What trailer is best?
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I only have one trailer, a Bushtec Quantum, and I am very pleased with it. I have not pulled that many other trailers, but if there are some that are better than the Bushtec, they got to be real good.
I have the Bushtec trailer hitch as well, but do recommend something different. Dauntless hitches are popular and I am sure somebody can give some info for you as well.
Stefan
I have the Bushtec trailer hitch as well, but do recommend something different. Dauntless hitches are popular and I am sure somebody can give some info for you as well.
Stefan
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176 Posts
Which Trailer to pull?
We have a new SST (Slip Stream Transport) with matching K1200LT tail light. Please check out this page of our web site about why we have been hauling SSTs for a couple of years.
http://www.ridingiswonderful.com/ridingiswonderfulinc/id40.html
We have a new SST (Slip Stream Transport) with matching K1200LT tail light. Please check out this page of our web site about why we have been hauling SSTs for a couple of years.
http://www.ridingiswonderful.com/ridingiswonderfulinc/id40.html
What Trailer is best?
I also have a BushTec Quantum and am satisfied that it establishes a benchmark for motorcycle cargo trailers - that meets my requirements and that is the key. I looked at the Unigo when I bought my BushTec - It was/is a great little trailer - but the operative word for me was "little" - too small...I looked at the Hannigan Trailer and like the rest of their products, it is a beautiful trailer but had a higher empty weight than the BushTec and the same gross weight - thereby a smaller useful load. I also preferred the larger wheels on the BushTec. The SST was not available when I purchased the BushTec, but it is a very good looking trailer. I admire folks who have the skill to build their own trailer and have looked at the pics and description of the one mentioned above, many times...
In the final analysis, the best trailer is the one that is best for you. The one you can afford that meets your rrequirements in size, style, features, weight and weight carrying capability. The reputation of the company and the experience of those you trust. I have pulled my BushTec all over the country and have enjoyed it very much. Good luck on your choice and I think you'll love the option of being able to take a trailer when you need it.
Tim Halpin
Norther, VA
01 K1200LT
02 BushTec Quantum
79 R100RS
BMWMOA +30
AMA
I also have a BushTec Quantum and am satisfied that it establishes a benchmark for motorcycle cargo trailers - that meets my requirements and that is the key. I looked at the Unigo when I bought my BushTec - It was/is a great little trailer - but the operative word for me was "little" - too small...I looked at the Hannigan Trailer and like the rest of their products, it is a beautiful trailer but had a higher empty weight than the BushTec and the same gross weight - thereby a smaller useful load. I also preferred the larger wheels on the BushTec. The SST was not available when I purchased the BushTec, but it is a very good looking trailer. I admire folks who have the skill to build their own trailer and have looked at the pics and description of the one mentioned above, many times...
In the final analysis, the best trailer is the one that is best for you. The one you can afford that meets your rrequirements in size, style, features, weight and weight carrying capability. The reputation of the company and the experience of those you trust. I have pulled my BushTec all over the country and have enjoyed it very much. Good luck on your choice and I think you'll love the option of being able to take a trailer when you need it.
Tim Halpin
Norther, VA
01 K1200LT
02 BushTec Quantum
79 R100RS
BMWMOA +30
AMA
Bushtec Trailers - Don't buy online 2nd hand - buy new
I also have a bushtec turbo plus 2 trailer. I purchased mine second hand. The carry capacity is good. But, I have had one heck of a problem with the air assisted suspension system. The system simply will not hold air. And if there is no air, the wheels camber in on the top. I have been forced to stop on a number of occassions to put air in it. It just leaks out after a short time.
I contacted bushtec on several occassions and they attempted to be helpful. I have replaced the shocks and have gone through the air lines more then several times found leaks and repaired them until there were no leaks in the lines. But, the thing simply won't hold air. We have replaced the bleeder valve for the air intake, but that didn't resolve the problem either I guess I will have to go through it and replace all the air lines. I havent done that .. But I am not sure if that will do it either.
I have used the trailer a total of about 5500 miles so far and it carries the capacity that I need. I also have the bushtec hitch that works fine.
