Motorcycle trailer brakes

 Hi All,

T'is a grand day here for riding (clear and sunny after 5 days of 45*, wind
and rain) but got to work .....

I will be picking up a new camping trailer later this on this month.
(Trailmaster Aspen Classic).  it weighs in about 350# mt and loaded it
should gross out about 500# or so - I WILL scale it tho.... to be sure.

My question (s) to draw on the Group Wisdom please:

I ordered this trailer with electric brakes and am interested in feedback on
what type of "brake controller" to use, as there are a LOT out there.

(YES there are many opinions starting with no trailers at all, but I am
interested in those that DO trailer please....)

Am looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy TE90185 V2.6  for starters as it is a

'velocity' vs 'timed' controller.

Also the best places to mount this unit.... (waterproofing or suggestions in
that area too)

I am riding a '83 GL1100A that totals in wet (not loaded) about 790# (us two
riders are not lite either :>)) )

Hence the brakes (wanted - not needed) just to assist in stopping and safe
riding.

I do have trailering experience (200-350# range) for about 4 years and am
aware of safer distances and speed reduction as needed. (just as a note
-
new tyres and brake system "spring checkup")

So - wisdom is being solicited for all to see and learn.

Many thanks - John B - '83 GL1100Aspe - Wisconsin Cheesehead

 

Y'know, I read that somewhere over in scandinavia, they use Honda Goldwings
as tow trucks to remove disabled vehicles from the highways.  These
goldwings are specially fitted with a fold-up car trailer.  That is, when
not in use, the tow dolly folds up and rides on the back of the bike, so
that the motorcycle handles like a (LARGE, of course) motorcycle and can go
anywhere a typical Goldwing can go.  They do this as the motorcycle can get
through backed-up traffic easier than a typical tow truck can.  The
interesting thing about the article I read is that the Goldwing brake
system, with very slight modification, can stop the motorcycle quite quickly
and safely, even if it is going downhill while towing a CAR behind it.  In
other words, the slightly modified Goldwing brakes are strong enough to stop
the motorcycle AND the car, without assistance from the car brakes.

Based on that, I'd probably look at the tow vehicle.  It won't hurt to beef
up the brake system on the bike.  If you did that, you'd be safer whether
you are towing anything or not.  Just a thought.  I don't know how much the
trailer brakes and brake control system cost, but I'd guess that would be
most of the cost of beefing up the bike's own brake system.  -Dave