Quick question
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 277
Likes: 17
From: kansas
Quick question
I have a 5x8 trailer exactly like the one in this photo. I am working on moving to Fla. and have this bike cradle also. I have never trailered a bike and my idea is to bolt a 4x8 sheet of OSB to the wire mesh of the trailer floor. I would then bolt the cradle to the OSB. Once thats done I can drive the bike onto the trailer and cradle and then strap the bike down. I would appreciate any ideas on what else to do to make it as secure as possible. Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 10
From: Windsor Ontario
Someone told me once if using a utility trailer to tow your bike to mount some shocks to the under carriage. Supposed to help with all the bouncing which could cause problems. I have a utility trailer and it does get quite bouncy at times. I've never trailered my bike on it though.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
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From: Sheboygan,Wi
Another thing to keep your eye on is the wheel bearing on the trailer. I can't that that the one you are getting bad but some of those utility trailers have been known to burn up bearings pretty quick. Just keep an eye on them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,268
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From: Florida
Do it just like you stated, and add some wood cribbing under the frame of the bike so as not to totally collapse your shocks when you tighten the four straps. After you secure the bike to the trailer it should not move at all. To test, shake bike with some vigor, trailer and bike should move as one unit. Remember to stop and check your straps after first twenty to thirty miles into trip to insure straps did not stretch to allow the bike to move independent of trailer. Also put hand on bearing hubs to check heat. Will get warm but should not get hot.
Last edited by V-Twins & Bowties; Nov 11, 2011 at 12:38 PM.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Think Ur trailer has them??, can't see for sure. If not bearing buddy''s are great to keep grease in the bearings.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Fall Branch, TN
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: NJ
Sounds like a good plan. Let me suggest that when you strap it down you use those nylon straps that look kinda like a figure 8; two loops with a shory piece in between. These go over the handle bars and the loops are where the tie-down hooks go. Ratchet straps will pull it all down tight and secure.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
Do it just like you stated, and add some wood cribbing under the frame of the bike so as not to totally collapse your shocks when you tighten the four straps. After you secure the bike to the trailer it should not move at all. To test, shake bike with some vigor, trailer and bike should move as one unit. Remember to stop and check your straps after first twenty to thirty miles into trip to insure straps did not stretch to allow the bike to move independent of trailer. Also put hand on bearing hubs to check heat. Will get warm but should not get hot.
oh, I would NEVER use the handlebars as strapping points. go right to the frame.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,907
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From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
Sounds like a good plan. Let me suggest that when you strap it down you use those nylon straps that look kinda like a figure 8; two loops with a shory piece in between. These go over the handle bars and the loops are where the tie-down hooks go. Ratchet straps will pull it all down tight and secure.
Ditto!!!