Dumb Question...need input

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May 23, 2008 | 05:30 AM

fendrix

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Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 244

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From: NW Ohio

Dumb Question...need input

Dumb question on a couple points, but I'll risk it.

We're getting a group together to go to Sturgis this year and...yes, we're trailering the bikes out. It's 1200 miles one way and we're old. Anyway...with gas over $4 a gallon and the camper getting a whopping 8-10 miles to the gallon we're adding a 5th to our group. The problem we're facing is how to get them all on one trailer. We've got an 18-20 footer lined up, but I don't think we can get them all in a 2-1-2 set up. Seems like the 1 in the center won't have enough clearance. I'm sure there's at least ~someone~ out there that has trailered a bunch of bikes before, so s strapping in sideways even an option? I would think it would work, but I only risk asking the question because I've never really seen it done.

Flame away if you feel the need...PM if you have the answer and want to save face. LOL.

May 23, 2008 | 06:29 AM

capt775

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 965

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From: Shreveport,La.

RE: Dumb Question...need input

I helped some friends put 5 on a 16' flat one time. Used a small floor jack and a furniture dolly under the rear tire to slide 'em sideways. Takes a little more time but there was more to secure them to with the side rails front and rear of the bikes. Worked ok. I see 'em going down Interstate loaded sideways all the time this time of year. Hope this helps you. Oh yeah, alternate the direction they're facing.

May 23, 2008 | 06:36 AM

RDM

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 883

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From: Clearwater, FL

RE: Dumb Question...need input

Probably the most important question is what's the inside width of the trailer? Is the trailer setup to tie down that many bikes? The bike in the middle will probably be the hardest to tie down, depending on how the trailer is set up. How many of the bikes are baggers? If they're all baggers, I'm thinkin you won't get them all in using the 2x1x2 method.

May 23, 2008 | 07:41 AM

Da Gumpmeister

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 8,642

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From: Forest Lake, Mn

RE: Dumb Question...need input

Without seeing the actual trailer, not sure. But I have had 4 on a 2 place open snowmobile trailer, 8 x 10.(Only one was a bagger) It has a 3000# ax. I tied each one down separately, then tied them together in case one would come loose, the others would hold it up.
You can find tie down eyelets at Northern tool that work great, and you can bolt them to the floor, and remove when you return, very minimal damage (1/4" holes for bolts) to floor.)
The guys from Az that come to Sturgis, build small blocks, that they put under the frames to hold the bikes off the floor slightly. Then tie them down. It keeps the bikes unbelieveably stable, no damage to suspension from collapsing shocks, etc.
Also saw 3 guys from Texas show up at the campground, they had done a similar thing with theirs. They had actually constructed their blocks out of steel, welded, etc, to fit the frame of each individual bike. The blocks were bolted to the trailer, and the bikes were cradled into them, and then tied down.It was a GREAT design and idea. One of the guys said they even had to do a panic stop on the way up, were afraid for the bikes, but not a bit of movement from any of them.
Hope you get them all in, GOOD LUCK.
Know what you are saying with the gas thing. Momma and I are once again recalculating. Not looking real good, right now. Anybodyupin this area, we use the shop van (loaded with tools) andthe trailer. Always can find room for gear, etc, and will haul to Sturgis and back. PM us if you need help,we will haul for a li'l gas $$.We 'normally' camp at Katmandu, just south of Sturgis on I-90, at the Black Hills National Cemetary.