Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I have a 2004 Olds Alero V-6 (bought used with no manual) and 1998 Honda Goldwing SE (800 lbs).

I would like get a hitch for the car and trailer for the bike. I want to drive to a vacation spot and then bike the region.

I found class II hitches ratred at 350 lbs at the ball and 3500 lbs towing for the Alero. E trailer.com

Questions or concerns on mine:

1. On paper the hitch fits my car but should I be wary of what?

2. For towing should I add anything on my car? special shocks, trans cooler, aux radiator, new rear tires, dual inline battery, etc

3. Verify trailer and bike insurance is covered on our state usage. Anything else on insurance?

4. Can my 2004 Olds Alero with class two hitch safely pull 800 lbs bike and single trailer? Some mountains but lots and lots of hills in Tennessee.


Thank your for any help you can offer as I know nothing of towing.

What is the purpose of having a Gold Wing if you are trailering it and not riding it to your vacation spot?

It'll tow it fine. combined weight will be less than 1500 lbs. Turn off overdrive like on any other vehicle, take it slow, and don't be the douchebag that takes up the left lane or never pulls over in the single lane and you'll be fine.

I think the most important thing, will be to learn how to tie down that bike correctly. Make sure you get a good chock for the front tire, quality hard points to tie down to, and really good ratchet tie downs...

2 things I have learned from towing bikes.
1: Never lash down the front forks, tie down the front axle or use a tyre brace. On the rear I also use rear tyre tie downs with just a couple of straps as safety measures on the hard points of the bikes.

2: use one of those friction devices on the ball of the hitch that prevents swaying. This really helps to keep the bikes upright through corners.