Hauling a bunkhouse XL St1300

[jrwox]

Hi to all. I made a maiden voyage tryout with our bunkhouse with the ST 1300. It pulled good, especially on smoother roads, but you certainly know it's back there! I'm taking my time learning how it handles, etc. One problem I'm hoping others here can address is seeing directly behind the trailer as in I can't. Has anyone had this problem and come up with solution? Looking forward to going on a trip soon with it and it would be nice to know what's going on behind me!
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[jrwox]

 

[Ron]

What do you mean, "seeing directly behind the trailer"? Are you talking about the ground or the general area behind the trailer?

 

[jrwox]

What do you mean, "seeing directly behind the trailer"? Are you talking about the ground or the general area behind the trailer?

I can't see any vehicles behind the trailer.

 

[Sadlsor]

Does It need something like those old Saeng mirrors mounted up higher on the windshield?
I believe I can imagine what you mean, because the stock mirrors are about the same height as the trailer right?

 

[Willsmotorcycle]

I put a 60L dry bag across my rear seat, it passed over the lock portion of the saddle bags, just as you described, could not see much in the mirrors. I solved with two 40L.
Maybe the police over the mirror brackets with mirrors? I believe Northwestern Powersports in WA did a few up fits that way, cant find pictures or it would here.

 

[Willsmotorcycle]

Found one, you can just make out the black mirror below the helmet.

 

[Williamson]

Although the view of traffic behind is restricted with the Elite camper trailers, they are not as wide as your camper. TheElite are based on a 3ft (wide) x 4ft (long) trailer chassis (plus A-frame draw bar), with the camper tent overhanging by just the slightest margin.



I looked at options to improve visibity to the rear, bought some of the below (or similar type) mirrors, but mounting was very awkard and in the end the gain didn't outweigh the problem, so they now sit on a shelf in the back of a cupboard in the garage.



Whilst searching for a mirror pic, I found this pic.



These, perhaps with a further custom extension, might address your current concerns, but I wouldn't expect them to survive too long in the event of the ST deciding to have a nap.

 

[jrwox]

Thanks for the replies. Good ideas, I'll see what I can find. I'll take one of my wife's mirrors to see how high I need to go.

 

[Chris09]

Not quite the same but maybe better than nothing if you can't view directly behind, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried mounting any of those small convex mirrors, I bought a couple but can't make up my mind if I want to try them only to be removing a patch of sticky glue. I find the mirrors very good and I keep my head on a swivel but I wouldn't mind a little more vision as vehicles come along side.

 

[jrwox]

I thought about the convex mirrors also for daily driving. I'd just get as small as possible but I think a good idea.
For seeing the trailer I found these that have good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/WildAuto-Adjustable-Auxiliary-Universal-Black-2pcs/dp/B07V2XJ62P/ref=sr_1_49_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=rv%2Bmirror%2Bextenders&qid=1630672333&sr=8-49-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE0NDVJTjlGMjYzU0YmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4MzUyMDEyNzE5WFNNNlozT1EwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTAxNDM3T1BETVk3VEhTUTAmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGZfbmV4dCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

I'm going to check with a mirror to see it's tall enough but I think it will be.

 

[STFlips]

Not quite the same but maybe better than nothing if you can't view directly behind, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried mounting any of those small convex mirrors, I bought a couple but can't make up my mind if I want to try them only to be removing a patch of sticky glue.

I mounted one of those small ones on the left mirror and it does improve your field of vision once you adjust to using it. They're very cheap at an auto supply and if you hate it, it's easy to remove the sticky stuff with GooBGone. Ford made them part of their mirrors years ago, I liked it and put them on all my cars since, and the ST a week after I got it.

 

[Weaselinsuit]

This backup camera system seems to suggest you can see what's behind you throughout your ride. Maybe it might work?

Edit: or this option made for bicycles. It has a wireless hotspot that sends it to your phone.....this is way more fun that working

 

[Sadlsor]

Extra wiring, installation, mounting, some hassle factor, but I hadn't thought of this option.
Taking note for when I get my trailer "some day."
The good news is, it would only be used / necessary whilst actually trailering.
At first blush, this seems a fully viable solution, if not actually "perfect."
I think I could live with it, while towing.
Thanks, Mr. Weasel.

 

[bstig60]

I thought about the convex mirrors also for daily driving. I'd just get as small as possible but I think a good idea.
For seeing the trailer I found these that have good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/WildAuto-Adjustable-Auxiliary-Universal-Black-2pcs/dp/B07V2XJ62P/ref=sr_1_49_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=rv%2Bmirror%2Bextenders&qid=1630672333&sr=8-49-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE0NDVJTjlGMjYzU0YmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4MzUyMDEyNzE5WFNNNlozT1EwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTAxNDM3T1BETVk3VEhTUTAmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGZfbmV4dCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

I'm going to check with a mirror to see it's tall enough but I think it will be.

I have a set of those mirrors mounted on top of the stock mirrors on my GW. They helped somewhat, but I couldn't get the to mount on my ST as the tops of the mirror covers had too much curve in them.

 

[jrwox]

I think I have the first camera system for an RV I fixed up and ended up selling. Crazy story, the RV got shipped to Israel!!! They said they'd email me pics of the RV by the dead sea. Seeing as bstig60 says they don't work on the ST I might have to dig it out and see if I can mount it up.

 

[sirepair]

A couple weeks ago was our first time pulling my Mini-mate, and had the same concern. Taking a page from Dual-sport riders, I've noted some "Double-take" mirrors which use RAM ball mounts. So off to Amazon...
1 pair of Universal replacement mirrors with 10mm x1.25 thread $11.00
2 RAM Mounts Ball Adapter with M10 X 1.25 Threaded Post RAM-B-349U with B Size 1" Ball $10.50 ea $21.00
2 RAM Motorcycle Brake/Clutch Reservoir Ball Base $15.50 ea $31.00
2 RAM Mounts RAP-B-201U-A Composite Double Socket Arm - Short Arm $9.50 ea $19.00
Total: $82.00

You will need a couple of 10 x 1.25 coupling nuts if you don't have something available. I'm a pack rat and had some deep nuts that worked for my needs. Dabs of Locktite will prevent the pieces from coming appart.

Easily installed when needed, then removed once at our destination.

Here is the results:

 

[Sadlsor]

I actually had thought of that, but forgot to mention this option.
But you list the brake / clutch reservoir cover RAM mounts, yet they're handlebar-mounted?

 

[jrwox]

Wow! You can see everything! I have an extra ball mount on top of the dash. I might be able to do something with that and these mirrors. Thanks!

 

[Sadlsor]

Wow! You can see everything! I have an extra ball mount on top of the dash. I might be able to do something with that and these mirrors. Thanks!

Sounds like you might be able to see everything on your chest, with a dash mount mirror.
Pictures will help me clarify that particular setup. I don't "see" it...