When hauling your luggage, motorcycle trailer hitches become the most critical accessory.

Good quality motorcycle trailer hitches can make or break a good trip. As simple as motorcycle trailer hitches may seem, they are designed for a certain purpose, to pull a trailer. Make sure you get a good quality hitch, if the hitch should ever fail on you, you could be in for an interesting ride which may stop at the nearest hospital. Never overload a hitch with excess tongue weight or by standing on them. They are not designed to handle heavy loads from above.

Safety chains are a must. Besides being required by law, they can help by preventing some serious damage. You should have two chains attached from the hitch to the tongue. Some manufacturers only supply one but it would be in your best interest to add another. The reason is that when attaching the chains, you always want to crisscross them under the tongue. The reason for this is twofold. One, it will provide some stability if the trailer should come loose. The last thing you want is a trailer whipping around behind you. The second, the crossed chains will act as a cradle to catch the tongue and minimize any damage to the tongue as you slow down and gain control.

There are a few different hitches on the market with different means of attaching the trailer to them. There are the standard ball hitches that you can install and mount different size balls to, or a pin type that allows for a heim joint that is similar to a tie rod end and allows for 360 degree rotation. Either way is fine, just remember when you pull a trailer, you lean the trailer doesn't, so look for something that allows for plenty of movement. Also consider locks on everything. Small, light trailers can get legs on them and you wouldn't like to come out and find it walked off in the middle of the night. I use a lock on the hitch, one on the receiver and I keep a cable lock to run through the wheels and attached to a parking block or similar heavy object while I ride without the trailer.

Make sure you consider rear wheel removal when purchasing motorcycle trailer hitches. When the bike is in the shop it's never an issue because the bike is raise on a lift and the wheel is removed straight down, but when on the road, what do you do? Each bike is different, the GL 1800 is a single swing arm and the wheel can be removed out the rear of the bike so our hitch comes apart to allow the wheel to pass by. Make sure that the hitch mounts directly to the frame of the bike. You don't need to take off on a trip and find your trailer and your saddle bags have been left behind.

Electrical connections are another key. Ensure that you have a positive locking connection between the trailer and the bike. Keep the connectors clean and use WD40 or dielectric grease to prevent moisture from getting to the metal pins. Place the covers on them when not in use and make sure they are mounted or tucked up out of the way when you are not pulling your trailer. This will ensure you have many safe miles getting all your stuff to where you want to go.

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