Trailer for a Tri Glide

[MDF48]

Picture

You can see one in the picture below. It comes just like that with plastic wrap around the ends and hardware in a bag strapped to it.

 

[RShomo]

popshd,

I bought the Top Hat Trailer in 2010. Model number I believe Is 5x12. It is a pipe top, single axle, with the bi-fold ramp, which I really like. Is is a very good trailer which gets used for a lot of different things. Being 5’ wide is wide enough but a 6‘ wide one would better.

RShomo

 

[jjvw]

I have two trailers, actually three if you count the new Toy Hauler.

Our first trailer, a 6x10 mesh landscapers type with ramp gate. We kept it for general hauling and because it has a boat cranker for loading dead bikes.The open tows best but leaves it exposed to rain, stones thrown up by other vehicles and road salt in the winter.

We later bought a 7x16 all aluminum enclosed, set up as a little toy hauler we lived in on the longer trips. Empty it only weighs 900#. It worked for moving furniture and items you want protected from the elements but is now for sale. It doubled as storage during the winter.

I would recommend the enclosed and no smaller than 7x12. It's biggest advantage is your bike can't fall off if it gets loose. Straps will stretch when wet or when you hit a bump, allowing hooks to fall off, something I learned while hauling race cars across the country. I've have seen several racers that lost their cars due to loosened straps and blown trannies because they left them in gear. I won't use any straps without closable hooks and use a trap type chock.

 

[LadyonaMission]

I have two trailers, actually three if you count the new Toy Hauler.

How could you NOT count it? I am looking forward to seeing it. The pictures were nice, but I want to see it with my own eyes.(Wave)

 

[jjvw]

How could you NOT count it? I am looking forward to seeing it. The pictures were nice, but I want to see it with my own eyes.(Wave)

Did I hear that you are in Kville now? Where bouts?

 

[LadyonaMission]

I live in San Antonio. Carla, AKA Paws, moved to Kerrville.

 

[bagger51]

Toolbox added

I added a aluminum toolbox to mine to supplement the toolbox in the front. The TG just clears it when I load it. I also put a couple of Z-tracks on the other side in case I have something else I need to tie-down. You can never have too much storage lol

 

[ultrafxr]

I added a aluminum toolbox to mine to supplement the toolbox in the front. The TG just clears it when I load it. I also put a couple of Z-tracks on the other side in case I have something else I need to tie-down. You can never have too much storage lol

View attachment 81506

That look like the Aluma TK1. If so how much clearance between the trailer fenders and the TG fenders do you have? Based on their specs it seemed a bit tight to me. Thanks

 

[bagger51]

That look like the Aluma TK1. If so how much clearance between the trailer fenders and the TG fenders do you have? Based on their specs it seemed a bit tight to me. Thanks

Yep, it is a TK1. I actually rode out to the dealer and drove it up in the trailer to check clearance between the fenders. I don't remember exactly how much it was, but I would say a couple of inches. Very easy to load and unload. I measured and remeasured a hundred times for the toolbox. If I didn't have highway pegs it would have even more clearance around the toolbox, but it fits. This is a picture at the trailer dealer's lot when I drove up on it to check. It's a very nice trailer and pulls very easy.

 

[ultrafxr]

Yep, it is a TK1. I actually rode out to the dealer and drove it up in the trailer to check clearance between the fenders. I don't remember exactly how much it was, but I would say a couple of inches. Very easy to load and unload. I measured and remeasured a hundred times for the toolbox. If I didn't have highway pegs it would have even more clearance around the toolbox, but it fits. This is a picture at the trailer dealer's lot when I drove up on it to check. It's a very nice trailer and pulls very easy.

