Can you haul a dirt bike in an open trailer or pickup truck? Yes, you can, but it’s crucial to tie it down securely to prevent damage and ensure safety during transport. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for achieving a rock-solid setup, covering everything from selecting the right equipment to the best techniques.
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Essential Gear for Securing Your Dirt Bike
Before you even think about loading, gather the right tools. Having the correct equipment makes the entire process simpler and, more importantly, safer.
Motorcycle Tie-Down Straps: Your First Line of Defense
Choosing the right motorcycle tie-down straps is paramount. These aren’t your average bungee cords. You need straps specifically designed for hauling motorcycles.
- Ratchet Straps: These are the gold standard for securing a dirt bike. They use a ratcheting mechanism to tighten the straps, allowing for significant tension without overtightening. Look for straps with a working load limit (WLL) of at least 500 lbs each. A set of four is generally recommended.
- Cam Buckle Straps: These are an alternative to ratchet straps. They use a cam buckle to tighten. While easier to use for some, they generally don’t provide the same level of secure tension as ratchet straps. They are better suited for lighter loads or less demanding transport.
- Built-in Straps: Some trailers come with integrated tie-down points and straps. While convenient, always check their condition and weight rating. Often, aftermarket straps offer better quality and security.
The Mighty Dirt Bike Wheel Chock
A dirt bike wheel chock is a non-negotiable item for dirt bike transport, especially in an open trailer or truck bed. It’s a device that physically holds your front wheel in place, preventing the bike from rolling forward or sideways.
- Types of Chocks:
- Wheel Chocks: These are typically made of metal or heavy-duty plastic and are designed to cradle the front tire. Some are fixed, while others are adjustable to fit different tire sizes.
- Trailer Wheel Chocks: Some specialized trailer chocks are designed to lock the wheel in place, offering superior stability.
- How They Work: The chock is secured to the trailer floor or truck bed. When the bike is rolled into it, the wheel is firmly seated, minimizing the need for extreme strap tension on the suspension.
Other Important Accessories
Beyond straps and chocks, a few other items will make your dirt bike hauling techniques much more effective.
- Soft Ties or Tie-Down Anchors: These are loops that attach to your bike’s handlebars or frame. They protect the bike’s finish from the metal hooks of the tie-down straps and provide a secure attachment point.
- D-Rings or Eye Bolts: These are strong metal loops that are bolted to the floor of your trailer or truck bed. They serve as the anchor points for your motorcycle tie-down straps. Ensure they are rated for the weight of your bike and trailer.
- Gloves: Protecting your hands is important, especially when dealing with tight straps and metal components.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Tie Down A Dirt Bike
Now that you have your gear, let’s get down to the actual process of securing a dirt bike.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hauling Platform
Whether it’s a trailer or a truck bed, ensure it’s clean and ready. Remove any loose debris that could shift or damage your bike.
Loading onto the Trailer or Truck Bed
- Ramps: Use a sturdy loading ramp. Make sure it’s wide enough and has good traction. Position it securely against the trailer or truck bed.
- Assistance: If you’re new to this or have a heavy bike, it’s always best to have a second person assist you. They can help guide the bike and steady it.
- Smooth Entry: Ride the bike slowly and smoothly up the ramp. Avoid sudden acceleration.
- Positioning: Once on the platform, place the front wheel firmly into the dirt bike wheel chock. If you don’t have a chock, position the bike so the front wheel is snug against the front wall of the trailer or truck bed.
Dirt Bike Trailer Loading Best Practices:
- Spacing: If hauling multiple bikes, ensure adequate spacing between them to prevent contact during transit.
- Weight Distribution: Load bikes evenly. Generally, bikes are loaded closest to the axle of the trailer for better stability.
Step 2: Engage the Wheel Chock
If you’re using a dirt bike wheel chock, ensure the front wheel is fully seated in it. This is crucial for stability. If your chock is adjustable, tighten it around the tire. If it’s a fixed chock, ensure the tire fits snugly.
Step 3: Attach Your Tie-Down Straps
This is where the motorcycle tie-down straps come into play. You’ll typically need four straps: two for the front and two for the rear.
