Hey guys, new here, looking for some basics. And I mean BASICS. I've been scouring through all the threads on here and realize I don't know a damn thing about towing. I am actually new to Harley's as well, not riding though. Got my first one in December, a 2013 FLS. LOVE IT! My wife loved it too and went and got her endorsement after never riding in her life. So went and bought her a Softail Deluxe. Now we want to tow. Specifically a camper and I have no idea where to start. I've found a few campers I like, specifically the bunkhouse, but now I don't know where to go from here. I don't even know what the reciever is! ;-) But the main questions I have that I couldn't find looking around here are:

Can someone give me the basics as far as front to back setup (obviously a hitch, but I know nothing about wiring and how to do it. I've seen a few plugs around my bike but that's it.) What do I need?

How do I measure tongue weight?

I know I'll need a clutch spring, but I've heard towing can be bad on a transmission? Anything I can do to my bike besides the clutch spring to help on wear and tear? I am obviously looking to "pay my taxes" and upgrade to stage one with new pipes and intake already.

And for you camper guys out there, I was looking at going to Sturgis but really anywhere applies, when you leave your camper for the day set up at some campground, what do you do for security? I was thinking of putting a wheel boot on it?

Being in San Diego I've noticed that pretty much every trailer/camper place is anywhere but Southern California. I'd love to see these in person but so far no luck. And would love to find a place to talk shop and well, actually shop besides the computer. I plan to join my local HOG but other than that even the dealer has been lacking in any sort of answers (I do understand warranty issues) to any of these questions. If any of you are in the area or know of anywhere around here to go that would be awesome too!

Sorry for the long post, guess my first one had to be wordy. Thanks in advance and I hope to learn a ton here and throw my net out there throughout the States for some good networking.

 

Hitch for your MC >> http://www.mchitch.com/Harley_Davids...er_Hitches.htm

Wiring harness >>
http://www.mchitch.com/HD_Wiring_Harness.htm

http://www.ridetimetechnology.com/trailx.htm

http://www.kuryakyn.com/products/174...ring-harnesses


2 Websites to go to for questions about campers and pulling them. Both sites have members who are very helpful >>

http://forums.delphiforums.com/mctrailertowing/start

http://www.motocampers.com/forums/index.php

Tongue weight can be measured 2 simple ways

1) Use your bathroom scale, subtract the weight of the support hold up the tongue

2) Use a fish weight scale and attach it to the tongue of the trailer and pick up.

Clutch wear will be greater if you ride 2 up and pull the trailer. Ride solo and pull the trailer using common sense when starting off and the clutch will wear a little quicker but not so bad. Make sure you change the fluid before and after each ride pulling the trailer and keep it adjusted

Same goes for the transmission, clean fluid before a road trip and then after. A heavier oil such a Amsoil 75/140w or Redline Shockproof heavy gear oil would be my recommendations

Most camp grounds have very few issues with theft. Get to know your fellow campers and point out which is your sit, hopefully they will look out for you as you would them. Also speak with the office about your being gone and they should keep an eye out on your site

One more thing to make you aware, I would suggest getting a AAA Premium RV membership to have in case of a breakdown. Most towing companies wont tow with a trailer but since this a bike and a trailer, ask for a flatbed and Im sure the drive wont have a issue. The premium package will get you towed up to 200 miles one way


Tom

 

That's awesome, thanks Tom! I totally never would have thought about chaning those fluids EVERY time. And great advice about the AAA. Wouldn't have thought of that either. I guess weighing the tongue was a no brainer, I just over thought it. The whole wiring thing still intimidates me. It's probably also a no brainer that I think is harder than it actually is.

So I should buy, the camper, the hitch, a swivel hitch (I know that's personal preference, sounds good to me), and the wiring harness and should be good to go. Well, and the clutch spring and stuff. I guess my only other question is about the wiring harness. How do I know if it's compatable with my camper, I know it would be for the bike if I bought the right one. Are all campers/trailers pretty much the same as far as wiring? Thanks again!!

 

The best hitches .... Hitchdoc

Oh, and by the way, I'm thinking about selling my Champion trailer, although not a camper a very nice trailer. It has made the trip to Sturgis from N. CA 5 times.

 

I would call Bunkhouse and ask if they use a 4 or 5 pin plug and ask if its a flat or round plug before ordering the wiring kit. They may suggest a wiring kit to use for your bike.

 

+1 on HitchDoc. I'm also a big believer in the swivel hitch. Less strain on the coupler and if the bike goes over, it won't damage the tongue. I've had my HD dealer wire my bikes up for my trailer. Warranty- never had a problem. Tongue weight- I know how my trailer was built so light stuff in the front, heavy in the rear. No problem. Pulls like a dream. We've pulled our trailer (2-up) over 100K in the last 10 years. StageI, Tru Duals, stock clutch, change oil 3500 to 5000 miles, change tranny oil on the 10's. Never had any clutch or transmission problems. Hope you have as must fun as we have.

 

Get this book. You won't regret it.

http://www.customcruiserchrome.com/book

 

You might want to take a look at Aspen campers too. http://www.trailmasterinc.com/
We looked at several different trailers before we ended up buying the Aspen Classic. Works great for us, king size bed, plenty of room to stand up and change, etc., lots of storage space. Just don't do what we did on our first trip pulling the trailer. With all the storage space, it was easy to just throw in a few more things, then a few more. We ended up with way more weight than we should have, and braking and handling we seriously affected. We lightened the load considerably for the next trip, and it pulled, stopped and handled much better.

Be prepared to stop more often for gas though, depending on what trailer you end up with, you will lose 5-10 MPG or more.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I'm definitely going to check out the book too! And for the campers, I wish I could just see them all in person! It's too hard to make a decision by looking at pictures and features online. I'll figure it out I guess. I am having a problem finding a hitch though for my 2013 Softail Slim (FLS). It doesn't seem that anyone really makes one that I know for sure will fit. I guess people without a touring bike just don't normally tow, but I want to! Any suggestions?