U-Haul Shipping

[rockyr74]

I am going to Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio this weekend and want to rent a U-Haul truck to carry three running bikes and a bunch of junk.

Only problem is that the floor of the truck is ALUMINUM. There is nothing to tie down too ! I have thought of making a wood frame or bike pallets (lotta work) but thought that I would pose this to the astute body of XSrs to see if anyone has any EXPERIENCE.

Anybody move a bike in a u-haul?

Anybody ever make a bike pallet for use in a box truck?

Thanks !

[Bud Manley]

the Uhaul box trucks have tie down beams running along the walls. You should be able to ratchet strap to them just fine.
I just hauled mine form Mississippi to Ohio sing the side rails on a trailer and it never moved. I also had it sitting on kickstand.
Good luck

[Jerry]

Please, DO NOT transport the bikes on center stands! Two possilbe bad outcomes: bike WILL bounce over a long trip, possible cracking your frame or denting the floor. I tried this once with a trailer with a wooden (plywood) base; punched holes in the floor and bike fell over, almost off the trailer.

There should be 1 inch slots between the side rails and the walls. I use 4 each 1 inch wide ratcheting tie-down straps per bike. Ideally, pull the front end down so the springs are compressed a bit. Do the same with the rear suspension. If you use the wall slots in the lowest rail this will work. Front straps should anchor ahead of forks, rear straps behind the rear axle. I have never left a bike on its side stand. No need to do so. I do use the stand when I am loading a bike by myself, putting the straps on while the bike is on the stand then flipping it up when the straps are in position. Bikes sit upright and don't lean to one side or the other.

Long pulls from Maine to Wisconsin and Wisconsin to Arizona, 2 bikes in trailer, with no problems. Many shorter moves in trailers, van-style trucks and pickup-truck, all using the same technique of compressing the suspension a bit and not using center or kick stands. Never had a problem except for my first try with the plywood bed.

[rockyr74]

two great replies from two great locations -
Had a beer or two at Bowling Green U while visiting and hopped a train thru Glenwood Canyon to Rifle once in my youdth. Thanks.

I agree that compressing the suspension is desired, strapping to the side rails is a good idea.

Looking forward to a great weekend at Vintage Motorcycle Days!

[Steve Linderman]

U-Haul Trailering

HI There !
This little bit of advise may help in your attempt to trailer your MC's in a U-haul.
With more than one bike you'll want to "stagger" them.
IE; put the biggest (or heaviest) one in first and "center it" as near to the front as possible, compressing the forks slightly is a good idea...but a more important one is to put the bike in gear! this will prevent any unecessary movement of the bike during travel.(I also kick small blocks under both wheels)
Then align the next two MC's along the wall...or run them all down the middle (depending on which truck you use).
If you can manage it, leave the overhead compartment open and you can park in Truck stops and sleep in the back with your gear.
You can park in the same lots as the big rigs and sleep with security.
One can get 4 big bikes in a Compact U-haul (Toyota) and six in a mid-size.
Pay close attention to your load distribution...3 or more BIG MC's can tip the scales at 1500/1800 lbs.
So "centering" and "proper load distribution" is essential for a "trouble free" trip.
By far the single most important thing with U-Hauls is to remember these trucks are ABUSED!! check yours VERY carefully before beginning ANY long trip in one.
DO NOT rely on the "serviceperson" for such simple things as: tire pressure, ALL fluids. and critical components (IE;brakes, clutch, transmission) it is a good idea to check under the hood yourself and run her around the block before leaving the U-Haul Store.
I can't tell you how many times I've picked one up late on a Saturday and started out on a long Journey only to find out that something was "majorly wrong" with the truck...and because it was 4:30pm on Saturday...there was nobody around to "fix it"
I would either have to wait around for a "replacement" to arrive...or I could drive myself to some podunk location 43 miles out in booneville and pick up the truck myself.
Goodluck on your trip...and with your truck
Steve.
'79 SF
'80 SG