What quirks, tips, tricks to towing 2,500 lbs total (two touring bikes) cross country.

[gonemad]

’24 Gladiator Sport S with Trailer Tow and Aux switch group option, but not the MAX tow package. 8 speed auto transmission. No mods to the Jeep.

I’m planning a spring ride out of central NC with my 900 pound bike on a two bike Kendon trailer to Jackson, Mississippi to pick up my buddy, load his 900 lb bike, and head to the four corners area of the southwest.

I have not ordered the trailer yet. Trailer is 500lbs, and the bikes are 1800 lbs total. It is not an enclosed trailer. I was going to do this with an F150 4x4 5.0 last year but it just didn’t happen, and have since traded the truck. Going to try again this spring. I’ve read a bunch of threads on the topic here but none seem specific to the load I’ll be towing, and the package I’ll be towing it with.

Any tips or advice welcome.

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[Mr._Bill]

You just need to add a trailer brake controller, unless the trailer is equipped with automatic hydraulic brakes.

 

[gonemad]

You just need to add a trailer brake controller, unless the trailer is equipped with automatic hydraulic brakes.

The trailer does not have brakes. It is built expressly for towing two bikes up to the size of mine (Harley touring) and no more. It’s a widely used and recognized trailer manufacturer amongst the motorcycling community, but at 68 I’ve never towed a thing in my life, so I don’t know what I don’t know other than the features, reviews, and price of the trailer.

 

[kevman65]

You just need to add a trailer brake controller, unless the trailer is equipped with automatic hydraulic brakes.

Kendon has no brakes and I believe the total weight is below requirements for brakes.


Since it's a Kendon and not an enclosed your wind resistance will be quite a bit lower.
I assume you're buying it new, so you need to check the lug nuts and other bolts and nuts after about 500 miles. You should check your straps every fuel stop.
Kendon's usually track straight and true.
If you can't see the trailer in your rearview mirrors, get some bicycle flags to install on the rear corners.

 

[gonemad]

Just to take some mystery out of it.

 

[Pips_the_JT]

Hi T.A.

I have a Indian Roadmaster ~900lbs and I usually use a U-haul trailer so ~2000 combined weight. I had Firestone air bags added to my rear suspension because I was having some ass sag so with 2 bikes I think you'll benefit from these. https://www.amazon.com/Air-Lift-608...lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Safe travels!

Lew

 

[gonemad]

Kendon has no brakes and I believe the total weight is below requirements for brakes.


Since it's a Kendon and not an enclosed your wind resistance will be quite a bit lower.
I assume you're buying it new, so you need to check the lug nuts and other bolts and nuts after about 500 miles. You should check your straps every fuel stop.
Kendon's usually track straight and true.
If you can't see the trailer in your rearview mirrors, get some bicycle flags to install on the rear corners.

Good tips. Thanks

Hi T.A.

I have a Indian Roadmaster ~900lbs and I usually use a U-haul trailer so ~2000 combined weight. I had Firestone air bags added to my rear suspension because I was having some ass sag so with 2 bikes I think you'll benefit from these. https://www.amazon.com/Air-Lift-608...lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Safe travels!

Lew

Those UHaul single bike trailers are great. Sounds like you were running about 300-500lbs under the weight I’ll be towing so this is good to know.

 

[Freems]

Congrats on the new sled. Wind is not its friend and pulling anything in the wind Is even worse. So, if it’s really starting to blow, reduce your speed. More control of the rig the better. I’m a believer in air bags in the coils. Tightens up the rear end and gives better control of any load you pull. Good Luck and enjoy the ride.

 

[kevman65]

If you haven't bought the trailer yet some food for thought.

Go with the 3 bike trailer if you can afford it. The 3 bike will allow you to keep your load centered whether you're hauling 1, 2, or even 3 bikes.
900 pounds to one side of the trailer is going to cause it to lean/pull that direction.

 

[MTB58]

If you can get it, I would recommend a front shield to protect your bikes. When I towed my classic car, a lot of road debris flings up hitting the exposed vehicle.

 

[gonemad]

If you haven't bought the trailer yet some food for thought.

Go with the 3 bike trailer if you can afford it. The 3 bike will allow you to keep your load centered whether you're hauling 1, 2, or even 3 bikes.
900 pounds to one side of the trailer is going to cause it to lean/pull that direction.

Kendon sells a third chock to put in the center of the trailer that will accommodate this. Reviews suggest it’s not an issue with the two bike trailer, but I wondered same.

 

[gonemad]

My tip is to ride out there

Just teasing, have fun! It’s finally cooling off.

My riding buddy and I aren’t young. I can do it, but I don’t think he can.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Load the trailer properly and strap down the cargo.

Drive the speed limit and enjoy the trip. Give more room than you typically would for braking, avoid sudden lane changes.

You'll "feel" 2,500 lbs but it's not anything to get too worried over. You don't need a WDH or a brake controller for that. Make sure your hitch has enough "drop" to it so that the tongue of the trailer is sitting level (and not pointing up at your tailgate or something.

 

[Riverdog]

The weight you'll be pulling is well within the JT's capability. I would say +1 to the suggestion of the salt shield, it will protect your bikes from salt, stones and other debris. Use straps with retention (s type with rubber grommets or spring loaded to prevent the hook from popping off the straps if you hit a big bump.) Or put a bungee cord on each strap from end to end to maintain tension. and +1 to checking straps often. I think the Kendon comes with bearing buddies but if not - add those. Safe travels

 

[Riverdog]

Also look in your manual for the process of disabling the factory alarm on the bikes if equipped and placing them in "transport mode." I think my street glide was something like turning the bike on but not the ignition and pressing both turn signals at the same time. Otherwise your motorcycles headlights and turn signals will flash while going down the road and kill your battery.

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