Trailering my Vaquero

[Troopervinny]

I'm planning on going from CT to Myrtle Beach, SC (about 775 miles) and want to trailer my bike down. I have never towed a motorcycle before and was wondering if you guys had any recommendations as to where to secure the straps. That, along with any sagely words of wisdom or towing experiences would be appreciated! Thanks! Also, I'll be in Myrtle Beach from August 8th to the 12th if anyone wants to ride!

[BudMan]

Although not a Vaquero here's a link (http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42873&highlight=trailering[URL="http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42873&highlight=trailering[/URL") to a thread about trailering.
The fairing will have to be worked around.
Be sure the tie downs will not contact the paint.

If you can get one of these (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200409163_200409163?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Trailers%20%2B%20Towing%20%3E%20Motorcy cle%20Hauling%20Accessories&utm_campaign=Ultra-Tow&utm_content=571648&gclid=CjwKEAjwoPG8BRCSi5uu6d6N5WcSJABHzD8FDojnM8kY EXKl8D-Wrf5r714K3LMxr8n5zGqBdgzAdhoCikLw_wcB) it will help. It's not a must but very helpful.

[captblack52]

Trick on the front is routing the straps down through the fairing near the forks. The chock BudMan linked works well. Best, in my opinion is to tow with the bike standing straight with your front forks slightly compressed (minimizes bouncing). Leave the side stand down and when you are ready to unload you can loosen the right strap and ease the bike to the stand. Always check your straps every stop.

[schoeney]

Vinny

I am in the middle of my first trailering of a big bike right now. About 1800 miles in a 5 x 10 utility trailer.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/98e05e018886295593023d41fcb7a72a.jpg



Can't help you with attachment points because I'm not familiar with the Vaquero. But I can give you a few newbie to newbie tips.

1. Don't drop your tailgate on the trailer crank:mad: Don't ask me how I know.

2. Do a "Dry Run" loading and strapping at least a day or two prior to your trip in case you need to buy additional or different types of straps.

3. Buy tie down loops so you are not having to put the straps or hooks directly on your bike. I bought four of these

18" Tie Down Straps, 4-pack, 2,300 LB capacity per strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014QOSOLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KAyNxb6ZFP291


They are the short yellow things in the picture on the very bottom of this post. Made it much easier.

They are heavy duty. They worked well for my attachment points. You might be able to get by with something lighter duty.

4. Ratchet type straps seemed to work well today on my first 500 miles. I bought 2 pair of these.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Keeper-8-ft-x-1-1-4-in-x-1-000-lbs-Motorcycle-ATV-Ratchets-2-Pack-05741/202065660

because they're heavy duty and I liked the hook type. I did have to cut about 18 inches off each strap. They were kind of a pain to adjust initially but they worked well and I did not have to tighten at any stop.

The non ratchet type are easier to work with but I was concerned with them coming loose without tension on them. So I bought the ratchet type. Went through real strong winds and some decent curves. Also enjoyed the Montana 80 MPH speed limits. Bike was very stable on the trailer. Knocking on wood because I still have 3 more trailering days to go on this trip.

5. The advice given above about compressing the suspension is good advice and worked well for me.

6. Make sure you anchor the rear wheel so it cannot lift off the trailer or swing side to side.

7. The advice about buying a wheel chock is good advice as well. This is the one I bought

http://m.harborfreight.com/1800-lb-capacity-motorcycle-standwheel-chock-61670.html


it ended up being $48 after a coupon they sent me. It worked well and was easy to install, load and unload. Fits a wide range of tire sizes. I was even able to adjust it after the bike was loaded .

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/5a4edd6a3a746a7d19b6263f1288a7fc.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160730/e2d5ed489218d90ab6d12def9dee05c3.jpg


Good Luck!

P.S. I have trailered lots of dirt bikes but they are not near as heavy. My bike is about 750 lbs. I did remove the saddle bags.





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[Framer]

I just trailer my voyager 525 miles. I used a condor chock and strapped it at four points on the crash bars. I bought ratchet straps at tractor supply. These straps have a extra loop build in so you don't use the metal hook on the bike.

[twowheeladdict]

Some good advice.

Additional tips.

Leave some slack before you start ratcheting the straps so the straps wrap around the ratchet several times to prevent slipping.

Strap the front wheel to the front of the chock to hold the bike in.

Check everything after 10 miles to make sure no slipping.or movement has occurred.

[MAS Tequila]

I've trailered more than one bike, and several times.

I always strap the front down, if the bike has a crash bar I use that as an attachment point. That way there is usually nothing in the way.

