Building a shipping crate for Ultra

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Jan 25, 2009 | 12:40 PM

dgriffith

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Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico

Building a shipping crate for Ultra

I stated before, I'm moving to PR. The best/ cheapest shipper, I found, will pick it up at my house in Indiana and deliver to PR, If I put the bike in the back of my truck. They want it boxed up, so it will not be messed with. The bike will be supported under the frame and tied down. My question, 1, How much clearance should be arround the bike? 2 Anyone ever do this? Build a shipping box for their bike? I looked at a stock HD shipping crate, Junk for over seas shipping. IMO Any info or ideas would really be helpful. Thanks

Jan 25, 2009 | 12:45 PM

Standard

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 335

Likes: 2

From: New Jersey

You have a lot of love and coin tied up in that bike no? I would trust the method HD uses to ship their bikes all around. I would ask at a dealer or email the company directly. Sure would seem silly to pay 1000 bucks and have 4000 bucks worth of damage. Most would be guessing at best, I would ask the pros on this subject.

Jan 25, 2009 | 12:54 PM

dgriffith

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Road Warrior

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From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico

I contacted the folks at HOG and never got an answer back after 3 times. Other shippers want to ride it in a container and tie it down themselves. Local dealer gave me a metal crate the the bikes come on. It doesn't support the frame of the bike and it's no vandal proof. I'm talking 1/2 plywood reinforced box, 3/4 floor with 2x4 runners and braces. I'm talking a commercial grade shipping box .

Jan 25, 2009 | 02:07 PM

Arvid

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Naalehu, Hawaii

I shipped my 94 ultra in the half inch plywood crate you are talking about. Left enough room for a few cheap disposable sleeping bags on the sides. I strapped the rear wheel in place and also the front end. When I uncrated it and drove it off the pallet I ripped a hole in the oil hose between the pan and the pump. So build your pallet to be driven off with good clearance. I put a 2x4 across the seat(wrapped)from side to side. Also taking your windshield off makes for a lower top. Mine traveled from Alaska to Seattle just fine.

Arvid

Jan 25, 2009 | 02:21 PM

Beemervet

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Ohio

I shipped my Shovel overseas. I used the metal pallet from HD, then using 2x4s built a frame. I used 3/8" plywood for the box, and reinforced it with 1x3s around the edges. Used screws so it can be partially opened for customs. No problema.

Jan 25, 2009 | 02:51 PM

dgriffith

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Road Warrior

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From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico

Thanks, What I'm building is the floor of 3/4 plywood with 2x4's on both sides of the tires lengthwise, also 2x4 around the edge flatwise. All screwed together and metal plates on corners. The front has a wheel chock built in. Anchor eye bolts for 8 ratchett straps. The frame of the bike will rest on 2x4's across the bottom of the frame. The ends,sides, and top 1/2 plywood all screwed together.

Jan 25, 2009 | 02:58 PM

Beemervet

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From: Ohio

If you must use a plywood floor, at least use some very big washers or metal plates to keep your eye bolts from pulling through. Also, build it so a forklift can get under it. It will be lifted that way as well as scooted around. I suggest properly attached 4x4s.