A thought about ratchet straps. Make sure you have the full S type hooks, not those that look a bit like a J. The S hooks with some type of lock on them is the best. If you don't have that, then I would put a couple wraps of electrical tape around to "close" the open part of the S. If you happen to hit a bad bump and the bike suspension compresses, the taped or locking S hooks won't / can't unhook. Been there, done that.
It was mentioned before but when that plywood gets wet it will be an ice rink. I had a hell of time getting a Fat Boy into a semi rusty wheel chock one time thanks to some morning dew on the wood. A little heavy duty grip tape would have been nice
Exactly what I had (5x10 landscape). I added a wheel chock and It towed my 03 Fatboy across country from New England to Phoenix without a problem. I bought mine used in 2004 for $600 and sold it when I got to Phoenix for $700 so it paid for itself. I did add a front shield. I took a 48" X 30" folding table and drilled a few holes on both ends and bolted it to the front rails with wing nuts so it served as a bug shield and I could take it off and use it when camping if needed. If I had to do it all over again, I would go with a stronger 15" axle, Definitely carry a spare tire and extra wheel bearing because I threw a dust cap somewhere in the middle of the country and glad I caught it in time or I would have fried the axle. I would also coat the floor with non skid paint and add in LED lighting if you can. The ramp worked great. All in all If I ever had to do it again, I will buy an enclosed trailer.
its been my experience that those smaller tires go south fast!! I have a boat trailer that had 13" wheels and couldn't keep tires on it! so after doing some research I upgraded to 14" because I could get 8 ply's for it in 14" plus didn't have to alter fender size, where anything in the 12" & 13" range where light duty!! those 12" wheels at highway speed are really turning!! on those utility trailers they usually only screw the deck boards about every two cross members I have found that by drilling some holes and placing bolts in the ones they don't makes the trailer much more ridged also! just my two cents!!
Thinking really hard about buying a low-cost trailer to haul my bike. Riding to Branson, MO in late March and to SW FL in April is iffy weather-wise from here in northeast IN. Found a new AMO trailer for $825 locally. 5/10" wood bed, 12" tires, rated for 2000 lbs, spring suspension, 12" side rails, mesh gate; 2" ball setup. What do you think?
That should work great, AND you can use that trailer for other projects when not used for your moto's. Win-win.
Steve, a buddy has a trailer just like the one you pictured, but with 2 axles. I used it in December to haul my bike 125 miles to a stereo installer. No problem with the gate, and riding up onto it or backing off of it, but without a front wheel chock I was a nervous wreck the whole trip. Bike was strapped down & secure, but I was still a bundle of nerves. I went the 125 miles to pick it up in early Feb, but this time I rented a U Haul motorcycle trailer with a chock in the front, and it was a whole lot better trip. Much more secure, and I sure felt better about that trip
. Just my opinion on the flatbed trailer with no front wheel chock.
Steve, a buddy has a trailer just like the one you pictured, but with 2 axles. I used it in December to haul my bike 125 miles to a stereo installer. No problem with the gate, and riding up onto it or backing off of it, but without a front wheel chock I was a nervous wreck the whole trip. Bike was strapped down & secure, but I was still a bundle of nerves. I went the 125 miles to pick it up in early Feb, but this time I rented a U Haul motorcycle trailer with a chock in the front, and it was a whole lot better trip. Much more secure, and I sure felt better about that trip
. Just my opinion on the flatbed trailer with no front wheel chock.
That looks identical to my trailer. I have a wheel chock in mine that is easily removed if needed.
Got a HF chock, tried it out in garage and it works well with the Heritage. Had a concern about hitting the trail of the front fender, but it clears fine. Looked into neighborhood covenants and can't store it at home. Daughter's boyfriend owns a construction business and a small golf course within 20 miles. He will let me store it there when not in use (most of the time). Waiting to pick it up for a couple of weeks until it warms up a bit. Will be doing some of the mods mentioned above including non-slip paint or sealant and non-slip tape strips, eyelets for S-type hooked straps and chock mounting. Thanks again to all.
02-28-2019, 02:19 PM
