Transporting 2020 RT on an open trailer sideways?

[almosthere]

I know the standard way to transport a Spyder on an open trailer is nose forward. This keeps the chance of damage to windshield, or anything else, to the same as riding it down the road. I have been contemplating putting one of those lift platforms on the back of a flatbed pickup. I know carrying one bike nose forward has been done without issue. However I would like to take 2 bikes loaded nose to tail tight next to each other with saddle bags almost touching. I think this would cause damage to the bike facing backwards. I was wondering if anyone had tried the sideways orientation and what the wind at highway speed might do?

 

[JayBros]

Pardon me, but your language is, to me anyway, a bit confusing. The title of your post says, "...open trailer sideways," but in the next to last sentence you mention damage to the Spyder facing backward, but in the last sentence you talk again about a sideways orientation. Which way are the noses of the Spyders facing, one forward and the other aft, or one left and the other right? If the latter, on your flat bed pick up you're going to have a pretty wide load.

 

[Grandpot]

Facing forward is how it's designed.

Facing backwards is definitely not a good idea. The curvature of the windshield acts like an air scoop. The support arms are not designed for that.

Loading sideways sets up another scenario. The curvature of the windshield will act like an airfoil and pull the windshield forward. It also could set up an oscillation back and forth. Not good.

 

[Bfromla]

Might just be best removing wind shield until destination,& double check all other panels are tight & secure. Caution with the windshield lift arm have heard of some being fragile

 

[Steve W.]

I have been contemplating putting one of those lift platforms on the back of a flatbed pickup. ... I was wondering if anyone had tried the sideways orientation ...

I know the '20 is bigger than our '17, so I had to look up the dimensions.
109.3-111.5″ L x 61.18″ W x 57.64″ H

I guess that means that the length is AT LEAST 109 inches, and can go up to 111.5, depending on the model. If you want to carry it sideways, you will need to have OVERSIZE VEHICLE placcards on your truck, as the maximum allowed width is 102 inches.

I know you will be able to interleave the two if you alternate directions, so you won't need 122" of bed length (that's over 10 feet). On our '17, the front wheels stick out about 11 inches past the width of the saddlebags. That would reduce the bed length to about 111 inches, which is still over 9 feet. And that does not allow ANY room between fenders, bulkheads or rear drop-offs.

Just how big is your flatbed? Don't forget that you would need ramps to get the Spyders up there, then you will need some access room to tie them down.

And let's not forget that you will be adding well over 2000 pounds rather high up on your truck. I hope it's at least a one-ton dually.

If you feel the need to transport two Spyders, you would be far better off with a 7 x 20 trailer.

In my mind, though, there is that one burning question, ... why aren't you RIDING the Spyders?

.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Facing forward is how it's designed.

Facing backwards is definitely not a good idea. The curvature of the windshield acts like an air scoop. The support arms are not designed for that.

Loading sideways sets up another scenario. The curvature of the windshield will act like an airfoil and pull the windshield forward. It also could set up an oscillation back and forth. Not good.

:agree: .... and don't forget any Spyder exceeds the legal allowed ( veh with load ) width on public highways --- UNLESS you get a Permit to do so ....Mike :thumbup:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I say put one on forward and the other on backward. Take the windshield off the backward one. It only takes about 5 to 10 minutes to take it off. About the same to put it back on. I hauled my 2014 RTS from Seattle to home on my open trailer backwards with the windshield off. No problem other than getting good and dirty.

 

[almosthere]

Thanks everyone. I had thought they where closer to 8 foot in length. then the sideways position would have been and option on the back of the truck. I did not want to get a toy hauler / camper.

 

[Steve W.]

The pre-'20 models were a few inches shorter, but still over 8 feet.

.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

Theoretically backwards would be worst case scenario, but I've done it with no issues at all by just taking the windshield off. I wouldn't think sideways would be an issue at all.