If you are planning on moving your motorcycle across the country, you might be wondering how you can transport it safely. A Uhaul trailer is a great solution, but you might be unsure of how to get your bike onto the trailer in the first place. In this article, we will take you through the steps on how to load your motorcycle onto a Uhaul trailer safely.
What You'll Need
Before you can start loading your motorcycle onto a Uhaul trailer, you must first have some essential tools on hand. These tools include:
- A sturdy ramp that can support the weight of your motorcycle
- Uhaul motorcycle chock or similar device
- Ratcheting straps or tie-downs to secure the motorcycle to the trailer
- A friend to assist you in loading and unloading the motorcycle
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Loading
Before you attempt to load your motorcycle onto a Uhaul trailer, you should prepare it adequately. Begin by securing the motorcycle in an upright position using a Uhaul motorcycle chock or similar device. This device will hold your motorcycle securely, keeping it from falling over during the loading process. Also, if your motorcycle has saddlebags, detach them to prevent them from getting in the way during the loading process.
Position the Trailer and Ramp
Park the Uhaul trailer on a flat surface and ensure that the hitch is securely attached to your vehicle. With the trailer in place, position the ramp at the rear, ensuring it's securely placed on the ground. Bear in mind that the angle of the ramp should not be too steep; otherwise, it will be hard to ride the motorcycle up onto the trailer.
Loading Your Motorcycle
It's essential to have a friend assist you in loading the motorcycle onto the trailer. Your friend can hold the motorcycle upright while you steady the ramp. Start your motorcycle and carefully ride it up the ramp onto the trailer. You might need to take a few attempts to get the ramp angle just right, but once you do, the bike should roll up smoothly without any jerking motions.
Securing Your Motorcycle
With the motorcycle on the trailer, it's time to secure it in place using tie-downs or ratcheting straps. Locate solid anchor points on the trailer floor and attach the straps securely to them. Next, use the straps to secure the handlebars of the motorcycle and compress the suspension of the bike. This step is crucial as it keeps the motorcycle upright and prevents it from moving while in transit.
Conclusion
With the above steps, you can load your motorcycle safely onto a Uhaul trailer without any damage to your bike or trailer. By following the instructions carefully and having the necessary tools on hand, transporting your motorcycle across the country couldn't be any easier. Always remember to take your time and work carefully when loading and securing your motorcycle onto a trailer.
