motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
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Mood: Gettin' Better
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Pulling a motorcycle trailer
Nomads,
I have driven Baja by motorcycle as well as pick-up truck numerous times but have never pulled a trailer down there. Here are some questions about
pulling a trailer w/ 3 dirt bikes:
1) Any special advice?
2) Howabout the pavement "ruts" that can appear from place to place...and any "sway" they might create?
3) Trailer Insurance seems to be able to be included in vehicle insurance.
Thanks for any tips 
Don't believe everything you think....
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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I pull a cargo trailer every year and the most important thing is the balance of load on the tounge. Make sure you put a scale under the tounge when
it is loaded. Everything is much easier if this is correct. Ruts are much less worrisome when balance is correct.
The usual stuff is watch the edge of the road and check occasionally where you are at with your rear view mirror. If the trailer tire goes over the
edge on a big dropoff you may find the whole rig upside down.
Make sure to carry a couple of spare bearing races and check lubrication before leaving.
Insurance is ok if the trailer is declared on your policy.
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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
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Mood: Anxious to get south
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I'm not sure if you already have your M/C trailer yet but it's nice when the width of your trailer is near the same width of your tow vehicle, it
doesn't fall off of the road as easily...
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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you get sway when the trailer rides too high on the ball...
take a level and make sure the trailer is level when towing flat
your weakest link will be the tires...
get NEW tires
you WILL NOT be able to buy NEW tires down south
only a bunch of junky used stuff
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Alan
Super Nomad
Posts: 1628
Registered: 4-6-2005
Location: Yucaipa, CA/La Paz
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As stated, ensure that you have adequate tongue weight. If your load is too far back your trailer will sway.
Ensure you have actual trailer tires on the trailer. Look for an ST rating and the higher ply rating the better. Many try to save a few bucks by
using passenger car rated tires (P).
Make sure that you use a bolt or preferably a lock to secure the coupler.
Cross your safety chains beneath the hitch so just in case it comes uncoupled the crossed chains will keep it from hitting the ground.
Make sure to carry a jack that will work with your trailer and at least one spare tire.
In Memory of E-57
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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I find that the biggest factor will be what you are towing with.
Weight and wheelbase make a good tow vehicle.
If you drop a trailer tire off the road edge while towing with an F350 crew you will be fine; if you are towing with a Jeep CJ you will be in big
trouble.
I have towed all manner of things in Baja and elsewhere with an F250 or F350 and never had a problem other than a flat tire.
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TecateRay
Nomad
Posts: 346
Registered: 9-6-2006
Location: La Mesa, CA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaWarrior
I'm not sure if you already have your M/C trailer yet but it's nice when the width of your trailer is near the same width of your tow vehicle, it
doesn't fall off of the road as easily... |
I'm sure the balance is important, but to me the width is a huge part of the deal. The highway is narrow enough and if you give up another 6 inches
or more because the wheels stick out you are just asking for trouble.
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