Anyone Towing a Trailer?

[MCP]

I just purchased my first Kawasaki C14 (used 2012) and a used Roadman camping trailer (2010).

I'm wondering if anyone else here tows a trailer? I have lots of time, we won't be using this until next summer, but I need to purchase a hitch, harness, and other items to put this all together.

Thanks for any replys.

[RBX QB]

Start here... http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14520.0

There are other links in there, as well. Other threads, too... just use the search box up at the top right. I'm not brave enough for a trailer, myself.

[JerBear]

Yeah MOB has a setup I've seen here somewhere.......
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17515.0;attach=20667

[just gone]

I don't want to stir up a can of worms here but......I have toyed with the idea of getting a hitch and a Time Out camping trailer. I've planned at least 30 or more trips in my head that would be so much more financially feasible if I didn't have to pay motel bills. Places to go and the ability to decide to stay somewhere for an extra day or so on a whim would be so wonderful. However on a recent trip my bike developed a knocking noise in the transmission. I headed to the dealer hoping my extended warranty would cover repairing whatever that scary knocking noise was (it did). As I was walking out to where my bike was parked with the service manager so he could hear the knock, I was so very happy that I wasn't going to have to explain what that trailer hitch was doing on my bike.

Now I'm not saying that it would be a legal reason to deny the warranty repair, but I am saying that I was glad that I didn't have to be concerned with having a hitch on my bike. Not trying to rain on anybodies parade here, just raising a concern that should be considered IMO if a warranty is involved, be it legally a merit-less concern or not.

[jimmymac]

You should have heard my bike moan today letting the clutch out.

Giving it my all.

[Shoe]

I don't want to stir up a can of worms here but......I....................................
Now I'm not saying that it would be a legal reason to deny the warranty repair, but I am saying that I was glad that I didn't have to be concerned with having a hitch on my bike. Not trying to rain on anybodies parade here, just raising a concern that should be considered IMO if a warranty is involved, be it legally a merit-less concern or not.

In the past I rode BMW's. The BMW owners' manual specifically pointed out the voiding of the warranty if towing a trailer. At the same time, I knew a fellow BMW trailer towing rider who fit the long distance rider profile. Yet the dealer routinely warranted his bike. I guess it all depends on the dealer or the nature of the claim. What about all those Gold Wing riders with trailers?

Kawasaki dealers are probably a different animal. I say its best to remove any add on that may effect the warranty. Just like not leaving stuff in your saddle bags or a full tank of gas if you drop off you bike for service.

[1jeep]

my trailer, this is my wifes idea of roughing it.

[novacon]

 For the hitch go to denray.ca. They are located in Quebec and make quality hitches for just about every brand of bike including ours. I think I paid about $350 for mine plus taxes and shipping to Nova Scotia. Great people to deal with. Installed myself in an afternoon.

As for the wiring harness it's probably a 4 or 5 wire flat plug. Just take a picture of whats on the camper now and go to a trailer shop and by the female adapter. My mini mate camper uses a 5 wire. I took it to my Kawi dealer and they installed it for me. 1 hour labour.

I have 2015 Mini Mate Camper that I purchased back in July from Kompact Kamp Trailers located in Myerstown , PA..  It  took a couple days at first to get used to towing it , but since then I have gone about 5000 km with it in all types of weather. Dont even notice it now. The Concours handles it well. Like I say , don't even no its there.
Guys and Gals are pulling trailers with less powerful bikes , ie. Honda St 1100 's and BMW 1150's.
There is a guy on the MotoCampers.com forum with a 2012 Concours who tows a Time Out camper and has never posted up any negative issues.

You should check out MotoCampers.com. It's a site for those of us who tow trailers with our bikes plus tent camp.. I'm sure you will be able to find the answers to any questions you might have about your  Roadman as well as any  useful mods.Just ask. Great bunch of people over there.
tony

[MCP]

Thanks for the info. I looked Denray, the price is right given the CDN peso.

To get the rear wheel off, how much work is it with the Denray hitch? Thats my only concern. I saw another hitch that completely detaches if you want to remove the wheel, its more money though.

Thanks