[AFNurse]

I know....not supposed to trailer a bike...better to ride it. With that being said, I am moving cross country, so have to tow the bike.

Got a flat bed trailer. Have the role in capture the front tire chak. Am going to tie the front end down at the down tube/engine guards with forward pulling pressure. Rear end is where I am having difficulty....Have to floor mount the ramps for the trailer, so do not have the ideal situation for tie down locations for the bike in the rear (I would put the bolt eyes down in the same place as the trailer ramps have to go.....). If I run cargo straps from the saddlebag Guards at the bottom and run the straps BACKWARDS (to the back of the trailer), is this a problem? My understanding is that truely, the rear tie downs are to keep the back of the bike from bouncing around and I really don't have to have MUCH pressure applied.....Any input/thoughts? Thanks!
Nurse

[kenfuzed]

As long as the tie downs apply pressure against the pull of the forward tie downs the rear end should stay put. I used to have a similar trailer and whenever picking up a buddies broke down bike I'd tie it that way. Just want enough pressure to keep the rear from swinging around.

BTW, where you heading?

[AFNurse]

moving from San Antonio TX to Great Falls MT.

I was just worried about the rear tie downs pulling the bike backwards, but don't intend to apply that much pressure...

[chucktx]

i think you are doing it correctly......just enough to keep the rear from moving....you can even X them if you want.......

[AFNurse]

So, an update for my project.....put down the "treadplate" (same looking stuff that is used for truck tool boxes?!) 12"x24 inch down under the rear wheel....it spans across 2 tralier bed cross beams (have the extruded steel grate flooring). The rear wheel was VERY close to sitting on top of one of these cross braces, but decided to span to distribute the weight a bit. I hit both cross braces with the rear wheel almost sitting on one, but extending to the other. I got (2) 1/2" eye bolts (the expensive ones that are galvanized and hold 2200 pounds) through the frame towards the front...going to be for the frame. Will put in 2 more a bit further back. Think I will tie the saddlebag bars forward for a second set, then put 2 tie downs strait to the rear wheel to ensure no lateral slide. 6 ties on the sides (3 on each side). THEN will put one more short tie down on the front wheel to the front of the trailer just ensure front wheel capture. I will take pics when the project is done!

[chucktx]

sounds like ya got it covered.......jiffystand up.....in neutral.

[cowboy]

you will need at least one strap to keep it from bouncing from side to side & I would'ny use the bag rail's there not that strong , the bigger round bar just under your T pack is a lot stronger That's the one I used when I trailed to new Mexico last month

[AFNurse]

so, here are a couple pics.....not showing are the 2 from the back wheel itself to the trailer or the 1 locking the front wheel into the blocks..... main thing was the 4 corners?! what do you think?

[chucktx]

the straps on the bag bars is going to slip out to the end while traveling......i think either move them out now, or go under the bags to the swingarm.....

[AFNurse]

Originally Posted by chucktx

the straps on the bag bars is going to slip out to the end while traveling......i think either move them out now, or go under the bags to the swingarm.....

can't slip out....I have them captured by the bar that runs length of the bike... it is already under load for test purposes!

[chucktx]

great!!! couldnt tell from the pic the first time i looked........ya got it i think....

[cowboy]

is your front end comperssed all the way ? it should be , & after about the first 10 miles double check all strapes & at every fuel stop after that , the back might come loose after a bit so keep a good eye on it

[FLHTbiker]

Yep, gotta compress the front way down and check it often. I like to use the double eye straps and run it over the triple tree then hook the tie downs to each end, holds good.

[AFNurse]

I have been told NOT to compress the front end all the way down....risk blowing the seals....have heard that I should only go down about 50%.....and to check often!

[tlmitchell]

Originally Posted by AFNurse

I have been told NOT to compress the front end all the way down....risk blowing the seals....have heard that I should only go down about 50%.....and to check often!

Stick a hunk of 4x4 with a 1" shim under the tranny crossmember. This will allow you to pull down as tight as you want without fully compressing the suspension.

2 years lurking and my 1st post. Anyone hear the 'POP'?

TL

[tlmitchell]

Originally Posted by AFNurse

moving from San Antonio TX to Great Falls MT.

Might be a good idea to stick a snowblower on that trailer as well. You may notice summers will be considerable shorter.

TL

[hotroadking]

AF
Not bad, however I don't loop the whole tie down around parts on the bike.

You should go to a Uhaul store and get some the tie down ends it's a small tie with a loop at each end.

Strap these on the bike where you want to connect the hooks on the main ties.

Loop the short tie around the frame, under the engine guard back over and through it's own loop, pull down until tight.

Connect the ties to the loop and tighten. You don't want to compress 100% but it needs to be firm so the bike will not rebound up and down or you'll have it bouncing on the trailer.

Also put one around the front chock and wheel to help keep it from rolling back if another tie gets loose.

Same for the bag bars, put the loops on the bag bars and connect the tie downs by hook to the loops.

[fxdxriderleo]

I haven't done much with bikes, but when I was In the Air Force, Part of my duties was loading cargo planes. On the planes they had us use tie downs on rolling stock 6 times the weight of the vehicle to keep it from moving forward and 2 times the weight to hold it from going backwards. may not help much but just had to say something.

[sarge7]

Notice ya didn't have a strap through the front wheel to tie it to the wheel chock - might help out if the bike comes loose.
Jus my 2 cents worth - Have a good trip and let us know if ya get there in one piece!

[rickster]

H-D sells "soft hooks" short double eyed strap, pair for $7. It was suggested to me to wrap duct tape around the open eye of the tie down strap after you hook it. This will keep it where you hooked it in case your strap gets slop in it if you hit a bump or even a critter LOL. Good luck with your travel & new home.