View attachment 81507

Thanks for the photos. That’s exactly what I needed as I too was struggling with understanding the fitment of the TG on the Tk1. Looks like no problem and a good fit. Looks like you have the front wheel all the way forward against the built in tool box with just enough room but not too much at the rear. Any info about the extra tool box and z tracks greatly appreciated. I’m a novice to trailering, lol. ��

 

[bagger51]

Thanks for the photos. That’s exactly what I needed as I too was struggling with understanding the fitment of the TG on the Tk1. Looks like no problem and a good fit. Looks like you have the front wheel all the way forward against the built in tool box with just enough room but not too much at the rear. Any info about the extra tool box and z tracks greatly appreciated. I’m a novice to trailering, lol. ��

The toolbox is a Better Built 30" ATV Tool Box. I got it from Walmart, but Amazon has them also. Here is the link https://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Built-30-ATV-Tool-Box/42496179

I already had the 24" E-Track (sorry, I said z-Track in the original post) that I had bought at Home Depot earlier for another project. I'll use them to tie down lawn chairs or other light stuff.

 

[POPSHD]

Yep, it is a TK1. I actually rode out to the dealer and drove it up in the trailer to check clearance between the fenders. I don't remember exactly how much it was, but I would say a couple of inches. Very easy to load and unload. I measured and remeasured a hundred times for the toolbox. If I didn't have highway pegs it would have even more clearance around the toolbox, but it fits. This is a picture at the trailer dealer's lot when I drove up on it to check. It's a very nice trailer and pulls very easy.

View attachment 81507

Really interested in this trailer. I see it has two d-rings in front and two in the back. Those in the back look to be quite a ways from the rear of the trike. Everyone talks about using the hooks under the rear of the trike to tie down. Hows does this work with the TK1? Do you use these d-rings or do you have others that you use?

Also, I have an Aluma dealer within 50 miles of me. They have a list price on their website for the TK1 at $2899. Is this in the ballpark of what these trailers cost? Thanks so much for all of your good info!

 

[ultrafxr]

Really interested in this trailer. I see it has two d-rings in front and two in the back. Those in the back look to be quite a ways from the rear of the trike. Everyone talks about using the hooks under the rear of the trike to tie down. Hows does this work with the TK1? Do you use these d-rings or do you have others that you use?

Also, I have an Aluma dealer within 50 miles of me. They have a list price on their website for the TK1 at $2899. Is this in the ballpark of what these trailers cost? Thanks so much for all of your good info!

That's a good price! I looked at one at my closest dealer who is about 40 miles away. Unfortunately even though he had quite a few trailers on site his business is geared toward sales and service of ATVs and he doesn't discount the Alumas since he said he does not buy in sufficient quantity to do so. He wanted Alumn msrp of $3,556 - yikes.

I googled around and found several dealer around the price you listed -some a bit above and some a bit below. One in Greenbries, TN, (just north of Nashville) has the TK1 for $2,850. They are about 200 miles each way so that's probably where I'll go. They are the closest discounting dealer with a good price for me.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[POPSHD]

That's a good price! I looked at one at my closest dealer who is about 40 miles away. Unfortunately even though he had quite a few trailers on site his business is geared toward sales and service of ATVs and he doesn't discount the Alumas since he said he does not buy in sufficient quantity to do so. He wanted Alumn msrp of $3,556 - yikes.

I googled around and found several dealer around the price you listed -some a bit above and some a bit below. One in Greenbries, TN, (just north of Nashville) has the TK1 for $2,850. They are about 200 miles each way so that's probably where I'll go. They are the closest discounting dealer with a good price for me.

Good luck with your decision.

Thanks. I totally forgot that I had previously contacted the dealer via email. Their website said to contact them for current prices. They quoted me $2800 so about $100 less than website price.

Still interested in tie down info from bagger51.

 

[MDF48]

TK1 Measurements

That look like the Aluma TK1. If so how much clearance between the trailer fenders and the TG fenders do you have? Based on their specs it seemed a bit tight to me. Thanks

On my TK1 the inside width of the floor "between" the side rails is 63 inches. However, each rail is about an inch or so wide. So, the actual distance between the sides of the fenders would be around 65-66 inches. Plenty of clearance to walk around it on each side. Look at the picture I posted earlier showing the included chock and you will see what I am talking about on the measurements.

 

[Ray55]

I just purchased a TK-1 Trailer. Ordered it about the middle of October and picked it up at the dealer the 20th of December. Most dealers do not have the TK-1 on their lots. because they don't sell. They have to be special ordered. I paid $3288 for my trailer and that included a spare tire and tire carrier. list price on the trailer was $2899.and that was from a dealer in Tucson, AZ. Local dealer wanted $3595 for just the trailer. I installed a small winch on the front of the trailer and placed the wheel chock right behind the winch and I have just under 300 pounds of tongue weight.

