thing every where including through the Dragon and the Foothills Parkway, no problems that were not of my own doing.
Rock