Pulling a trailer with a Nomad

[nomadpilot]

Anyone pull a camper trailer with their Nomad? We have a Bunkhouse camper that weighs 325 lb. empty. Add another100--150 lb. for our stuff and it's pushing 500 lbs. down the road. I'd like to hear from anyone who pulls a camper with their Nomad.

[coacha]

I pull a Bunkhouse also. I have a '99 and pulled my trailer out to South Dakota. It handled well. Just have to watch tongue weight and weight distribution of the load. Remember you need more room to make lane changes, stop, etc. Also, your gas mileage will go down quite a bit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/CoachA/P6190739.jpg

[clayton]

WOW.....didn't know it could do that... :)

[Cajunrider]

I don't pull a bunkhouse but have been pulling an Alumalite which weighs 175# empty. I have pulled it to South Dakota from here, to Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. All separate trips. The Nomad 1600 does well with plenty of power even in hilly country. All of this trailering was riding 2 up. Good luck and see Chuckster for a hitch if you don't already have one. He builds a great product for a great price.

[skeeter]

thanks for the pic Coach

[cactusjack]

I also pulled my homebuilt trailer from Phoenix to Custer and back last summer. Mine was about 300 pounds loaded. Pulled it up and over the Continental Divide several times, including over 11,000 feet at the Eisenhower Tunnel. The 1600 had more than enough to pull that. I'd guess 500 pounds would probably be close to the limit, though. That's about 60% of the bike's weight.

[bulldog]

I have pulled this trailer for a total of 10,000 mile about 350lbs 2 up and you hardly even know it is there just make sure it is loaded right, you don't want to much tongue weight. 1600 has more than enough power even though the mountains.

[nomad561]

I don't have a camper(want one evetually) but I do pull a fiberglass cargo trailer with my Nomad. I have only been pulling it for about a year but I haven't had any problems so far. Correct loading and compensation for extra length and weight is key to pulling a trailer.

[rewindgy]

Been pullin both tent and cargo trailers since 1987 - some bikes pull them better / some worse! 1600 Nomad in stock form is alittle gutless - the usual mod's - air intake / fuel processor - exhaust system and then it works quite well. The biggest thing to learn is how to pack your trailer! Too much weight on the rear and you are an accident looking for a place to happen! Too much air in the tires, same thing. A little common sense and you can have years of enjoyment out of your trailer - one lapse of stupidity and the trailer can be your worst nightmare!

[rewindgy]

Forgot pictures:
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/rewindgy/Sturgis2008087.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/rewindgy/RidePictures043.jpg

[clayton]

Well let me ask the obvious...
In this post I see mention of:
1: Tongue weight..
2: Equalized weight in the trailer..
3: Air pressure..
So I am good with number 2 but could someone help me out with 1 and 3?
What is the "recomended" tounge weight on the hitch for a Nomad?
Air pressure relating to the Trailer Wheels or Bike or Both?
I too am considering venturing into trailering and would love to learn as much as I can.
Thanks

[nomadpilot]

Been pullin both tent and cargo trailers since 1987 - some bikes pull them better / some worse! 1600 Nomad in stock form is alittle gutless - the usual mod's - air intake / fuel processor - exhaust system and then it works quite well. The biggest thing to learn is how to pack your trailer! Too much weight on the rear and you are an accident looking for a place to happen! Too much air in the tires, same thing. A little common sense and you can have years of enjoyment out of your trailer - one lapse of stupidity and the trailer can be your worst nightmare!

Thanx for the pix. Looks good with the trailer attached. The 1700 Nomad supposedly has 20% more power than the 1600. Don't know how that really works out, but I reckon I'll dind out the first time I hook up the Bunkhouse. Fortunately I don't ride 2-up, so the only extra weight will be the camper, and I hope I don't need to start adding stuff like a Power Commander, air filter, exhaust system, etc. I'll know this Spring.

CajunRider mentioned Chuckster for a trailer hitch, but didin't provide a website. Can anyone help me with that?

[nomadpilot]

Well let me ask the obvious...
In this post I see mention of:
1: Tongue weight..
2: Equalized weight in the trailer..
3: Air pressure..
So I am good with number 2 but could someone help me out with 1 and 3?
What is the "recomended" tounge weight on the hitch for a Nomad?
Air pressure relating to the Trailer Wheels or Bike or Both?
I too am considering venturing into trailering and would love to learn as much as I can.
Thanks

#1.) Recommended tongue weight, as far as I am able to determine should be approximately 10% of the bike's weight. However, it's better to bias a little weight forward rather than to the rear, because too much weight to the rear of the trailer can cause the tail to "wag the dog," so to speak.

