trailer hitch

I just bought a Time Out Deluxe trailer (12 inch wheels). I need a trailer hitch asap. Are the swiveling hitches necessary, nice, but not necessary, or an unnecessary gimmick? Can anyone recommend a brand (if I don't use a buddy's home made design) for my 2009 Heritage Softail Classic?

Having never towed a trailer behind a cycle, are there any tips or tricks that I need to be aware of?

Hey Dan! Been a minnit; I suppose you've seen the tests on the tire?
I just got a HF trailer frame, axles and hitch, and built a stakeside out of it. I checked the angles using their hitch, and
their 1-1/8" ball; only TWENTY-ONE DEGREES LEAN!!! I do more than that on EVERY corner I take, and really can't imagine
anyone not needing more, so these guys who say they don't need one sincerely must have shorter ball coverage or ride
like grandma.
So I'm sayin', check any ball you get and think on it carefully if you skip a swivel. I made my own, logged the build here:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5583

Actually, I've been gone quite a bit lately and haven't read any of the forum threads except the one immediately preceeding this one in which you explain that the tire I gave you works, but it needs 50 lbs of air. I never went quite that high with the pressure, I think I was at 42 at the highest. I hope it works well and safely for you.


When I started this thread, I must have had my head in my butt. It's the trailer coupler that swivels, not the hitch attached to the cycle. The Time Out that I bought has a swiveling coupler.

I haven't done any research on this issue yet. Do I need to upgrade anything on my bike to compensate for any additional stresses caused by towing a trailer?

Another note, perhaps of interest: I have 35,598 miles on my original Dunlop 402 front tire and it still shows plenty of tread. I showed it to the service manager at a Harley dealership in Montana when I had 32000 miles on it (while having a new rear put on)and he thought it was the longest lasting front he had ever heard of.

When my current Dunlop rear tire wears out I'll probably try another Austone or Dunlop car tire. I'm not giving up yet. The Michelin Commander II that I replace the Austone in Houston with went nearly bald after only 11000 miles, approximately 7000 fewer than I expected.

32k on a front tire! Wow! I get between 7 and 8k out of the Stone709 on the front of my Wing!! Another good reason to save up for a HD!!