Securing two motorcycles safely on a trailer requires a thoughtful approach, prioritizing stability and preventing damage during transport. Properly distributing weight, utilizing high-quality tie-down straps in strategic anchor points, and employing wheel chocks are essential for a secure and worry-free journey, protecting your valuable bikes from potential harm.
Choosing the Right Trailer and Equipment
Selecting a Trailer
The foundation of any successful motorcycle haul lies in choosing the right trailer. Consider the following factors:
- Weight Capacity: Exceeding the trailer’s weight limit is dangerous and illegal. Calculate the combined weight of your two motorcycles, plus any gear you’ll be carrying. Add a safety margin of at least 20% to ensure you’re well within the safe operating range.
- Trailer Type: Open utility trailers, motorcycle-specific trailers, and enclosed trailers are common choices. Open trailers offer affordability and ease of loading but expose your bikes to the elements. Enclosed trailers provide superior protection and security but are more expensive and heavier. Motorcycle-specific trailers often include built-in wheel chocks and tie-down points.
- Deck Material: Wood, metal, and mesh decks are available. Wood decks provide a good grip but require regular maintenance to prevent rot. Metal decks are durable but can be slippery when wet. Mesh decks offer good drainage but may not be suitable for smaller wheels.
- Ramp or Tilt Bed: A ramp facilitates loading, while a tilt-bed trailer eliminates the need for a ramp. Consider your physical capabilities and the type of motorcycles you’re loading.
- Anchor Points: Ensure the trailer has adequate, strategically placed anchor points capable of withstanding significant force. These points should be strong and well-secured to the trailer frame.
Essential Tie-Down Equipment
Using the correct equipment is just as crucial as choosing the right trailer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tie-Down Straps: Invest in high-quality ratchet straps or cam buckle straps specifically designed for motorcycle transport. Look for straps with a working load limit (WLL) that exceeds the weight of your motorcycles. Avoid using bungee cords or rope, as they lack the necessary strength and reliability.
- Soft Loops: These fabric loops wrap around the motorcycle’s frame or triple trees, providing a secure and scratch-free attachment point for the tie-down straps. Never attach straps directly to painted surfaces or delicate components.
- Wheel Chocks: Wheel chocks cradle the front wheels of the motorcycles, preventing them from rolling and adding stability. They are especially helpful when loading and unloading the bikes.
- Axle Straps (Optional): These straps loop around the motorcycle’s front or rear axle, providing an alternative attachment point. They can be particularly useful for motorcycles with limited frame access.
- Tie-Down Extenders (Optional): If the anchor points on your trailer are too far from the motorcycle, tie-down extenders can bridge the gap.
- Mirror Protection: Use padding or covers to protect your mirrors from potential damage during transport.
- Flagging: Use bright red or orange flagging to mark the rear of your motorcycles, particularly if they extend beyond the trailer.
Loading and Securing the Motorcycles
Planning the Layout
Before loading, visualize the layout and consider these factors:
- Weight Distribution: Distribute the weight evenly across the trailer axle to maintain stability. Position the heavier motorcycle slightly forward of the axle.
- Clearance: Ensure that both motorcycles have adequate clearance from each other and the trailer sides.
- Accessibility: Plan the loading order to allow easy access to both motorcycles for securing the tie-down straps.
- Fuel: Minimize the amount of fuel in the tanks to reduce weight and prevent fuel leaks.
The Loading Process
- Position the Trailer: Park the trailer on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Install Wheel Chocks: Securely mount the wheel chocks in the desired locations.
- Load the First Motorcycle: Carefully roll the first motorcycle onto the trailer and into a wheel chock. Use assistance if needed, especially for heavier bikes.
- Load the Second Motorcycle: Repeat the process for the second motorcycle, ensuring adequate spacing between the bikes.
- Position Soft Loops: Attach soft loops to the motorcycle’s frame or triple trees, avoiding any brake lines, wires, or other sensitive components.
