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Thread: Trailer Tie-Downs and rail

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    S.E. Michigan
    --
    1,251

    Trailer Tie-Downs and rail

    I just picked up a used two place snowmobile trailer to use (primarily) for hauling the 3-wheelers around. It is a Triton 101" x 10 foot open trailer.

    I have questions and am looking for everyone's opinions. The bed has no tie down points, so I need to install some anchor points. What is the way you like to tie down your machine? By the triples and grab bar, and crank the ratchet straps down to compress the suspension, or tie down to the axle (unsprung parts)? I've seen net setups that go over the tires of the machine and hold them down.

    Ultimately, I'm worried about a strap coming loose which brings me to my next topic: side/front/back rails. This trailer has none. If I lose a strap, it could lead to the others coming loose and the machine just rolling right off the trailer. I don't want it to look to hacked, but is there a clean way or a preferred way to add rails? I see triton makes a stake pocket kit to add stake pockets all around which will accept 2x4s... but I think this will look pretty silly. I figured I can find a ramp for the rear and make it hinged and fold up to contain the back end.

    Just looking for advice.
    - Frank

    1984 200ES Big Red
    1985 350X (x2)
    1986 350X
    1986 250SX
    1984 Auto-X
    1984 ATC70
    1985 ATC70

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    s.w. michigan
    --
    6,498
    Definitely around axles or rims,,, just like the car haulers.
    Ever since tapper insisted I try the way he has been doing it for years,,, I have never had a strap loosen.
    Also kinda near seeing the suspension working in the rear view mirror since it ain't all squished to crap .

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Mexico
    --
    9,014
    It sucks to get old

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Freedom Township, MI
    --
    642
    I always tie down to the foot pegs and/or the frame right by the foot pegs
    Current Trikes:
    85 350x
    P3 (x2)

    Quads:
    2003 Polaris Predator 500
    1988 Yamaha Warrior
    2003 Polaris Predator 90

    Previous Trikes:
    84 Honda 110 (parts)
    85 Honda 110
    85 Honda 200x
    87 Honda 200x
    85 Honda 250sx
    KX 80 Trike conversion

    Gone and missed:

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    London, Ontario, Canada
    --
    1,059
    I'm with Matt, Two straps from foot peg area going forward, one on each side and two straps (one each side) going rearward. If my tie down locations don't work out I will use a butterfly strap around the axle at each rear wheel and pull from those. If the frond doesn't work I will go thru the front wheel but I don't like how it pulls on the forks and steering bearings. My open trailer always had 4 straps per machine and then one over the seat to keep fenders and seat from flying off in the 70mph wind storm, I can run less in the toy hauler as it seems to ride so much smoother.

    Ross..
    My Rides
    1985 250R original (Garage Queen)
    -under restoration

    1985 250R black and blue full rebuild ( Daily Rider)
    -Paul Turner pipe
    -+2" Westcoast

    1985 Red and White Tecat-EH Sold

    1985 Green Tecate Sold

    My Wife's Ride
    -2003 Suzuki LTZ 400 Showroom fresh and completely stock

    My Kids Ride
    -2004 Yamaha Blaster, Completely Stock
    -2006 Yamaha Blaster, Completely Stock

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