Trailer tips
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Trailer tips
gotta trailer the bike for the first time tomorrow. any tips on what to do and not do for tie down? i got four tie downs now, two on the front end and two on the swingarm. think it's enough?
i know this sounds completely retarded, but it's better than those stoopid "to wave or not wave" threads.
i know this sounds completely retarded, but it's better than those stoopid "to wave or not wave" threads.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
If you have a wheel chock tie the tie downs to pull into the chock. Both the front and rear.
If it is a single axle trailer be sure that 60% of the bikes weight is ahead of the axle and 10% of the loaded trailer weight is on the hitch.
If the loaded weight is not ahead of the axle the trailer will sway and it will get worse going down hill or slowing. It is kind of the trailer's version of a tank slapper.
I'm a little **** so I always have three sets of straps. Front and center to pull forward and the rear to pull the rear tire at 90 degrees to keep the bike straight.
If you have a ramp to ride up onto the trailer have it pinned to the bed other wise if you give a little gas that sucker will spit out on you. If you do ride it up have someone on each side so you don't wind up like those videos on AFV or You Tube.
Have a trailer capacity that is about 50% more than what you are going to haul. If the bike is a 900 pounder have a 1,200 to 1,400 lb cap. trailer.
Check the torque on the trailer wheel nuts as they are prone to loosen. Most require about 80-90 ft.lbs. Have a torque wrench with you it traveling far.
If there is no spare for the trailer carry Slime and a 12 volt air compressor.
Now go enjoy safe trailering.
If it is a single axle trailer be sure that 60% of the bikes weight is ahead of the axle and 10% of the loaded trailer weight is on the hitch.
If the loaded weight is not ahead of the axle the trailer will sway and it will get worse going down hill or slowing. It is kind of the trailer's version of a tank slapper.
I'm a little **** so I always have three sets of straps. Front and center to pull forward and the rear to pull the rear tire at 90 degrees to keep the bike straight.
If you have a ramp to ride up onto the trailer have it pinned to the bed other wise if you give a little gas that sucker will spit out on you. If you do ride it up have someone on each side so you don't wind up like those videos on AFV or You Tube.
Have a trailer capacity that is about 50% more than what you are going to haul. If the bike is a 900 pounder have a 1,200 to 1,400 lb cap. trailer.
Check the torque on the trailer wheel nuts as they are prone to loosen. Most require about 80-90 ft.lbs. Have a torque wrench with you it traveling far.
If there is no spare for the trailer carry Slime and a 12 volt air compressor.
Now go enjoy safe trailering.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
thanks. it is a u-haul motorcycle trailer with the wheel chock you spoke of. i think i have it tied down pretty much that way. i'm just a little nervous that the bike is gonna fall over inside the trailer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
Dont leave the bike in gear. The drive line could take a beating. Make sure that your tie downs will not rub paint! Have a plan if you break down so you don't leave the bike un attended.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
thanks fellers. i tied off the excess straps to the railing. will take the bike out of gear and will look at another spot for the front end. again, great tips to the novice trailer guy.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 3
From: Slidell, Louisiana
I use soft ties to strap the front on my UC. I run them around the fork just above where the fender mounts. You can wrap the strap in a microfiber towel if you don't have a soft tie. Make sure you don't pinch the brake line.
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