Pulling A Trailer With An R1200rt???

[markgoodrich]

I've posted this on a couple other boards with no responses from riders with actual experience pulling a trailer with an R1200RT. I'm looking for real world experience, please. My wife and I can travel for extended periods on the bike with just our regular gear, but we like to do other things, such as hike, maybe even camp...well, I actually prefer not to camp, but the point is, we want to take extended trips, set up "home bases" in various places and then not only ride from there (without the trailer), but also do other activities which require not-bike gear, stuff that won't fit on the bike.

Apparently Bushtec does make a hitch for the R1200RT, but I've not found anyone who's used it, nor have I found anyone who actually has pulled a trailer with the bike. Concerns have been raised about the final drive, etc, but again, no real world experiences.

For the moment, I'll forego asking for advice about specific types/brands of trailers.

[Motorradfahrer]

I've posted some information before in regard to pulling a trailer on a R1200RT. I did just that. Last year I pulled a Uni-Go single wheel trailer two-up on my 2006 RT with ease. The hitch was made by Bustec and the modified coupling made by Uni-Go(http://www.uni-go.com/). This little trailer has plenty room unless you want to bring the kitchen sink! I hauled the contraption for 11+k miles throuhout the USA and Canada. Love it...
I've had no problem with it whatsoever and the bike performed flawlesly. I chose a single wheeled trailer so that I could with ease run the twisties and run at high speed if needed. The trailer remains in the slipstream of the bike and never detoured from its track. The only negative aspects which are with all trailers is when trying to back the bike which is no big deal. I on occassion put the bike on its sidestand , dismounted and moved the trailer by hand sideways making it easier to get out of a tight spot. :dance :lurk :german :usa :usa :thumb

[Motorradfahrer]

Forgot to mention that the trailer went through thick + thin; rain, storms..hail, altidudes..swamps, gravel. It is important to mention that a one wheeled trailer does add some weigh leverage to the side stand compared to a 2 wheeled trailer, but you can position the trailer more to the opposite of the bike lean. Fuel economy with the 7.3 gallon gas capacity of the RT is roughly 280-310 miles depending on the speed and elevation. There's no lack of power whatsoever, even with the pillon. The bike has more than enough power. Braking is the same, just brake a bit earlier. The ABS still work heavenly. Oil consumption is nil. Bike had a total of 33+k miles when returning home. Nothing was top loaded on the RT everything was in the large topcase and sidecases. We did the same thing you're planning to do: Motel and if possible camping...Remember the Uni-Go is designed to be wheeled like a wheel barrow through the motels door, for security. We hiked, explored, etc. on the bike while leaving the trailer and its contents in a motel room or cabin. It's is important to balance the tongue weigh reasonably as so not to add too much weigh to the rear which includes the pillon; top case; side cases. I weighted them on a scale to make sure that I am reasonably within the bikes specs.

[bransan]

I have been pulling a uni-go for 4 years now. Changed the bearings at 6,000mi and again at around 18,000. Easily obtainable from Napa. I love this little trailer. I pull Mine with a 2004 R1150R. I modified the hitch mount from a rt. My wife and I have traveled all over with it, and packed everything from groceries to tents and camping gear,(including a queen size air mattress). If You have to make evasive actions,ie. swerve for deer or four wheeled monsters, You will notice a little oscillation.

I don't know if they are still available, but I heard someone in Ohio has purchased the rights to uni-go. I bought Mine directly from the manufacturer in New Zealand.

Good luck and be careful until Your used the trailer. An LT should pull it like it's not even there.

[ZekeZeller]

My wife and I pulled a Bunkhouse (loaded to about 500#) for 7,500 miles in 06 behind our LT. It was a bit heavy for such a long trip but we loved it. We now have an R12RT and are considering a small trailer for it so the Unigo might be the ticket. I did talk at length with a camper pulling a Bushtec behind his 1150 RT for thousands of miles criscrossing the USA. Sorry I have lost his website but he had no real problems he said though he had replaced a clutch.

