Bushtec builds 6 unique models that vary according to style, capacity and price. Each trailer has a unique personality that is designed to complement a particular model or range of motorcycles. The capacity of the 6 Bushtec models range from 21 cubic feet to 26 cubic feet. Every Bushtec model is available in a basic trim level that consists of a White OR Black single stage polyurethane exterior, full interior carpet in your choice of Black OR Charcoal, smooth or flat lid, and black powdercoat chassis neck. From the basic model, you can choose from over 40 different options to configure your Bushtec to reflect your style and or better service your riding needs. However, the ultimate decision lies with you. Your styling preferences, capacity requirements and budget will help to narrow the field to the right model for you.

The Bushtec Owner's Manual can be viewed and downloaded here.

Certain accessories must be incorporated as part of the initial build of your Bushtec trailer. Failure to include one of these items would require replacement of complete assemblies as opposed to the simple addition of an accessory. These items per each model are named as follows.

Turbo+2

Spoiler Style Lid upgrade or Standard Flat Lid

If the above is ordered, the LED Third Brake Light in Spoiler Style Lid

Chrome Chassis Neck upgrade or Standard Black Powdercoat Chassis Neck

Roadstar

LED Third Brake Light in Lid or Standard Lid

GT Fender Option or Standard Fender

Chrome Chassis Neck upgrade or Standard Black Powdercoat Chassis Neck

Quantum Sport & GL

Chrome Chassis Neck upgrade or Standard Black Powdercoat Chassis Neck

LED Third Brake Light in Spoiler Style Lid

Entourage

Chrome Chassis Neck upgrade or Standard Black Powdercoat Chassis Neck.

Tow Tow

Fold Down Rear Tailgate

Chrome Chassis Neck upgrade or Standard Black Powdercoat Chassis Neck

LED Third Brake Light in Spoiler Style Lid

Different states have different laws regarding whether a trailer of this size requires a plate, and what size plate is issued. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Licensing authority regarding the specific laws of your state. Bushtec does not issue any type of temporary plate. With your Bill of Sale, you have 10 business days to transport your new trailer for registration purposes. If you wish to receive your documents prior to pick up or shipment of your trailer, any outstanding balance must be paid in full. 

All Bushtec trailers include a hardware kit with written instructions to accommodate installation of a license plate. If your trailer does not require a license plate, please hold on to your Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin because if you sell it, the new owner may require a license and will need the signed off MSO to acquire a license.

In 30 years, Bushtec has achieved a reputation for colormatch capability. However, this has come in large part due to our talented team of technicians. Motorcycle manufacturers don’t all make their paint formulas available to the aftermarket, which requires that we match the color in house. This is part of why we ask our customers to submit a colormatch sample. Further, shade variation can occur on a single motorcycle as not all parts are painted at the same time, nor in the same facility. Air pressure settings at the paint gun as well as temperature, humidity and other atmospheric conditions can affect how a paint lays out and ultimately the color. Bushtec can match single color, two tone, candy, sunglow, or pearl tricoat finishes even complex custom and CVO graphics packages. Pricing is dependent on the number of colors and amount of time required to achieve your desired colormatch.

All Bushtec trailers are built with a 6 wire electrical harness. This system is designed to support separate signal feeds from the motorcycle for optimal visibility at the rear of the trailer. Color codes are as follows:

Green – Taillights

Blue – Brake

Yellow – Right Turn

Brown – Left Turn

White – Ground

Black – Interior Light (auxiliary)

Bushtec trailers feature an auxiliary lead that allows the interior light to be run on a separate lead that can be connected via a 12V hot source on the motorcycle. However, we recommend that the interior light be run in conjunction with the taillights to assure that it is turned off when the ignition is turned off, thereby eliminating the possibility of drawing down the battery due to a 12V hot light source. This auxiliary lead can also be used through a switched circuit for the addition of auxiliary lighting on the trailer, such as LED’s or neon.

