I have a bit of a dilemma. I'm planning on how to get the bike down to NC for the meet and I'm debating on buying a decent ramp so i can get the bike up in the bed of my truck, or just using my dirtbike hauler. I picked up a clamp to prevent the hauler from swaying, but I'm still on the fence on using it. I almost lost the 90 on it once, and I just don't know if any number of straps will hold the RD on the back of the truck.
I wish those small trailer in a bag jobs weren't so much money. lol
What do you guys think?
strap the rail to the bumper as well to keep it from jumping around, and use GOOD ratchet straps. However, a ramp is always a good option.
This is a hand made rail and class3 hitch on my 66, hauled the lightweight rd no problems. (bike at 243 and rail at 35 is lbs) however, keep in mind a 350 lb bike = 350 lbs of tongue weight + the carrier.
(http://www.2strokeworld.net/wp-content/uploads/66-Galaxie/56162949_2542183485810029_3074435193608601600_o-2.jpg)
that ford edge in the back is mine as well, have a class 3 on it also, and used the same rail to haul a GT550 which is a heavier bike than the rd, no problems.
Use 4 tie down int he bed, on per side on the back of the rd if you can, and one per side over the lower triple tree in the front, it wont go anywhere. just make sure to compress the front suspension when you do it. The wheel chocks for bikes the y sell at harbor freight are good to add as well. I have them in my 3 rail trailer. :vroom: :toot:
I use a bed extender/ramp with my 4-door Tacoma, because the bed is approximately the size of a flower box. Ridiculously rugged, you can load a Gold Wing with it, and then it straps to the tailgate and bed so your goodies don't fall out the back. An example:
https://www.explosivepowersports.com/extreme-max-5500-4076-rampxtender-motorcycle-ramp-and-tailgate-extender-combo-nr002s-slvr/?utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cse&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0LTl5OnF5wIVgYbACh1whgubEAUYBSABEgJWFvD_BwE
Wade
The hitch on my Jetta Sportwagen is only good for 200lbs tongue weight. My RD is like 265lbs right now. I kind of figured I could push it, but if I add passengers or cargo I'd probably run into issues. Ultimately, I ended doing an ebay tow dolly. I'm not in love with it, but it works. The tongue weight is well within limits, and the car pulls it like there's nothing back there. The problem I have is that my chain drags slightly on my expansion chamber, so I end up popping the chain off every time I tow. Not a huge issue, but again, I'm not in love with it. I used to ride the bike up a 2x8 into the back of my Ranger, but with clip ons and low slung chambers it's damn sketchy. The MX bike was a lot easier. I also got rid of the Ranger in favor of the wagon, it's a better vehicle in every single way, so I guess it all worked out.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Trailer-Carrier-Tow-Dolly-Hauler-Hitch-Rack/172003214671?hash=item280c30c54f:g:p9kAAOSwnDxUfNd2
I use a similar hitch hauler on my RV as what m in sc shows on his Galaxy. +1 on using four straps. I, too, use the front wheel chock sold by Harbor Freight, when I tow my RD on a flat bed trailer. It gives me something to hold the motorcycle once I arrive (no kickstand on a racing motorcycle).
Rob
Quote from: sav0r on February 09, 2020, 10:57:27 PM
The hitch on my Jetta Sportwagen is only good for 200lbs tongue weight. My RD is like 265lbs right now. I kind of figured I could push it, but if I add passengers or cargo I'd probably run into issues. Ultimately, I ended doing an ebay tow dolly. I'm not in love with it, but it works. The tongue weight is well within limits, and the car pulls it like there's nothing back there. The problem I have is that my chain drags slightly on my expansion chamber, so I end up popping the chain off every time I tow. Not a huge issue, but again, I'm not in love with it. I used to ride the bike up a 2x8 into the back of my Ranger, but with clip ons and low slung chambers it's damn sketchy. The MX bike was a lot easier. I also got rid of the Ranger in favor of the wagon, it's a better vehicle in every single way, so I guess it all worked out.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Trailer-Carrier-Tow-Dolly-Hauler-Hitch-Rack/172003214671?hash=item280c30c54f:g:p9kAAOSwnDxUfNd2
I bought one from JC Whitney back in the 70s and pulled my RD all over the country with it for years (literally 1000s of miles). I took the chain off (just in case it dropped into gear) strapped it down and occasionally looked back LOL. The only issue I ever had with it was backing up, if you don't back straight back the bike will lay down on its side, also you can't straddle potholes. I still have it and wouldn't hesitate to use it again.