In The Shop: Detachable Tour Pack

This is our friendly “heads up” to any Touring owners who are considering a detachable tour pack assembly. In The Shop, we are not in favor of modifying a tour pack so that it can be detachable. Over the years, we have completed installation with a number of these kits. We have found that, even when using the correct Harley Davidson docking hardware kit (with Loctite) and scrutinizing over instructions, the final product will eventually be a rattling nuisance that is a task to both remove and reinstall. The cargo weight within the tour pack, along with the constant vibration of the motor, inevitably wear out the four tour pack mounting bushings. Once the bushings are worn, the tour pack begins to vibrate more which leads to loose hardware and, sometimes, broken brackets or hardware.

Another disappointment is that the detachable tour pack does not simply pop right off like a detachable sissy bar. Every time you want it removed, it is a procedure that includes removing the seat, unplugging all tail section wiring (including rear speakers & passenger radio & talk controls), moving the antenna from the tour pack to the relocation bracket, and plugging in antenna at the relocation bracket. From there, you need to consider emptying any cargo in the tour pack that is of considerable weight. The tour pack is heavy and cumbersome to handle. Any additional cargo weight will make matters worse. These steps are repeated in reverse when reinstalling.

Often, to achieve the look of a Street Glide, riders will eliminate their tour packs permanently. They typically pile all of the excess wiring harness beneath the seat, on top of the battery or ECM creating a mess. We recommend keeping a tour pack in its stock configuration. If insistent on permanent removal, take the time to eliminate wiring harness that is no longer needed. If choosing to go the detachable route, commit to maintaining the assembly. Continuously monitor mounting hardware. If hardware loosens, remove it, clean it, add Loctite & re-torque. When bushings wear; replace them accordingly and always set the tour pack aside, covered, in a safe location when removed.

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4 Responses to “In The Shop: Detachable Tour Pack”

  1. Tony Brinson

    Currently I have 2018 RGU. When I remove the tour pack I get error codes on my display telling me I have no back speakers and no signal nights because they are in the remove tout pack. My question is there a plug in to terminate the cables to eliminate the error codes all together. The error codes will go away when tour pack is reconnected. Tks Hello Tony, This is what Mark had to say: The dealership or an independent shop should be able to plug in and program for front speakers only. For the signals, you will have to add signals to the rear fender or install an appropriate load equalizer. https://www.fixmyhog.com/videos/milwaukee-eight-maintenance/ Sincerely, Sarah Fix My Hog

  2. Joseph Eckley

    Where can you get the front inserts for the tour pak detachable mount

  3. Rusty

    I recently bought an '05 Electra Glide Standard with the removable tour pack. This is my first tour model and I'm still going through the bike fixing all the odds & ends. I also have a detachable tour pack, which rattles, but is there an option? I find it is difficult to remove the seat while it is mounted on the bike so I'm guessing that it probably interferes at other times like making any repairs or polishing. I absolutely want it on the bike, so I have two questions: 1. Can the detachable be hard mounted as I assume they are on the Ultra Glides? 2. If I do hard mount the pack to the bike will it be the same as on the Ultra? I'm sure there are methods and procedures for working on tour models that I've yet to learn. This all stems from my having installed a Sony stereo and speakers in the fairing. The CD player is awesome but I barely receive any radio station. In NJ we have several strong transmitted stations ( 101.5) but I don't even receive that. So while I'm trying to figure out if the problem lies with the antenna ground or what I may as well decide on the tour pack too. Thanks Rusty

  4. John Silny

    My FLHTCI has the "quick disconnect" and it still feels loose after replacing the plastic bushings. I plan to replace the docking trunk setup with a solid, more stable mounting. Maybe the local MC Swap Meet?