There have been two versions of the Bushtec Vertical Receiver Hitch for the GL1800. The V1 design was available from 2001 to October 2003, consisting of a 1 piece U-shaped hoop, rear plate with receiver section, and vertical struts. The V1 design will fit 2001 to 2003 Gold Wings but not 2004 and later Wings. The V2 design was introduced in October 2003 consisting of a three piece hoop (left side single bend arm, right side s-bend arm, and center section with receiver section) and vertical struts. The V2 design will fit 2001 through 2010 models with any group of equipment (ABS, airbag, premium audio, etc).

The Bushtec hitch for 1985 to 2008 FLH will fit Electra Glide, Ultra Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, and Road King models. Many of these models feature a chrome two-rail fender bumper with rubber insert which extends 2 inches below the bottom of the rear fender. The Street Glide features a lighted extension that extends approximately 2 inches below the bottom of the rear fender. The Bushtec hitch will fit these models with no additional cosmetic additions. On the Road Glide, Road King, CVO Electra Glide, CVO Ultra Classic, and 2003 CVO Road King, Bushtec recommends that you install the HD V-Rail (HD part # 91100-94) as there is a gap between the bottom of the fender and the hitch platform. The V-Rail is strictly a cosmetic accent to fill the gap between the fender and the hitch. The 2007 and 2008 CVO Road Kings require a different hitch to accommodate the wider rear tire on these models. The 2008 model has a wider rear fender and thus requires a different hitch than the 2007 models. The standard Bushtec hitch for 1985-2008 FLH will not fit. When the Street Glide was introduced in 2006, Bushtec revised the existing design adding ¼ inch to the vertical mount, allowing for clearance of the light box. Hitches that were built prior to January 2006 will not fit the Street Glide, but those built after will fit the Street Glide and other models.

Bushtec builds three different versions for 2009 and later FLH models. The 3 variations are designed to accommodate various models in stock format with no modification or addition of any part such as a V-Rail. Version 1 is designed to fit models with fender bumper (Electra Glide, Ultra Classic or some Road King models) or fender extension with light (Steet Glide). Version 2 is designed to fit models with no fender bumper or fender extension (Road Glide, most Road Kings, CVO Ultra Classic). Version 3 is designed to fit models with longer fender extension with no light (2009 CVO Road Glide and 2010 CVO Street Glide). There are not any common parts from the 1985 to 2008 model and the new design. While the hitch head appears similar, the receiver tube has a larger hole in a different position.

Customers have protection from this under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. The act is designed to “improve the adequacy of information available to customers, prevent deception, andimprove competition in the marketing of consumer products….”

- The presence of aftermarket parts does not void a warranty or warranty service.

- In cases where a failed aftermarket part is the reason for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the customer, but by law the new-vehicle warranty is not voided.

- The only time a new vehicle warranty can be voided is if an installed aftermarket product can be proven without doubt, that it is responsible for the warranty claim.

- The act only applies to consumer products which can be defined as tangible personal property, regardless of how the product distributed in commerce is actually used by the individual buyer.

- The act does not apply to oral warranties; only written warranties are covered.

- The act does not apply to warranties on services, only goods are covered, unless both the parts and workmanship in making that repair are covered by the warranty.

Bushtec no longer manufactures the Bunkhouse camper. Bushtec built the last camper for Alliance Industries in Marietta OH (owner of Bunkhouse) in July 2017. Bushtec does not offer replacement parts or technical services for the Bunkhouse Camper. There may be a forum or Facebook page for Bunkhouse Campers. 

Bushtec no longer manufactures the Trigg Trike. Bushtec built the last Trigg Trike for Alliance Industries in Marietta OH (owner of Trigg Trike) in February 2017.  Bushtec does not offer replacement parts or technical services for the Trigg Trike. There may be a forum or Facebook page for Trigg Trike.

Bushtec trailers can be ordered directly through Bushtec or one of our authorized dealers. A 50% deposit is required to book an order into production with the balance being due prior to shipment or at time of delivery. An order is not booked until deposit is received along with a build specification sheet. Once the deposit is received the trailer is booked into production and assigned a VIN number.