- Attach Tie-Down Straps: Connect the tie-down straps to the soft loops and the anchor points on the trailer.
- Tighten the Straps: Gradually tighten the straps, alternating between the left and right sides, to compress the suspension and secure the motorcycle. Aim for a moderate amount of compression, enough to stabilize the bike without bottoming out the suspension. Avoid overtightening the straps, as this can damage the suspension seals.
- Double-Check Security: Once all straps are tightened, double-check their placement and tension. Ensure that the straps are not rubbing against any sharp edges or moving parts.
- Secure Loose Ends: Tuck in or tie up any loose ends of the straps to prevent them from flapping in the wind.
- Inspect Regularly: During your journey, stop periodically to inspect the tie-down straps and adjust them as needed. Vibration and movement can cause the straps to loosen over time.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Before hitting the road, run through this checklist:
- All tie-down straps are securely fastened and properly tensioned.
- Wheel chocks are firmly in place.
- Tires are properly inflated on both the trailer and the tow vehicle.
- Lights (brake lights, turn signals) are functioning correctly.
- Safety chains are securely attached.
- Mirrors are adjusted for optimal visibility.
- Registration and insurance documents are readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What type of tie-down straps are best for securing motorcycles?
Ratchet straps and cam buckle straps are both suitable for securing motorcycles. Ratchet straps offer more precise tensioning but can be easier to overtighten. Cam buckle straps are simpler to use but may require more frequent adjustments. Choose straps with a high working load limit (WLL) and inspect them regularly for wear and tear.
FAQ 2: Where should I attach the tie-down straps on the motorcycle?
The best attachment points are the motorcycle’s frame or triple trees. Use soft loops to protect these components from scratches and abrasion. Avoid attaching straps to handlebars, brake lines, or other delicate parts.
FAQ 3: How tight should I tighten the tie-down straps?
Tighten the straps enough to compress the suspension and stabilize the motorcycle. Overtightening can damage the suspension seals and cause other problems. Aim for a moderate amount of compression.
FAQ 4: Should I use wheel chocks when transporting motorcycles?
Yes, wheel chocks are highly recommended. They provide added stability and prevent the motorcycles from rolling during transport, especially during loading and unloading.
FAQ 5: How often should I check the tie-down straps during a long trip?
Check the straps at least every hour during the first few hours of the trip, then every few hours thereafter. Vibration and movement can cause the straps to loosen over time.
FAQ 6: What if the tie-down straps are too short?
Use tie-down extenders to bridge the gap between the motorcycle and the anchor points on the trailer. Ensure that the extenders are rated for the same weight capacity as the tie-down straps.
FAQ 7: Can I transport a motorcycle with a full gas tank?
It’s best to minimize the amount of fuel in the tank to reduce weight and prevent fuel leaks. A nearly empty tank is ideal.
FAQ 8: What do I do if I don’t have enough anchor points on my trailer?
Consider adding additional anchor points to your trailer. Consult with a trailer mechanic to ensure that the new anchor points are properly installed and strong enough to withstand the forces involved. You can also use shared anchor points carefully distributing the weight of each tie-down.
FAQ 9: Is it safe to use bungee cords to secure a motorcycle on a trailer?
No, bungee cords are not safe for securing motorcycles. They lack the necessary strength and reliability and can easily snap or stretch under pressure.
FAQ 10: How do I protect my motorcycle’s mirrors during transport?
Use padding or covers to protect your mirrors from potential damage. You can also fold them in or remove them completely.
FAQ 11: What are the legal requirements for transporting motorcycles on a trailer?
The legal requirements vary depending on your location. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for information on trailer registration, lighting requirements, and other regulations. Always adhere to all applicable traffic laws.
FAQ 12: Should I cover my motorcycles while transporting them on an open trailer?
Covering your motorcycles is recommended to protect them from the elements, road debris, and prying eyes. Use a motorcycle-specific cover that is designed to withstand wind and rain. Secure the cover tightly to prevent it from flapping in the wind.