Trailering a Harley-Davidson, while seemingly straightforward, demands meticulous planning, proper equipment, and a thorough understanding of safety procedures to ensure your prized possession arrives at its destination unscathed. This guide, drawing upon decades of experience and best practices, provides a comprehensive roadmap for safely and securely trailering your Harley.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Trailering
Whether you’re transporting your Harley for maintenance, attending a rally across state lines, or moving to a new location, trailering is often the safest and most convenient option. However, neglecting the fundamentals can result in costly damage to your motorcycle and, more importantly, pose a serious safety risk to yourself and others on the road. Proper trailering techniques are paramount to protecting your investment and ensuring a stress-free journey. Ignoring these principles can lead to scraped paint, damaged components, and even catastrophic accidents.
Choosing the Right Trailer
Selecting the appropriate trailer is the first crucial step. Not all trailers are created equal, and opting for the wrong one can create a multitude of problems.
Trailer Types: Open vs. Enclosed
- Open Trailers: These are the most common and often the most affordable option. They offer ease of loading and unloading but leave your Harley exposed to the elements and potential theft. Ensure the open trailer has a solid, reinforced floor and ample tie-down points. Consider a motorcycle-specific open trailer as these are designed with integrated wheel chocks and ramp systems.
- Enclosed Trailers: These provide superior protection from weather, road debris, and theft. They typically have higher upfront costs and increased weight, requiring a more powerful tow vehicle. Enclosed trailers are ideal for long-distance hauls or when security is a major concern.
Trailer Size and Weight Capacity
Your trailer’s size and weight capacity are critical considerations. Measure your Harley’s length and width to ensure it comfortably fits within the trailer’s dimensions. Always check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer and ensure it exceeds the combined weight of your Harley and any additional cargo. Overloading a trailer is extremely dangerous and can lead to brake failure and compromised handling.
Essential Equipment for Securing Your Harley
Once you’ve selected the right trailer, you’ll need the appropriate equipment to secure your Harley. Skimping on quality here is a false economy.
Wheel Chocks
A sturdy wheel chock is essential for stabilizing the front wheel of your Harley during transit. It prevents the motorcycle from rolling forward or backward and provides a secure anchor point for tie-down straps. Choose a chock that is specifically designed for motorcycles and that fits your Harley’s tire size. Self-locking chocks are particularly useful for solo loading and unloading.
Tie-Down Straps
High-quality tie-down straps are the backbone of any secure trailering setup. Ratchet straps are generally preferred over cam buckle straps due to their superior tightening capability and ability to maintain tension throughout the journey. Invest in straps with a high break strength and ensure they are in excellent condition, free from frays or tears. Soft loops, used in conjunction with ratchet straps, protect your Harley’s paint and chrome by preventing direct contact with the metal hooks.
Soft Loops
Soft loops are fabric straps that wrap around the motorcycle’s frame or other secure points, creating a protective buffer between the tie-down straps and your Harley’s delicate surfaces. Always use soft loops to prevent scratches and dents.
Safety Chains
Safety chains are a crucial safety feature that connects your trailer to your tow vehicle’s hitch. They provide a backup connection in case the hitch fails. Always cross your safety chains under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dragging on the ground if the hitch detaches.
The Process: Securing Your Harley on the Trailer
Now comes the most critical part: actually securing your Harley to the trailer. Follow these steps carefully:
- Position the Harley: Carefully ride or push your Harley onto the trailer and into the wheel chock. Ensure the front wheel is securely locked in place.
- Attach Soft Loops: Securely attach soft loops to sturdy points on your Harley’s frame or triple tree. Avoid attaching soft loops to handlebars, mirrors, or any other fragile components.
- Connect Tie-Down Straps: Attach the hooks of your tie-down straps to the soft loops. Ensure the straps are positioned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the trailer floor. This angle provides optimal stability and prevents the motorcycle from shifting during transit.
