Online Trailer Buying
A rally that attracts a lot of out of town riders is a great place to see trailers and talk to their owners.
Question: I would like to buy a trailer but I am not sure about doing this online. I would like to make sure I’m getting what I pay for.
Answer: I agree, and I don’t think you should order a trailer online if you’re not sure it’ll fit your needs.
Different folks have different comfort levels. Many of the people I talk to already have a pretty good idea what they’re looking for in a trailer. Sometimes they are buying the same thing a friend has. Other times they saw a trailer or camper on a road trip.
I try to provide as much info as I can to give folks what they need to make a purchase decision they can feel good about. When I put together the product lineup for Open Road Outfitters, I looked at over sixty companies that make trailers. Some I wouldn’t pull out of my street. Others, in my opinion, are way over-engineered and overpriced. I tried to strike a balance with the trailer line up I’ve assembled, but they all have a few things in common: they are well-made here in the U.S.A., they tow well, and they represent a good value.
Sometimes having that info online is enough, sometimes it’s not. I encourage folks to ask questions. I try to answer them as honestly and fairly as I can, but I also realize that my opinion is not always sufficient to justify a purchase of several thousand dollars.
I usually tell folks that if they aren’t sure what they want, go to a couple of bike rallies, especially those that cater to moto travelers like Americade, or one of the big national events like Sturgis or Daytona. Rallies with Gold Wingers tend to have a TON of trailers, so even if you’re a died-in-the-wool Harley rider, check with a local Gold Wing group. Seeing a trailer firsthand and talking with the owner at a rally, I think, is one of the best ways to get a firsthand, unsolicited opinion on how a trailer performs.
Occasionally I can put an interested buyer in touch with a customer who has purchased the type of trailer they are considering. My customers are scattered all over and their contact info changes fairly often so this isn’t guaranteed, but when it works, it’s a great way to learn more about the specific trailer you are looking at.
I just came across your web site and found it great. I’ve been talking about buying a tent trailer for over a year now and this spring it will happen. In reading you were speaking about the Time Out and that is exactly what I have zeroed in on but it was the 8″ wheels that I was concerned with in heating up and also not as smooth a ride. It is great to hear from some one who has one. But this year they brought out a new model that covers my concern and that is the Time Out Deluxe which has 12″ wheels and the cargo area goes from 16 to 21 cu. ft. How does it pull and I don’t think the extra size would matter, I would be pulling it with my 2008 GL 1800 Goldwing/Motortrike. Keep up the great work and I will save your site.
Thanks……..JR from Canada
Hi JR – I’m glad you’ll be pulling that unit with a trike. I think the 12″ wheels will not make a big difference except to those who are wrapped up in the 8″ vs 12″ debate. It’s an extra 40 lbs over the previously largest unit which means by the time you add some gear, it’ll be topping 400 lbs. I know some folks are going to want to pull that with two wheels, but I think that one is really best suited for trikes. As for towing one, I haven’t yet seen it but I’m sure it pulls just fine.
does anyone know who bought the tiny mite trailer company. i bought one many years ago and had to sell it. wanted to see about getting a new one. thank you
Keith – I’ve heard of them but trailer companies tend to come and go pretty quickly. You might check with the folks on the GL-1800 board (www.gl1800riders.com).
I have pulled behind MY Harley a 1996 Kwik Kamp Popup Tent Trailer with 8″ wheels for several years putting about 15,000 miles on it. I purchased used from 2nd owner. It was only used about 5 nights when I got it at less than half price. I check the wheel bearings before every trip putting in new grease and replace bearings and tires after when wear signs are present. The point is check these before every trip and always, always, carry spare bearing, seals, locking pins or tang washers whichever Your trailer uses and always carry a spare tire/wheel and a few basic tools. Load trailer with 10% of its total weight on the tongue usually arround 30 or 40 lbs. and I have never had a problem. Just remember the extra braking distance required and swing wide at gas pumps. I hope this information helps and I have always been welcome at KOA Campgrounds. Thanks and ride safe!