I have been looking for a hitch for the 12RT and am glad to hear that one is available.

Safe Journies

[tourunigo]

...having been a Uni-Go dealer for some time I would echo the positive statements regarding the concept and design. Suffice to say that I question the 'State Side' production. But enough of that. Bunkhouse? To each their own but I suspect that it takes some of the motorcycling out of the equation. Can't split-lane fer nothin' though. I might suggest that you check out some of the stuff Dauntless Motors (outside Seattle) is producing. Only the Dakar at the moment but a street savaay version is coming soon. (www.uni-trak.com). -Bob

quick edit: "replaced a clutch"..... can be an issue if you ride like you don't have a trailer. Trailers are wondeful for weight distribution but, and we're guilty as well, you can tend to pack far too much. That's the issue.

[Don]

I built my trailer several years ago while I had an LT. Pulled it cross country several times and then switched to an RT because of the weight. I just love the RT . Thought I'd throw that in...
I have the 07R1200RT and ordered a hitch thru Bush-tec because at the time, early 07, they said they had one that would fit. It was for an 06RT so I had to make a minor modification to the inner fender.
We went to the National last year and traveled around a bit and only put on around 5000 miles. A short vacation for us. We are normally out for 3 weeks and have everything including the hair dryer. I run about 10-15 % tongue weight and have nothing in the topcase or saddlebags. Those are reserved for the wife's shopping. I can feel the trailer a little bit more with the RT as to the LT but still run the speed limits.
Sorry guys with the Uni-go's but I have a Rod case that 5' long that has to go with me..
Hope this helps..

[markgoodrich]

I built my trailer several years ago while I had an LT. Pulled it cross country several times and then switched to an RT because of the weight. I just love the RT . Thought I'd throw that in...
I have the 07R1200RT and ordered a hitch thru Bush-tec because at the time, early 07, they said they had one that would fit. It was for an 06RT so I had to make a minor modification to the inner fender.
We went to the National last year and traveled around a bit and only put on around 5000 miles. A short vacation for us. We are normally out for 3 weeks and have everything including the hair dryer. I run about 10-15 % tongue weight and have nothing in the topcase or saddlebags. Those are reserved for the wife's shopping. I can feel the trailer a little bit more with the RT as to the LT but still run the speed limits.
Sorry guys with the Uni-go's but I have a Rod case that 5' long that has to go with me..
Hope this helps..

Thanks for the reply, Don, can you please explain "tongue weight" to me? I get the basic concept, I think, that you load it so the front (tongue) isn't too heavy, but the more I think about the trailer deal, the more I wonder how NOT to overload the bike. For instance, last week, solo, with both bags and the big BMW topcase/anvil attached, with just clothes for me, plus a small laptop and assorted otherodds and ends, it was clear, from all the annoyed headlight flashers, that the bike was "butt heavy" with the ESA set to rider/luggage, normal or sport...comfort setting light glare REALLY annoyed other drivers.

I'm thinking that two up, with gear in the cases/box we're going to be close to max capacity (neither of us is "plus sized"), and then adding another "X" pounds to the hitch might....well, as you can see, I need some advice and instruction.

TIA

[tbryant]

Hey Mark,
you may or may not be aware...there is a provision on the RT for dipping the headlight when you are two or one up...it's on the left side in front of the left strut on the back of the headlight bucket....it is explained in the owner's manual. Not to be a smart ass about it but I wasn't sure if you or others were aware of it. Something I learned after a year of owning my 06 RT.

Terry

[tbryant]

Don, tell me more!! What platform did you use? I would love to do something like that myself.
Terry:lurk

[markgoodrich]

Hey Mark,
you may or may not be aware...there is a provision on the RT for dipping the headlight when you are two or one up...it's on the left side in front of the left strut on the back of the headlight bucket....it is explained in the owner's manual. Not to be a smart ass about it but I wasn't sure if you or others were aware of it. Something I learned after a year of owning my 06 RT.

