I went with the PitBull restraints. I have had too many front wheel chocks fail, and fork seals blow out, as well triple trees come out of alignment. No more!
Here are a few pics of my Goldwing loaded in the Toy Hauler. The chock for the front wheel is screwed into the frame and removes quickly once the bike is off loaded. I use the straps previously shown over the front forks and make sure the shocks are compressed. I also put tie downs on the back side guards, so it is tied down at 4 points. It has ridden rock solid for over 6,000 miles.
We waited for several years before we came across a toyhauler that worked for us. We also hated the idea of giving up living space to haul bikes, and felt like the separate garage just wasn't part of the living space. There's just 2 of us so we didn't need the sleeping space or separate living area. We finally found the Fuzion 383, which of course is no longer made. When we take the bikes out we get back all of our living space except for about 3 feet, and the trailer looks like a regular 5th wheel, complete with entertainment center and storage space. We like it very much.
This is how we secure our bikes:
A couple tie downs at the front and a couple at the back and it's done. The front ones are pretty loose since I hate to put too much strain on the handlebars, and the chocks keep the bikes in place. And everything can be unloaded and put away in just a few minutes since nothing is bolted to the floor. Easy, peasy. We've never had any issues with gas/oil/motorcycle smells.
This is how we secure our bikes:
A couple tie downs at the front and a couple at the back and it's done. The front ones are pretty loose since I hate to put too much strain on the handlebars, and the chocks keep the bikes in place. And everything can be unloaded and put away in just a few minutes since nothing is bolted to the floor. Easy, peasy. We've never had any issues with gas/oil/motorcycle smells.
I bought some tracks from ETrailer.com and they will work out pretty good to secure more important cargo, a occupied electric wheelchair.
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-Control/AnchorTrax/AT3375.html
The 12" long hardware is secured through the floor to the backing plate underneath, and once installed is really easy to use. Just clip in the hardware to the top where you need it. Then ratcheting tie downs, or straps can be used to hold the handlebars or back of the bikes. Push down on the front of the bike to compress the springs, and tighten, then it will not move around on you.
They also sell a few tie down loops, the $25 kit comes with two loops and two floor mounts.
They also sell kits for the standard rectangular tie down floor system, and 4' long bars that you can attach the hardware to at any point along the way.
They sell a tie down with something like seatbelt material to secure the loads as well.
This "Ericson" tie down is for the rectangular openings of the 4' long track, not the kit shown above. They do not interchange.
My handicap van has seat belt tie downs with auto retractors ($125 a pair) for holding the wheelchair, and fit the track above. It works really well to secure the wheelchair in about 30 seconds! And considering I have to do this 4 times on each trip, it helps to do it quickly.
Have fun camping!
Fred.
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-Control/AnchorTrax/AT3375.html
The 12" long hardware is secured through the floor to the backing plate underneath, and once installed is really easy to use. Just clip in the hardware to the top where you need it. Then ratcheting tie downs, or straps can be used to hold the handlebars or back of the bikes. Push down on the front of the bike to compress the springs, and tighten, then it will not move around on you.
They also sell a few tie down loops, the $25 kit comes with two loops and two floor mounts.
They also sell kits for the standard rectangular tie down floor system, and 4' long bars that you can attach the hardware to at any point along the way.
They sell a tie down with something like seatbelt material to secure the loads as well.
This "Ericson" tie down is for the rectangular openings of the 4' long track, not the kit shown above. They do not interchange.
My handicap van has seat belt tie downs with auto retractors ($125 a pair) for holding the wheelchair, and fit the track above. It works really well to secure the wheelchair in about 30 seconds! And considering I have to do this 4 times on each trip, it helps to do it quickly.
Have fun camping!
Fred.