Front Tie-Downs: The Critical Connection
The front end is the most critical for preventing motorcycle movement.
- Handlebar Attachment:
- Loop a soft tie or anchor strap around the left handlebar, near the triple clamp. Ensure it doesn’t interfere with levers or controls.
- Attach the hook of your motorcycle tie-down straps to this soft tie.
- Locate a secure motorcycle tie-down point on the trailer or truck bed in front of and slightly to the left of the bike. This creates a forward-pulling angle.
- Feed the strap through the ratchet mechanism.
- Repeat this process for the right handlebar, attaching to a motorcycle tie-down point in front of and slightly to the right of the bike.
- Ratchet Down:
- Gently push down on the bike’s handlebars to compress the front suspension slightly. This is important; you don’t want the straps to be completely slack when the suspension is extended.
- Begin ratcheting the straps. Aim for a firm tension that holds the bike securely but does not bottom out or damage the suspension. You should feel resistance, and the bike should feel planted.
- Check that the straps are not twisted and are running straight.
Rear Tie-Downs: Securing the Back End
The rear tie-downs provide additional stability.
- Frame or Subframe Attachment:
- Look for a sturdy part of the bike’s frame, like the passenger peg mounts or a solid part of the subframe. Avoid attaching to plastic parts, exhaust pipes, or bodywork.
- Loop a soft tie around the chosen point on the left side of the bike.
- Attach a motorcycle tie-down strap to the soft tie.
- Find a motorcycle tie-down point on the trailer or truck bed behind and slightly to the left of the bike.
- Feed the strap through the ratchet mechanism.
- Repeat for the right side of the bike, attaching to a motorcycle tie-down point behind and slightly to the right.
- Ratchet Down:
- Apply tension to the rear straps. The goal here is to pull the rear of the bike back, further stabilizing it.
- You don’t need as much tension as the front. The rear suspension doesn’t need to be compressed. Just enough to snug the bike and prevent it from bouncing or shifting.
Step 4: The Wiggle Test – Crucial for Preventing Motorcycle Movement
This is a critical final check.
- Push and Pull: Grab the handlebars and try to shake the bike. It shouldn’t move more than an inch or two, and it should feel solid.
- Check Straps: Ensure all straps are tight, not twisted, and not rubbing against any sharp edges on the bike or trailer.
- Verify Chock: Make sure the front wheel is still firmly in the dirt bike wheel chock.
Step 5: Double-Checking and Throughout the Journey
- Initial Stop: After driving a short distance (5-10 miles), pull over and re-check all your straps and the overall tightness. Straps can loosen slightly as the suspension settles.
- Regular Checks: If you’re on a long journey, make it a habit to check your tie-downs at fuel stops or every couple of hours.
Advanced Dirt Bike Hauling Techniques
For those who haul frequently or want an extra layer of security, consider these advanced methods.
Using More Tie-Down Points
For maximum security, you can use six tie-downs:
- Front Left Handlebar
- Front Right Handlebar
- Left Rear Frame/Subframe
- Right Rear Frame/Subframe
- Left Rear Footpeg Mount (or similar sturdy point)
- Right Rear Footpeg Mount (or similar sturdy point)
This extra set of rear straps, pulled outwards, can significantly reduce any side-to-side movement.
Securing the Rear Wheel
While not always necessary with proper tie-downs, some people prefer to add a strap to the rear wheel to prevent it from spinning or bouncing.
- Attachment: Loop a strap around the spokes of the rear wheel (carefully, not to damage them) and attach it to a motorcycle tie-down point on the trailer floor.
- Tension: Apply just enough tension to prevent the wheel from spinning. This is not about holding the bike down, but about preventing rotational movement.
Specialized Trailer Setups
- Front Wheel Holders: Some enclosed trailers have specialized front wheel holders that bolt to the floor, offering an alternative to chocks.
- E-Track Systems: E-track systems on trailer floors provide numerous anchor points, giving you more flexibility in positioning your tie-downs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, some common errors can compromise your dirt bike transport.
- Over-Tightening: Using motorcycle ratchet straps too aggressively can damage fork seals, bend handlebars, or compromise suspension components. Aim for firm, not forceful, tension.
