How to Load & Secure a Harley Trike onto a Trailer

How to Securely Load and Strap Down a Tri Glide & Freewheeler onto a Trailer so that it Pulls Good and Stays in Place. Toy hauler, Cargo or Flatbed Trailer. Look for Trailer Sway Action at the end.
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The DK Team

[@DKCustomProducts]

This is how we load and it works well for us. Share any experience or thoughts you have regarding loading & securing your Trike on a trailer.

[@robertbarabino6898]

Transport mood is very important.

[@robertbarabino6898]

I had a problem back 1n 2009 when I had to have my 2007 streetglide 2 wheeler flat beded and the tow driver damaged my front forks not tieing it down correctly.

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@robertbarabino6898 👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@robertbarabino6898 Yeah, I cringe when I see videos or pics of bikes/trikes not tied down up front properly.

[@haroldkline6253]

Just got home from Tennessee with the trike used your method and it worked great thanks again sir

[@DKCustomProducts]

Awesome! Glad to hear you had a safe and smooth trip! Thank you for commenting! 😎👍 MB

[@richdudley257]

I added universal links to the welded rings Harley had on the frame. Two on each side, then I run a strap from the from universal links to the front tie downs and two straps from the back universal links to the rear tie downs in my toy hauler. The un iversal links keep the straps turned the right way, so they run flat and then I snug up the front ones and really tighten the back ones. VERY secure and no pressure on the forks at all. I trailered my 2010 Tri-Glide for almost 10 years, and almost 230,000 miles, that way before I traded it in.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Nice. Thank you for sharing. I've seen other folks do that with links in the rear loops. I may give that a go. 👍

[@RoyalKennedy601]

So you have 4 universal links on the two rear welded rings in the rear ? And then you run a strap from each side to the front d rings or channel

[@richdudley257]

Exactly! Works like a charm. I’ve had my Tri-Glide strapped down like that for tens of thousands of miles now!

[@RoyalKennedy601]

@@richdudley257 Do The straps from the universal rings on the rear to the d rings up front get crossed or pulled straight up to the front d rings ?

[@richdudley257]

@@RoyalKennedy601 I always just pull them straight from the universal links on the front to the tiedowns installed in my toyhauler camper and cross them on the rear and have never had an issue.

[@garyallen6486]

Been hauling motorcycles for years- just acquired a trike, so it was nice to see the subtle differences between the two. Good video- thank you.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! Congrats on your new Trike! Wishing you many miles of smiles! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@thomasreichert7960]

Followed this video several times since I first watched it. Works like a charm every time!!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you found the video useful. 👍

[@kennywisemansr.2323]

I transport mine in a enclosed trailer and your video is very informative. Enjoy these videos even if we have to refresh our mines.....

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you are finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍😎👍

[@davidl6757]

Great. All your videos give me a charge to try all your ideas and tips. Thanks for your advice and sharing

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the videos! Always feel free to contact us with any questions; [e-mail] 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Raise the front trailer is something I didn’t think of.. yeah !! That works !!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Cool. 👍 Glad it helped, thank you for watching and commenting.

[@budirwin9825]

Learned the hard way about ramps & 3wheelers. Got 'em loaded up & secured no problem. Backing out Mama yells stop about the time I bottomed out with pipes. No visible harm & a good laugh... Yep got us ramps now.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yeah, I hear ya. Before we got the ramps we dug into some ground backing out also...even with the nose all the way up. There was no where nearby to get the trailer tires in a dip/low spot.

[@joelee1972]

I just got a 2020 Tri Glide. This was very helpful. Thanks guys.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Our pleasure! Glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for commenting!

[@jshingler5284]

After installing the comfort lift you sell I no longer have to have the ramps. Just the normal trailer tail gate. My only comment is it sure don't look like the rear straps are pulling back much. But it works for you. My trailer is a 16' R&R (19'3" including the V nose) with the bed that fold to the outside like a pop up camper. Not to the inside. So I have the full length of the trailer to put in the bikes. I put the trike all the way up in the nose for weight on the tongue. The front wheel in a wheel chock and use four straps on the rear axle rings you show. Two pulling forward and two pulling backwards. The I have my Electro Glide with removable wheel chock about two feet behind the trike and either a campground quad or a buddies Electro Glide side by side. Easy! Thanks for the video and its nice to see someone else using those rings to confirm what works for us. We have been over 12,000 miles like this with no issues.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for your info on how you strap, definitely a good way to do it with the wheel chock.

