Forum Discussion

afinepoint's avatar
afinepoint
Explorer
Jul 10, 2017

D-ring/tie down installation on an insulated garage floor

Anyone done this on an insulated floor? This is for a large motorcycle. I've already installed a Pit Bull motorcycle stand in this garage years ago for a sport bike but would like suggestions of what worked and didn't from others regarding tie down installation.

I'm interested in what screws or bolts to the floor.

Unfortunately Pit Bull doesn't make restraint pins for a BMW K1600.

Reg
  • I use a Condor chock that sits on a couple of pins on an aluminum plate. The plate has slots for the floor D-rings to fit through, and the tie downs hook to the D-rings. Nothing is permanently attached to the floor and all is easily removable in just a couple minutes. The rear of the bike is snugged down, but not super tight, and the front is only lightly tensioned. Works a treat.
  • For me, the D rings didn't offer options for loading different items.
    I installed the E-track system ( http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Van-Trailer-Products/E-Track-Straps-Tie-Downs/8-Horizontal-E-Track-Gray-Painted )
    You can put tie down rings wherever you wish. And Condor has a setup specifically designed for E-track.
    YMMV
  • I like this for track system. http://www.uscargocontrol.com/site-search?keywords=aircraft+track
  • Whatever you decide to install, make sure they are attached to something other than the floor. You'll need to attach them to crossmembers, frame, something like that. If you don't, they will pull out eventually.

    If its just not possible to do that, then use a large and thick metal backing plate under the floor. Not as good, but lots better than just screwing a tie-down to a wood floor.
  • I used the location of an existing D Ring which bolts into the frame for the chock for my Goldwing. The D rings on my rig are all secured to the frame by long bolts. I'd make sure that whatever you do is attached to the frame/cross-members. Since I only carry the one toy, my needs are fixed, but if I knew I'd be alternating items, I'd definitely go with the E Track system.
  • Thanks all for the suggestions.

    I'll do my best to attach to cross members. Do to its methodology of attaching which dictated placement the Pit Bull couldn't attach to a cross member. Like OH48 mentioned I had to fabricate a reinforcement plate for the bolts to grab. This distributes the force across the softer underbelly of the floor. I keep a check on it. The sport (touring) bike weighs 481 lbs.

    For those that haven't looked at them I highly recommend the Pit Bull system. Nothing touches the faring or frame. No straps. Clean design. Nothing to trip over. I'm not connected to the company. Many at the track use it with great success.

    Again thanks. Cross members - got it.

    Reg
  • Recessed D-Rings installed. Due to the narrowness of the cross members, hole pattern of the backer plates and size of the bolts I did not use the cross members or frame. I do however plan to fabricate larger backer plates.

    After much research I decided against E-track due to a lower total working strength, higher costs, trip hazard concern and the need to fabricate a backer plate which would further increase costs and installation time. I have some E-track sections that came with the trailer and may experiment with them in the future if I can figure out how to eliminate the tripping concern. A family member has impaired vision and would not see the raised track.

    Thanks for your feedback.

    Reg
  • I use all the existing D-Ring Tie Down Anchors in my rig. For all six of my dirt bikes keeping in mind you own a - (large motorcycle) but I'm running more the one tie down to the same floor mounts so the weigh displacement would actually be more then your (large motorcycle) I run two, to the front suspension and two, to the foot pegs. For each bike except for the on in the kitchen. It's only tied down in the front but the gear bags are on either side of the rear wheel the in the kitchen.
    19 Ft Attitude six dirt bikes . I've never have had an issue in all the years off roading with my rig.
  • Sounds good.

    I will load the bike today and have my wife rock it while I watch the backer plates. I'll adjust the nuts as needed. I am shopping now for aluminum to fabricate larger plates.

    The Pit Bull plates are only a foot apart transmitting a higher localized stress to the insulation. These D-rings are significantly farther apart.

    I'm toying with idea of mounting the E-track on the wall and using shoring bars. Commercial tranports use them to secure loads.