I strap the rear down also. Again from the crash bars if equipped.

A chock is nice but not absolutely necessary.

MT

[Troopervinny]

Thank you for all the detailed responses! I'll be using a uhaul trailer and it has a built-in wheel chock. I purchased 4 1000lb rated ratcheting straps yesterday and plan on using 2 on the lower portion of the front forks and 2 on the rear engine guards. I think I will also take 2 lighter weight straps I have and attach those to the handle bars to compress the forks a bit.

Also, is there an issue with not using the actual metal hook on the d-ring? I want to run the strap through the ring and since the hooks on my straps aren't the traditional "S" hooks, I want to hook the metal hooks to each other where the webbing is sewn on. They fit well together and won't separate if the strap loosens.

At ~850 pounds, it's a heavy bike and would rather over secure it than under secure it.

[MAS Tequila]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLxXUB_wa9E

This one is similar to how I do it.

MT

[highwayman2011]

Took my Voyager to South Dakota from Pennsylvania and back a couple years ago. I used a 5X10 utility trailer. Got a locking chock from Harbor Freight (bolted to the trailer) and used a Canyon Dancer handlebar tie down and Ancra straps to the side of the trailer in front and tied down from the rear tip over (saddlebag) bars in the rear, to the trailer sides. The locking chock was nice because I could ride into it and shut the bike off in gear and it wouldn't move. Then I could get off and strap it down. Bike did not move.

[bladenbullet]

keep in mind that as you approach and start driving up the ramp, if you choose to do so instead of pushing the bike up, when the front wheel starts up the ramp you lose the ability to plant your feet on the ground as the bike rises....if you drive up you must do so in one fluid motion instead of slowly while dragging your feet...

this also comes into play when pushing a bike up the ramp...the bars and controls rise quite a bit more than you do at first and it can be a handful steadying the bike if youre alone and unfamiliar with the feeling...having someone pushing from behind helps as you can spend most of your effort guiding and steadying the bike..

[Troopervinny]

Yeah, that's the part I'm worried about most. I'm going to try and load and unload on some sort of incline so that the ramp is as level as possible. I'm loading it solo so I guess I'll have to drive it. I think it will be too heavy to walk up.
QUOTE=bladenbullet;666785]keep in mind that as you approach and start driving up the ramp, if you choose to do so instead of pushing the bike up, when the front wheel starts up the ramp you lose the ability to plant your feet on the ground as the bike rises....if you drive up you must do so in one fluid motion instead of slowly while dragging your feet...

this also comes into play when pushing a bike up the ramp...the bars and controls rise quite a bit more than you do at first and it can be a handful steadying the bike if youre alone and unfamiliar with the feeling...having someone pushing from behind helps as you can spend most of your effort guiding and steadying the bike..[/QUOTE]

[skullbagger]

1157511576115771


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Just finished this, let down the gate and ride on up works great. 1 bike rides in the center channel or two bikes ride in the two outside channels

[Troopervinny]

So I've been looking this up like crazy and think I've pretty much got it figured out. I do want to share a tip I found about hooking your straps to the D rings. Rather than just using the metal S hook, you can use one of these: http://www.lowes.com/pd/Covert-3-8-in-Quick-Link-Zinc-Plated/50426976 to secure it. This way, if the strap happens to come loose, the strap will not detach from the D ring. Just hook it through the metal hook where the webbing is sewn on to the strap. I bought 4 of those so that I can use them on the front straps so that at the very least, I will have two straps that can 't be removed without unscrewing the fastener. They have a 2200lb working load.

[schoeney]

Vinny. I suspect you have already thought of this but just in case..... be sure the tongue of your trailer is very secure on the ball , locked and loaded including safety chains. You don't want the front end of your trailer popping up as you're riding your bike onto the back end.

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[MAS Tequila]

I know that you want to be thorough but you're overthinking this way too much.

That U-haul trailer's ramp is super easy to ride up. The deck height is quite low compared to some of the others out there.

I've rented and used them quite a few times.

Your straps aren't going to come loose. Take it from someone who has stopped at every rest area and double and triple checked them before.

Ride the bike up on the trailer and strap it good from each corner. And since you'll be doing it alone, go from left to right in stages. Just do the front, then do the back.

Then just to make yourself feel better add another strap at each corner as a back up in case one breaks. They won't, but just in case.

Then forget about it.

Check it once or twice, then enjoy the trip.