- Under-Tightening: This is more dangerous. A loose bike can shift, fall, and cause significant damage or accidents.
- Using the Wrong Straps: Bungee cords, rope, or old, frayed straps are not suitable for hauling motorcycles. They can break, stretch, or loosen unexpectedly.
- Attaching to Weak Points: Connecting straps to plastic parts, fairings, or exhaust pipes will likely fail and can damage your bike. Always find strong metal frame components.
- Not Using a Wheel Chock: While a bike can be hauled without a chock, it drastically increases the risk of movement and the need for excessive strap tension, which can harm the suspension. A dirt bike wheel chock is highly recommended.
- Ignoring the Wiggle Test: This is your most important check. If it moves too much, it’s not secure.
- Forgetting the First Stop Check: The initial 5-10 miles are critical for ensuring your motorcycle tie-down points and straps remain secure.
Table: Tie-Down Strap Placement Summary
| Location | Attachment Point on Bike | Angle to Trailer Anchor Point | Tension Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Left Handlebar (via Soft Tie) | Forward and Left | Compress suspension slightly, firm |
| Front | Right Handlebar (via Soft Tie) | Forward and Right | Compress suspension slightly, firm |
| Rear | Left Rear Frame/Subframe | Backward and Left | Snug, prevent side-to-side shift |
| Rear | Right Rear Frame/Subframe | Backward and Right | Snug, prevent side-to-side shift |
| Optional | Left Rear Footpeg Mount | Backward and Outward (further stabilizing) | Snug |
| Optional | Right Rear Footpeg Mount | Backward and Outward (further stabilizing) | Snug |
| Optional | Rear Wheel Spokes | Directly Downward or slightly angled to prevent rotation | Slight tension, just enough to stop spinning |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to tie down a dirt bike?
The best way to tie down a dirt bike involves using four good quality motorcycle tie-down straps (preferably motorcycle ratchet straps), a dirt bike wheel chock, and attaching the straps to strong points on the bike’s frame and handlebars, ensuring a firm but not overtightening tension.
How many tie-down straps do I need for a dirt bike?
You typically need at least four motorcycle tie-down straps – two for the front and two for the rear. For extra security, you can add two more to the rear.
Can I use bungee cords to tie down a dirt bike?
No, it is strongly advised against using bungee cords. They stretch too much and can break, leading to the bike coming loose during transit. Always use dedicated motorcycle tie-down straps.
How tight should motorcycle tie-down straps be?
Front straps should be tight enough to compress the front suspension slightly and keep the bike firmly planted. Rear straps should be snug to prevent movement but don’t require significant tension. The key is “firm,” not “crushing.”
Where are the best motorcycle tie-down points on a dirt bike?
For the front, the handlebars are the primary points, using soft ties to protect them. For the rear, sturdy frame rails, subframe components, or passenger peg mounts are ideal. Avoid plastic parts or the exhaust.
Is a wheel chock necessary for dirt bike transport?
While you can tie down a bike without one, a dirt bike wheel chock is highly recommended. It significantly improves stability, reduces the strain on your tie-down straps and suspension, and is a crucial part of securing a dirt bike effectively.
How do I prevent my dirt bike from moving during transport?
Preventing motorcycle movement is achieved through proper tie-down techniques: using a wheel chock, applying firm tension with quality motorcycle tie-down straps to the correct motorcycle tie-down points, and performing a thorough “wiggle test” before and during your journey.
What are the differences between ratchet straps and cam buckle straps for motorcycles?
Motorcycle ratchet straps offer superior tension control and are generally preferred for their ability to achieve and maintain high levels of tightness without damaging components. Cam buckle straps are simpler to use but may not provide the same secure hold for heavier loads or rougher transport conditions.
How should I load a dirt bike onto a trailer?
Dirt bike trailer loading should be done slowly and steadily, using a proper ramp. Ride the bike directly into the dirt bike wheel chock at the front of the trailer. Having an assistant can be very helpful.
What are common mistakes in dirt bike hauling techniques?
Common mistakes include using the wrong straps (like bungees), attaching straps to weak points, overtightening or undertightening, and not performing a wiggle test. Consistent checks during the journey are also often overlooked.