#3.) Consult the trailer manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for the trailer you have. The manufacturer's recoommended tire pressure for the Bunkhouse is 50 psi. I like to run it less than that because it really accelerates tire wear in center of the tire. Too little results in softer ride and less trailer bounciing up and down, but wears out the edges of the tread very quickly.

Also, make sure, when towing a trailer with a motorcycle, that your rear tire is aired up to around 40 psi and your shocks are aired up as if you were carrying a rear seat passenger. There are a lot of high forces the bike's frame has to endured when towing a trailer, as a motorcycle is not made with trailer towing in mind. You want as much in your favor as possible.

Towing a trailer isn't difficult, as the bike feels like there's nothing there. You will notice slower acceleration and longer braking distance, but during regular riding, I have to keep checking the mirrors to remind myself there's a trailer there. At least that was my experience towing the trailer with the Goldl Wing.

Hope this helps.

[cactusjack]

Well let me ask the obvious...
In this post I see mention of:
1: Tongue weight..
2: Equalized weight in the trailer..
3: Air pressure..
So I am good with number 2 but could someone help me out with 1 and 3?
What is the "recomended" tounge weight on the hitch for a Nomad?
Air pressure relating to the Trailer Wheels or Bike or Both?
I too am considering venturing into trailering and would love to learn as much as I can.
Thanks

#1.) Recommended tongue weight, as far as I am able to determine should be approximately 10% of the bike's weight. However, it's better to bias a little weight forward rather than to the rear, because too much weight to the rear of the trailer can cause the tail to "wag the dog," so to speak.

#3.) Consult the trailer manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for the trailer you have. The manufacturer's recoommended tire pressure for the Bunkhouse is 50 psi. I like to run it less than that because it really accelerates tire wear in center of the tire. Too little results in softer ride and less trailer bounciing up and down, but wears out the edges of the tread very quickly.

Also, make sure, when towing a trailer with a motorcycle, that your rear tire is aired up to around 40 psi and your shocks are aired up as if you were carrying a rear seat passenger. There are a lot of high forces the bike's frame has to endured when towing a trailer, as a motorcycle is not made with trailer towing in mind. You want as much in your favor as possible.

Towing a trailer isn't difficult, as the bike feels like there's nothing there. You will notice slower acceleration and longer braking distance, but during regular riding, I have to keep checking the mirrors to remind myself there's a trailer there. At least that was my experience towing the trailer with the Goldl Wing.

Hope this helps.

I think 10% of the bike's weight (~80 lbs) is a little too much for the tongue weight. I've always read it should be 10% of the trailer weight (25-40 lbs or so). I bought a hanging 50 lb scale at Harbor Freight to check the tongue weight. It is checked at hitch height.

Really, once you get the trailer rolling from a dead stop, it isn't bad. You need to leave extra distance for stopping, stay in the center of your lane, and watch your turns, especially into driveways, etc. When it's moving you forget it's even back there. Bike trailers are easy to jack knife when backing, so I always try to pull through whenever possible, to minimize backing.

[rewindgy]

1) tongue weight - smaller trailers with light load around 25 - 30 lbs measured with scale / heavy trailers loaded to nuts 35 - 50 ish - I've had mine as high as 60 lbs - too much but what are you gonna do.
3) air pressure - rear bike tire must be at maximum rated pressure ( they do take punishment) Trailer tires - I have seen over the years way too many people over inflate the trailer tires! The trailer tires come with an max pressure rating on the sidewall ( please note that is for the maximum rated load the tire can take!!!) I don't know of anyone who can load a trailer to that weight and still pull it!! I run anywheres from 18 - 25 lbs max. Now I do have Michelin radials on this trailer but still managed to get over 60,000 km outa the last set of tires. Since these trailers do not weigh all that much and you can't carry 1000 lbs you need to let the tires flex a little to stop them from hopping and wagging the tail. So what if you need to buy tires more often - it's way better than having a trailer that gets uncontrolable on rough roads or in a panic situation! Also, when loaded the front of the trailer needs to be canted forward some so when you hit a bump ( and you will) the trailer tongue will not lift the back of the bike up and unload the rear wheel aggressively - this is not fun!! Not trying to scare anyone, just advisement!

