Swivel wheel questions,... need answers

[Our_Place]

I'm looking into this setup for a Honda Goldwing F6B. My camper has already had the flimsy rear bumper removed and a 4x4x3/16 box tube in it's place with 2x4x3/16 frame extensions to hold that new rear bumper in place. There is a class IV receiver tube welded through that new bumper so the camper hitch is covered. My questions are the reliability of the swivel wheel itself. Does the tiny little wheel hold up? Is there problems loading and unloading the bike from it? I don't really want to tow doubles as this was my original plan but I keep hearing more and more stories of people getting stopped for it. I considered the Idaho tote but at that cost I could just trade in my camper and buy a toy hauler. Looking for help from an actual owner that can give real world advice,...thanks!

[Winged_One]

We have had our 58DW for 4 years now. Put about 6000 miles on it, using it with our 1993 GL1500SE. Been to Montana and back with it.

Has worked excellent when loaded up. Be careful when empty, as bad roads can cause bouncing at high speeds. Not an issue when loaded.

Highway bridge aprons are the toughest on it. I think if my 5th had shock absorbers, it would probably not be as tough.

I use a rear camera to keep an eye on things.

I used to use Black Widow 12ft long ramps (and I do recommend them). However, just because, I added a Rampage lift.

Be sure to check Craigslist. That is where we found ours.

[GrumpyandGrandm]

Our Place wrote:


Thanks for the input from an actual owner. I have also been researching the "Smart trailer" listed above in a link and I like the features of it a little better but info is hard to come by on that brand and their web site leaves more questions than answers, as they want you to call them.

I've been to the "Smart Trailer" facility in Lakeland and they are very knowledgeable and helpful. I went there, planning on getting the 3 wheel version for our golf cart, but plans changed.

They primarily do custom builds and they want you to call so he can fully find out your needs. Even though they are built in FL, if it is on the back of a FW FL still considers it triple towing. That was one thing he stressed.

[Our_Place]

Dufus wrote:
I owned a DW58 Swivel Wheel pulling it behind a 37 ft Excel. It was very reliable. I chose the dual wheel for stability and because I wasn't sure the single wheel could handle the weight. I had a Kawasaki trike which was about 750 lbs. Some folks worry about "caster flutter" but my wife, traveling behind in the car, never noticed any problems. The ONLY issue is to be sure the trike is secured thoroughly, as there is some bouncing. There is an issue with the dual wheel in that you will need to install two class IV receivers to accommodate the unit. This will require a well qualified welder. In addition, when turning be careful with "swing out" of the unit because I came close to hitting vehicles next to me. This is true whether you have the single or double wheel unit. I also owned "Big Boy" ramps for loading and unloading. Your Honda may bottom with the shorter ramp.

Thanks for the input from an actual owner. I have also been researching the "Smart trailer" listed above in a link and I like the features of it a little better but info is hard to come by on that brand and their web site leaves more questions than answers, as they want you to call them. I have spoke with the people at Swivelwheel and the single wheel model will work for me but it will NOT haul a golf cart because of the weight. This is looking more like a purchase of an enclosed trailer and a double tow to get what I want. I would love to get the Idaho tote but the cost is just out of reach!

[Dufus]

I owned a DW58 Swivel Wheel pulling it behind a 37 ft Excel. It was very reliable. I chose the dual wheel for stability and because I wasn't sure the single wheel could handle the weight. I had a Kawasaki trike which was about 750 lbs. Some folks worry about "caster flutter" but my wife, traveling behind in the car, never noticed any problems. The ONLY issue is to be sure the trike is secured thoroughly, as there is some bouncing. There is an issue with the dual wheel in that you will need to install two class IV receivers to accommodate the unit. This will require a well qualified welder. In addition, when turning be careful with "swing out" of the unit because I came close to hitting vehicles next to me. This is true whether you have the single or double wheel unit. I also owned "Big Boy" ramps for loading and unloading. Your Honda may bottom with the shorter ramp.

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

We are fulltimer's and for several year we used a "Idaho Tote" attached to our 5er to carry a first Yamaha Rhino and then a Smart Car. It will easily Carry you large MC. They are more expensive than a swivel wheel but you get what you pay for.

Idaho Tote

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

[jerem0621]

Followed my friend down to Florida on I75...he had his golf cart on a swivel wheel.

We had a problem with the lug nuts constantly backing off. We had to re-tighten them every couple hundred miles.

I would not trust a swivel wheel on a reinforced bumper...that's exactly what my friend did and the bumper eventually tore away from the frame rails.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Our_Place]

B.O. Plenty wrote:
I wouldn't trust my $15-20,000.00 motorcycle to be safe safe rolling down the road on one little 8" wheel. Do you really think you would? What not get a proper trailer for it and tow doubles..

B.O.

Towing double was my original plan, however what are you suppose to do when you get stopped and they make you unhook that extra trailer? Leaving an expensive bike and trailer along side the road is not a viable option. I'm not new to towing double either as I towed a jeep and a boat behind my class A coach. The little 8" wheel is one of my original questions, that's why I was looking for answers from somebody that owns one to see exactly how well they hold up. With the way the swivel wheel is set up and the weight of my bike there would only be about 500 lbs. on that tire that is rated for 1075 lbs.

[fj12ryder]

I don't believe that I would go with the single wheel for that much weight. I used the double wheel Smart Trailer for several years and had no issues with it. Most of them are set up to have about half the weight on the 5th wheel, so make sure your frame and receiver assembly/ies are strong enough. A camera to keep an eye on things is a good idea, and always be aware of the lengthened tail swing.

We were never stopped when we traveled and we went through, and stayed in, several states that don't allow double towing. Personally I think it was because the swivel-wheel type trailers are a bit confusing regulation-wise and LEO's just don't want to hassle with them. Dunno.

I used a regular fold up ramp to load and unload, and it was never any problem. The swivel wheel trailers are not as expensive as an Idaho Tote, but still not cheap.

Good luck.

[B_O__Plenty]

I wouldn't trust my $15-20,000.00 motorcycle to be safe safe rolling down the road on one little 8" wheel. Do you really think you would? What not get a proper trailer for it and tow doubles..

B.O.