i have a 2 bike all aluminum open trailer. it has 3 d-rings in the front. no problems. it has 3 d-rings in the back and the tie downs i bought from lowes loosen up as i'm travelling down the road. do i need to get better tie downs, or is there another issue?

 

Get better tie downs...I only use Ancras. But you still need to check them now and then, especially in the rain. Have trailered race bikes thousands of miles with no problems. Never trust your $20K bike to $10 tie downs.

 

Get the ratchet type tie-downs. The ones with the soft loop ends. Not that much more money than the cheap ones and they were probably hanging right next to the cheapest ones available that you bought. I have these.

Dan

 

I have PowerTyes 2" Big Daddys and even they lossen initially, but I always load then take a short ride to get gas or whatever.
When I get back I ratchet another pull and the bike doesn't move until I unhook it.

That being said, I absolutely love the PowerTyes.

http://powertye.com/store/index.php?...w&product_id=1

If you don't have time to for online ordering go get the Harley soft ties.
Buy 2 for each bike and then use the cheaper ones as insurance.

 

Same here, I put an extra strap in the front just snugged up as insurance

 

Are you tying down above or below the suspension? If you're tying down above the suspension, every time you hit a bump, your bikes' suspensions will compress a little bit too, and that can affect your tie downs.

It's better to try tying down without compressing the suspension for a couple reasons.

First, it's hard on the bike's suspension to be compressed like that for extended periods of time.

Second, when you tie down below the suspension, you are allowing the bike's suspension to do what it's designed to do - absorb bumps.

And yes, do use quality tie downs.

 

EXACTLY!!!!!

I tie mine down pretty snug in the front, secure the front tire with a chock or strap so the bike can't roll, and go with. Rarely even tie the rear down, never lost a bike yet.

 

I use regular old Ancra tie downs but I always make a "half hitch" with the tail end of the strap just below the clamp. They never come loose.

 

I bought a 5x10 foot Aluminum trailer and mounted the lock n load system on it. I couldnt be happier. drive the bike up into the front wheel chock and put a strap over the wheel. Then take the two self adjusting straps, hook to the shock mounts and drive without worry. It works great

 

thanks for the feedback. i was tying down above the suspension in the rear. i will see about getting down below the next time.