 

[bagger51]

You can actually mount the chock where ever you want, so that would affect your tie down location a little bit. I have some 6 1/2' tie downs I use that bought from Amazon. Any shorter than that won't work. I am using the standard hooks in the rear to tie, I cross them. I am using the 4 factory "d-rings" to anchor everything. Link below for the tie downs. That price is about right. I added a spare and spare tire carrier to mine. Hauled it 1,300 miles from Kansas City, MO to Phoenix, AZ this last November, no problems.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerTye-Hea...ack+(pair)&qid=1578827405&s=automotive&sr=1-1

Really interested in this trailer. I see it has two d-rings in front and two in the back. Those in the back look to be quite a ways from the rear of the trike. Everyone talks about using the hooks under the rear of the trike to tie down. Hows does this work with the TK1? Do you use these d-rings or do you have others that you use?

Also, I have an Aluma dealer within 50 miles of me. They have a list price on their website for the TK1 at $2899. Is this in the ballpark of what these trailers cost? Thanks so much for all of your good info!

 

[ultrafxr]

I just purchased a TK-1 Trailer. Ordered it about the middle of October and picked it up at the dealer the 20th of December. Most dealers do not have the TK-1 on their lots. because they don't sell. They have to be special ordered. I paid $3288 for my trailer and that included a spare tire and tire carrier. list price on the trailer was $2899.and that was from a dealer in Tucson, AZ. Local dealer wanted $3595 for just the trailer. I installed a small winch on the front of the trailer and placed the wheel chock right behind the winch and I have just under 300 pounds of tongue weight.

Interested to know how your measured the tongue weight. Any info / suggestions appreciated.

 

[Trampas]

Interested to know how your measured the tongue weight. Any info / suggestions appreciated.

I know some people measure tongue weight by using a scale under the jack that holds the trailer up when not hooked up, waiting for his response if he sees this, just letting you know how some did, I know my little cargo trailer that I pulled behind my 2 wheelers is how I did the tongue weight on my when loading it up for Sturgis and it worked really good

All for now Trampas

 

[ultrafxr]

I know some people measure tongue weight by using a scale under the jack that holds the trailer up when not hooked up, waiting for his response if he sees this, just letting you know how some did, I know my little cargo trailer that I pulled behind my 2 wheelers is how I did the tongue weight on my when loading it up for Sturgis and it worked really good

All for now Trampas

thanks and understand. Just wondering where to get such a scale.

 

[MDF48]

Measuring tongue weight.

Interested to know how your measured the tongue weight. Any info / suggestions appreciated.

Jerry, this is how I did my measurements.

My Son helped me with the process of loading the trike and making these measurements. We hooked the trailer to my Honda Odyssey on a level street and drove the trike up on it. We then put the spare tire on the front tongue mount and put my Condor PS 1500 Pit Stop trailer chock up front and placed my heavy tool kit, jack and 4-way lug wrench in the front box.

We then jacked the trailer off the car hitch and pulled the car up a foot or so. We then checked the tongue weight with my Sherline tongue weight gauge. We placed the gauge on the jack and rolled it under the hitch and then we moved the trike around until we got a tongue weight of 190-200 pounds of tongue weight with the hitch level.

We then hooked the trailer back to the car hitch and placed the jack just behind the ball opening. We then slowly raised the trailer with the gauge on it until it just took the weight off the hitch ball. We still had a reading of around 190-200 lbs.

At this time, we marked the exact position of the front tire on the trailer. We then moved the trike back and put the Condor Pit Stop tire chock up front and centered it. After several tries we got the chock right where it placed the tire at the exact point we needed for the 200 lb. tongue weight. We then marked the location of the chock on the trailer so it could be placed on the trailer at the exact place every time. In this configuration the front of the Chock is 18 inches behind the back of the trailer tool box.

