Trunk Lid Warning Light

[joeychitwood]

I just returned from a trip to Wyoming and Montana on my 2011 Tri-Glide, and once again, my trunk lid popped open on the trip. This time it was in a parking lot instead of on I-90 at 80 mph like last time. I rotate the lid latch pin to keep a fresh unworn edge at the latch point, but I spend a lot of time worrying about the lid opening and not knowing it. I've searched the internet unsuccessfully for a trunk lid warning light. Do you know of anyone who makes a kit?

By the way, every time I rotate the trunk latch pin to get an unworn edge, I lose the recommended 26.67mm pin height. If not rotated, the pin edge wears away and the latch becomes loose and susceptible to popping open. This is a terrible design, but when I talked with my H-D dealer, there is no fix or recall.

 

[davek]

trunk lid

I have a new 2015 Tri Glid and its come open twice in 2200 miles....I'm thinking of putting a hasp and padlock on it.....It would be better than the HD design...Ha!! Maybe the locking pin has too much chamfer on the corners(?)
where in locks into the latch.???
Dave from FL. presently in the Adirondacks of NY..

 

[screwball]

Our '09 and '11 Tri's popped open a couple times way back when. Lubed the latches and pins, and ALWAYS gave the handle a little tug after closing the door. Never happened again. First thing I did with wife's new '14 was lube the latches and pins and locking mechanism. 4 months and no problems. Obviously not a problem with my Freewheeler..... but I give it a tug anyway after latching it.

Good Luck

 

[rhino 2]

By the way, every time I rotate the trunk latch pin to get an unworn edge, I lose the recommended 26.67mm pin height. If not rotated, the pin edge wears away and the latch becomes loose and susceptible to popping open. This is a terrible design, but when I talked with my H-D dealer, there is no fix or recall.

View attachment 28466

I had the trunk open a few times with my 2011 tri.. I found that the pin was not going in deep enough so the latch that drops down into the groove doesn't go fully into it. Since i adjusted it 3 years ago it has yet to pop open. I didn't use any measurements i did it by eye.. Also my pin doesn't have any marks on it, So maybe your latch is just resting on the tip of the pin..And not fully locking :Shrug:

 

[joeychitwood]

Thanks for the replies. Has anyone seen a trunk lid warning light that would alert the rider that the ID has opened? I can probably devise something, but if a kit already exists, I would rather use it.

 

[Texan]

Had a lengthy conversation with Al and Dan of SeeThroughBraz about this very thing, a warning light, at the reunion in Eureka Springs. I've had a few problems with this and during one of our rides there our leader stopped twice to chech/re latch his.

We discussed a switch and inner-fairing red LED light that would indicate if the trunk was ajar.

The guys at SeeThroughBraz's are always working on ideas/concepts to make our sport more enjoyable and safe.

8~\o

 

[RcSuD]

I had, or maybe still have the same problem with my '13. I found that it pops open only when unlocked. So I got in the habit of always locking it, no more problems.

I like Fuzzy's idea. Making a better latch would be way better than installing a light.

 

[dirtdobber]

Ready made would be easier. It would not take much to design your own. A switch that opens when the lid comes open but closes for current when closed. A light to your preferences and connect. I suggest going I through the switch.

 

[rayg5102]

after I close it, I always lock then pull it to make sure

 

[rhino 2]

From day one [2011] i haven't locked it, Once i made an adjustment to the pin it hasn't pop open.
Regardless of what Harley says,; If you study the way the lock works, Locking it doesn't matter.. The locking mechanism drops into the pins groove like a guillotine, So if it doesn't fully drop in to the groove ' It will at times [like when hitting a hard bump] pop open..
Thats my opinion and i'm sticking to it..

 

[Keystone]

The first one on my 2009 TG would open with ease even when locked. MoCo replaced it with the " improved " version. Better, but still opened allot.
After the accident my TG received the improved 2011 body. Never had an issue with that one opening or leaking.

AS Screwball has pointed out, since I now ride an FLRT it's a non issue...

 

[HDB0B]

I've read "Loop a small bungee cord around the lid drop cables. If it pops it will not go all the way down." I keep mine lubed with B'laster dry lube and have not has any problems. No oily stuff to collect dirt. I just push it gently closed until it clicks.

