Trailering tips

up@12 · 07-25-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SledDog

This one I will disagree with... In your configuration you have a pivot point at the front wheel (the axle). With all straps pulling forward you have nothing to prevent the rotation around the pivot point. Enough bounce will compress your front suspension, unless you have it cranked down to the max, allowing the bike to pass "over center". Once over center, the bike will continue it's rotation around the axle. Also, compressing the bike forward puts undue stress on your front forks and neck bearings. If you are compressing the rear with the straps on the passenger pegs I just imagine the preload you are putting on the forks and bearings.

One set of straps pulling to the rear will counter this effect. Just my .02...

The bike can't pass center it is in a whell chock. SledDog just want to make sure you know this is a friendly debate, sometimes these things can get way out of control for something that can be done a bunch of different ways.

Cheers

Slick02 · 07-28-2008, 12:44 PM

Wheel chock in front, 4 straps on front (soft ties, 2 pulling forward keeping it pulled tight in the chock and 2 pulling sideways and down compressing the forks 2 or 3 inches) I only use the frame crossbar just under the neck on my Heritage, it's where the top of your engine guard bolts to if you have one. I never use any other part of the front end. On the rear, I usually strap onto the passenger pegs and pull slightly to the rear. All your trying to do for the rear is hold it straight, the bike will ride in the chock just fine. Ditto on checking after a few miles and at every stop. I've used trailers designed for bikes and generic flatbed trailers and screwed in 2x4's to chock the tires. I never had a problem. Carry an extra strap or two just incase. Also, when your done strapping, make sure your straps are well away from any part of the bike so they wont rub anything and get quality ratchet straps. Wally World has some. And one more thing, put the ratchet end of the strap on the trailer hook side not high up on the bike side, it seems common sense but you would be surprised....just saying. Secure the extra loose ends good or they'll flap all over or drag and fray. The back end will move around slightly, no worries, at every stop I retighten the rear straps if needed.

hyfax · 07-28-2008, 04:46 PM

I just trailered my bike for the first time this weekend. I just had my bike tip over in the trailer for the first time too. I did a poor job of strapping it, and now the trailer I borrowed has a nice nipple dent in the side of it.

I wish you had asked this question last week. I figured it out eventually, but if you follow these guys advice, you won't suffer the same fate as me. Didn't hurt my bike, but now my buddy wants me to by a left handle grip and mirror to glue to the side of his trailer to hide the nipple dent. (and to create the illusion that there's a bike tipped over and poking out through the side). fair enough

Heritage Hank · 07-30-2008, 08:29 AM

as always, a picture is worth 1000 words. Thanks for the help.

07-28-2008, 12:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
Slick02 Start The Engine Ride: 02 Heritage Join Date: 2008, Jul 22 Posts: 17	Re: Trailering tips Wheel chock in front, 4 straps on front (soft ties, 2 pulling forward keeping it pulled tight in the chock and 2 pulling sideways and down compressing the forks 2 or 3 inches) I only use the frame crossbar just under the neck on my Heritage, it's where the top of your engine guard bolts to if you have one. I never use any other part of the front end. On the rear, I usually strap onto the passenger pegs and pull slightly to the rear. All your trying to do for the rear is hold it straight, the bike will ride in the chock just fine. Ditto on checking after a few miles and at every stop. I've used trailers designed for bikes and generic flatbed trailers and screwed in 2x4's to chock the tires. I never had a problem. Carry an extra strap or two just incase. Also, when your done strapping, make sure your straps are well away from any part of the bike so they wont rub anything and get quality ratchet straps. Wally World has some. And one more thing, put the ratchet end of the strap on the trailer hook side not high up on the bike side, it seems common sense but you would be surprised....just saying. Secure the extra loose ends good or they'll flap all over or drag and fray. The back end will move around slightly, no worries, at every stop I retighten the rear straps if needed. Last edited by Slick02 : 07-28-2008 at 12:49 PM. Reason: another thought

07-28-2008, 04:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
hyfax Start The Engine Ride: 1999 Heritage Softail Join Date: 2008, Jul 15 Location: Michigan Posts: 31	Re: Trailering tips I just trailered my bike for the first time this weekend. I just had my bike tip over in the trailer for the first time too. I did a poor job of strapping it, and now the trailer I borrowed has a nice nipple dent in the side of it. I wish you had asked this question last week. I figured it out eventually, but if you follow these guys advice, you won't suffer the same fate as me. Didn't hurt my bike, but now my buddy wants me to by a left handle grip and mirror to glue to the side of his trailer to hide the nipple dent. (and to create the illusion that there's a bike tipped over and poking out through the side). fair enough

07-30-2008, 08:29 AM	#14 (permalink)
Heritage Hank Start The Engine Ride: 2007 Heritage Softail Classic Join Date: 2007, Aug 23 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 13 My Mood:	Re: Trailering tips as always, a picture is worth 1000 words. Thanks for the help.

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Trailering tips

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