Lead times are dependent on time of year as trailer orders tend to rise in the early spring and summer months. On the short end, lead times run around 4 weeks and can run as long as 6 weeks or more in peak of spring and early summer. Quoted lead times do not include shipping time in transit, so please allow sufficient time for building of your Bushtec trailer.

Using the last 3 digits of the VIN number, contact Bushtec to make changes or check status of your trailer. Some items, such as pouches, garment bags and accessory lid bags can be added up to time of pick-up. However, some items such as chassis neck finish, fender style, lid style, and others must be concretely established within the first week following order placement. These items affect the parts built and pulled from the fiberglass shop and become difficult to change once the order has been placed on the floor.

Bushtec offers several methods of delivery for your new Bushtec trailer. Trailers can be:

- Picked up from the ordering dealer.

- Shipped by truck freight to a business or residence address. Liftgate service is available and highly recommended for residential deliveries.

- Picked up from the plant in Jacksboro, TN by appointment

- Picked up from the Bushtec display at one of the major rallies we attend every year.

- Lubrication of captured bearing and 360 degree swivel.

- Lubrication of the 6 collars that attach the anti-sway bar to the A-arms and main frame.

- Inspection of wheel bearings.

Super Lube can be found in many Lowe’s or Home Depot home improvement stores. It is available in both dropper and aerosol forms, either of which can be used on the trailer. If using an aerosol, use an abbreviated spray to avoid wasting material.

If you cannot locate Super Lube, another option is DuPont Multi-use with Teflon. Both of these products use PTFE as the lubricant and do an excellent job while not collecting dust and grit.

The Bushtec air system is checked under full inflation during final assembly. The Bushtec air system is designed to hold air over an extended period of time, whether the trailer is empty or loaded. If you are experiencing a problem with air loss, follow this process. Do not attempt the following unless you are mechanical and have the proper tools to perform each step. The first few steps can be done with minimal tools.

1. Check that the air fittings on the shocks are tight. These can be tightened by hand. Do not use pliers. Use of pliers can result in damage to or breakage of the fitting.

2. Remove the Schrader valve core and check the o-ring is intact. If there is any damage to the o-ring, replace it. If the o-ring is intact, reinstall the Schrader valve core and check that it snug and is not sticking in the open position.

3. Using a suspension pump with an integrated gauge, inflate the suspension to 50 PSI and leave the pump connected to determine the extent of the leak. If the system holds air overnight, then the system is likely intact. If the system loses a pound or more, then proceed to the next step. Do not use a tire gauge to check the pressure as each time you check it, you will induce a pressure drop in the system as it requires a small volume of air to register the pressure on the gauge.

4. Elevate the trailer with jacks, a trailer lift, or blocks and remove the wheels per the manual. Make sure that the trailer is very stable and can be pushed and pulled on. Using a squirt bottle or bucket and sponge, mix a soap and water solution that is heavy on soap. We find that dishwashing detergent works best. Bubbling will indicate where air is escaping the system. If you identify what you think is a leak, reapply soap and water solution to the leak position. A leak will exhibit a continuous bubbling.

5. Apply the soap solution to the Schrader valve and air line at the front of the tongue, the air line as it exits the chassis main tube under the body and crosses to the airline T, the airline T, and each airline running from the airline T to the left and right shocks. Apply soap and water solution to each shock from top mount to bottom mount.

6. If you are unable to locate any leak source to this point, drop the air pressure to 10 pounds. Starting with the left side, have a helper push down on the lid over the left wheel well as you apply soap and water solution to the shock body. Pull upward on the axle from full extension to full compression and continue to apply soapy water solution to the air bladder of the shock. This will allow you to roll the air bladder and check the rubber for any cuts, cracks, or damage. Repeat process for right side.

7. If you are still unable to locate the leak source, start by dropping the air pressure to 8 PSI. Fill a bucket with water. Remove the shock from the upper and lower mounts, noting position of mounting hardware. Leave the air line connected. Immerse the shock in the bucket and support the shock so that you can compress it watching for bubbles. If necessary, flip the shock so that you can immerse both ends. Before moving to the other side, reinstall the shock. Use caution and keep from twisting the air line during leak testing and reinstallation. Also, be careful not to kink the air line during reinstallation.

