Trailering Motorcycle Advice
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
I have a bike I have been hauling to bike rally's in various trailers and toy haulers for over 20 years...I never done this and have no adverse effects...what do you think is the advantage.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 700
Likes: 312
From: southwest Va.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
Found them on ebay for just shy of $350. Put it n my watch list so we'll see.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 789
Likes: 225
From: Sheboygan, WI
I would make sure you get straps that have an S type hook and not those that look more like a J. You want the full hook and not ones that are more open. I always put a couple wraps of electrical tape across the opening after tightening the ratchets so they could not unhook in a bounce. Better yet get the straps with the hook retainers. Ask me how I know!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,410
From: Jackson, OH
I don’t necesarrily think you MUST relax ratchet straps at night, or that leaving them cranked tight causes problems...provable anyway. If your straps are compressing any part of the suspension it only makes sense that releasing the tension allows the suspension to return to a normal resting state. I’ve also known straps to gradually stretch and lose a bit of tension if cranked tight and left that way. I suppose this is just a matter of personal preference. I always release the ratchet and put a bit of slack in things at night. Check and re-snug them before departing in the morning. No hassle and I like doing it. Others may not and that perfectly okay with me.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
Like an oil thread, everyone is gonna be religious about their preference. Friends and I have been hauling our bikes out of northern Canada on frost heaved crap roads for years. Our preferred method is Wheel Docks with endless ratchet straps thru lower forks (fender lugs). Period. That’s similar to how new Gold Wings are shipped; where we got the idea and the endless ratchet straps. No suspension load; no spider web of straps, no hooks. Main problem is Wheel Docks seem to be too expensive for many people; but we’re hauling expensive bikes
Last edited by sharkey; Mar 28, 2018 at 08:24 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 386
Likes: 332
From: Colorado
it will make you feel even more better if you paint the jiffy stand orange! (Cross thread points!)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
A subject often needlessly made more complicated than necessary.
You should have 4 points on the floor to attach 4 ratchet straps. Those points can be D rings or E track. E track is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, plus it gives a better variety of tie points and angles. In my 6x12 I installed E track on the outside edges of the floor along the walls.
You should have a front wheel chock. There are many that work; some better than others. With a $34,000 bike inside a $7,000 trailer I'm only interested in what's strong, reliable and built to perform. Mine is a Condor chock, and I installed the quick-attach trailer bracket so I can use it in places other than the trailer if desired.
Bike should have at least 60% of its weight forward of the axles. Pull it in and mark the front tire location. Install the chock. Bike goes in the chock of course. I use 4 Soft Tie loops to go around the (2) saddlebag guards and (2) fork sides just above the fender mount bosses. Attach ratchet straps to Soft Ties in front and angle the straps forward to the floor anchors. Crank them snug but not banjo-tight. Rear straps next with only a slight angle to the rear of the saddlebag guards. Crank snug. You're set.
There are 12v cameras available which you can mount in your trailer and wirelessly view your bike while driving. As far as ratchet straps, I bought mine from Condor. Those people are making a great product line and they don't cut corners.
You should ALWAYS check your straps and bike when stopping for fuel, food etc. Catch a problem before it becomes one. Don't forget to put your bike in transport mode to prevent battery drain.
You should have 4 points on the floor to attach 4 ratchet straps. Those points can be D rings or E track. E track is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, plus it gives a better variety of tie points and angles. In my 6x12 I installed E track on the outside edges of the floor along the walls.
You should have a front wheel chock. There are many that work; some better than others. With a $34,000 bike inside a $7,000 trailer I'm only interested in what's strong, reliable and built to perform. Mine is a Condor chock, and I installed the quick-attach trailer bracket so I can use it in places other than the trailer if desired.
Bike should have at least 60% of its weight forward of the axles. Pull it in and mark the front tire location. Install the chock. Bike goes in the chock of course. I use 4 Soft Tie loops to go around the (2) saddlebag guards and (2) fork sides just above the fender mount bosses. Attach ratchet straps to Soft Ties in front and angle the straps forward to the floor anchors. Crank them snug but not banjo-tight. Rear straps next with only a slight angle to the rear of the saddlebag guards. Crank snug. You're set.
There are 12v cameras available which you can mount in your trailer and wirelessly view your bike while driving. As far as ratchet straps, I bought mine from Condor. Those people are making a great product line and they don't cut corners.
You should ALWAYS check your straps and bike when stopping for fuel, food etc. Catch a problem before it becomes one. Don't forget to put your bike in transport mode to prevent battery drain.