Terry

Terry, I've seen that info in the owners manual several times:conf , and have looked up under there a LARGE number of times,:confused: and never, EVER found the stupid white flip thing:banghead . Finally, after your post, I lay down UNDER the bike with my trusty shop light and...there the stupid thing was...lying on the garage floor, looking up at the slightly inconveniently located adjuster thingie. It was set for solo, no wonder everyone on the highway was so p.o.'d. Thanks.:blush

[tourunigo]

Thanks for the reply, Don, can you please explain "tongue weight" to me? I get the basic concept, I think, that you load it so the front (tongue) isn't too heavy, but the more I think about the trailer deal, the more I wonder how NOT to overload the bike. For instance, last week, solo, with both bags and the big BMW topcase/anvil attached, with just clothes for me, plus a small laptop and assorted otherodds and ends, it was clear, from all the annoyed headlight flashers, that the bike was "butt heavy" with the ESA set to rider/luggage, normal or sport...comfort setting light glare REALLY annoyed other drivers.

I'm thinking that two up, with gear in the cases/box we're going to be close to max capacity (neither of us is "plus sized"), and then adding another "X" pounds to the hitch might....well, as you can see, I need some advice and instruction.

TIA

It's all a question of distribution. Treat it like one long motorcycle ... tank bag/fuel-riders-saddle/trunk-trailer. Do not put it all in the trailer (think wobble). I believe that the tongue weight on the hitch for two wheel will be about 15 lbs. The Uni-Go has about 38 lbs (70 lbs trailer/65 lbs load).... but that's a different dynamic than the two wheel. -Bob

[Don]

I run about 25 -30 pounds of tongue weight. That means, I load the trailer with enough weight in front of the axle to make up the 25-30 pounds. If you load too much weight to the rear of the trailer, you'll loose it going down the first hill. It will start to fish tail and won't stop. Thats why tongue weight is important.
My tailer is made out of 1x2 steel tubing for the frame, 2x2 tongue, 1/2" plywood for the floor, tongue and groove cedar siding for the box, boat tarp custom sewn for the cover, independent torsion suppension and 13" wheels. & a small cooler with liquids on the tongue.
hope this helps some of you, you don't have to spend thousands for a trailer.

[tbryant]

That's cool Don. How much could one be built for?
:scratch
Terry

[wsteinborn]

How about the CANBUS issue of powering the trailer's turn signals and taillights?

I would assume that if you just tapped into the existing tail light and turn signal wires, the CANBUS would complain, right?

How do you avoid that?

[Don]

The answer is Bush-Tec, and I don't have any of their Stock.
I have their hitch and I use a ball receiver, and I have their wire harness which works perfect with the CanBus system. It was sooo easy to wire the bike to pull the trailer. It uses a five wire system. I had to rewire my trailer to have seperate turn signals from running and stop lights.
The biggest expense of building my trailer was the Hubs, wheels & tires. I just rewired with LED's and probably have $600 in it now.
Pulls like a dream, perfect alignment with no wear on the tires, independent susspension so it doesn't shake when you hit a bump, and has 19 cubic feet of storage.
I don't carry anything in the saddlebags or topcase so tongue weight is no problem..

Hope this helps you all..

[wsteinborn]

Yes it does.
I want a trailer for 2-up touring or camping, but $2000 - $3000+ for a trailer just makes me ache.

Photos would be nice.. of the trailer and the hitch.

[Tetz]

Looking for a decent trailer hitch also. Uni-go makes some great hitches and I heard they were interested in making hitches for the R1200RT, if there was enough interest shown. So IF you own a R1200RT...email them and maybe we can get them to design a decent hitch for us. http://www.uni-go.com/

Also, take a look at a REASONABLE trailer. May not be all that fancy...but for 1000 dollars I think it is a great buy. The top case for an R1200RT is $$$. Check it out at: http://monogo.com/Anglais/index_Enter.php

Let me know what you think and PLEASE consider sending an email to unigo to promt them for a hitch for us.

