The Ultimate Motorcycle Touring Companion
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As Tom Finch has stated , “it would be helpful if the technical aspects of all the trailers were made available for comparison purposes.”
“If there was a qualified testing organization, or better yet, an engineering organization that did a detailed look at the various trailers for key items such as:
Durability
Reliability
Ride quality smooth road
Ride quality rough road
Handling dynamics
Longevity
Loading ease.
Loaded dynamics
Resistance to roll over
individual wheel suspension independence and compliance
Lateral excitation from individual wheel inputs.
Pitch inertia characteristics
Body durability and resistance to warpage
Impact resistance
Conspicuity
For instance, one trailer has a higher incidence of roll overs from clipping curbs likely due to individual wheel suspension compliance being very low.
One trailer is difficult to load because the front has a long overhang.
Many trailers require two hands to open them which makes picking up clothes from the cleaners or groceries in the rain, very difficult.
Some require lubrication at each use. Some as little as every 2,500 miles.
Check the maintenance and service requirements of the trailers you look at, and the suspension compliance.
If possible, open the lid of the trailer you are considering, step in, and bounce up and down in it. If it feels like a concrete porch, that is likely how it will ride.
Some trailers require lubricating every use and every 2,500 miles. Some require changing the air pressure every time the load change significantly. Some have essentially sole source tires.
The Tailwind that has a recommended service interval of 150,000 miles. It is the only trailer with Triplex suspension that includes front suspension. Only trailer with built in isolation. Only Trailer with built in Battery. Only trailer with built in air compressor and hose for tire service. Tires and wheel bearings available at WalMart, even if of a lower quality, will certainly finish a trip.
Only trailer with 12 volt outlets and overhead light. Only trailer where electric powered items are powered from the Trailer's battery and not the bike's battery.
Lots of unique items.
Fore and aft LED side markers that double as additional turn signals.
One hand lock, unlock, and open lid operations, shared with Hannigan.
Air tight lid that you can not force to slam, only on Tailwind.
Variable geometry suspension and over 4 inch travel, shared with no other trailer.
Tailwind has a drag coefficient below 0.3. Acceleration and hill climbing available at Texas 80 mph speed limits is markedly different because of the surplus horsepower not required to fight drag.
Fuel penalty usually less than 2 cups of fuel per tankful.
I believe that the other trailer companies should list their salient features and specs so you can make an informed purchase, as opposed to "I like mine" or "It looks really good". ”
This information is from a post that Tom has responded to in a forum.
The Worlds Best Made Motorcycle Trailer !!!!
Here is a little history about my research for a trailer to pull behind my 2009 Honda Goldwing. I purchased the motorcycle in 2009 and in the fall of 2010 I decided to purchase a trailer as an accessory to enhance my travels on my Goldwing.
I researched various motorcycle trailers for six months and did not find one that would compare to the design of the Tailwind. The list of trailers I utilized was from another site http://aerobourne.com/motorcycletrailerindex9.htm.
The only trailer that came in a distant second was the Hannigan trailer, but the plusses and deltas always added up to the Tailwind Trailer as the best trailer manufactured. (In my opinion)
I used various items in his list to perform my research and if your research is objective you will not find another trailer that will compete with the Tailwind Trailer.
I submitted my order in for a Tailwind in March 2011 and rode to Texas to pick it up in August. You will not find a better gentleman than Tom. He was a great host and ensured I could handle the trailer safely before he would turn me loose.
(Note: I obtained my first motorcycle in 2008 as well as my motorcycle endorsement.) Tom had my safety as his first priority since I am a considered a newbie in the motorcycle world.
Since August I have logged approximately 4200 miles pulling the trailer and it pulls like there is nothing behind you. You will check your mirrors to ensure it is still attached to the motorcycle.
There is negligible fuel loss pulling this aerodynamic trailer. I compared it with my friends fuel economy when we were riding for a week around Lake Michigan and he would consistently add approximately one more gallon of gas during each fill up. My wife says it is the best accessory I purchased for the motorcycle as she has room to pack more clothes and make-up.
I can’t say enough good things about this trailer and Tom, but if you perform your research and compare the items in the list above you will save your money and purchase the best performing trailer made. (In my opinion)
If you want quality you want the Tailwind !!!
Links to Tom Finch Tailwind Trailer are:
