Swivel Wheel Trailer

[leasurejf]

We bought our 2013 Montana 3100RL planning to be able to take my motorcycle with us using a Swivel Wheel Trailer. I thought I had done enough research before purchasing mine, but apparently not the case. The outfit I asked for an estimate for installing the hitch had some concerns about stress on the frame. They contacted Keystone to check what the installation would do to the structural warranty. Keystone said the warranty would be voided! Fast Master Products says they have been selling the Swivel Wheel Trailer to Montana owners for over six years and haven't had a single problem.

Anyone out there happen to have a Swivel Wheel trailer hooked up to their Montana?

[DQDick]

I think you'll find we have a couple, but I looked into it and sold my Motorcycle. Too many issues for us being full timers.

[cdaniels]

x2 with DQDick except we did not sell as we are not full timers. We did however buy 2 50cc Metro Scooters and have a lot of fun with them instead. Each weigh 135lbs. In the past carried on on the back of the Montana and one of the front of the truck. Now with the longer 38ft Montana one goes up front in the bed of the truck (we have a long bed) and one on the front of the truck. It works for us. Everytime we looked into the swivel wheel it was unclear if they where really legal or not. I will tell you we talked to Arahm from Keystone and he recomended the Idaho tote. More expensive than the swivel wheel but we felt if $$ was not to much an issue it would do the job well.

[Lee F.]

I am interested in the replies to this also. I hate leaving the Road King home.

[pineranch]

Just had a class III installed on the Monty and this is what I plan on putting my ATV on and hauling them to Colorado next spring. I custom installed the 5th wheel Curt hitch from e-trailer. It's bolted and welded to the main frame and reinforced at the small extension Keystone welds on to the main frame to mount the bicycle hitch. I did not buy the ramp. The Idaho tote would break my bank. This past year in Co., I saw 5th wheels pulling pontoon boats, large ski boats, trailers with 6 ATV's and other vehicles.
http://www.smarttrailers.com/Toy_Hauler/
Mike

[DQDick]

I agree, lots of folks do it. Got passed coming down Raton Pass by a 5er towing a large boat at about 75-80. It's just not something I would do.

[steelpony5555]

Well this one uses Montana in it's ads... http://www.cruiserlift.com/swivelwheel.html

I like the double wheel that most of them have, the one above is only $2750. But in the ad above it advises you that the tires are only rated to 65 mph. My biggest problem is I would have to have a camera system installed too because of not being able to see the trailer and what is happening to the tires. A blowout on a trailer like that could get ugly.

[Gorgeguy]

I keep the big bike at home but carry a 200cc dual sport on the back of the Monty. That swivel wheel outfit is not legal in all states - Oregon is one.

[leasurejf]

Actually, it is legal in Oregon. The key is "permanent" or "temporary." Since it is attached with two receivers, it is permanently attached to the RV. There is a retired Oregon State Trooper that bought one earlier this year. Not worried about the legality, just the structural warranty. Looking like I may end up selling the big bike and just get a smaller one to have fun with.

[Gorgeguy]

Jim, I would be a nervous using it in Oregon. A good friend of mine is a retired OSP. I showed him a picture of the swivel wheel trailer and he said he would pull one of those over in "a New York second" if he saw one. I also asked a friend who works at the DMV, he also said it was illegal. I think you are better off just getting a smaller bike. My little DR 200 will scoot along at 70+ mph on the highway and still take me off road. I had a custom hitch made which uses two receivers and is welded to the I beams of the frame. If you want pictures of what I did, send me your email address and I will email them. I am actually going to be in your area next week. I still do some consulting with hearing aid practices and will be in Salem and Albany a day each next week.

[leasurejf]

Wayne, I sent you and email with my email address & cell. Thanks, Jim

[MIMF]

Gotta' agree with DQ Dick on this one! Thru the years working at the manufacturers......I've seen bad things!

[bwney]

We have been pulling a swivel wheel full time for 6 years. We had a 94 GL1500, in May we bought an 09 GL1800. Been up and down the east coast twice, and this year was our third time in California, Oregon, and Washington.

It's just not an issue anywhere. We are 62.5 feet with the truck connected. Camera, TPMS, good maintenance.

We are considering a new swivel wheel this winter. They now make one that loads sideways, and can be flipped up to park. Saving my pennies.....

[leasurejf]

Thanks Brant. Just what I was hoping to hear. I have the new swivel wheel trailer that flips up and loads from the side aw well. But, I gotta tell ya...it's heavy (400#+). Not sure how I would get it flipper up.

[wingerphil]

quote:But, I gotta tell ya...it's heavy (400#+). Not sure how I would get it flipper up.

Jim,
I'm thinking a 12v winch would make this a snap. Picture standing beside it holding the controls in one hand and a cold one in the other watching it fold itself!

Phil

[leasurejf]

[gkidsdlite]

Sell the Harley? NO WAY Gotta be some way of taking her along safely!

[ctomwood]

I have a Swivel Wheel Trailer on my 2008 5th I bolted mine on works greats

[bigred715]

As far as the legality in Oregon, it might be illegal, but trying to find a cop to stop you on I-5 is rare. You don't see many cops on I-5 anymore due to all the budget cuts. I have seen people pulling triple on occasion, but due to the lack of enforcement you might get thru. You could probably reinforce your frame to make it secure proven by some doing just that. If there was a problem, don't expect any help from Keystone. Each to their own on this one.

[kerry]

Hi guys, I have the dual wheel set up, works fine. I use it to haul my electric golf cart. Your 5W does need to be longer than 30' to use one of these per the manufacturer.