I based all these figures on having a weight of 1300 lbs for the trike, 560 lbs for the trailer and 150 lbs or so for the stuff in the front box and spare tire. This came to about 2010 lbs.

I figured 10% tongue weight would be about 200 lbs.

 

[Trampas]

thanks and understand. Just wondering where to get such a scale.

I used a bathroom scale, bathroom scales sometimes go high in weight depends on where you get scale, have seen scales that go 400 lbs, not to sure how high mine goes but for my pull behind trailer I only need around 30 lbs tongue weight.

All for now Trampas

 

[Trampas]

Another thought on this if you go with the Aluma TK1 the dealer would know how to load to give you the best tongue weight with the vehicle you are going to use to pull the trailer, this is his business so he should know this or at least I hope he does

All for now Trampas

 

[PanheadSteve]

Tongue Weight

I use the second method under Bathroom Scale Figure B.

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx

 

[ultrafxr]

Jerry, this is how I did my measurements.

My Son helped me with the process of loading the trike and making these measurements. We hooked the trailer to my Honda Odyssey on a level street and drove the trike up on it. We then put the spare tire on the front tongue mount and put my Condor PS 1500 Pit Stop trailer chock up front and placed my heavy tool kit, jack and 4-way lug wrench in the front box.

We then jacked the trailer off the car hitch and pulled the car up a foot or so. We then checked the tongue weight with my Sherline tongue weight gauge. We placed the gauge on the jack and rolled it under the hitch and then we moved the trike around until we got a tongue weight of 190-200 pounds of tongue weight with the hitch level.

We then hooked the trailer back to the car hitch and placed the jack just behind the ball opening. We then slowly raised the trailer with the gauge on it until it just took the weight off the hitch ball. We still had a reading of around 190-200 lbs.

At this time, we marked the exact position of the front tire on the trailer. We then moved the trike back and put the Condor Pit Stop tire chock up front and centered it. After several tries we got the chock right where it placed the tire at the exact point we needed for the 200 lb. tongue weight. We then marked the location of the chock on the trailer so it could be placed on the trailer at the exact place every time. In this configuration the front of the Chock is 18 inches behind the back of the trailer tool box.

I based all these figures on having a weight of 1300 lbs for the trike, 560 lbs for the trailer and 150 lbs or so for the stuff in the front box and spare tire. This came to about 2010 lbs.

I figured 10% tongue weight would be about 200 lbs.

Great! Exactly what I was looking for . . . but I'd like to not have to spend $$$ on a scale. I may just replicate your positioning and call it good enough. Thanks.

 

[Colleydog]

I agree with trampas, any trailer dealer should be able to tell you the weight especially if you are buying a $3200 trailer from them, at least they should, but with the poor customer service we have these days, who knows

 

[ultrafxr]

Another thought on this if you go with the Aluma TK1 the dealer would know how to load to give you the best tongue weight with the vehicle you are going to use to pull the trailer, this is his business so he should know this or at least I hope he does

All for now Trampas

Agree that would be good but there are so many variables - here some I thought of and there are probably more: vehicle hitch height, type of hitch (drop or straight), motorcycle specifics (TG, Goodwing, Spyder, etc), load placement on trailer, etc, etc.

IMO it’s asking more of a dealer than they could provide. And they sell all kinds of trailers - not just motorcycle.

 

[MDF48]

Exactly.

Agree that would be good but there are so many variables - here some I thought of and there are probably more: vehicle hitch height, type of hitch (drop or straight), motorcycle specifics (TG, Goodwing, Spyder, etc), load placement on trailer, etc, etc.

IMO it’s asking more of a dealer than they could provide. And they sell all kinds of trailers - not just motorcycle.

Jerry, in my opinion you are absolutely correct in your thinking. The dealer doesn't know the specifics of the weight distribution of the load (trike) if your hitch when hooked to the trailer sits level or below or above level, weight added up front in the box or spare tire, and where you might, out of necessity, have to place your chock if you are permanently mounting it.

Finding the correct amount of tongue weight is easy with a little help and a level spot for vehicle and trailer.

Of course as y'all have already noticed, I am a LITTLE OCD about these kind of things. As my Dad always said, "do it right the first time and you will not have to worry about it later".