chuckqdini

Thanks for all the discussion and excellent points fellow Toy owners! Totem is correct that my concern is over-stressing the 22R engine/4-speed manual transmission. I have no concern with the frame because my shorty SunRader is beefy back there and the power assisted brakes are more than adequate to stop the rig on a very steep hill we have here in my hometown in the Ozarks. When I return from a short trip to Los Angeles, (in my Toy of course!), I will drive some progressively more challenging routes towing my trailer/motorcycle combo and report back here. Will be watching gas and oil consumption as well as engine temps like a hawk while testing. I figure if I continue to drive my Toy like it was designed (and Totem described), I shouldn't have a problem. Keeping my fingers crossed the engine/trans can "get er done"! Plan #B is to mount my 1972 Honda CT90 (with folding handlebars) using "old school" 1980s style "basket mounts" to the rear bumper. The DR650 is so much more fun to ride though..... I would not attempt this in my '82 Gran Sport, even though it's lighter, it has the three-speed automatic with over-drive transmission and does not have a true one-ton rear axle and brakes. Frame extension is not even close to being as strong as the SunRader's either. Thanks again! Chuck in Are-can-saw

I have an '81 Sunrader 17' with the 4-cyl 22R engine and 4-speed transmission. I bought a small/light trailer from Harbor Freight (200 pounds) and put my Suzuki DR650 motorcycle(400 pounds) on the back. I can easily move the bike/trailer combo around by hand and the tongue weight can't be over 50 pounds as it's easy for me to lift. I've towed the combo up the steepest hills in my town. I can normally (without trailer) maintain 37-40 mph (3rd gear) up these hills but the speed drops to 33-35 with trailer/bike. I have also tried the same hills with a lighter bike on the trailer ('73 Yamaha 360 at 240 pounds) with the same results. Bare trailer only yields a slight speed increase by about 2-5 mph. No problems noted with overheating or downhill braking. I have not tried an extensive trip yet. I am concerned about overtaxing the engine, but not the frame or suspension as they seem fine with the load. The bike/trailer combo doesn't compress the Sunrader's rear suspension when measured (light tongue weight?). Do you folks think I should tow this rig long distance? Anyone with experience with a similar set-up? I noticed a few posts like mine but no answers yet.Help a toy owner out! I'm leaving for a cross-country trip from Arkansas to California next week and would like to take my motorbike but don't want to blow up the Toy. I normally cruise at or below 55mph (like all of us?). I've added a rear-view camera to the back of the Sunrader so I can keep an eye on the trailer and help with lane changing. Thanks for your input! Chuck in Arkansas