Something for the smart get er done types here Chuck B, Jake, etc...

GyroRon

Former Gyro know it all
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
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16,888
Location
Fort Mill South Carolina
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Vans RV4 / Dominator 582 Ultrawhite
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So I guess Im going through a midlife crisis or something and got a wild hair up my butt to buy one of these things today.... http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot/slingshot-sl-le And no, I didn't pay that much for one! bought mine used for substantially less, probably won't keep it more than a few months either. But in the meantime I'd like to tow a small trailer with the thing, Id like to be able to haul my dirtbike on a small aluminum trailer behind this thing. Trailer and bike combined weight less than 500 pounds.

There are a few hitches now on the market for these machines. This one being the least invasive on installation and my wallet. http://www.slingmods.com/polaris-slingshot-trailer-hitch-modshop It attaches to a bracket between the rear shock and the swingarm.

What I don't like about it, is the distance from the mounting point and the way it bends around to the center of the tire. It makes for alot of flex and bending and likely alot of leverage on the swingarm itself. See this video from where a guy filmed the hitch pulling a very light trailer with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=219&v=7R0rVlWQTxQ

Here is a thread on this hitch and the installation if it isn't apparent how this hitch attaches and the loads imposed on the swingarm. http://www.slingshotforums.com/threads/slingshotmodshop-small-trailer-hitch-setup.1487/

Unfortunately, there isn't much else out there for sale. There is one new hitch that just came to market, but its ALOT more money and appears you need to cut up the bodywork to install. I don't want to cut up my bodywork because I would plan to resell this thing in a few months to a year and don't want holes or slots in the panels if I remove the hitch to sell it. http://rivcoproducts.com/shop-by-mo.../trailer-hitch-for-the-polaris-slingshot.html The advantage to this hitch though is it doesn't put the weight onto a suspension piece, it would be carried by the vehicles framework. This would give a smoother ride and also its a four arm design so it should be very strong and flex free. I would just use this hitch but I don't like the 600$ price or the cutting of the bodywork to install.

My question is this.... And I know this sounds weird..... But what if I made my own version of the first hitch I posted above, but instead of the long length and the L bend at the end to bring it centered behind the tire..... Why not make one thats shorter where the ball is maybe a inch or two closer to the swingarm and make it where the ball is centered with the mounting point on the swingarm and beside the tire instead of centered with the tire? I know this would have the trailer slightly off center of the vehicle, but the trailer is only like 4 feet wide and even wildly off center it would still be " behind " the slingshot if that makes sense. My thoughts are that with a hitch being slightly shorter in length and especially centered with the mounting pioints, there would be FAR less stress on everything and FAR less bending and flexing. And I would probably be able to fabricate and weld up something like this myself, saving me from having to spend 350$ to 600$ on a pre made hitch like these two options.

Thoughts?
 
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Ron , You got a Slingshot !!!???? That is one baddass ride ! They got one at the local dealer. They said that all three are already sold. Registered as a motorcycle here in PA with no helmet laws !!!!

Right out of Star wars ! How you like ???
 
I really like this one. and would pay the $600 for it, unless you are capable of building it, have a friend that is capable of building it for free or some one gives you one.
By time you get your material and time, you are really not saving much.
How much is a light bulb ? A dollar, well build me just one.
Now go buy the hitch and have fun.



http://rivcoproducts.com/shop-by-mo.../trailer-hitch-for-the-polaris-slingshot.html
 
I agree. If I was going to put a hitch on my Slingshot, this is the one I would purchase.
 
Pay the money for the more secure Rivco one and be done with it. Two small holes in the body? So what?
You should buy a hitch from MiniFini for a Mini Cooper to know what purchase pain is all about, but quality products cost money.
 
Trust me, I think that Rivco hitch seems nice. I just don't want to spend 600$ and put holes in the bodywork. I think I could easily fabricate one myself that is similar to this one, http://www.slingmods.com/polaris-slingshot-trailer-hitch-modshop except I think the hitch would be stronger and easier to make if the ball was centered with the swingarm mounting point verses having the L shape to put the ball centered with the rear wheel. I think that is the main question I have, would it hurt to have the ball not centered with the rear wheel / center of vehicle, especially considering the low overall weight of the intended tow trailer and cargo
 
The small amount of offset may result in some minor tracking problems at high speed.
This could make the load sway left to right because of the offset placed on the towing vehicle.
The ball inline with the hitch would be stronger than an offset.
I'm sure one way or another you'll get it figured out.
It is always wise to pull from the center of the towing vehicle and center of the trailer.
 
I was expecting an excact answer from chuck beatty. I believe a two inch offset is minor for that small a towed load and could be made even more negligible by putting the bike so its centre of mass is in line with the centre of the tow vehicle. The fear comes from the way everything is going to jackknife in a sudden stop.Nothing ron cant handle but dont let your mom drive .
I would use the other side of the top linkage and build a gooseneck looking trailer if it were me. softer ride for the trailer, more in line, and a unique look.
 
I once had a team of dump truck drivers bring their rvs to a job "up north" A few towed them behind their dump trucks not wanting to make the 8 hour drive twice. When they arrived at the job the insides of their rvs where trash. Apparently they needed a softer tow vehicle.
 
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