Been There Done That Got The T-Shirt

MT

[Troopervinny]

Haha, you are probably right. I think I'll be fine, especially after all the tips I've received here. I'm glad that I found a board with so many knowledgeable, helpful people!

I know that you want to be thorough but you're overthinking this way too much.

That U-haul trailer's ramp is super easy to ride up. The deck height is quite low compared to some of the others out there.

I've rented and used them quite a few times.

Your straps aren't going to come loose. Take it from someone who has stopped at every rest area and double and triple checked them before.

Ride the bike up on the trailer and strap it good from each corner. And since you'll be doing it alone, go from left to right in stages. Just do the front, then do the back.

Then just to make yourself feel better add another strap at each corner as a back up in case one breaks. They won't, but just in case.

Then forget about it.

Check it once or twice, then enjoy the trip.

Been There Done That Got The T-Shirt

MT

[skullbagger]

ditto I use the non-racheting type of tie downs with what I call bow-ties they where mentioned before (short two loop strap) (IMO) I think the rachet style straps can apply way to much pressure on things, dont get me wrong I believe in a secure scoot just not to the point where they bottom out your front forks and the rachet syles can very easily do it. you create a triangle using straps from starting at the triple trees ( lower or upper) then down to attachment points.
A triangle being the strongest shape right!
then tie down the rear from the bike to floor of the trailer the best way you can its a lil tougher but make sure the rear end can't dance.
if the front is done correctly you can pull short distances without rear straps.
leave bike in neutral with the side stand up. I have seen folks tie down with the bike leaning on its kickstand ( not good)
my 2 cents I have trailered a lot of bikes, including show winners




.

[highwayman2011]

keep in mind that as you approach and start driving up the ramp, if you choose to do so instead of pushing the bike up, when the front wheel starts up the ramp you lose the ability to plant your feet on the ground as the bike rises....if you drive up you must do so in one fluid motion instead of slowly while dragging your feet...

this also comes into play when pushing a bike up the ramp...the bars and controls rise quite a bit more than you do at first and it can be a handful steadying the bike if youre alone and unfamiliar with the feeling...having someone pushing from behind helps as you can spend most of your effort guiding and steadying the bike..

I guess it depends on the trailer, mine had a long ramp and was easy to keep my feet down and ride on. I did paint a line down the center of the trailer bed with spray paint to the hoop so i could center the front wheel by looking down past the forks. Hard to see that close with the fairing there. I loaded and unloaded myself.

[schoeney]

Vinny, it is natural to over think it the first few times. Don't worry about it, it is better to overthink it than under think it.We all do it. I know I did especially back many years ago when I trailered & launched my first boat.

So I have reached my destination in Red Lodge MT with a bunch of other members.

I unstrapped the bike and rolled it off the back myself without any issues. I rode it off rather than stand next to it . I just made sure I covered the brake the whole way down.

I also rode it on to the trailer under power by myself because I knew at some point I had to do it that way so I might as well learn the first time doing it with a heavier bike . It was no big deal. My bike puts my pegs underneath my feet so I can stand up dirt bike style. I would not be able to do that easily on my old Nomad. My trailer is long enough where I was able to ride on to it without going into the chock, this allowed me to ride up then pause to line up my front wheel then power into the chock. My ramp as you can tell by the pictures is pretty long and not a very steep incline so I'm sure that helped.

Like someone suggested there is at least one short position where I am not able to touch my feet as I'm going up or down the ramp. Sounds like you might not have that issue.

My goal was not to end up on America's Funniest Videos. :D
I will let you know if I accomplished that after I return.



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[Troopervinny]

Awesome, glad you made it safe! Yeah, just look up motorcycle loading fail on YouTube, another video you don't want to be the star of!

Vinny, it is natural to over think it the first few times. Don't worry about it, it is better to overthink it than under think it.We all do it. I know I did especially back many years ago when I trailered & launched my first boat.

So I have reached my destination in Red Lodge MT with a bunch of other members.

I unstrapped the bike and rolled it off the back myself without any issues. I rode it off rather than stand next to it . I just made sure I covered the brake the whole way down.

I also rode it on to the trailer under power by myself because I knew at some point I had to do it that way so I might as well learn the first time doing it with a heavier bike . It was no big deal. My bike puts my pegs underneath my feet so I can stand up dirt bike style. I would not be able to do that easily on my old Nomad. My trailer is long enough where I was able to ride on to it without going into the chock, this allowed me to ride up then pause to line up my front wheel then power into the chock. My ramp as you can tell by the pictures is pretty long and not a very steep incline so I'm sure that helped.

