Towing the Honda Trike

[FRR]

For those of you that tow your Trike, especially those who have CSC and Hannigan which are about 63 inches wide, what kind and size trailer are you using? What are the pros and cons of the different models. Also, does your trailer have brakes?

I'm looking to purchase an enclosed trailer for my Hannigan. I recently bought a Ridgeline with a 5000 lb towing capacity but getting and picking the appropriate trailer has become a real hassle. I'm look forward to reading your experiences and advice.

 

[dogman513]

Thought it was a sin to tow a Goldwing, unless broke? Only Harley Gurus do that!

 

[Calgary]

I tow my CSC in a 7 X 12 tandem TrailersPlus Loadrunner with electric brakes!

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I bought a Hallmark LoHauler, when they 1st came out. Was the worst piece of junk I've ever had the displeasure to own?
The mistakes made producing this trailer and the number of times it went back to the factory are to numerous to list.
One was the wheel chocks were mounted to close to the trailer walls and I could not load my and my sons 2 wheelers because the handlebars hit the trailer walls. How hard can it be to make a template to locate the chock mounting holes. It went rapidly down hill from there!

 

[rmrc51]

I have a 7' X 12' enclosed United tandem axle trailer.

 

[cavie]

Any 7' x 12' enclosed trailer will work just fine. Duel axel not required. Brakes not required but helpful in mountain regions. Remember the lift cables for the rear door are not as wide as the door opening. You my need a spotter to clear the cables as you load the trike. My champion 54" wide goes into my 6' trailer 64" door just fine without help.

Look at Featherweight trailers if you can afford it.

 

[rmrc51]

It's quite true that a tandem axle isn't required. But take it from someone who has had both. Not only does the tandem track better (she just seems so much more well planted to the road), you also have the peace of mind that if you do get a flat with one of the tires, you still have another tire on that side to continue with for awhile. Just my opinion.

 

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

I use my Loadmaster enclosed snowmobile trailer.
Drive in, tie down and go.

 

[Calgary]

Any 7' x 12' enclosed trailer will work just fine. Duel axel not required. Brakes not required but helpful in mountain regions. Remember the lift cables for the rear door are not as wide as the door opening. You my need a spotter to clear the cables as you load the trike. My champion 54" wide goes into my 6' trailer 64" door just fine without help.

Look at Featherweight trailers if you can afford it.

FRR says he's towing with a Ridgeline - I would suggest that trailer brakes are a must! I've towed a single axle and hands down, a tandem axle is just so much better. Towing with a light truck in a crosswind will convince you quickly that a single axle trailer sucks. As also mentioned, you can get pretty busy if you have a blow out with a single axle trailer. More than one motorcycle owner has not been happy when their trailer started to whip around, the m/c broke loose from its tiedowns and slammed around inside the trailer before the driver was able to get everything to a standstill.

A trike is a sizeable investment - keep it safe and secure in a tandem, brake equipped trailer. This is not where you want to cut corners! IMHO

 

[FRR]

Any 7' x 12' enclosed trailer will work just fine. Duel axel not required. Brakes not required but helpful in mountain regions. Remember the lift cables for the rear door are not as wide as the door opening. You my need a spotter to clear the cables as you load the trike. My champion 54" wide goes into my 6' trailer 64" door just fine without help.

Look at Featherweight trailers if you can afford it.

I can't find Featherweight trailers. I see Featherlite but not Featherweight.

 

[dirtdobber]

My open trailer is 6'5" wide inside width, csc fits easily.
My enclosed 7x14 is 6'7" wide inside a csc will fit easy, no problem with the dual assisted cables. It is dual axle with brakes. With a enclosed I prefer dual axles with electric brakes. big difference in pulling open vs enclosed trailers. I have a 4x4 Chevy silverado 1500 with factory towing package. a 7x14 enclosed is as big as the truck will handle good. When loaded I have to use the lift on the trailer to help stabilize the weight. I usually carry the trike and a single bike or 2 smaller bikes. Depending on what bike/s I take.

You can find good new ones under $3,000 if you look around.

 

[cavie]

I can't find Featherweight trailers. I see Featherlite but not Featherweight.

My bad. Featherlite is what I ment. Hate getting old.

 

[Solidbob]

Mine is an Aluma TK-1 Trike Trailer and is perfect, I waterproofed the front storage box except at the bottom to allow it to breath. I use quick ratchet straps so there is no extra strap material. Perfect fit and puts the weight in the right place for towing. The ramp is just right but I changed the spring loaded pins with pin / hitch locks so the ramp doesn't walk off.... Mounted the spare on the front for easy access and is locked on inside the storage box.. light and easy to move around....

 

[Konrad]

Mine is an Aluma TK-1 Trike Trailer and is perfect, I waterproofed the front storage box except at the bottom to allow it to breath. I use quick ratchet straps so there is no extra strap material. Perfect fit and puts the weight in the right place for towing. The ramp is just right but I changed the spring loaded pins with pin / hitch locks so the ramp doesn't walk off.... Mounted the spare on the front for easy access and is locked on inside the storage box.. light and easy to move around....