[nomadpilot]

#1.) Recommended tongue weight, as far as I am able to determine should be approximately 10% of the bike's weight. However, it's better to bias a little weight forward rather than to the rear, because too much weight to the rear of the trailer can cause the tail to "wag the dog," so to speak.

#3.) Consult the trailer manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for the trailer you have. The manufacturer's recoommended tire pressure for the Bunkhouse is 50 psi. I like to run it less than that because it really accelerates tire wear in center of the tire. Too little results in softer ride and less trailer bounciing up and down, but wears out the edges of the tread very quickly.

Also, make sure, when towing a trailer with a motorcycle, that your rear tire is aired up to around 40 psi and your shocks are aired up as if you were carrying a rear seat passenger. There are a lot of high forces the bike's frame has to endured when towing a trailer, as a motorcycle is not made with trailer towing in mind. You want as much in your favor as possible.

Towing a trailer isn't difficult, as the bike feels like there's nothing there. You will notice slower acceleration and longer braking distance, but during regular riding, I have to keep checking the mirrors to remind myself there's a trailer there. At least that was my experience towing the trailer with the Goldl Wing.

Hope this helps.

I think 10% of the bike's weight (~80 lbs) is a little too much for the tongue weight. I've always read it should be 10% of the trailer weight (25-40 lbs or so). I bought a hanging 50 lb scale at Harbor Freight to check the tongue weight. It is checked at hitch height.

Really, once you get the trailer rolling from a dead stop, it isn't bad. You need to leave extra distance for stopping, stay in the center of your lane, and watch your turns, especially into driveways, etc. When it's moving you forget it's even back there. Bike trailers are easy to jack knife when backing, so I always try to pull through whenever possible, to minimize backing.

I managed a typo. You're right. I meant to say 10% of the TRAILER weight, NOT the bike weight. My bad. Thanx for the correction.

[Yellow Jacket]

Here are a couple of real good sources of information about towing a trailer with a motorcycle:

http://www.motorcycletrailerstore.com/trailer-guide/

The link below lists an excellent book anyone towing with a motorcycle might want to have. It's available on Amazon for about $17.

The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel (http://books.google.com/books?id=0KAXtdNSj-4C&pg=PA144&lpg=PA144&dq=trailer+tongue+weight+calculations&source=web&ots=YhxbL-Xgym&sig=VH4_5jSKwWJCCmjTlRclUpdhFBM&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=8&ct=result#v=onepage&q=trailer%20tongue%20weight%20calculations&f=false)

[chuckster131]

Here is my web site www.chucksterscustoms.com (http://www.chucksterscustoms.com) look in picture gallery

Regards Joe
Chuckster
517-474-2663

[zoom45]

I normally keep no less than 17 and normally about 23lbs tongue weight. I run 20 psi in my tires.
Zoom45

[macmac]

I know this pic is really big, but I really like the pic. I got 15,000 miles pulling that trailer, and it had room for a pack of clothing fit for 1805, plus a gun case mounted under the frame for a 52.5" Kentucky Rifle. And everything else modern riders would ever want.

The best way I know to inflate and test trailer tires is to tun them thru a puddle and see what treads hits in a dry area near by the puddle by hand.

I agree with Cj that down pressure at the hitch should be 25 to 35 pounds.

Another important thing to know is 'caster' which is an agle all trailers should have on any vehical.

That is the trailer should be almost level, but not quite and should run from the axle an angle down hill to the hitch which lake it follow instead of steer.

The front wheels on a shopping cart are made to follow, and all you cars have a similar angle, while it is harder to tell.

If the trailer steers the bike's rear wheel you won't be having a great day.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll275/Mac_Muz/Coast-tocoast/KSfarmhs.jpg

[glwilson]

I know this pic is really big, but I really like the pic. I got 15,000 miles pulling that trailer, and it had room for a pack of clothing fit for 1805, plus a gun case mounted under the frame for a 52.5" Kentucky Rifle. And everything else modern riders would ever want.

The best way I know to inflate and test trailer tires is to tun them thru a puddle and see what treads hits in a dry area near by the puddle by hand.

