Trailering Bikes
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
About salt spray....we have that here in daytona along the beach.
I use a bike wash called "Renew" that is sold at our local Harley dealer.
It states on the bottle that is has 'salt neutralizer'. I wash my bike with that.
Could you also spray down your bike with bike wash, tow it to orlando (or where ever the 'salt spray' stops) and then rinse the bike off?
I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as you rinse it first thing.
chuck
I use a bike wash called "Renew" that is sold at our local Harley dealer.
It states on the bottle that is has 'salt neutralizer'. I wash my bike with that.
Could you also spray down your bike with bike wash, tow it to orlando (or where ever the 'salt spray' stops) and then rinse the bike off?
I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as you rinse it first thing.
chuck
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 163
From: Mt. Airy, MD
I've trailered bikes from MD to FL a couple times in my open landscaping-type trailer... never an issue. It's true the bikes get dirty in the rain or snow, but thats what they invented bikini bike washes for.
the only downside to an open trailer is that it offers no security if you stop for the night at a motel, but no different than if you were riding...
and yes I'd rather ride too but sometimes it makes sense to trailer. plus I have been able to use my open trailer to haul firewood, lawnmowers, refrigerators, brush, mulch, etc., it's more useful to me than an enclosed unit.
the only downside to an open trailer is that it offers no security if you stop for the night at a motel, but no different than if you were riding...
and yes I'd rather ride too but sometimes it makes sense to trailer. plus I have been able to use my open trailer to haul firewood, lawnmowers, refrigerators, brush, mulch, etc., it's more useful to me than an enclosed unit.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 899
Likes: 2
From:
Ride it! That what it's for.
Unless, it is going to be repaired and is unrideable or you are going somewhere from snow country to no-snow country. Personally, in those cases I would opt for a closed trailer just to protect the bike(s) from rocks and road ****. There are a number of good closed trailers available for either 1 or 2 bikes.
Unless, it is going to be repaired and is unrideable or you are going somewhere from snow country to no-snow country. Personally, in those cases I would opt for a closed trailer just to protect the bike(s) from rocks and road ****. There are a number of good closed trailers available for either 1 or 2 bikes.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
However... a couple of suggestions...
1. DO NOT cover your bike on an open trailer, the cover will rub against the paint. this is bad.
2. someone mentioned a panel in the front of the trailer. If you have time, just cutting a piece of ply or tempered masonite to block any flying rocks would be helpful. Even on a rental you could use pipe clamps to hold the wood.
3. My trailer was open, I used 2x4's and construction braces to make a frame around 3 sides, with thin ply on the outside. A piece of construction foam on the back and some notched 2/4's on the top, then a tarp on top tied to the side rails. Either have it totally open or totally enclosed.... big difference in gas mileage if the top or rear is open.
4. If you have a nice heavy chain.. lock the bike up. I use a disk lock, and a chain from the front wheel thru the frame. Nothing will stop the pros, but that'll stop the idiots. You can also lock the bike to the trailer, but make sure you lock the trailer to your hitch, also lock your hitch to your truck. They will just unhook the trailer and you'll be out a bike and a trailer.
I've hauled bikes back and forth cross country. Get some soft ties for your upper triple tree, some automotive rachet tie downs (Sam's Club and Costo's have some decent ones) and make sure ALL the straps pull FORWARD and DOWN.
My biggest problem is getting the bike off the trailer. When the front wheel is still on the ramp, and the rear is on the ground, my toes don't touch. Gets kinda scary on gravel driveways, I always yell for help. My middle name is Wimp!
Mary
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 145
From: SE Louisiana
Trailering is good when it is necessary. My last tow was to Sturgis 2700 miles round trip with no problems. I carry a duplicate spare tire, Fix A Flat, Tire Repair Kit and small jack. Keep the bearings greased and the tires properly inflated, bike secured and you should have a good towing experience. I only covered the bike at overnight stops but never underway. The trailer rides so close to the rear of my 4Runner that I never experienced any rock damage. Rain was never a problem.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,231
Likes: 6,168
From: Black Hills
Man has this place changed in the last 2 years.
In the past this thread would have made the trailer haters tempers flare like a pack of hemorrhoids with them posting pages and pages of insults. I can't believe none of the flamers have attacked the thread. Not that I'm complaining, just surprised there's not more bitching than I've read in last 4 pages.
In the past this thread would have made the trailer haters tempers flare like a pack of hemorrhoids with them posting pages and pages of insults. I can't believe none of the flamers have attacked the thread. Not that I'm complaining, just surprised there's not more bitching than I've read in last 4 pages.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 4
From: Central FL
I've had to trailer mine twice due to moving. I used a u-haul bike trailer that is an open type and had good experiences both times. Little bit leery about the small tires on the trailer, so I didn't get over 70.
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