JeffandLori
Member
I have bought a small cargo trailer, single axle. Does anyone know where the cg of the Spyder is so I can locate it over the trailer axle to mount the chocks?
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by a moderator:
-
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.
Where is the Spyder's CoG?
- Thread starter JeffandLori
- Start date
PMK
Active member
The differences in weight between early V Twin Spyders, later Spyder RTs with three cylinder engines, F3s and now the newest RT models might be a concern regarding where you place your Spyder on the trailer. Typically, the balance point when jacking is about 1/3 the distance aft of the front axle, based off the wheelbase.
You may have better and safer towing if you load the Spyder, and then verify the trailers tongue weight when deciding the best position of the Spyder on your trailer.
Last edited by a moderator:
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
:agree: .... use the Tongue WEIGHT to determine where to best position your Spyder annnnnnnnnnnd if you carry quite a bit of extra stuff then add that also ..... this will give you the best Spyder position for towing ............. you didn't ask, but as far as securing the Spyder to the trailer is by strapping down the tires with a ratchet strap in line with the tread ....there are lots of pics posted here that will show you how folks are doing it .... Why is this the best easiest and quickest way .... Because professional Auto haulers, who transport million dollar cars do it this way .... Mike :thumbup:
JeffandLori
Member
This is the problem with the internet and forums in particular. I asked a specific question. I know how to set up a trailer with tongue weight so it doesn't fishtail. That is not the question I asked. I am unwilling to load my Spyder in the trailer without being able to tie it down and drive it to a scale and set the tongue weight and then haul it back home. I am not that reckless. Surely as many trailer experts there are on this forum there are just as many people who have actually put chocks inside an enclosed single axle trailer. Hoping to benefit from experience of others who have done this. I have already purchased the Erickson chocks/strap kits.
Last edited by a moderator:
EdMat
Well-known member
What Spyder, Model, Year, Etc? Going to make a difference. What gear do you carry in the frunk? What gear do you carry in the rear, if you have anything to carry it in?
Got small floor jack? That and a short piece of 2x4 and about 3 minutes would answer your question.
JeffandLori
Member
Ed, have a 2018 RTL. Negligible gear as I am planning on using totes e tracked to front or back sides of trailer. I have a very steep driveway and sub-division is very hilly, no flat areas. I would have to take everything somewhere flat. If I could get the cg, I would mount the chocks so I can transport it somewhere flat and see what needs to be adjusted. Hoping to not drill wrong holes in floor.
pidjones
New member
To be certain, I'd drive it to a flat area while someone else drives the truck/trailer there. When building my trailer to haul a custom GL1000, i placed the mounting rail over a pipe laid on concrete then rode the bike onto it. When it reached the balance point (I was standing astride to balance side-to-side) I had the wife mark the rail where the pipe was. Remember to put ~60% of the weight forward of the trailer axle.
EdMat
Well-known member
OK, if no one else comes up with the answer I will measure it this afternoon.
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
I won't speak for the others who answered your Post ..... but be assured I won't be answering any other questions you might have ...... your welcome ...... Mike :thumbup:
Last edited by a moderator:
EdMat
Well-known member
PMK
Active member
With fuel being 6 pounds per gallon, and the fuel tank may or may not have its balance point aligned with the point you measured, it is quite possible the amount of fuel will alter the balance point. That said, you might include an approximate amount of fuel remaining in the tank.
Myself, I remain perplexed about why not load the Spyder onto the trailer, set the parking brake, and use a bathroom scale to establish tongue weight. Simply, carefully roll the Spyder as needed into position. Without doubt, have a second person near the trailers tongue to prevent the trailer from flipping up.
Regardles, whatever is best for the person asking is good for me, but I still do not understand why this is complicated.
EdMat
Well-known member
A quick VISUAL reference for the CoG is between your toes and the back of the front wheel. Pretty much right through the vents that are in front of your feet.
Not real exact, but will get you close enough to start.
I understand your frustration in getting an answer to your simple, direct question, but you sorta have to accept that that is the way many forums work. If nothing else, take consolation in the fact that you got all those opinions in the course of just a couple of days. I have seen some questions here and on other forums that went days or weeks before the first reply happened.
.
Not real exact, but will get you close enough to start.
I understand your frustration in getting an answer to your simple, direct question, but you sorta have to accept that that is the way many forums work. If nothing else, take consolation in the fact that you got all those opinions in the course of just a couple of days. I have seen some questions here and on other forums that went days or weeks before the first reply happened.
.
JeffandLori
Member
Thanks for all the help guys. I have a lot of issues going right now as I am getting ready for vacation. Trailer was picked up last night. 2 weeks later than planned only giving me one weekend to mount all the chocks, spare tire and other things. Was a little terse to fellow members and I apologize. Where I live my driveway is so steep that I can only drive spyder up and then back down or it hits frunk. No flat road at all in my sub division. I just want to get spyder close to balancing in the trailer as I can then mount storage things to adjust afterwards.
Rode last Saturday and the brakes got spongy, fluid was 3 years old and very dark so I had to do the flush. Front brakes inspected and need replacing with only 11,000 miles on them. All I ride is twisty back roads 2 up. Only on Interstate type highway a couple dozen times so maybe that is why. Had new tires sitting here so decided to have them put on and they scratched the living you know what out of one rim, Looks like it was dropped face down from 5 ft into gravel, all spokes mashed. Top that off I am trying to finish up some led fender turn signals. Sorry for rant but its just not going well. Bit off more than I could chew.
Rode last Saturday and the brakes got spongy, fluid was 3 years old and very dark so I had to do the flush. Front brakes inspected and need replacing with only 11,000 miles on them. All I ride is twisty back roads 2 up. Only on Interstate type highway a couple dozen times so maybe that is why. Had new tires sitting here so decided to have them put on and they scratched the living you know what out of one rim, Looks like it was dropped face down from 5 ft into gravel, all spokes mashed. Top that off I am trying to finish up some led fender turn signals. Sorry for rant but its just not going well. Bit off more than I could chew.
Last edited by a moderator:
pegasus1300
Well-known member
Hi Jeff, glad you came back. I was afraid you had abandoned us. I can understand your frustration, I have put myself in the same situation too many times to count. I am not a pilot but have friends who are and if memory serves me correct they have to calculate a new CG anytime they make a change their airplane. If you have a pilot friend or if any pilots here (I know there are some) can explain the formula to you then you could maybe apply that to your Spyder and calculate a CG. You will have find a flat space in an empty parking lot to test it any way. Maybe have your wife drive car and trailer and you take Spyder, then load your Spyder make final adjustments and that should get you good. I realize this will take time which you don't seem to have, but I don't see another way given your driveway situation. Good luck and I hope things go better.
Where are you going on your trip?
Where are you going on your trip?
Last edited by a moderator:
JeffandLori
Member
News flash, did you know if you shoe horn a spyder RT into an enclosed 6X12 trailer and install 3 sets of Erickson chocks you can't get it back out....More to come.
pegasus1300
Well-known member
:yikes::yikes::yikes:
Similar threads