I agree with Cj that down pressure at the hitch should be 25 to 35 pounds.

Another important thing to know is 'caster' which is an agle all trailers should have on any vehical.

That is the trailer should be almost level, but not quite and should run from the axle an angle down hill to the hitch which lake it follow instead of steer.

The front wheels on a shopping cart are made to follow, and all you cars have a similar angle, while it is harder to tell.

If the trailer steers the bike's rear wheel you won't be having a great day.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll275/Mac_Muz/Coast-tocoast/KSfarmhs.jpg

Looks like the Midwest Mac... maybe Illinois, Iowa, or someplace similar?

[clayton]

So Mac
Basically the tounge of the trailer should be a bit lower then level...is that what I am reading?

[blowndodge]

Your Brilliant Greg! I was going to say Manhattan.. ::) ::)

[clayton]

Here are a couple of real good sources of information about towing a trailer with a motorcycle:

http://www.motorcycletrailerstore.com/trailer-guide/

The link below lists an excellent book anyone towing with a motorcycle might want to have. It's available on Amazon for about $17.

The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel (http://books.google.com/books?id=0KAXtdNSj-4C&pg=PA144&lpg=PA144&dq=trailer+tongue+weight+calculations&source=web&ots=YhxbL-Xgym&sig=VH4_5jSKwWJCCmjTlRclUpdhFBM&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=8&ct=result#v=onepage&q=trailer%20tongue%20weight%20calculations&f=false)

Thanks YJ

[coacha]

I use about 20lbs of tongue weight with either trailer and about 20-25 PSI in the tires. Get a fish scale from Wally World and hook it to the tongue, raise to ball height and get a reading.

[zoom45]

I have a kickstand on the tougue and just rest it on some bathroom scales to weigh it. I have towed it for several thousand miles and never had it wiggle. Can't tell it's behind me.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/Zoom45/Motorcycle%20Trailer/NomadtrailerJune2009035.jpg

[garyo4]

Rule of thumb I understand is 20/20 out of the gate. Twenty pounds tongue weight at hitch height and twenty lbs air pressure in the tires. That's "out of the gate" from there you can adjust/modify to your individual trailer weight and towing arrangement. Normally 10~15% trailer weight should be on the tongue, so 20lbs is a good starting point.
Again, as mentioned here, the trailer’s tow bar should be tilting slightly downward towards the bike (keeps the trailer "bounce" from picking up your bike's rear wheel).

[wompus]

I've been towing a trailer with different bikes for well over 35 years.
Over 60,000 with my 99 Nomad and loaded is usually around 400 lbs.
( 35 lbs that are mine and 365 belonging to the wife!)<G> ....and I found the one thing more important then tongue weight is the length of the trail tongue.
The last thing you want is to have the trailer fishtailing behind your bike.
I always make sure the tongue is a lot longer then the width of the axle.

With a longer tongue you need a lot less weight on the ball it's hooked to.

I've been building trailers for over 40 years and I've seen way too many wrecks caused by trailer fishtailing. Have you ever seen a boat trailer fishtailing down the road? Not probably, because the trailer tongue is a lot longer then the width of the axle.

Also, keep in mind no matter how well your bike may pull the trailer, there is a bigger difference in how your bike will stop especially in an emergency.
Like towing a trailer with any vehicle, you have to be aware of your stopping distance!

.

[skeeter]

Thanks to all. Really enjoying this thread.

[Cajunrider]

Too much air pressure in the rear tire on the bike will also cause the trailer to sway. When I purchased my trailer, the stock Bridgestones were still on the Nomad. I pulled the trailer on short and fast runs to Baton Rouge and other local places just to get accustomed to it. Before leaving for the National Rally in Custer, I purchased an Avon Cobra rear tire. I sent Avon an email telling them how far I was traveling and how much weight I would be pulling including rider and passenger weight. I asked how much air pressure I should run in the new tire for the trip and he suggested 50 psi. I followed Avon's advise and noticed sway in the trailer not long after leaving home for Custer. I stopped and re-arranged the luggage adding more tounge weight and things improved a little. It still swayed any time I got over 70 mph. The tire only lasted 6,000 miles with the center wearing out well before the sides. The problem had to be too much air pressure. Since mounting the CT, I've pulled the trailer on 2 long trips and there is no sway at all, no matter how I load the trailer and how fast I pull it. On interstates, I cruise at 80 mph indicated which is closer to 70 mph actual. It's easy to forget the trailer is back there once you get moving. You will remember it's there when you start climbing a steep grade.

