TC, I'm with you on the SS lines. The difference on the front breaks with the Stainless Steel lines is awesome. Rears are much better, but my feet aren't as calibrated as my hands, so I can only say "better" with the rear SS lines. Also, I only use EBC FA-85 pads, if at all possible. I also carry one or two sets with me, at all times. If I don't use them on a trip, they are always available for my com-padre's, if needed! FA-85HH pads are designed for racing applications. They work good, but I could feel them gnawing on my rotors. They came off, lickety split!MTN99 wrote:Gene,
............
Also to answer your other question on brake pads, I check em before any long trip and always have 2 sets in the saddle bag. EBC FA-85 have been good for me. I haven't changed mine yet but the S/S brake lines are said to really improve responce...
Hope this helps... Ride Safe
Gene, The best advise I can give is to "practice". Parking lots with a test loaded trailer will reap much knowledge. The best advice for pulling a trailer is..... give yourself some extra room! Pulling is actually the easy part, breaking will feel different. Adjusting to a loaded trailer won't take long to get accustomed to, just give yourself the extra distance for breaking. Taking off from a stop also requires just a bit more finesse. You won't be able to goose it like before. But, it won't take much to master the take-off's. A cargo trailer will not be that difficult, at all. If you step up to a tent-trailer, then the packing and weight management becomes more noticeable. A tent trailer is usually about 300-350lbs dry, and they usually have enough storage room to really get stupid on the weight. I know, I have pulled really heavy a few times. (I guess 2 color TV is just a tad bit, too much!) The convenience of the room in a trailer or camper can get out of hand!, But when used sparingly, you can really set up for a great road, or camping trip!
I used to be a back packer. I have gone back to that mentality when it comes to packing my motorcycle trailer, whether it be a camper or cargo trailer. #1 rule...... If you didn't use something the previous few trips with your trailer, you probably don't need to tote it with you, anymore. You will have to decide on your own packing list. #2 rule...... leave room for the things momma will buy along the way! (Barg's Red Creme Soda is only important based on distance and availability!, right, Chris?)
Make no mistake about it, bike touring with a trailer can be, and usually is, a wonderful experience. Just, learn your bike & trailer limitations, and you'll have a great time out there! Don't forget, you will loose some of that great Voyager gas mileage. When pulling my Aspen camper, I usually get about 33mpg. The smaller trailers don't take away as much.
A personal note: I could not see myself traveling anywhere, on my bikes, without one of my trailers!!!!!! It is another world of moto-traveling.....
Bill O
Gene, Your adventure awaits you!
Pacific Ocean, CA
Whitebird Pass, ID
PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), CA
Lee Vining, CA
Security, CO
Garden of the Gods, C. Springs, CO
Central, UT
Mount St, Helens, WA
Lewiston, ID
) just toss in a couple of full Ice chests, couple of heavy coats, and bottles of H2o in the Tongue ice chest to ballance and find a empty parking lot. In your mind set yourself up a course with some tight turns, straight runs ect. Make use of obstacles like curbs, bumper blocks, pot holes & other road hazards.. 
well you can't always get that spot that you can pull straight thru so you'll need to be prepaired for anything. There have been times that it was easier to unhook and get parked and then hook back up, (easy to do with a ballanced load..) Backing up with the short tongue is challenging as well...
