Highway Approriate Flags and Flag Line Poles
 

I have read quite a few threads regarding flags, DIY mounts and poles. There is one thread in particular, that discourages flying 3' x 5' flags at highways speed due to liability. Others say it's OK and works for them. There are also a lot of threads about how to make the mounts and poles, but I can't seem to find a consensus regarding two thing:

1. What is the largest flag that is appropriate to fly at highway speed? (Note that the PGR website doesn't sell a highway rated flag over 12" x 15").

2. What height should a flag pole be in order to stand in a flag line? I see quite a few pictures where the members are holding the flagpoles up (most are waist high) and others where the flag pole is on the order of 10-12' high and is resting on the ground. What height is considered standard for the flag line?

And while I'm at it: 3. Is it common to remove a flag from the bike in order to use it in the flag line, or are these separate flag setups?

Thanks; I'm an engineer and I usually prefer DIY solutions. I'm thinking I can build a solid mount that removes from my FXDC rear luggage rack and will hold a pole rigid enough to fly a flag, yet will be telescopic in order to use the same flag in a flag line (if that's a thing). Just looking for some direction...

While we are doing missions we never go over 45MPH if we have our 3X5 foot flags out. You might have a pole that could do 100MPH but many others won't and will try to do what you do with a disaster waiting to happen. Also you will destroy most 3X5 flags at highway speeds.

I run the12X15" flags on my double antennas full time. Then when in an escort I uncover the 3X5 ft flags. I pull three flags. Service flag 6ft pole, USA flag 6.5ft pole, PGR flag 6ft pole. But I also have a Trike and have the room although we have a couple 2 wheels that pull 2 and 3 flags also. Most just use one flag.

You can make your own, but I use the flag covers from PGR site when not in use.

At this time everyone in our group uses a 6 foot pole for the 3X5's on the bike and an extendable for the flag line. Using the 6 ft pole also is good if someone is short a flag for the flag line, They are all 3X5 ft flags. Some groups use an 8 ft pole for the flag line to make everyone have the same height pole. It does look good for the flag line. But you have to have a support vehicle to carry the flags and poles for you. You can make them using 2" sch40 plastic pipe with a screw together fitting in the middle. And put " I bolts" through to put the flags on. So a support vehicle is necessary This is what ever each area decide to use for their group.

Many times we have a flag line at the funeral home or church, then travel a few miles, sometimes 40 or 50 miles to a cemetery for the second flag line..

An alternative for the flag line is a "mono pod for a camera" or a 6ft extendable hiking stick so you have good releases at each extension, The one offered at the PGR site twist locks at each extension, and often sticks and won't unlock when you want to use it !

Great to have you with us. I think you will like the chance to show honor !
Ride safe !

Thanks for your input, sloufoot. From your response, it sounds like a flag line pole should be either 6' or 8' depending on the local group. I have reached out to the ride captain listed on a local event to ask him these same questions.

What I'm thinking I can do:
I have some short pieces of 1-3/8" ID steel pipe and can fabricate a simple angle iron flange on two sides of the pipe so I can bolt through my rear luggage rack with brace plates above and below the rack. If I extend the angle to hold the pipe out over the rear edge of the rack, I can allow the flag pole to go through and hang down some, so I'm not flying a 6' pole on the bike (since mine would sit higher than most others). Then, if I use 1.250 x .058 wall 6061, I can sleeve it over 1.125 x .125 wall tube for highway use and then extend them for flag line use. My main question being, how tall should the final assembly be, so I know how much overlap the two tubes will have when collapsed. Of course, I'll use a through pin with a retaining clip to extend and retract it as well as to hold it in the steel mounting tube. If I need an 8' pole, it's possible to have a 4 1/2' pole when collapsed which would be good for highway use below 45mph and of course I'll cover it for transport before and after the mission with a sleeve. Sound reasonable?

That sounds like it might work. Just a thought,,,,, You could use stainless metal for your mount so it will polish like chrome. That staff tube will be quite heavy. You might try aluminum. I use stair hand railing. 1.250".
Quite a few mount their flag lower around the rear foot rest for the lower mount and it tops out just below the seat top..Or if you have a full fender put a frailer hitch with a tube in place of the ball with an upper brace. These would get the height down lower. But you do have an FXDC so you most likely have the bob tail fender.
The mono pod camera pole will also stand the 3X5 flag at 45mph. It has good clamps at the extensions. That way you can take it down and fold up your flag or wind it around the collapsed pole and put it in your bags for traveling and use it for flag line. This of course if they are using a 6ft- pole for the flag line.
Pretty much build for yourself, as they will supply the flags if they want a tall pole.

Thanks all. The honor missions seem to have their best meaning when there is a great consistency among all the elements, including PGR members themselves and every protocol. Thanks again.