My suggestion is that if you are going to buy one, buy it new from Bushtec or one of its representatives. I bought mine second hand from a private individual that owns a big rig trailer business in North Caronlina that was very motivated to sell and work hard to get it crated up, etc. He seemed like a nice enough guy but I am not sure if he was totally above board with me on the condition of the trailer since I had this problem since my first test trip.
As I said, the people of Bushtec have tried to be helpful, but I am not in Tennessee. I have attempted to solicate help on the road with repair from one professional mechanic, but he was also not able to resolve the problem.
If I were going to buy another trailer, I would still consider Bushtec, but I would buy new with a warranty.
Good Luck
I also have a bushtec turbo plus 2 trailer. I purchased mine second hand. The carry capacity is good. But, I have had one heck of a problem with the air assisted suspension system. The system simply will not hold air. And if there is no air, the wheels camber in on the top. I have been forced to stop on a number of occassions to put air in it. It just leaks out after a short time.
I contacted bushtec on several occassions and they attempted to be helpful. I have replaced the shocks and have gone through the air lines more then several times found leaks and repaired them until there were no leaks in the lines. But, the thing simply won't hold air. We have replaced the bleeder valve for the air intake, but that didn't resolve the problem either I guess I will have to go through it and replace all the air lines. I havent done that .. But I am not sure if that will do it either.
I have used the trailer a total of about 5500 miles so far and it carries the capacity that I need. I also have the bushtec hitch that works fine.
My suggestion is that if you are going to buy one, buy it new from Bushtec or one of its representatives. I bought mine second hand from a private individual that owns a big rig trailer business in North Caronlina that was very motivated to sell and work hard to get it crated up, etc. He seemed like a nice enough guy but I am not sure if he was totally above board with me on the condition of the trailer since I had this problem since my first test trip.
As I said, the people of Bushtec have tried to be helpful, but I am not in Tennessee. I have attempted to solicate help on the road with repair from one professional mechanic, but he was also not able to resolve the problem.
If I were going to buy another trailer, I would still consider Bushtec, but I would buy new with a warranty.
Good Luck
Best Trailer
I pulled a single wheel trailer over 70,000 miles behind a Ultra Classic and I'm getting ready to set it up on my new LT. Youu can't feel this trailer behind you in corners because it leans with the bike. Check it out, you won't be disapointed. http://www.n-line.com/
I pulled a single wheel trailer over 70,000 miles behind a Ultra Classic and I'm getting ready to set it up on my new LT. Youu can't feel this trailer behind you in corners because it leans with the bike. Check it out, you won't be disapointed. http://www.n-line.com/
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105 Posts
Hi Mack,
Haven't posted in a while, but highly recommend BushTec Quantum also. Was pulling one in my accident last year in Missouri, and without a doubt the trailer and heim joint keep the bike from flipping on my after I high sided off the bike. Bike and trailer both totaled but I'm alive and still riding. The Quantum looks good, pulls extremely well and carries everything but the kitchen sink, well, I've been accused of bringing that too! They are good folks to deal with and the price is high, but the trailer is a premium design and well finished. My only cavet is the latch cover in the inside will sometimes get pushed so that it hard to open the lid. I fixed by using stainless steel nuts and bolts to attach with big fender washers to spread out the stress. Works like a charm now. Now have thousands of miles and extremely happy. The only downside is paying tolls...What a rip off, but had that with the sidecar rig also. Have the BushTec hitch, and have used the HitchDoc hitch. Both are fine but have to be removed to change tire. Would use a Dauntless hitch now. Good luck..you won't be unhappy...Best, Bob
Haven't posted in a while, but highly recommend BushTec Quantum also. Was pulling one in my accident last year in Missouri, and without a doubt the trailer and heim joint keep the bike from flipping on my after I high sided off the bike. Bike and trailer both totaled but I'm alive and still riding. The Quantum looks good, pulls extremely well and carries everything but the kitchen sink, well, I've been accused of bringing that too! They are good folks to deal with and the price is high, but the trailer is a premium design and well finished. My only cavet is the latch cover in the inside will sometimes get pushed so that it hard to open the lid. I fixed by using stainless steel nuts and bolts to attach with big fender washers to spread out the stress. Works like a charm now. Now have thousands of miles and extremely happy. The only downside is paying tolls...What a rip off, but had that with the sidecar rig also. Have the BushTec hitch, and have used the HitchDoc hitch. Both are fine but have to be removed to change tire. Would use a Dauntless hitch now. Good luck..you won't be unhappy...Best, Bob
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4,955 Posts
I just about fainted when I priced a factory built trailer that I knew I would only be using a couple of times per year. I decided to build my own, and although it was a pretty long project the end result was worth it. One mod I incorporated inside is multiple nylon tie down straps with quick release buckles to snug the load down tight - not only does it keep things in place I believe it makes it safer to tow as well.