[@ronlynch7744]

Great info on safely securing the Tri Glide. Well I have the V&H torquer 450’s installed on the 2017 RoadGlide 107 M8. Guys here are my findings: Stock Mufflers weight 6.7 lbs each V&H weight 10.5 lbs ( its almost 8 lbs extra, but with more HP it just won’t matter). Stock mufflers @ 1200 rpm 95 dbm V&H Torquer 450’s @ 1200 rpm 98 dbm Stock @ 3000 rpm 97 dbm V&H @ 3000 rpm 99 dbm These sound so good in every gear. Just the right amount of rumble on acceleration & deceleration. They definitely put the Hot Rod sound to the Milwaukee Eight!😎👍🇨🇦

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks, glad you liked the vid. Great info on the Torquers, appreciate it.

[@RoyalKennedy601]

I ve had Harley chrome tie down brackets installed on my old ultra limited they looked like part of the bike and were very helpful .I might get them again . But around the fork with a soft strap works also I saw a dove tail cargo trailer that drops the loading angle .

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for sharing and for commenting! 👍😎👍

[@gnsmk357]

Great PSA. This is the only trike information on you tube. a lot of us guys ride trikes and they are one of the most expensive bikes on the road. I have a 131 in mine so around here it is also one of the fastest Harley's on the road. just got some Thunder torque inserts cant wait to try them. they arrived in two days. great job. great video.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks man, appreciate the comments. That 131 is a monster. I've ridden with a guy that has one in his Tri Glide. I believe you will enjoy the bump with the TTI's, appreciate your business.

[@Tryke_Ryder]

I built a second ramp to lengthen the ramp and reduce the angle. No longer drags the exhaust when I load the TriGlide up. I tie down in an X fashion back to front, then tie the front down to the back tie downs. The back pulls forward the front pulls backwards. Works well and keeps everything stationary. I still check it every stop, like you do. I often forget that “Transport mode”, and in my 5th wheel toy hauler, I’ll never know.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yeah, extending the ramp is a great option. That's a great way to strap down. We done it that way too. Works well. Happy Travels!

[@RoyalKennedy601]

Videos are fantastic thanks for all this advice!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are liking the videos! Thanks for commenting! 😎

[@raymunchieftain4170]

Kevin, I still have not received my TGU, However I truly want a nice hauler like you have.I would sell my house and live in that beautiful Man Cave. Plus your loading method is the greatest.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I hear ya. Mary knows that it is only because of her that I was not Nomad 2 decades ago. Now with the TH it would be a no brainer to live in it full time. But, alas, she has a greenhouse, chickens, cats, fish...so we are here in a sticks and bricks. Hope your TGU comes in soon! btw, we recorded a video the other day with your question about the electric reverse. Dwayne has about 10 raw videos that he is editing...it is in that batch. It should be out within a month.

[@BruceHiltonRoberts]

I have a Aluma lite TK1. Not cheap but works and tows great!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Awesome! I am glad that you have found a trailer that works for you and that you are happy with! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@williamsample6730]

Thanks for this video. 2014 Tri Glide

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

[@AtHomewithTomandRhonda]

I was about to hall my bike on a flat bed trailer- thanks for the inservice guys! Great timing!!!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Very happy to hear you found the video useful. Thank you for your comment. 👍

[@AtHomewithTomandRhonda]

@@DKCustomProducts we subbed to your channel

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@AtHomewithTomandRhonda Thanks, we really appreciate it!

[@drrok4603]

What about strapping the front brake lever tight for added protection against movement?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, using some velcro or other method for keeping the front brake on will not hurt at all.

[@2up3downadventures]

I use use this same method but use a Harley wheel chock as well thanks Kevin for all you do I have the same trike as you added your tank lid wing deflection and Jim’s fan keep up informing us

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you for the feedback, and we appreciate your business. Glad you are enjoying the parts, and we plan on continuing to put out videos. :)

[@kurtfirestone2761]

Thank you love the trike videos

[@DKCustomProducts]

Cool, glad you're liking them. We have a couple more coming out over the next few weeks...Dwayne's first time riding a Tri Glide!

[@donliesman309]

Good idea to set the parking brake also. Helps stabilize.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Great Point, Thank you!!! I did not mention in the video. Most of the time when I park, including in the trailer I set the parking brake...but we have transported without doing that...but better to do it.

[@andrewsmith4310]

Thx I've I'm going to get Mr one soon hopefully

[@DKCustomProducts]

Awesome! I hope you find exactly what you are looking for. Thank you for commenting! 😎👍 MB

[@isidrotamezjr1171]

I have a 2004 Road King Classic with Lehman Trike kit. I would like to raise the trike up a little so my mufflers can clear. What can I do to achieve this?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Please send an email with any details you have of which Lehman Trike Kit you have installed on your Road King Classic. If you have the manual or any diagrams of the rear axle, that would be ideal. We may have the part for you that will raise your mufflers up about 1.5" at the end of them. [e-mail]

[@isidrotamezjr1171]

Thank you! Your response is greatly appreciated.

