|
|
Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | so i bought my vision last day of aug 08 put 7500 miles on it before it went into deep sleep nov. 1st just bought trailer and hitch to be put on right after it awakes my ?? is do u think i should put new tires on it when i get hitch put on, i have read some people put on 14,000 on rear tire but i know i never would go that long ,seem like it might be a good idea to add tires at that time opinion please thanks dennis |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn |
This is just my opinion; I think it depends on how much riding you are going to be doing before you start actually towing the trailer. Towing a trailer is going to take its toll on the rear tire faster. I personally would not start an extended trip with a rear tire that has that many miles on it. But hey that's just my opinion.
If your plans are going to bring you to Minnesota drop me a PM.
Blackjack
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 412
Fargo, ND | Dennis, I have no comment on the tire mileage, however, I am wondering what kind of a hitch you purchased for your Vision? Thanks. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | i went with the bushtec and ball style hook up bought it before hitch toc came out with theirs, which i just found out this week they now make one for the vision |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| You still have at least 3-5k of tire life left on the existing tire. I say 3-5 and like yourself (from the sounds of your post) I tend to replace my tires erring on the safe side. So I would say no to replacing with the hitch install, you still have many miles to run towing or not. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | It's your dollar, but I think I would replace the tire to grow into the new characteristics of the new handling aspect. I bought my used bike with a rear tire near the end of its life and it was hard to ride especially in the twisties. When I put on a new tire I thought I had a new bike, a world of difference. Safety is key and changes like adding a trailer would make me put on the new tire first. I say this only because you are questioning it. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 251
| sonicbluerider - 2009-01-19 12:34 PM i went with the bushtec and ball style hook up bought it before hitch toc came out with theirs, which i just found out this week they now make one for the vision Is that right "Hitch Toc" came out with a Vision trailer Hitch? |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | "Hitch Doc make a hitch for the Vision. Part # 15765. $298 plus shipping.This is a receiver type hitch. Have them in stock.
Phone # (800) 446-8222 " took this off the vmc vision forum posted by airguy so it may be true |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 222
Barefoot Bay, FL United States | So you really mean "hitch Doc" right?!?!? |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1350
| If it were me I would leave the tire on. I would put a few miles on it while towing the trailer. Please don't do what someone I know did and take a long ride for the first time towing a trailer. That trailer was all over the road and it took the second day to start get used to giving gas going up hill and other things. It was a pain in the arse for me. (no I never towed a trailer on a bike and I can't imagine putting one behind the Vision but to each there own) |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 271
Belding Michigan | OK I pulled trailer back and forth across the US many times. My wife is not a small packer but I am also large and have found that in one trip I need a bunch of clothes to go from 90 degrees to 30 degrees. Sigh but enough of that. Having pulled trailers and traveled I would be very worried if the trailer was all over the road and if it greatly changed my acceleration and braking. the right hitch the right trailer and a little planning on the packing of the trailer makes it almost a no brainier.
Done right you should have to look in the mirror and verify the trailer is still there as well as watch out for curbs and cutting to close because you forgot it was back there.
Loading is usually the key load the tail too heavy and the bike gets loose too heavy in the front and the ride suffers.
Working from memory on the article that was my bible about trailering I think the tongue weigh as on a scale should be 7 to 10 lbs and if the load is balance front to back all will be well. Archie |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | I agree with BlueOx If you are new to towing a trailer behind a bike familiarize yourself before taking a trip. Be sure you load around 100lbs into the trailer so you and the bike know it's there.
I have towed behind a bike for many incident free miles and the basics are the same as towing behind a car. The first thing is you have to remember is that its back there.
You have to properly load the trailer so that you have the proper tongue weight or it will wander from side to side (very unnerving) and takes weight off the rear tire.
Braking distance is increased and acceleration is slowed; very important to remember when pulling into traffic.
I try to adjust my mirrors so that every time I look in them I see the trailer. Remember you are 6-8 ft. longer now so give yourself extra turning distance at intersections and especially in gas stations.
Towing a trailer doesn't mean you can't enjoy the twisties maybe just not as aggressive,
I'm sure there is other advice out there but if you let common sense prevail you should be OK. On another note the Vision handles a trailer fantastically!!!!!!!!
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 85
| If you go onto "mctrailer guide" or "tailpullers.org" there is an abundance of good information on safely pulling a trailer behind your bike. They and several people I have talked to before I bought mine recommend you weigh your load (fish scale or bathroom scale is good enough) then distribute the weight so 10 to 15% of the load is on the tongue again using a fish scale measuring at the hight of the ball. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 64
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas | Perhaps you can schedule/plan ahead for a tire change on your trip. Get some practice time with the trailer before you go, put some miles on the existing tire(only change one thing at a time, you'll get a better read on the effects). Take a rest day later where you get your tire, don't forget to give that new tire 50-100 miles of scuff time(go real easy in the curves, stay to the slab or sweepers). Don't worry be happy. Alan |
|
| |
need opinion from trailer puller's