You may want to go over and lurk around the motorcycle trailer towing forum for a while at http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing/start
A great resource to help you decide what route to go.
You may want to go over and lurk around the motorcycle trailer towing forum for a while at http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing/start
A great resource to help you decide what route to go.
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1,676 Posts
Another Bushtec Quantum owner here.amgaither said:
Bushtec is basically the benchmark for the others. Definitely pricey.
Reasons I have one: The air suspension and large diameter wheels provide the most stable/safest tow out there (not saying the others are unsafe, but this is the safest). John Preston demonstrates the unit by lifting it 3 feet off the ground and dropping it -- it doesn't bounce. Stop and imagine the demonstration -- and think about the significance the stability. This is exactly what I want behind me, not something on a short/stiff spring arrangement that is hopping around at every bump. The large diameter wheels also offer the benefits of easier/smoother movement through/over potholes, lower rotation speed than those tiny trailer tires (lower bearing stress/wear), and less tire flexing/heat build up on each rotation (fewer rotations/mile, less flexing due to larger radius. Add in the basic "bathtub" shape (no "pockets" or "ledges" to interfere with loading) and high build quality, and I was sold.
HTH,
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10 Posts
Unigo
I'm happy with my UniGo. Light, easy to tow and not big enough to seriously overload the bike. The nice thing about a single wheel trailer is if the bike misses the pothole, tiregator, jagged piece of iron, land mine, whatever - the trailer will miss it too. With a two wheel trailer, one of the combination vehicle's four tires will probably hit it.
I'm happy with my UniGo. Light, easy to tow and not big enough to seriously overload the bike. The nice thing about a single wheel trailer is if the bike misses the pothole, tiregator, jagged piece of iron, land mine, whatever - the trailer will miss it too. With a two wheel trailer, one of the combination vehicle's four tires will probably hit it.
I'm looking to buy a trailer next spring. I'm interested in the Bushtec Quantum and the Unigo. The problem with Unigo is availability at the moment. I've heard rumors that someone is supposed to start selling and/or producing them here in the states soon.
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4,955 Posts
"The air suspension and large diameter wheels provide the most stable/safest tow out there (not saying the others are unsafe, but this is the safest)."
No doubt about that! Whenever I know I am going to hit a large pavement gap I grit my teeth and hold on tight because my trailer WILL go airborne for a second. If you are leaned over at the same time the whole rear end of the bike will wallow as well - spooky. I have been able to mitigate this a bit by lowering the pressure in my trailer tires to accommodate the weight I am carrying - but it is a hassle and kind of a guess each time I load it. I also have only a single leaf spring set that will accommodate 250 lbs. max each wheel, so it does tend to ride well, but I always worry about busting a spring during a hard impact....if that happens I am screwed, glued and tattooed!
No doubt about that! Whenever I know I am going to hit a large pavement gap I grit my teeth and hold on tight because my trailer WILL go airborne for a second. If you are leaned over at the same time the whole rear end of the bike will wallow as well - spooky. I have been able to mitigate this a bit by lowering the pressure in my trailer tires to accommodate the weight I am carrying - but it is a hassle and kind of a guess each time I load it. I also have only a single leaf spring set that will accommodate 250 lbs. max each wheel, so it does tend to ride well, but I always worry about busting a spring during a hard impact....if that happens I am screwed, glued and tattooed!