 

[rwhgme]

I periodically use Triflow on mine. Haven't had a problem in a long while. Any of you know my wife, she tends to overpack, and overstuff. Our trunk has not popped open since about the first month of ownership.

 

[Woody]

Looks like an adjustment is the way to go, but if thatdoes not work I would put the pin in my lathe and open it up a few thousands squaringthe shoulders up in the process

 

[joeychitwood]

I have ordered a new latch pin. $21 for the pin alone. I keep it pretty well lubed, but will make sure it's lubed nicely before my next trip (Prince Edward Island at the end of July.) I'll also lock the trunk all the time.

 

[TROUBLEMAKER_46]

HeyHey! It's not rocket science! If you close your trunk lid gently while pushing in the latch button it will close alot easier...then pull on the door to insure that it is closed. Then again just keep slamming the door until you need to have your butt kicked for being mean to your expensive mode of transportation!!!!

 

[joeychitwood]

Given the apparently common problems with this latch design, I still think a simple red dash light would be very helpful to alert the rider when the lid pops open. It happens, and if it does at 80 mph, one might lose valuable gear.

 

[DakotaTG]

I had my trunk pop open once on my 2011 TG. I had forgot to lock it and may not have gotten it fully latched and didn't pull on it. I always lock it and give a pull on the chrome housing. Also my dealer service tech says to shoot a little WD-40 in it about once a month. There is no wear on mine that I have noticed and since that one time it has never popped open by accident. Maybe I'm just lucky. Leaving on a trip from ND to Niagara Falls next Friday and the trunk will be packed full as I can get it so I'll see how that goes. There are 7 bikes going on the trip so I should have someone behind me all the way.

2011 Merlot and Black TG

 

[lah2420]

I love this site. It's good for us dummies. Mine popped open once when I went across an uneven road that flexed the trike in every direction. The button was hard to push and had to have the key inserted to pull it out. The dealer said not to worry, that it would free up over time. After reading here I had a "duh" moment. I found some dry lube and squirted some on and in the latch. No more hard to push. Button pops out all the way. Can just push it closed instead of slamming it and hoping it latched.

Thanks guys for helping this dummy out. I'm sure I will be gleaning more info from you.

 

[WindyOne]

I have had my trunk pop open twice now during rides. I keep it locked and I always pull on the lid to make sure it is solid. Something flexes the body and I think that is what makes mine open.
I adjusted it this morning and found the edge dinged up so I turned it and adjusted it out just a little bit and sprayed some lube on it. While I agree a better latch would be the optimal way to go I would like to have a warning light until that happens is ever.

 

[rhino 2]

Iv'e been thinking of rigging a switch on the tail gate of my pick-up.. i've driven off a few times with it open.. The Tri should be easier to rig' what with a lot less wire to route..

 

[jackt]

Trunk pops open FIX

My 13 always come open on road had to have pin replaced because it broke.
My 14 also popped open a lot until I started NOT SLAMMING I now push on both sides top right and left corners until it kind of snaps and the slightly pull to unsure catching then always lock.
Have not had problem since.

 

[Fredward]

Refrigerator Door Switch

would almost work. Mine popped open twice. At dealers suggestion I lubed thoroughly with a dri teflon spray called Tri Flo. Seemed to work, no more issues and I have been using the trunk quite a bit. I do give it that tug.

 

[Uncle Willie]

Not to belabor the point, but how about installing one of those small child-proof latches that let a door only open a bit before you have to release it to open fully. At least if it decides to open at 70 it will only open a bit.
Just a thought.

 

[HDB0B]

Small bungee cord around the 2 support cables will let it drop only enough to then pull down and release the bungee cords.

 

[Bigsteps]

Tri Glide Trunk door warning light

Thanks for the replies. Has anyone seen a trunk lid warning light that would alert the rider that the ID has opened? I can probably devise something, but if a kit already exists, I would rather use it.

My trunk door did the same thing twice, I designed a setup for my bike that works great. when and IF the door pops open again unexpectedly, I have a red light on my right side accessory switch location that shines bright enough that I can see it during the day too.

This Forum won't let me attach a photo