Highwayman2013
New member
I tied my Spyder down the same way in a Penske rental. It didn't move after 2500 miles.
-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Trailering my RTS
- Thread starter kpspyder
- Start date
pitzerwm
New member
I too will trailer. Copying Jim's (Smoothspyder) idea of taking a boat trailer and making it just right, I think that I have it covered. I will take a strap over the rear wheel and ratchet it down. The front wheels will be from an eye nut, where the lower shock nut was and tie them at a 30-45 degree to the "rings" on the edge of the outside ramps.
A question to any aeronautical engineers, the distance from the towing van to the bike is about 8', would it behoove me to add a "box" in the front to provide a wind deflector, maybe 3' high?
See pixs.
A question to any aeronautical engineers, the distance from the towing van to the bike is about 8', would it behoove me to add a "box" in the front to provide a wind deflector, maybe 3' high?
See pixs.
Attachments
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Looks to me like you might have too much bike in front of the axle. You want about 10 to 15% of the weight on the hitch.I too will trailer. Copying Jim's (Smoothspyder) idea of taking a boat trailer and making it just right, I think that I have it covered. I will take a strap over the rear wheel and ratchet it down. The front wheels will be from an eye nut, where the lower shock nut was and tie them at a 30-45 degree to the "rings" on the edge of the outside ramps.
A question to any aeronautical engineers, the distance from the towing van to the bike is about 8', would it behoove me to add a "box" in the front to provide a wind deflector, maybe 3' high?
See pixs.
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
NICE BUT
I think the one that DISCOUNTRAMPS ( E-Bay )...sells will work better .....JMHO, .............I only use one over the rear wheel......Mike
..........:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:...THANKS FOR THE PIC........:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I think the one that DISCOUNTRAMPS ( E-Bay )...sells will work better .....JMHO, .............I only use one over the rear wheel......Mike
MarkLawson
RT-S PE#0031
The space in that trailer will make it very difficult to move around and tie it down securely, but may be possible if the tie down anchors are in the right position. Also, the opening is generally a bit smaller than the overall dimensions, so measure carefully to make sure the front wheels and fenders will clear the opening.
pitzerwm
New member
I moved the bike around and with it forward, it only made a 1/2" difference in the hitch height when connected to my van.
BTW the trailer and bike weights no more than 1800# I am using a Honda Odyssey, (brand new tires on the trailer) What would be the max speed that I can tow it at?
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
I'm not familiar with the Odyssey but from what I find its towing capacity is 3500# so you're well within that limit. A 1/2" drop seems a bit much, but maybe not. The easiest way to measure the tongue weight on the hitch is set the trailer tongue on a jack stand or wood block on a bathroom scale. Ideally it should be somewhere in the range of 200# to 250#. Too much and the front of the towing vehicle will lift up and reduce steering capability. Too little and the trailer may want to whip back and forth.
Max speed will be determined by how well the trailer tows. If the tongue weight is ideal, and the trailer tires track correctly, you should be able to pull at any posted highway speed. You'll just have to take it out for a tow and see how it feels.
jaherbst
New member
Hitch weight should be at least 10% of the total weight that you are towing. If your total weight is 1800# your hitch weight should be at least 180# or more.
Jack
Frank G
New member
Really like the Spyder Clamps but the financial adviser tells me I have to find a balance between "Wants and Needs".... so much for this retirement thing. :doorag:
pitzerwm
New member
I decided to take your advice and check the actual tongue weight, it was 377, specs say max 350, so moved the bike to the back and now its 287. Will test drive in a day or so.
Thanks for the advice.
Attachments
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Unless something weird or unexpected shows up I think you're in like flint now! I'd be surprised if it doesn't tow beautifully.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Sometimes I'm slow on the uptake! It just dawned on me that the max tow weight is 3500#, recommended minimum tongue weight is 10% of the towed weight, therefore max tow times min tongue gives you 350#. The two limits are definitely tied together. I wonder which is the real limiter, the strength of the rear suspension, or the power of the engine coupled with the braking capacity. Anyway, you're safe.
belowme29
New member
I too will trailer. Copying Jim's (Smoothspyder) idea of taking a boat trailer and making it just right, I think that I have it covered. I will take a strap over the rear wheel and ratchet it down. The front wheels will be from an eye nut, where the lower shock nut was and tie them at a 30-45 degree to the "rings" on the edge of the outside ramps.
A question to any aeronautical engineers, the distance from the towing van to the bike is about 8', would it behoove me to add a "box" in the front to provide a wind deflector, maybe 3' high?
See pixs.
This is a GREAT idea. I did not see this previously posted. Can you share the width of the trailer that you used? I'm sure that boat trailers can be found pretty much anywhere.
Tango
Well-known member
Tie downs with towels through the wheels. Had them weld four eye style tie downs before galvanizing. Works great. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:
duke50
Member
trailering
Had a 6x12 enclosed only had 1" clearance at door when I put my spyder in not enough for me
Sold that shortly after I bought the rt. I now have a 7x14 enclosed very happy plenty room for extras. I run a strap through front wheels another across rear. I'm trailering behind motorhome lady friend has bad back.I hate hotels anyway
Had a 6x12 enclosed only had 1" clearance at door when I put my spyder in not enough for me
Sold that shortly after I bought the rt. I now have a 7x14 enclosed very happy plenty room for extras. I run a strap through front wheels another across rear. I'm trailering behind motorhome lady friend has bad back.I hate hotels anyway
Last edited:
Deanna777
Well-known member
From Vermont to SF it is 1300 miles! We trailered 2 spyders ( 1 in a truck,2012RTS-SE5 mine on a snowmobile trailer) Deanna
Deanna777
Well-known member
Use tie down with plastic cleats, with wide strap. The tie down strap goes on over the back tire, and under the your spyder, and hitches to the front end of the trailer. Then use tie downs run them thru the tires ( left side to right side) hitch them to sides of the trailer. This does work, and the spyder does not move. Deanna
Similar threads
