Luggage Trailer

[grampi]

These Harbor Freight trailers seem to be a favorite among the touring bike owners. IIRC, there is a list of "upgrades" folks have done with these to make them "outstanding" trailers for the $$.
My opinion...I want a much narrower trailer. Something that will fit in the "slipstream"...with only one wheel.

You are going to pay a HEAVY premium for one of those as they are A LOT more expensive than the HF trailers...

 

[grampi]

One thing I can see wrong with the HF Trailer is 8" wheels.
How fast are those little wheels spinning at 70+mph?

I like HF Trailers, I've got a 4'x8' I bought 10 years ago; I just got done completely rebuilding the box I built for it.
I also had to replace the wheel bearings once now; original ones were smoking going down the road at 4 years old (fully overloaded, and over rated speed; I can't understand how that happened )

Other than that, I've never had a problem with it.

There's an easy fix...replace the 8" tires/wheels with 12"...I did the same thing with my motorcycle trailer and it makes a WORLD of difference....they last much longer, the trailer tows much nicer, it handles bumps in the road better....in other words, there's no down side to upgrading to the 12 inchers....

 

[wizard of ahs]

These Harbor Freight trailers seem to be a favorite among the touring bike owners. IIRC, there is a list of "upgrades" folks have done with these to make them "outstanding" trailers for the $$.
My opinion...I want a much narrower trailer. Something that will fit in the "slipstream"...with only one wheel.

Here you go: Uni-Go Motorcycle Trailers

 

[grampi]

Here you go: Uni-Go Motorcycle Trailers

And like I said they're pricey...to me they just aren't worth $2500...I'll save myself $2100 and go with the HF trailer....which is also bigger...

 

[wizard of ahs]

And like I said they're pricey...to me they just aren't worth $2500...I'll save myself $2100 and go with the HF trailer....which is also bigger...

Yes, I too would go with the HF, but outsydthebox wanted a 1 wheeler.......can't have it both ways !!

 

[ehwatt]

You are going to pay a HEAVY premium for one of those as they are A LOT more expensive than the HF trailers...

I'm pretty sure outsidethebox won't be "buying" a single-wheeler.

 

[outsydthebox]

I'm pretty sure outsidethebox won't be "buying" a single-wheeler.

You sir, are correct!
There are plenty of narrow "roof-top" boxes on the market. Something in the 2' wide x 6' long range. Mounted to a simple "steel tube frame" with a swing arm at the back end and a 12" trailer wheel. I am pretty comfortable with the fabrication process.

 

[skygazer6033]

Outsyd --- A single wheel trailer is NOT a good idea for the Elio. With a 2 point hitch (rigid left to right flexible up and down) with a castering single wheel moves the CG way aft which makes a tadpole 3 wheeler extremely unstable. The other way is with a single wheel on a swing arm with an articulated hitch (flexible in pitch and yaw but rigid in roll). Since the Elio or any tadpole trike has zero roll control in the rear the trailer will continuously be trying to lift a front wheel. Again gross instability. A lightweight 2 wheel trailer properly loaded is a much better idea.

 

[ehwatt]

Outsyd --- A single wheel trailer is NOT a good idea for the Elio. With a 2 point hitch (rigid left to right flexible up and down) with a castering single wheel moves the CG way aft which makes a tadpole 3 wheeler extremely unstable. The other way is with a single wheel on a swing arm with an articulated hitch (flexible in pitch and yaw but rigid in roll). Since the Elio or any tadpole trike has zero roll control in the rear the trailer will continuously be trying to lift a front wheel. Again gross instability. A lightweight 2 wheel trailer properly loaded is a much better idea.

Not all single-wheel trailers are created equal.

 

[aknaten]

I'll be looking for a way to carry a rather heavy bicycle with me as I traverse the country. Perhaps a hitch on the right side with a two wheel carrier?