First time pulling a 2 wheel pull behind trailer

403 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Winger Dan, 9 d ago

Winger Dan

Discussion Starter · 12 d ago

I recently purchased a 2010 Cyclemate CM2000LTD and have the Manufactures paperwork on the trailer from Timeout Trailer which by the way has great customer service.
For you guys that pull these trailers I have question on tire pressure and tongue weight. When setting tire pressure do you go by the trailer manufacture recommendation or what is on the side of the tire for cold tire pressure and, when your trailer is loaded do you use the 10-15% tongue weight rule or again what is recommended by the trailer manufacture?

I've had a number of Uni-go's and they were great for what they do now I'm looking forward to this motorcycle two wheeled pull behind trailer.

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ssncob

· #2 · 12 d ago

Universal rule of thumb for safe trailering - tongue weight 10-15% of total gross trailer weight.

Tire pressure per mfr recommended. Caveat - this pressure is based on original tires on the trailer. Later tires may have different pressure ratings. Example - my bushtec says use 35 psi. My aftermarket tires have Max pressure of 32 psi. Best pressure for them with current trailer load is 28 psi.

Reactions: 3

Captron

· #3 · 12 d ago

^^^^^What Mr. Cobb, said above ^^^^^
Ronnie
5/24/23

cihilb

· #4 · 12 d ago

The best way to adjust trailer tire pressure is to load the trailer, spray some water on the pavement, and pull the trailer through the water. Look for a full tread contact patch. Too much air will show only the center tread, too little air will show the sides of the tire in the patch. too little air will cause the tires to over heat. To much will make the center of the tread to wear faster and cause the trailer to bounce around.
The pressure listed on the sidewall is MAX pressure. The tires on my Bunkhouse shows 50lb max. I run 28-30 fully loaded.

Reactions: 5

SeaSteve

· #5 · 12 d ago

Any "short cuts" on measuring tongue weight. Something like loading the trailer then getting it to balance with the the tongue 20, 30, or 40 degrees above level??

SeaSteve

· #6 · 12 d ago

I guess we know most trailers are 300 to 500 lbs. Knowing "once" where you are on that scale makes estimating and measuring 30 to 50 lb at the tongue is pretty simple with a hanging scale.

cihilb

· #7 · 12 d ago

SeaSteve said:
Any "short cuts" on measuring tongue weight. Something like loading the trailer then getting it to balance with the the tongue 20, 30, or 40 degrees above level??

I have a hand held luggage scale similar to this one. I added a hook to the strap.

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Reactions: 2

SeaSteve

· #8 · 12 d ago

I'm ordering one from Amazon right now. I'm gonna be a first timer too.

Reactions: 1

Winger Dan

Discussion Starter · #9 · 12 d ago

Thanks all.

ZekeValk

· #10 · 10 d ago

I've pulled a Bushtec since 2008 and probably close to 50,000 miles. Most of the time my tongue mounted cooler is full of drinks and ice/water. If you're familiar with a Bushtec, there's not a lot of space behind the axle. I've never measured or calculated my tongue weigh other than when I lift it and attach it to the bike.

I do my best to put heavy stuff behind the axle to balance it out, but my main point is don't overthink it too much. Be safe though.

Reactions: 1

Winger Dan

Discussion Starter · #11 · 10 d ago

ZekeValk said:
I've pulled a Bushtec since 2008 and probably close to 50,000 miles. Most of the time my tongue mounted cooler is full of drinks and ice/water. If you're familiar with a Bushtec, there's not a lot of space behind the axle. I've never measured or calculated my tongue weigh other than when I lift it and attach it to the bike.

I do my best to put heavy stuff behind the axle to balance it out, but my main point is don't overthink it too much. Be safe though.

Thanks.

Winger Dan

Discussion Starter · #12 · 10 d ago

I put new tires on the trailer and went up one size. There is now finger clearance between the tire and the fenders. What's the likely hood of the tires rubbing when trailer is loaded and in travel?

Glockjock

· #13 · 10 d ago

Winger Dan said:
I put new tires on the trailer and went up one size. There is now finger clearance between the tire and the fenders. What's the likely hood of the tires rubbing when trailer is loaded and in travel?

Depends on where you are measuring this finger clearance. If there is a finger's clearance between the tire sidewall and the fender, you should be OK. If there is only a finger's clearance between the top of the tire and the fender, then I'd say there is a 100% chance of the tire hitting the fender when you hit a bump and the suspension compresses. I hope I misunderstood the question.

cihilb

· #14 · 10 d ago

Looking at a picture of the trailer, the fenders do not wrap around the sidewalls. If the measurement is between the tread and the fender, you will have problem as Glockjock stated.
You said you changed the tire to a larger size. Are these 12 inch tires? Only options are 4.80x12 and 5.30x12.
The actual diameter difference of the tires is less than 1/2 inch. Meaning a /14 inch change in clearance.

Winger Dan

Discussion Starter · #15 · 9 d ago

My trailer has 8" wheels and I went from 4.80/4.00-8 to 5.70-8. I went with the 5.70 cause of the additional 2" in diameter. I now see the 5.70 tire is also 1.2" wider which puts it .6" closer to the fender.

The finger clearance I was talking about is between the corner of the tread and the inside edge of the fender. I'm going to take another look at this clearance and see how it is with some weight in the tire. I may be asking for trouble here and it may be best to just to put OEM size tires on it which is the 4.8-/4.00-8.

Reactions: 2

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