- Tighten the Straps: Gradually tighten the straps, alternating between each side to maintain even pressure. Compress the suspension slightly, but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the fork seals. The goal is to secure the Harley firmly to the trailer without excessively compressing the suspension.
- Secure the Rear: Repeat the process at the rear of the Harley, using soft loops and tie-down straps to secure the rear wheel to the trailer.
- Double-Check Everything: After securing all tie-down straps, thoroughly inspect everything to ensure all connections are secure and the Harley is stable. Give the motorcycle a gentle shake to verify that it is not moving.
- Regular Inspections: During long trips, stop periodically to inspect the tie-down straps and ensure they haven’t loosened. Re-tighten as needed.
Preparing for the Road
Before hitting the road, there are a few additional precautions to take.
Check Tire Pressure
Ensure both your tow vehicle and trailer tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Proper tire pressure is crucial for safe handling and fuel efficiency.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Distribute the weight on the trailer evenly to prevent swaying and instability. Place heavier items towards the front of the trailer to maintain proper tongue weight.
Drive Carefully
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution. Allow for longer braking distances, take turns slowly, and avoid sudden maneuvers. Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding trailering a Harley-Davidson:
FAQ 1: Can I trailer my Harley with a regular car trailer?
Yes, you can, but it’s not ideal. Ensure the trailer has adequate tie-down points and a sturdy floor. Motorcycle-specific trailers are safer and more convenient, featuring built-in wheel chocks and ramp systems. If using a regular car trailer, take extra care to properly secure the Harley and distribute weight evenly.
FAQ 2: How tight should I tighten the tie-down straps?
Tighten the straps enough to compress the suspension slightly, but avoid over-tightening, which can damage fork seals. The goal is to eliminate any significant movement of the motorcycle during transit.
FAQ 3: Where are the best points to attach tie-down straps?
Secure tie-down straps to sturdy points on the frame, triple tree, or other structural components. Avoid attaching them to handlebars, mirrors, or any fragile parts. Always use soft loops to protect the finish.
FAQ 4: What type of tie-down straps are recommended?
Ratchet straps are generally preferred due to their superior tightening capability and ability to maintain tension. Ensure they have a high break strength rating.
FAQ 5: How often should I check the tie-down straps during a long trip?
Check the tie-down straps every 100-200 miles or at each fuel stop. Re-tighten as needed to maintain tension.
FAQ 6: Can I use bungee cords to secure my Harley?
Absolutely not. Bungee cords are not strong enough and do not provide the necessary security for transporting a motorcycle. Always use high-quality tie-down straps.
FAQ 7: What is tongue weight and why is it important?
Tongue weight is the amount of weight the trailer tongue exerts on the tow vehicle’s hitch. Proper tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight) is crucial for stability and prevents swaying.
FAQ 8: Do I need to cover my Harley while trailering it?
Covering your Harley while trailering it is optional, but recommended, especially on an open trailer. A motorcycle cover protects it from weather and road debris. Ensure the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from flapping in the wind.
FAQ 9: What is the best way to load a Harley onto a trailer if I am alone?
A self-locking wheel chock can be a lifesaver for solo loading. Alternatively, use a ramp and carefully walk the motorcycle up onto the trailer, using the engine to assist. Consider having a friend assist you if possible.
FAQ 10: What should I do if my trailer starts swaying?
If your trailer starts swaying, slow down gradually and avoid sudden braking or steering maneuvers. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the trailer to stabilize. Pull over to a safe location to inspect the trailer and ensure the load is properly distributed.
FAQ 11: Are there any legal requirements for trailering a motorcycle?
Legal requirements vary by state. Check your local regulations regarding trailer registration, lighting, and safety equipment. You may also need a specific driver’s license endorsement depending on the weight of your trailer.
FAQ 12: What is the best way to store my trailer when not in use?
Store your trailer in a dry, covered location to protect it from the elements. Regularly inspect the tires, lights, and brakes to ensure they are in good working order. Use wheel chocks to prevent the trailer from rolling.