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01-20-2009, 05:51 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Antlers, OK
Posts: 892
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You guys with the trailers
What is the optimum trailer width and tongue length for one to pull behind the Nomad? also who makes the best hitch?
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Victor "Nightmare" Golubowsky Moyers, Ok Kawanow/VBA # 304 Patriot Guard VROC OKVROC 2001 Kawasaki Nomad Turbo 1998 Harley Sportster Hardtail Bobber Custom 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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01-20-2009, 06:37 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Central Illinois
Posts: 8,575
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You guys with the trailers
I don't have an answer; but rather was impressed with your map. Have you really ridden a bike in 48 states?
Congrats if you have... I am impressed and want to know how you worked that out. Please start another thread on it if you have. Greg
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"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 |
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01-20-2009, 06:41 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Haysville, KS
Posts: 6,259
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You guys with the trailers
I have read on different forums and sites that tongue length should be 1.5 to 2 times the width of the trailer but that is not a hard and fast rule. As far as width, many take a Harbor Frieght or similar trailer and cut it down a little, some keep them as they come...your preference. Tongue weight at hitch should be between 10 and 20% of overall weight.
Chuckster, a member here, makes the bestest hitch ever for the Nomad. Easy install and very nice looking. Nice job on the 48 states ridden so far. You make me jealous.
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Ron "Coach" Allan, Haysville, KS 1999 Nomad Wine and Red "KawaTanker" 2009 BMW R1200RT 2003 BMW K1200LT "Magic Carpet" DOA 11/7/2015 VBA #00291 IBA # 41995 DS #320 '08 Elkins, WV; '09 Helen, GA; '09 Custer, SD; '10 Stanton, VA; '11 Maggie Valley; '12 Townsend, TN; '13 Estes Park; '13 Blairsville, GA; '15 Eureka Springs; '16 Helen; '18 Custer, SD |
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01-21-2009, 09:45 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
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You guys with the trailers
Generally your trailer should not be wider than the widest point on your bike.
To figure tongue length: measure from the center of one tire across to the center of the other tire. Your tongue length should be double that measurement. Although many will tell you that they have less and have no problem. |
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01-21-2009, 09:46 AM | #5 | |
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You guys with the trailers
Quote:
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Victor "Nightmare" Golubowsky Moyers, Ok Kawanow/VBA # 304 Patriot Guard VROC OKVROC 2001 Kawasaki Nomad Turbo 1998 Harley Sportster Hardtail Bobber Custom 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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01-21-2009, 09:48 AM | #6 | |
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You guys with the trailers
Quote:
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Victor "Nightmare" Golubowsky Moyers, Ok Kawanow/VBA # 304 Patriot Guard VROC OKVROC 2001 Kawasaki Nomad Turbo 1998 Harley Sportster Hardtail Bobber Custom 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 |
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01-21-2009, 09:49 AM | #7 | |
Advanced Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Antlers, OK
Posts: 892
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You guys with the trailers
Quote:
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Victor "Nightmare" Golubowsky Moyers, Ok Kawanow/VBA # 304 Patriot Guard VROC OKVROC 2001 Kawasaki Nomad Turbo 1998 Harley Sportster Hardtail Bobber Custom 1983 Kawasaki GPZ 550 |
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01-21-2009, 12:31 PM | #8 | ||
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Knoxville,TN
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You guys with the trailers
Quote:
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01-21-2009, 12:34 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Knoxville,TN
Posts: 1,845
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You guys with the trailers
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01-21-2009, 12:47 PM | #10 |
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You guys with the trailers
I'm not sure there are optimum dimensions. Personally, I would want the trailer width to be as close to the width of the bike as possible, for manueverability issues. There is a formula used for tongue length:
tongue_length = 1.5-2.0 x axle width (wheel center-to-center) So if the center-to-center axle width is 40" optimum tongue length would be 60" to 80". In my case, I narrowed my trailer as narrow as possible to still fit my cargo box between the fenders. I did move the tongue forward about 15"", which increased the distance between trailer and hitch, and it is within the ratio I described above. I also recommend Chucksters hitch.
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