Trailer officially complete 09-25-08

[rksaw]

CJ, That is a great looking trailer. The time you invested really shows. If you give that class in Custer, I'd be interested in attending. I can't wait to see it with the Cyclops light and hear how it went when you finally get to tow it.
Rich

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Trip

Cool! I think it would be great in Custer if you took about 30 minutes and explained to a group of us what you did and how you did it. Kind of a Trailer 101.

I'm not much of a public speaker, but I'd be happy to do it.

[coloradontexas]

that is a nice trailer. great job. wont make it to custer this year, but definately would like to hear the 101 on that project

[cactusjack]

So I have spent the past few days wiring up the cargo box on the trailer. I finally got everything (high-mount brake/tail light, interior light w/switch, Stoplogic brake light module) connected up last night. I plugged the trailer into the connector on the bike and instant trouble! With the ignition switch off, the trailer taillights are on, the lights on the bike are not (which is how they should be). I got out my test probe and there is voltage on the output side of the Hoppy converter on one of the pins. There should be 0 volts with the key off.

So, when I get home tonight, I have some troubleshooting to do. I also noticed the brake light on the bike was blown. I replaced it with a spare bulb, but had already put the trailer away, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not.

Fortunately, I wired the trailer with an extra plug to connect the wiring in the cargo box, so I can disconnect the box and easily isolate the trailer wiring from the cargo box wiring.

I just ran out of time last night, so I will try tonight to get everything functioning so I can road test the rig in the morning.

[cactusjack]

Well I came home and did my troubleshooting, and there appears to be an internal problem with the Hoppy converter. Even with the ignition key off, 12v is being sent to the RT/Stop circuit. I checked my inputs to the Hoppy, they all check out as they should.

So, without lights, I won't be road testing the trailer this weekend. I am going to buy another converter and send the one I have in for warranty. That way, I'll have a spare.

[mtn1600]

Excellent! I may try that myself this winter.

On my car topper I added some aluminum U-channel in the length-wise ribs for strength because it has a huge front overhang because of the roof rack position on the Honda Pilot. I used u-bolts to hold them in place with loops inside the box. I put the strap on the inside also so the loops were well supported on and wouldn't try to pull too far thru the holes. They make great tie down spots. You could do the same over the channels or where the bottom curves upward so the bolt ends and nuts don't hold it up off the deck.

I like how you lowered the trailer with the axle on top of the springs. In the pictures it looks like the top of the tire is pretty close to the fenders. Have you checked if the tires will hit when the trailer is loaded and the suspension moves up when hitting bumps? I assume the fenders could be raised a bit with some bar stock?

Leo

[cactusjack]

I'm not worried about the tire/fender clearance. I'm a pretty big boy and I've sat on the trailer and not bottomed the fenders out on the tires. If it was ever an issue. it would be fairly easy to fix - as you suggested.

[mikey911s]

CJ... Every time I see the pic of your bike and trailer at the bottom of your posts I have to chuckle. You see, last week I was so impressed with your trailer and the quality of the work you were doing with it I called my wife to the computer and showed her the thread. She was very impressed, also. Now jump to this week...I received my new "Box O' Voyager Trike Kit"and have it laid out all over the garage. She took one look at the trike portion of the assembly, which I do admit looks like part of a very heavy utility trailer, and has now started refering to it as "How's your trailer coming?" So now, it's just easier for time being as it's still just in parts, to refer to the trike kit as 'my trailer'. lol
You did an admirable job, CJ.
mike

[cactusjack]

Thanks Mike...and thank your wife too.

[cactusjack]

I connected the trailer up to the trailer connection on my truck and tested the lights and they work perfectly. I was worried because I used a Stoplogic module to operate my center high-mount brake light and I hadn't seen it work yet.

The Stoplogic module has 3 connections: LT, RT, and Stop (outout). On a 4-wire trailer connection, there is no separate stop circuit, and the Stoplogic differentiates between the turn signals and the stop signal. It's about the size of a pat of butter (1.25" x 1.25" x .5") and cost about $16.

It looks like as soon as I get my replacement Hoppy power taillight converter, I'll be ready to start towing the trailer.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I'm not much of a public speaker, but I'd be happy to do it.

<marquee>But your one hell of a public drinker!!! </marquee>

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

<marquee>But your one hell of a public drinker!!! </marquee>

And we'll be sure to help you out with that too CJ

[cactusjack]

My replacement Hoppy power taillight converter arrived yesterday and I attached the 6 pin connector to the wiring so it will plug into my bike. I should be able to do my road test this weekend.

[cactusjack]

Here's the finished product. I've added hubcaps and the high-mount taillight since the last pictures:







I took the trailer on its maiden voyage this evening, about 3 miles around our subdivision. Didn't really notice any difference in handling or performance - I can hear the tires and the safety chains and what not rattling. I'll put some more miles on it this weekend.

[blowndodge]

Thats sweet looking. Now I have someone to tow all my stuff up to South Dakota!!!