Like someone suggested there is at least one short position where I am not able to touch my feet as I'm going up or down the ramp. Sounds like you might not have that issue.

My goal was not to end up on America's Funniest Videos. :D
I will let you know if I accomplished that after I return.



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[schoeney]

Well. I just got back. 2000 miles. Including driving over Beartooth Pass with the bike in the trailer. No issues!

I also rode the bike over the pass 3 times as well.

Bike was rock solid riding in the trailer. Those yellow loops were the key. I did not even need to strap down the handlebars or triple tree. When I tightened the straps between the lower attachment point and the eye bolts on the wheel chock it compressed my front suspension a little, so no need for the additional straps.

I am glad I strapped down the rear wheel as we went over a gigantic bump in the road.... it held it down fine.

I was amazed that none of the straps needed adjustment on the entire trip. I did forget to lock one once but it did not come loose.

See below. The blue straps we're not really necessary , just a little piece of mind.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160807/4ba6be3a79cbbe36f176d6954d848252.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160807/a5c13ccf612567c64027dab55c1facb3.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160807/ddb825151d67d1caa383691238eb7455.jpg

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[Troopervinny]

I just wanted to update and thank everyone for their tips. The bike and I made it to Myrtle Beach just fine! Uhaul wouldn't rent me the motorcycle trailer, they said I was driving too far and would blow the bearings so I had to get a 5x9 trailer. It has a small wheel chock but I didn't even use it. Strapped it down good, checked it every time we gassed up, no issues at all! I will say, the first few times you see your bike bounce around on the trailer from your rear view mirror, you kinda cringe lol. I found a business (that was closed) with a ramp leading to the front door and unloaded there. Almost a straight shot, really easy. Again, thanks to everyone for all the tips!

[MAS Tequila]

I just wanted to update and thank everyone for their tips. The bike and I made it to Myrtle Beach just fine! Uhaul wouldn't rent me the motorcycle trailer, they said I was driving too far and would blow the bearings so I had to get a 5x9 trailer. It has a small wheel chock but I didn't even use it. Strapped it down good, checked it every time we gassed up, no issues at all! I will say, the first few times you see your bike bounce around on the trailer from your rear view mirror, you kinda cringe lol. I found a business (that was closed) with a ramp leading to the front door and unloaded there. Almost a straight shot, really easy. Again, thanks to everyone for all the tips!

That 5x9 is the one I always rented to tow before I built a Harbor Freight trailer.

MT

[schoeney]

Glad it went smooth Vinny.

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[Lumberjack]

Surprised I haven't seen these lay flat trailers until now - no ramp to drive onto!

http://www.razortrailers.com/
http://www.razortrailers.com/images/RazorIIb.jpg

[smokier]

http://www.razortrailers.com/
http://www.razortrailers.com/images/RazorIIb.jpg
:cheers: Now that's cool!

[schoeney]

Boy, sparks are going to fly pulling it that way😁

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[recumbentbob]

That's cool. Went to their web site. Only draw back in in the up position not much ground clearance.

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[skullbagger]

there is also an enclosed version, different mfg..
works well using a fiberglass shell

[mike07nad]

Surprised I haven't seen these lay flat trailers until now - no ramp to drive onto!

http://www.razortrailers.com/
http://www.razortrailers.com/images/RazorIIb.jpg

Gosh I would need a Hitch Riser on my Pontiac Vibe to tow that thing!

[Lumberjack]

You can't have it ALL... I have a 5" rise on my car for mine (not theirs). I think 5.5 is the highest you can buy anywhere.


Gosh I would need a Hitch Riser on my Pontiac Vibe to tow that thing!

[Troopervinny]

Not sure if this link will work, but this is how I strapped the bike down: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwMlTomI8ovUQklqNDZvY21QU2M&usp=sharing

[schoeney]

Vinny. Nice job. We had similar attachment points.
But you color coordinated your trailer to your bike :cool:

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[Lumberjack]

I see you anchored through the rear tire. The strap is only pulling back. IMO you should loop it through the rim so the rear cannot move laterally. Better yet use two straps looped through (one on each side) so it is just like the front.


Not sure if this link will work, but this is how I strapped the bike down: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwMlTomI8ovUQklqNDZvY21QU2M&usp=sharing

[schoeney]

You mean like this? See post #22.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160824/2b0e78837735cb84cdb3ad0c7b529e0e.jpg

[Troopervinny]

Next time I will wrap the strap around the tire. And yes, I bought orange and black straps. Uhaul already had their pain scheme picked out lol