Of all the trailers I've checked out, that one makes by far the most sense in construction, weight, usability and price. And besides that, it's simply good-looking!

 

[FRR]

Mine is an Aluma TK-1 Trike Trailer and is perfect, I waterproofed the front storage box except at the bottom to allow it to breath. I use quick ratchet straps so there is no extra strap material. Perfect fit and puts the weight in the right place for towing. The ramp is just right but I changed the spring loaded pins with pin / hitch locks so the ramp doesn't walk off.... Mounted the spare on the front for easy access and is locked on inside the storage box.. light and easy to move around....

How wide is it and how high off the ground. My Hannigan is 63 inches wide

 

[Deadeye]

I also have an Aluma tk1 trailer. My 2010 gl1800 Hannigan fits perfectly. I have pulled it from Ohio to Arizona to Texas to Ohio and back multiple times with a GMC Yukon without any problem. My biggest problem is remembering it's back there!!

 

[FRR]

I also have an Aluma tk1 trailer. My 2010 gl1800 Hannigan fits perfectly. I have pulled it from Ohio to Arizona to Texas to Ohio and back multiple times with a GMC Yukon without any problem. My biggest problem is remembering it's back there!!

How wide is the TK 1? From what I saw on the website, they are as expensive as an enclosed. Are they out there for less than 3 grand?

 

[Veritas44]

The Alumas are on the "high side" for an open trailer but in my opinion, worth every penny and one of if not the best designed and made.
Hannigan GL Trikes are 61.5" from extreme fender edge to fender edge.

 

[FRR]

The Alumas are on the "high side" for an open trailer but in my opinion, worth every penny and one of if not the best designed and made.
Hannigan GL Trikes are 61.5" from extreme fender edge to fender edge.

I own a 2012 Hannigan and it is about 63 inches wide. I meant how wide is the Alumas?

 

[Deadeye]

Check it out here www.alumaklm.com
Lots of good info.

 

[Hannigan Motorsports]

Hannigan Motorsports GL1800 Trikes (GEN 1 & GEN 2) are 61.5" at their widest point-the Rear.

 

[FRR]

Guess I'll find out for sure tomorrow. I'm going to try to get my 12 Hannigan in a 6x12 enclosed with a door opening of exactly 63 inches. Might be just a little too close.

 

[FRR]

I spend some time at my local trailer dealer and tried to get my 12 Hannigan in a 6x12. Won't fit. 3/4 of an inch on each side is not enough room for me. Also, a big problem is that the tailpipes on the Hannigan is almost as low as a Triglide. I tried riding in several and the only way it will work is with a couple of 2x12's to use so the pipes don't drag. Never really thought that would be a problem but it is. There isn't a Aluma dealer in 80 miles of me so I may be up a creek until I figure out an option. I've pulled open trailers all over this country but never had an enclosed so it will certainly be a different experience.

You Hannigan riders that have the newer kit, what are you towing?

 

[Ray55]

FRR

Here's what I have done on my trailer to protect the fenders on my trike. I have about a inch on each side between the cables for the door also. I went to Home Depot and got some 1/2 inch foam rubber pipe insulation and install it on the wires for the door. Takes a few seconds to install and when loaded, pull it off and throw it on the floor.

 

[FRR]

FRR

Here's what I have done on my trailer to protect the fenders on my trike. I have about a inch on each side between the cables for the door also. I went to Home Depot and got some 1/2 inch foam rubber pipe insulation and install it on the wires for the door. Takes a few seconds to install and when loaded, pull it off and throw it on the floor.

I'm not so worried about the wires as I am only having 3/4 of an inch on each side of the fenders at the actual door entry. Do you also cover that with something? I assume you are loading a new Hannigan in a 6x12?

 

[Ray55]

FRR

No I'm fine on the door. The lift wires for the door are inset about 1 1/2 inches inside of the door opening. I am loading my Champion in a 6 X 12 trailer.

 

[FRR]

FRR

No I'm fine on the door. The lift wires for the door are inset about 1 1/2 inches inside of the door opening. I am loading my Champion in a 6 X 12 trailer.

I see. I guess the Champion is narrower than my Hannigan. I love the Hannigan but it sure is creating some expensive problems for me. I'm beginning to wonder whether I would have bought it if I had thought of all these issues with trailering it.

 

[msocko3]

I see. I guess the Champion is narrower than my Hannigan. I love the Hannigan but it sure is creating some expensive problems for me. I'm beginning to wonder whether I would have bought it if I had thought of all these issues with trailering it.

This is my GenII Hannigan in a 7x12 Haulmark V nose low hauler.

 

[Solidbob]

If your going with enclosed you do need room to get to the tye downs and around the trike... if its to close and its not tyed correctly you may be missing some paint when you get to your destenation / my enclosed is 7.5 X 14 with a truck box in the front for storage.... but I really like the TK1 Better / you can see what you have without climbing inside... and its about 1/3 the weight!!