On a diverted note about tying the bike down, I would suggest one of 2 things. When I have trailered motorcycles, I blocked up under the engine so the frame rested directly on a 2X4. This way the bike was held solid and would not move around. Straps went up to the triple clamps.
When I built the carrier for the PC800, I welded 2 brackets that went up to the crash bar. In my particular case, I just unbolt my HWY boards, and bolt the bike in place. 2 bolts hold the bike, and it is very quick to load and secure. no straps needed. Not sure what kind of bike you are carrying, but I would suggest welding some tabs to the frame and then welding braces from the carrier to the tabs, so the bike can be bolted in. It makes it sooo much more secure, and quick to load and unload. I find the concept of straps too temporary for day in and day out use.
When I built the carrier for the PC800, I welded 2 brackets that went up to the crash bar. In my particular case, I just unbolt my HWY boards, and bolt the bike in place. 2 bolts hold the bike, and it is very quick to load and secure. no straps needed. Not sure what kind of bike you are carrying, but I would suggest welding some tabs to the frame and then welding braces from the carrier to the tabs, so the bike can be bolted in. It makes it sooo much more secure, and quick to load and unload. I find the concept of straps too temporary for day in and day out use.
PDDGM,
I'm certainly no mathematician but, I think if someone on here that has maybe some geometry back ground which, would include calculations in and on fulcrum loading, distances, leverage, and more could tell you EXACTLY what and won't be displaced, based on weights and placement. I mean, I hated math in High School but, I've had to use it my whole life and sure wish I'd have paid attention back then.
But, a very simple way to look at is a child's "teeter-totter". Two kids, the same exact weight, sitting the same exact distance from the center of the fulcrum point should, and most of the time DO, off-set each others weight. But, if one of them is heavier than the other, then the obvious is going to happen. But, move the heavier one in towards the center a bit and then, it becomes more and more equal.
So, my point is, weigh the front of the car, weigh the bike, and position, ON PAPER, the two weights, at calculated positions at the distance intended for each from the center point, which is directly over the axle. There must be some sort of formula that can tell you EXACTLY what will happen and, what kind of tongue weight will be expected.
But, the point is, knowing the exact weights of both and, what the exact weight of the tongue of the trailer/dolly will be (empty). From that point, I would figure any math major or, anyone with an engineering degree could come up with an answer in about 5 minutes.
At that point, you'd know almost to the pound what to expect. At least that's the way I'd go about it. Good luck.
Scott
I'm certainly no mathematician but, I think if someone on here that has maybe some geometry back ground which, would include calculations in and on fulcrum loading, distances, leverage, and more could tell you EXACTLY what and won't be displaced, based on weights and placement. I mean, I hated math in High School but, I've had to use it my whole life and sure wish I'd have paid attention back then.
But, a very simple way to look at is a child's "teeter-totter". Two kids, the same exact weight, sitting the same exact distance from the center of the fulcrum point should, and most of the time DO, off-set each others weight. But, if one of them is heavier than the other, then the obvious is going to happen. But, move the heavier one in towards the center a bit and then, it becomes more and more equal.
So, my point is, weigh the front of the car, weigh the bike, and position, ON PAPER, the two weights, at calculated positions at the distance intended for each from the center point, which is directly over the axle. There must be some sort of formula that can tell you EXACTLY what will happen and, what kind of tongue weight will be expected.
But, the point is, knowing the exact weights of both and, what the exact weight of the tongue of the trailer/dolly will be (empty). From that point, I would figure any math major or, anyone with an engineering degree could come up with an answer in about 5 minutes.
At that point, you'd know almost to the pound what to expect. At least that's the way I'd go about it. Good luck.
Scott
PDDGM wrote:I would have to say "Show Me" on the sellers claim. And considering all the loads that I've place on tractor trailers, I'd say no way to only 200 lbs tongue weight with that set up. That 800 lb bike is forward the axle and nothing behind the axle to off set the weight in front of the axle.
Here is one I missed buying, this is the model I am going to use...
The guy hauled a 800 lb bike and it only had 200 lbs tongue wt. I just wasn't ready to buy when he sold it...
Joe
PDDGM,
If you've managed to get the dolly for a great price and, know or have good relations with a qualified/certified welder, then it's possible to get what you want for around $4K. Time, materials, GOOD QUALITY PAINT, LABOR, all costs money. It's not impossible. I've looked into the exact same scenario as you a few times. I've resorted for now at least, to carry our 850 lb. Honda Goldwing on the rear of our coach, using a Hydralift.
As has been stated, some pretty precise calculations must be done so that in the end, car loaded, bike loaded, loading ramp tied on, and any other items that may go on, the tongue weight must be correct for the application. You've seen the commercially constructed ones so, you at least have an idea of what and how it must look and be done. Although we've not seen that many out on the road, they do exist.
If done correctly, the rear suspension of the coach will take it just fine, you won't have to worry about that. The structural steel used should be of dimensions to withstand not only the "static" weight of the load of the bike but, also the "Dynamic load" too. That is, the weight of the bike "bouncing" as you motor down the road.
Tying down a bike of that kind of weight is a factor too. Tie points must be strategically located so the bike is not only secure but, also equal stress is applied in opposite directions so as to not over stress any portion and do any damage. I use six tie downs on mine.
Anyway, I'd like to see it when you're done with it and it's all loaded up. Good luck.
Scott
If you've managed to get the dolly for a great price and, know or have good relations with a qualified/certified welder, then it's possible to get what you want for around $4K. Time, materials, GOOD QUALITY PAINT, LABOR, all costs money. It's not impossible. I've looked into the exact same scenario as you a few times. I've resorted for now at least, to carry our 850 lb. Honda Goldwing on the rear of our coach, using a Hydralift.
As has been stated, some pretty precise calculations must be done so that in the end, car loaded, bike loaded, loading ramp tied on, and any other items that may go on, the tongue weight must be correct for the application. You've seen the commercially constructed ones so, you at least have an idea of what and how it must look and be done. Although we've not seen that many out on the road, they do exist.
If done correctly, the rear suspension of the coach will take it just fine, you won't have to worry about that. The structural steel used should be of dimensions to withstand not only the "static" weight of the load of the bike but, also the "Dynamic load" too. That is, the weight of the bike "bouncing" as you motor down the road.
Tying down a bike of that kind of weight is a factor too. Tie points must be strategically located so the bike is not only secure but, also equal stress is applied in opposite directions so as to not over stress any portion and do any damage. I use six tie downs on mine.
Anyway, I'd like to see it when you're done with it and it's all loaded up. Good luck.
Scott
Here is one I missed buying, this is the model I am going to use...
The guy hauled a 800 lb bike and it only had 200 lbs tongue wt. I just wasn't ready to buy when he sold it...
Joe