[macmac]

So Mac
Basically the tounge of the trailer should be a bit lower then level...is that what I am reading?


YES!!! certainly no more than dead level, but it would be better if the tonge was down hill to the ball hitched.

I haven't been able to experiment and find a so called best, so this is a general rule and it applies to every trailer, 18 wheelers and 5 th wheels excepted since they don't have tonges.

I would say 1 degree down to the hitch once hitched to 5 degrees down should be in the ball park, set up on a dead level floor.
.................................................. ......

The pic is somewhere in Nebraska, probably between Omaha and West Point. I like old Ameicana barns. Pretty soon they will be all gone.

[poppy]

I have a cargo trailer and the information in this thread is good stuff! The main thing I try to keep in mind is the extra distance required to stop, especially in a panic stop.

[nomad561]

This is all good advice. I made several shorter trips,some just around town,before I pulled mine long distance. I still forget it's back there sometimes.

[1600bluekaw]

Thanks for all the info about pulling a trailer with a Nomad. I have been kicking the idea around for our summer road trip to the regional rally in Wisconsin. All these post have helped me decide.

[watchman]

Old school tire pressure test. You can use water, flour, baby powder, etc I used water. With the trailer loaded, on a concrete floor/drive, pour a little water in front of the tire and pull the trailer ahead so the wet tire shows a mark on the floor. You want 60% of the tire tread width contacting the ground. I had a Harbor Freight trailer with 4 X 8 in tires and the Sears car top carrier on it. Loaded with our luggage 20 psi of air in the tires got me this 60% tread pattern. I never weighted the trailer but I guessed the hitch weight at about 25 lbs from lifting it while loaded. It pulled great set up like this. I did break the spring pack and remove the second spring as I never was going to need the trailer to haul the max weight. With the single spring the trailer did not bounce around even unloaded.

[emu]

Data is good ... Pictures are gooderer ...

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Emu1400/MJs7.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Emu1400/Colo001.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Emu1400/BC090.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Emu1400/trekzion110.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Emu1400/BC042.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Emu1400/WPGR016.jpg

Over 30,000 miles towed in two years ...

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u61/Emu1400/TWO3003.jpg

... That's life on the road http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[rewindgy]

Nice Leisure Light! I've had a couple of Combi-Camps back in the early 80"s. I sure do miss the set up time! They are a bit on the big side but you just can't beat them for comfort! I put electric brakes on both of them, both of them pulled like a dream - even when the ole lady loaded them up with all the stuff she claimed to need?

[Cajunrider]

Great pictures Emu! Now that's the life!

[blowndodge]

Emu, I'd love one of those trailers! I've been eyeballing them for the better part of a year. Wish I could find a slightly used one....

[1600bluekaw]

Hey Emu nice setup. That is the way that I would travel, but the spouse who enjoys riding just as much as I do also enjoys the comfort of a motel room. Maybe someday I will be able to do it the way you do it.

[nomadpilot]

We have the Bunkhouse camper and love it. California king size bed and a 5.5 x 6' dressing area/living room. We take a small folding table, a small electric space heater, electric coffee pot or water kettle and a small flourescent drop light for night time. In addition we also take 2 light folding chairs for sitting around. An aluminum box on the tongue holds a small cooler for cold drinks (especially beer) as well as some tools, bungees for the awning and a bag of tent stakes and small hammer. Inside the cargo box we have our camping suppleis, a blanket, pillows and bag with clothes as well as extra food for meals when we camp. Life is soooooooooooo hard, ain't it?

[petenomad]

So Emu, 30000 miles and never once entered Kansas? Whatup?

[emu]

So Emu, 30000 miles and never once entered Kansas? Whatup?

Well ... If I enter Kansas ... my map loses that neat bull's eye like white spot in the middle ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif .... How come nobody asks about Alaska? ... Always Kansas ... and if you look close at the map of Canada, you'll see that PEI is white too. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[towering]

Great looking trailor there folks. I have a small homemade one i made myself.

[macmac]

Didn't like that bridge to PEI huh? neither did I. Tad windy that day.

[petenomad]

Man, I'd have to squint really hard to see the little white dot where PEI is. :)