shown 3 images, .... what is the BEST way to set up a trailer? bike centerd? trailer centerd? or trailer offset on wheel behind rear bike wheel? pulling from bike? pulling from hack frame? or pulling from bike with trailer centerd ?... hope this made sence
I have no experience pulling a trailer on a solo bike or a sidecar rig. It seems to me that the WW11 German rigs used a system like C in your example. I would image A or C would be preferable to B, which widens your track. My vote would be for C.
I do pull a camper at times with my hack. It would probably pull better directly behind the bike as in B however as Pfestus said it would probably be wider than the lane. With that in mind I have always set my trailers with the left side even with the left side of bike and have never had an issue. Some of the narrow cargo trailers may be able to hitch directly behind the bike and still be even with left side of bike. This would be likely with some of the larger bikes, BMW K12s, Goldwings or bikes with large sidecases.
Aren't version A and C the same thing. They appear to be connected to a different point on the frame but wouldn't the effect on handling be the same? They both increase the drag effect the sidecar has on the bike.
I agree, a & c are essentially the same.
Markh00 - 9/15/2013 7:08 PM
Aren't version A and C the same thing. They appear to be connected to a different point on the frame but wouldn't the effect on handling be the same? They both increase the drag effect the sidecar has on the bike.
yes essentially they are the same but thaz my question: pull from the bike? or pull from the chair frame? 77 gl1000
Since it is a solid mount do not think it makes a difference, only the relationship of the hitch to the rear wheel since it is the drive point.
draperg1 - 9/15/2013 9:14 PM
Since it is a solid mount do not think it makes a difference, only the relationship of the hitch to the rear wheel since it is the drive point.
is there any detriment to handling pulling from bike or pulling from car frame?
The closer the hitch ball to the drive wheel is the key. With this in mind I personally do not want the width of the trailer out past the track of the rig.
draperg1 - 9/15/2013 9:48 PM
The closer the hitch ball to the drive wheel is the key. With this in mind I personally do not want the width of the trailer out past the track of the rig.
great.!!....thank you
I've towed many miles with setup B. Initially I'd planned on moving the hitch to the center of the rig but saw no logical way to do it on my FLH/Liberty so I left the hitch where it always had been. I'd sold my Kwik Kamp as part of the funds for the Liberty so only my small cargo trailer remains. It tows like a dream and adds nothing to the overall width of the rig, only the length and weight...
B pulls best by far but you are very wide. A works well but is very easy to jack knife when backing up. C is the most common way to go as it works out ok. I go with B if my trailer is not much wider then the bike as a few inches does not matter all that much. If the trailer is much wider I go with C. I have ran all 3 of these set ups.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
In the past, I pulled my Travllite in the C position, as it is so wide, worked well for me.
