How do you load onto a trailer?

[Droopy Dick]

OK. This might be very simple and obvious, but it isn't to me.

I need to collect my bike from a distance away, and the railways make it nigh on impssible to get there by train.

Solution! I borrow my mother's car which has a tow bar and hire/scrounge a trailer for an evening.

The problem is that the trailer I've had my eye on has a single 'channel' to put the wheels in, and a sort of clamp affair at the front.

But there seems to be no obvious way to keep the bike upright except by using tie-downs. And how do you keep the bike upright whilst you're fitting the tie-downs?

I'd have assumed there would be some sort of platform that you could use for the side staind, but none of the trailers I've seen have that.

Can someone enlighten me?

Hell, I've even thpought about the wisdom of buying a trailer, especially one that can be borken down for storage.

 

[Timolgra]

Fix the tie downs to trailer 'before' loading bike and to approx length and so you can reach 'em.

Load bike

Fix first tie down so bike leans slighty away

Fix second tie down

Adust both until tight and bike is vertical

Do the clamp up, in gear, and/or cable tie front brake lever

Bobs yer uncle

Tim

 

[charlie b]

Ye olde loading tricks...

Hi Droopy

Having run a rental business some years ago supplying vintage and contemporary Harleys for film / TV jobs, trailering for us was a daily event. Thankfully I don't do it now...!!! My back still suffers.

You will need as a minimum per bike, 2 x ratchet straps to hold down the handlebars, one either side of the bar clamps. If they have big hooks, they will go over the bars, otherwise I had a pair of nylon strap loops with a D-ring that I attached to each side of the handlebar close to the yoke. I would fit these on each bike first before putting them on the trailer so that I could snap the ratchet strap to the D-ring.

Also, 1 x long ratchet strap to strap across the seat area and down either side to somewhere adjacent to the axle / wheels. Make up a pad to go between this strap and seat to prevent chaffing (folded blanket, piece of foam or similar)

Also 1 x short strap with double D rings to strap the front wheel securely to the trailer at the front. A 2nd short strap for the rear wheel to channel but that was optional on lighter bikes. I would for something the size of an oilhead GS.

If using a single channel trailer and, if you are on your own, (I usually was 'cos nothing evaporates like a film crew once wrap has been called!) you need to lay out certain things before you touch the bike.

Have the trailer fitted to the towing vehicle, don't try it on a loose trailer. Have a loading ramp that can be secured to the trailer, (you don't want that slipping off at the wrong moment) and line the bike up with the channel. A scaffold board will do but get a proper ramp made up to fit.

Next, lay ALL the straps out, where they will be needed and unravel any kinks/knots so they are ready to attach. Have trailer end attached on at least one of the handlebar straps.

For smaller machines you simply run it up the ramp, but, for heavier stuff, full dress big twins or 1100/50GS's, start it up and in 1st gear, walk alongside the bike as it pulls itself up and onto the trailer. Check that the rear wheel is properly in the channel, not sitting up on the edge.

With the bike fully onto the trailer, stop the engine with it still in gear. Whilst holding the bike with one hand, front brake on, reach down and pickup your previously laid out handlebar strap (the one that is already attached to the trailer) and snap it the handlebar.

Adjust the ratchet until it takes the weight and with the bike leaning away from you, held by that first strap, you can now step around to the other side to attach the 2nd handlebar strap.

Get the handlebar straps down snug and compress the front end checking that the bike is upright, not on the piss, then, do up the other straps.

Double check everything before departing and don't forget the ramp. You can unload at a push, but loading with without one is a bugger.

Thats it, - sorry if it is a bit detailed and I don't want to send the forum to sleep, but I think you need to know all this stuff.

It is obvious to those who have done it, but, I have watched people who are very capable riders and pretty useful at practical stuff until it comes to tying a bike on a trailer. Then for no apparant reason, some real crappy securing efforts that are accidents waiting to happen.

For the drive home, I always stopped within the first couple of miles just to check that all was OK. Remember to watch the bike in your rear view mirror like a hawk... oh, and check that you are insured for towing in the car.

Happy towing...

Charlie B

 

[charlie b]

Hi Timolgra,

While I was penning my lengthy tome, you nipped in with a very neat and succinct summary, why didn't I manage that...???? All the info thats needed in much less time.

Whats the acronym ... KISS... 'Keep It Simple Stupid'...

Doh...

Cheers
Charlie B

 

[(RIP) Mark Dilloway]

Thank you both - for I too am now the wiser.

 

[MATKAT]

phew charlie

you would need a degree in trailer mounting, with your destructions.......faar better the easy option approx' length, lean the bike one way and hey presto..yes its rocket science and for sure a highly skilled job

 

[Fanum]

So that's light bikes, airheads and oilheads comprehensibly covered.......

Now, if it's a 12gs.......it's even simpler...the trucks come with their own iron chains for tie-downs.

(only joking )

 

[AndyT]

Good question

I bought a trailer last year and asked the very same question as it seemed quite dangerous to me trying to load a heavy bike like a GS onto a trailer on my own. I also didn't trust the tie downs before I tried them but everyone put me straight on that.

I actually bolted a piece of wood that runs along the left side of the "gutter" for the bike for 2 reasons.
1. So I could use it to walk on when wheeling the bike on the trailer and
2. So I could put down the side stand and give myself time to put on the straps.

As said previously 2 straps at the front is okay and one at the back. Spread the front straps as wide as possible at the bottom. I took my seat off and ran the strap under the seat rather than compress the seat and risk tearing the fabric, (The strap on the picture is the loose end which isn't under tension. Also remember to ratchet down hard to pull down and compress the suspenssion other wise it can come loose when going over a bump.

Here's a pick of my bike loaded up and ready to go.

Top Tip. Remember to put your side stand up before ratcheting down or it will get in the way and keep checking your mirrot to make sure it's still there.....!!!!!
My 1200 should be much easier to load due to the lighter wieght.

Have Fun

AndyT

 

[Droopy Dick]

Thank you to everyone for the replies, especially to charlie for the lengthy set of instructions.

I've printed them out.

I think I might take a pal along for my first trailer-loading experience - just to be safe.

I hadn't thought of driving the bike on to the trailer using the engine, and I was wondering just how much effort would be required to push the bike up a slope.

To be honest, my biggest fear when manouvreing a bike is that it will fall away from me and drag me over with it. I have an unstable lower spine, so beding forces can wreak havoc with me. That's why I normally move my bikes about by sitting astride them and paddling them about. It may not be elegant, but it's sure a lot better than fixing dents from a drop.

 

[Timolgra]

[B

Whats the acronym ... KISS... 'Keep It Simple Stupid'...

[/B]

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