[Lancelot]

I was checkign out the idea of taking my bike south from Chicago in a trailer in order to be able to ride it on vacation in states that are not locked in snow. Also my wife is not up for the iron butt ride to stergis or other remote raids. She may be up for the ride once I get there.

Anyhow, I came across this item and wondered if anyone knew about it or other inexpensive ways to get my bike from chicago into the sunny states.

http://www.hhauler.com/

 

[hlw3]

I would talk to some real smart people before I towed my Rocket III. Seeing how the bike uses a dry sump lubrication system, and has a shaft drive, there could be some parts that would be turning that needed lube while towing...and since your bike will not be running, no lube oil flow to needed parts. That is my worrry anyway, I have not taken the time to look over this in the manual, but I thought I read this someplace....

now, if you could tow it backwards....that should work...but would you have a hard time getting that big fat wide tire in the trailer ?

-trey

 

[LukeSkyWalker]

Lancelot,

Are you in the city of Chicago or the 'burbs?
I'm in Willowbrook and always looking for fellow captains to share the roads with.

As for the tow idea....I'd go with a covered trailer from a rental place. To me, covered and dry is a better combination than exposed and salty.

I've transported in the winter from here and used Buttrey Rental. Worked great.

 

[Diego]

Lance, I share both Trey's and Luke's reservations about this idea. I would definitely not tow the Rocket this way.

First, there is the lubrication issue. It's not just the drive shaft to worry about, but the gearbox, which depends on the oil pump for forced lubrication. If you'll notice in all modern Triumph manuals (wet or dry sump models) you'll see a warning against coasting downhill without the engine running, because there won't be adequate lubrication. Same identical situation with this form of towing!

(The FAQ for the gadget shoots down the idea of towing it by the rear wheel, too.)

Second, I'm with Luke on the advantages of an enclosed trailer for long hauls. I moved my Rocket to Kansas on an open trailer, but as a result I had to time my trip so I had a chance for decent weather along the whole route. That's a real pain. Were it not for the fact I already had the open trailer and was running out of budget for my move, I would much rather have rented an enclosed one and not had to fret over the weather.

 

[AaUuuuGaa]

That hauler is NOT a good idea. :thump:

If you're on a budget, rent a trailer from U-Haul or something.

 

[TallRocket]

Hey how about a big atta girl for those females that do agree that 1000 or so miles on a bike is also their idea of a good time. I understand they are out there and if you are fortunate enough to have one - take extremely good care of her.

I do understand completely your dilemma along with your desire to take the Rocket with you. From my visit to the website provided I think the purchase would be a very bad idea for a Rocket, because of it's weight, length and shaft drive. I can't imagine any dealer offering an opinion that he thought it would be OK to haul this bike at highway speeds for a couple of thousand miles. But, if you have a chain driven bike then this might be a very low cost option.

I can't think of an option that doesn't involve the investment of some of your money to make this happen. Possibly the first thing to talk about is how likely it is that you and wife will take multiple trips. Enclosed rental trailer has to be the lowest cost option if you only plan to make the trip once or twice. Advantage - you don't have to park it when not in use. Maybe a used enclosed yard service trailer might be available in your area for about the cost of two rentals. Biggest disadvantage is parking it when not in use. You might also be able to rent a bike, might not be a Rocket and certainly won't be your Rocket.

You didn't mention the tow vehicle you plan to use, if it is a car, then maybe the solution is to purchase a long bed truck. The biggest disadvantage is the requirement for a really good pair of ramps to assist in the loading/off loading and your ability to balance. The advantage is pretty clear, take the Rocket and as much stuff as you can pack where ever you want to go.

When I lived in Philly, Amtrak had a passenger train that also hauled cars, I assume they could also take a bike. This might be an option.

 

[Lancelot]

God I love this group.

No bad judgments on what in hind sight now seems like a silly idea on my part - just good solid advice.

I will look into the enclosed trailer option for towing. I have a santa fe, SUV so I presume it will be no effort for it to pull a trailer.

As for where I live -- it is in the heart of the down town. Good to know that there is another rocket rider in the state.

 

[Rocketime]

Lancelot,

I have a kendon but if I were in Chicago, it would be the enclosed UHaul for me. A rental is the way to go if you don't plan on making this a regular routine. If your thinking of doing this on a regular basis, I'd look at the Kendon. They are a fold a way trailer that is well built, dependable and very easy to work by yourself.

Good Luck

 

[HeR3tic]

A bike as big as the R3 will put more that 1/2 it's center mass weight on the hitch. A wager that exceeds considerably the allowances. Your low beams would spotlight the summer skies at night. :hammer:

 

[LEE]

I would agree....the bike is too big to be hiking her up like that, not to mention all the highway debri, sand etc. kicking up. I would not feel good about that set up. I am thinking about this trailer for carrying my rocket.

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[Lancelot]

cool trailer. What is the cost of the diamond back and where can you get one.

I am thinking this trip that since I dont haul my bike much that I may rent a Harley when I get there. It wont be my rocket but it seems more economical.

 

[iandel]

G'day,

This page has some good ideas and trailer info.

Motorcycle Trailers