In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Options
New trailer test drive...
Doc
Member Posts: 13,899 ✭✭✭
A few glitches.
Connector pulled out with the MC half way up the ramp. Until then the winch was working great. Grabbed the brake lever and started the engine and eased it the rest of the way up the ramp. Could just do it that way but the winch will never slip off the clutch lever and send the MC off the trailer. Of course if the engine won't start winch is a necessity. The front rail where winch is mounted groaned and creaked too much for my liking. Will need to reinforce it, some. Knew that might happen.
Didn't do a great job with tie down straps. Bought some new ones and they are a little complicated (ratchet type) and I need to figure them out a bit.
Took the rig on a 6 mile drive and got it up to 60 MPH. Tows fine. Tracks fine. No wobbles. MC did shift a little due to my inexperience with the straps. Will improve that.
I think I'm almost in business. I can now move the bike by myself if needed.
Here it is ready to roll and another shot after I cam back from the shake down run.
Yes, my truck is yellow. That was an extra cost color. I like it and I get lots of positive comments on it.
Connector pulled out with the MC half way up the ramp. Until then the winch was working great. Grabbed the brake lever and started the engine and eased it the rest of the way up the ramp. Could just do it that way but the winch will never slip off the clutch lever and send the MC off the trailer. Of course if the engine won't start winch is a necessity. The front rail where winch is mounted groaned and creaked too much for my liking. Will need to reinforce it, some. Knew that might happen.
Didn't do a great job with tie down straps. Bought some new ones and they are a little complicated (ratchet type) and I need to figure them out a bit.
Took the rig on a 6 mile drive and got it up to 60 MPH. Tows fine. Tracks fine. No wobbles. MC did shift a little due to my inexperience with the straps. Will improve that.
I think I'm almost in business. I can now move the bike by myself if needed.
Here it is ready to roll and another shot after I cam back from the shake down run.
Yes, my truck is yellow. That was an extra cost color. I like it and I get lots of positive comments on it.
....................................................................................................
Too old to live...too young to die...
Too old to live...too young to die...
Comments
I have a small trailer very similar which I use to tow my mower and other small things.
Mine is a tilt bed trailer that way I don't have to mess with ramps, it works well and is very convenient.
Nice little truck too. But you are right yellow is not my favorite color[;)] Then again it is easy to find in a parking lot[:D]
Yes, my truck is yellow. That was an extra cost color. I like it and I get lots of positive comments on it.Mom had an Impala that was about that color; we called it her Mustard Mobile! [:D]
Looks like you're getting there with the trailer!
If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!
My suggestion to you would be, to strap the bike down upright, not leaning in one direction.
Also, attach to bottom of front handle bars in order to compress front forks. THAT is what holds bike. You only need two at rear (frame) to keep bike from shifting in a bump, and to maintain upright position .
You do not need more than four straps/connections IMHO.
Those ratchet straps are the bomb, once you figure them out.
Did you attach eye bolts into the floor, to strap to?
Anyone currently riding (however limited,) has my respect. Be safe.
Best to you.
-Ken-
Margaret Thatcher
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
Mark Twain
Now if the trailer wheels matched the truck wheels...
Bright colors on trucks and cars is a must have.
To much black and white and silver and beige - parking lots and roads now a sea of uniformity of bland neutral colors.
I remember 1976 - 1986 and cars were colorful
The camaros and beetles and mustangs and vans came in a riot of bright colors and earth tones - with contrasting graphics and wheels.
Good job Doc - keep us appraised with a status report.
Mike
Nice Doc.
My suggestion to you would be, to strap the bike down upright, not leaning in one direction.
Also, attach to bottom of front handle bars in order to compress front forks. THAT is what holds bike. You only need two at rear (frame) to keep bike from shifting in a bump, and to maintain upright position .
You do not need more than four straps/connections IMHO.
Those ratchet straps are the bomb, once you figure them out.
Did you attach eye bolts into the floor, to strap to?
Anyone currently riding (however limited,) has my respect. Be safe.
Best to you.
-Ken-
Agree the Sidestand could give out. Just me I have something similar to this that you pull into and keeps the bike upright and will not let it roll forward.
quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
Nice Doc.
My suggestion to you would be, to strap the bike down upright, not leaning in one direction.
Also, attach to bottom of front handle bars in order to compress front forks. THAT is what holds bike. You only need two at rear (frame) to keep bike from shifting in a bump, and to maintain upright position .
You do not need more than four straps/connections IMHO.
Those ratchet straps are the bomb, once you figure them out.
Did you attach eye bolts into the floor, to strap to?
Anyone currently riding (however limited,) has my respect. Be safe.
Best to you.
-Ken-
Agree the Sidestand could give out. Just me I have something similar to this that you pull into and keeps the bike upright and will not let it roll forward.
Back in the day, I owned a Subaru Brat.
The space between the factory mounted rear seats was absolutely freakin' perfect for dropping the front tire of a bike into.
With the tailgate down it would just barely hold a Bike.
Loved that thing, would go anywhere.
Great mileage etc. Would buy another in a heartbeat if they still made them.
Like IH Scouts and early Toyotas, they'd rust out before they were done.
Closest to it is the Subaru Baja. While I like it okay, I'd rather have a two door, with a longer bed.
Why don't "they" listen??
that truck is not yellow. Its YELLOWNo, actually, it's YELLOW! [:D]
If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!
quote:Originally posted by 204targetman
that truck is not yellow. Its YELLOWNo, actually, it's YELLOW! [:D]
that's what I was trying to say
quote:Originally posted by 204targetman
that truck is not yellow. Its YELLOWNo, actually, it's YELLOW! [:D]
Maybe it the nonconformist in my, but I kinda' like it. Sets it apart from the run'a the mill Cheby.
Oh, and I cringed when I saw how your ride is tied down. I've seen several that had fallen over from strapping down that way.
You definitely need to watch some videos on how to tie down a motorcycle or find someone nearby that knows what their doing.
Yep.
That is an "Oh Sheeit," moment waiting to happen.
a wooden deck, no unwanted surprises that way. If the deck is wet it's gonna be slippery'er than snot. Keep that in the back of your mind. There are a few more "tips" that may help ease your way. Hit me up if you're interested, I'll be happy to share a hard learned lesson or two. (I have an old Shovel, 100% restoration finishing up including every original part, and a Steet Glide.) Enjoy your new project.
I've still got the trailer and it's a tilt trailer. I can load a big motorcycle by myself by tilting the trailer and driving upon it and as the weight goes forward it tilts the trailer up right. No need for ramps.
These make loading easy - drive in -holds the bike upright [the way I always haul] while ya get the straps on. Wait for sale + coupon from HF.
Soft ties for the hook up points - the rubber hooks wear through and will scratch eventually. I made my own out ones the ratchet was broke
Bearing Buddies- I pump some grease in every every 2k or so
Happy hauling!!!
If it was a H1 Hummer you'd get even more comments.[:p]
Yup, I did use the straps incorrectly. Have a much better idea on how to do it, now.
I made the side and front rails.
Yes, the front wheel chock is a good idea. I ordered one last night.
Too old to live...too young to die...