[markgoodrich]

Looking for a decent trailer hitch also. Uni-go makes some great hitches and I heard they were interested in making hitches for the R1200RT, if there was enough interest shown. So IF you own a R1200RT...email them and maybe we can get them to design a decent hitch for us. http://www.uni-go.com/

Also, take a look at a REASONABLE trailer. May not be all that fancy...but for 1000 dollars I think it is a great buy. The top case for an R1200RT is $$$. Check it out at: http://monogo.com/Anglais/index_Enter.php

Let me know what you think and PLEASE consider sending an email to unigo to promt them for a hitch for us.

I got an email from the unigo guy a week or so ago, saying he was expecting the R1200RT prototype hitch in "this week." I have not followed up.

Not tossing flames, but your comment about "great hitches" from Unigo is the first positive comment I've ever seen.

[tourunigo]

I got an email from the unigo guy a week or so ago, saying he was expecting the R1200RT prototype hitch in "this week." I have not followed up.

Not tossing flames, but your comment about "great hitches" from Unigo is the first positive comment I've ever seen.


"this week.":whistle

first positive comment I've ever seen.:rofl

:lurk

[markgoodrich]

"this week.":whistle

first positive comment I've ever seen.:rofl

:lurk

I didn't put that right; I meant "first positive comment about their hitches I've ever seen." I've read threads elsewhere about how difficult the hitches were to install and align; good to know someone's happy with the product.

[empeg9000]

Looking for a decent trailer hitch also. Uni-go makes some great hitches and I heard they were interested in making hitches for the R1200RT, if there was enough interest shown. So IF you own a R1200RT...email them and maybe we can get them to design a decent hitch for us. http://www.uni-go.com/

Also, take a look at a REASONABLE trailer. May not be all that fancy...but for 1000 dollars I think it is a great buy. The top case for an R1200RT is $$$. Check it out at: http://monogo.com/Anglais/index_Enter.php

Let me know what you think and PLEASE consider sending an email to unigo to promt them for a hitch for us.

That trailer is interesting but its basically a basic trailer with a Thule Rocket Box on top. Good idea though.

[tourunigo]

That trailer is interesting but its basically a basic trailer with a Thule Rocket Box on top. Good idea though.


Low Vis - Under the Radar sort of thing. Saw one at a rally. Not something I would like. -Bob

[Tetz]

I got an email from the unigo guy a week or so ago, saying he was expecting the R1200RT prototype hitch in "this week." I have not followed up.

Not tossing flames, but your comment about "great hitches" from Unigo is the first positive comment I've ever seen.


You are right! I did not due my homework and based my "great hitches" on a conversation I had some time ago at a rally with an owner of a Unigo hitch. Perhaps they are not as good as I first thought.

With todays metals and materials, one would think it would not be all that difficult to engineer a decent hitch....I guess I can only wait and see (but not hold my breath).

Thanks for the input(s).

[Motorradfahrer]

I got an email from the unigo guy a week or so ago, saying he was expecting the R1200RT prototype hitch in "this week." I have not followed up.

Not tossing flames, but your comment about "great hitches" from Unigo is the first positive comment I've ever seen.

Great Hitches from whom...? I had the Uni-Go from schoolhouse and the hitch from Bushtec ordered separately. Schoolhouse provided me with additional harness to the Bushtec's harness. The Bushtec hitch was first rate and fit perfectly on my 2006 R1200RT. Although the final flange of the Bushtec was designed to fit their own trailers and not the Uni-Go's. Schoolhouse provided additional flange to fit the Uni-Go coupling.

[empeg9000]

Low Vis - Under the Radar sort of thing. Saw one at a rally. Not something I would like. -Bob
Your Uni-Go trailer was the first one I would have ever considered owning. I always thought they were dumb. Now after owning an RT, I can see how it could be hard to get camping done for a couple just using the bags the bike comes equiped with. However the 2K price keeps me away. I find that trailer interesting. Too bad its pretty ugly.