Loading the Trailer-Tiedoads, Chocks, Tires and overloading - Kawasaki ZX-10R.net

DavidZX10R · 05-13-2012, 05:52 AM

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I am tailoring up to North Carolina next month to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a yearly trip that I enjoy very much but I usually don't carry two motorcycles. The round trip will be over 800 miles and I wonder if I am overloading the trailer? I will be using "Canyon Dancers" tie downs. The trailer is rated at 2000 lbs but we all know what that is worth and I'm also worried about the tires. Also there isn't much room and I'm wondering if I should put one in the back of the truck and the other on the trailer. What do you think? Should I use chocks? Should I buy larger Tires? How can I be sure not to damage the motorcycles?

ZedextenR. · 05-13-2012, 05:55 AM

I wouldn't want to say anything for sure without being familiar with your particular trailer, but if it were me I wouldn't be concerned, not at all. I've seen two bikes on similar trailers plenty of times.

PJD · 05-13-2012, 06:07 AM

As long as that BMW takes the brunt of the impact and acts like a cusion for the ZX10 I wouldn't worry about it.

Bpcullen · 05-13-2012, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjd

as long as that bmw takes the brunt of the impact and acts like a cusion for the zx10 i wouldn't worry about it.

hayden41 · 05-13-2012, 07:21 AM

I wouldn't worry. Definately carry a spare tire though. I do usually have back-up tiedowns just in case. I tie mine on the lower triple clamps or in the canyon dancer and just not pull it down as tight as the primaries. If i were going to bother putting one in the bed, i'd put in both and leave the trailer at home.

And if that is the warning sticker on your tank, remove it.

**SkyDork** · 05-13-2012, 08:00 AM

The trailer itself will be fine. You're way under the max load for the trailer. Tires as well. The biggest concern will be finding suitable tie down locations with enough distance to really support both bikes. I would recommend using chocks to help support the bikes. And of course, don't use the center stand for the Beemer when strapping it down.

06blackpearl · 05-13-2012, 08:19 AM

Most problems occur for failing wheel/axle bearings in the trailer wheels most people don't bother to grease them or check them ever... At highway speeds they will burn up quick.

DavidZX10R · 05-13-2012, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06blackpearl

Most problems occur for failing wheel/axle bearings in the trailer wheels most people don't bother to grease them or check them ever... At highway speeds they will burn up quick.

All good responses. I will check the bearings for grease.

evallarta1 · 05-13-2012, 09:05 AM

If it's rated for 2000 lbs I would THINK it would be ok. Im a fan of the Harbor Freight wheel chocks. They're cheap and do the job. Once in the chock this is how I strap the bike down. I only use 2 straps (one per side) and nothing else. The bike will NOT move and doesn't put pressure on your suspension.

DavidZX10R · 05-13-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evallarta1

If it's rated for 2000 lbs I would THINK it would be ok. Im a fan of the Harbor Freight wheel chocks. They're cheap and do the job. Once in the chock this is how I strap the bike down. I only use 2 straps (one per side) and nothing else. The bike will NOT move and doesn't put pressure on your suspension.

Because I have such small space I really like that idea . What did you pay for those chocks and where can I get them?