Bushtec Quantum
Mack,
I have a Bushtec Quantum that my wife and I pull behind our LT. I spent years looking at trailers and tried to analyze it in every way. In the end, I kept coming back to the Bushtec. It is a premium product (with a premium price). However, I have never regretted my choice. It can carry plenty of stuff for two people and pulls very nicely. It looks good and has been backed with parts and service. Good luck with your decision. I have not regretted mine.
Charles Keller
Mack,
I have a Bushtec Quantum that my wife and I pull behind our LT. I spent years looking at trailers and tried to analyze it in every way. In the end, I kept coming back to the Bushtec. It is a premium product (with a premium price). However, I have never regretted my choice. It can carry plenty of stuff for two people and pulls very nicely. It looks good and has been backed with parts and service. Good luck with your decision. I have not regretted mine.
Charles Keller
Mack, I ordered a new Bushtec Turbo +2 in early July and will take delivery this Saturday. I ordered it with all available options ($4,075) plus a chrome hitch purchased used for $250. I have never owned or pulled a trailer, my wife is to blame for this purchase. I'll post my thoughts over the weekend as to how it works out. Good luck on your purchase!
I don't know what trailer is best....but I just picked up my color matched Bushtec Quantum on 9/23/05 and have over 1,500 miles with it in tow. I have been on the "slab" and over the twisties through Yosemite and Westguard Pass, etc. I am impressed. I was told that I would be frequently checking to see if the trailer was still attached....didn't believe him....but I was frequently looking because I couldn't believe it was still there.
Next to the LT this is the best decision I've made.
Next to the LT this is the best decision I've made.
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10 Posts
Unigo availability
Schoolhouse Motorcycle Accessories has purchased the UniGo business and all the tooling. They hope to be in production early next year.
email Mark at [email protected]
Schoolhouse Motorcycle Accessories has purchased the UniGo business and all the tooling. They hope to be in production early next year.
email Mark at [email protected]
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16 Posts
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm very impressed with those people that built their own trailer. You may have a calling. However, I don't want to take time away from all my other hobbies to build one though.
Can anyone tell me the differences between the Bushtec models? Seems like a lot of Quantums, but a few of the other models were mentioned, too.
Thanks again.
Can anyone tell me the differences between the Bushtec models? Seems like a lot of Quantums, but a few of the other models were mentioned, too.
Thanks again.
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1,676 Posts
This is over-simplfied, but the Quantum is basically a Turbo2 with all the options you would probably add to the Turbo2 anywayamgaither said:
, plus more recent styling (Toyota Camry taillights, IIRC). The restyling also nets a tiny bit more room. A decked-out Turbo2 and a Quantum end up being pretty close in price if you have the Turbo2 color matched (the Q included color matching, ~$500, 4 yrs ago when I bought mine).
The top Bushtec was a *lot* more money for, IMO, not much more substance -- mostly styling, and just about *every* available option included as standard. In my case, there were a number of options included that I didn't want, so the Quantum was the "best buy" for me.
p.s. -- Buy the accessory cooler that rides on the goose-neck -- relatively cheap, and you'll thank me every time you take a trip with it
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16 Posts
If the Quantum is an upgraded Turbo, then what is the Genesis?mneblett said:This is over-simplfied, but the Quantum is basically a Turbo2 with all the options you would probably add to the Turbo2 anyway
The restyling also nets a tiny bit more room. A decked-out Turbo2 and a Quantum end up being pretty close in price if you have the Turbo2 color matched (the Q included color matching, ~$500, 4 yrs ago when I bought mine).
The top Bushtec was a *lot* more money for, IMO, not much more substance -- mostly styling, and just about *every* available option included as standard. In my case, there were a number of options included that I didn't want, so the Quantum was the "best buy" for me.
p.s. -- Buy the accessory cooler that rides on the goose-neck -- relatively cheap, and you'll thank me every time you take a trip with it
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