8. If you are unable to locate a leak, determine if the trailer was shipped. When a Bushtec trailer is shipped, a piece of plastic split loom tubing is placed around the air line and electrical harness. This piece of loom must be removed prior to assembly. If the chassis neck is installed onto the chassis tube with the loom in place, it is possible that the air line can be damaged during installation. If the trailer was shipped and it is possible that loom was left in place, proceed with the next step.

9. Remove the chassis neck from the main chassis tube. This requires removal of the third body support saddle which is secured to the U-clamp with two nuts. Remove the two bolts secured with nylock nuts that secure the chassis neck to the chassis. Cut the wire tie that secures the air line T to the chassis and pull the T toward the chassis center tube, using the slack in the air line to the shocks. Feed electrical harness into the front of the tongue as you pull the chassis neck forward off the chassis tube. Look inside the chassis tube and make sure that there is nothing inside of it other than the air line and electrical harness.

Almost all leaks are diagnosed through this process. If you are still unable to locate the leak, contact Bushtec.

In a market that is saturated by over 60 trailer manufacturers, Bushtec stands apart through Safety, Style and Performance. Each Bushtec trailer features 3 unique Bushtec attributes. First, our positive displacement rod end and pin coupler eliminates the fore-and-aft movement that is standard in all ball type couplers, thereby making the trailer compliant to the motorcycle by eliminating the trailers ability to push and pull on the motorcycle during acceleration and braking. Second, all Bushtec trailers use a larger diameter 16 inch wheel which turns fewer RPM’s as compared to standard 8, 10 and 12 inch wheels. By reducing rotational speed, a reduction in heat buildup is realized that results in improved wear characteristics. The complete wheel assembly with bearings and tire weighs 17 pounds, 50% lighter than the comparable 12 inch automotive wheel assembly with hub weighing 34 pounds. Reducing upsprung rotational weight has a direct effect on reducing rotational resistance and the inertial effect of the spinning wheel. Therefore it requires less effort by the motorcycle in an effort to accelerate and brake with a Bushtec trailer as compared to competitors trailers with automotive wheel assemblies. Third, is our proprietary suspension. Consisting of twin independent A-arms, an integrated anti-sway bar and featuring air adjustable hydraulically dampened shock absorbers, the Bushtec design allows for absolute and infinite adjustability. The suspension can be tailored exactly to the amount of load being carried. Empty or loaded, a Bushtec trailer is guaranteed NOT to bounce.

Bushtec does carry some inventory in more popular and/or basic configurations of some models. Contact Bushtec to inquire about inventory availability. If a trailer that meets your needs is not available in inventory, Bushtec can build a trailer to your specifications.

1982 – Ultimate model introduced. 19 cubic feet, 2.50 x 16 tire, A-arms use rod ends at mount pivot points. 4 wire electrical system featured one piece taillight with combined turn signal and brake light function on each side.

1985 – Turbo model introduced. 23 cubic feet, 3.00 x 16 tire, 4 wire electrical system featured one piece taillight with combined turn signal and brake light function on each side. Ultimate and Turbo model suspension changed to welded A-arm assembly.

1987 – Ultimate and Turbo model switch to 5 wire electrical system with separate turn signals, red and amber lights side by side.

1990 – Ultimate discontinued. 6 wire electrical system implemented.

1994 – Turbo+2 introduced. 25 cubic feet. Air shock changed to Monroe design with eyelet mount on each end.

1995 – Turbo+2 revised with larger taillight, red over amber.

1997 – Roadstar introduced. 21 cubic feet.

1997 – Genesis introduced, 27 cubic feet.

1999 – Quantum Sport introduced. 26 cubic feet.

2001 – Quantum GL introduced. 26 cubic feet.

2006 – Genesis retired.

2010 – Entourage introduced. 22 cubic feet.

2011 – Spartan introduced. Multipurpose utilty trailer.

2013 – Sportstar introduced. 15 cubic feet entry level model.