[@DKCustomProducts]

You are most welcome! MB

[@idaho_7407]

Good advice, thank you

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment. Good to hear you found the video useful/interesting. 👍😎👍

[@haroldkline6253]

Thank you very much sir

[@DKCustomProducts]

You're very welcome! Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@jtcj1994]

where did you get your "black" rear bumper

[@DKCustomProducts]

It is a custom, one-off bumper that we made for my 2011, that was then put on my 2014, and is now on my 2019.

[@jtcj1994]

@@DKCustomProducts you would probably sell them. Just a suggestion for the web site. 😂

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@jtcj1994 We did consider it. All the parts we make are parts we developed for our own bikes. One of the things we consider when deciding if we are going to make more of them for sale....Is it easy to install, or is it something that a lot of folks will have trouble with? If it is not an easy install, we are not going to make it for sale. This is not an easy install, and for that reason we have not made anymore.

[@beerbottlebaby]

Are those 8' Race Ramps?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Just went and measured them. They are 6' 2" long. 8 foot would be even easier.

[@beerbottlebaby]

@@DKCustomProducts Thanks!

[@richardmatos5267]

What size trailer would I need for a trike?

[@DKCustomProducts]

I would get one 6' wide. It will fit in a narrower one, but is really tight. For length, the trike is just a few inches shorter than 10', to how long depends on how much extra space you want fore and aft.

[@RafaelJimenez-hz9gu]

Sir, have you seen the reverse gear made by Euro Wing? I would like your opinion on it. Thank you.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the question. We have not seen the Euro Wing in person, we cannot offer an informed opinion regarding it. We do have a video all about reverse on the Harley Trikes, it is linked below. In general, a mechanical reverse is superior to the OEM electric....the question is, is it worth it to you? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGPZqKxppdOErKs

[@RafaelJimenez-hz9gu]

@@DKCustomProducts thank you for your time and opinion. Love your channel and yea you answered my question

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@RafaelJimenez-hz9gu Thanks man, glad you are digging the channel. Appreciate the comment.

[@Haywoodma419]

If you said this I missed it, should the trike be left in gear or out of gear? I'm talking about long trips mainly. Also, the unsuspend part that you tie down the back of the trike to is that factory or something extra I need to purchase?

[@DKCustomProducts]

If it is strapped down well there is no need to leave it in gear. Personally, I strap it down well, leave it in gear, put on the parking brake and put it in transport mode. Better safe than sorry. There are loops for strap hooks in the rear of the bike that are there from the factory...nothing you need to purchase...they are already there.

[@Haywoodma419]

@@DKCustomProducts Thank you

[@kevingleason5434]

Some great advice. I've heard you can just leave the key fob in the bike, and it won't set the alarm off.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I have heard that too. Makes sense, never tried it.

[@kevingleason5434]

@@DKCustomProducts try it for us,and let us know. Your opinion is valid!

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@kevingleason5434 lol, and if it does not work I will have a dead battery. Pretty sure I will just keep using the Transport mode that was designed for use when transporting.

[@kevingleason5434]

@@DKCustomProducts,well, you wouldn't need to go but 10-15 minutes down the road to find out. If it goes off,put it in transport mode, then we all will have the answer.

[@jackklarich7045]

Pull the main fuse, easy peasy

[@stevegonzales3612]

Thx for showing the proper procedure in regards to tie down...but I also learned how to arm & disarm the bikes alarm for transport mode, as I have a 2019 Tri-Glide as well. I noticed that on your right-side handle bar your have sum sort of a electronic gadget? Since the trike comes with a GPS, I ruled that out...can I ask what it is? Always looking for added necessities for my Trike, without pissing off the wife!!! Always telling her "just (1) more necessities"...I am up too necessities #11 👊😎👊

[@DKCustomProducts]

Man, thanks for watching our videos, and glad you found this one useful. That is a Power Vision Tuner, which also doubles as a gauge cluster. You can see details on it at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/dynojet-power-vision-flash-tuner-w-auto-tune-dk-pv-cmp-pkg.htm Here is a walk around video of my 2019 Tri Glide...may give you some ideas for "necessities". (btw, suspension upgrades usually get applauded by the passenger, along with Tour Pak Relocations). kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5maaHqHf7mKZ9k

[@stevecampbell1794]

Good information!, Now can the wife and I borrow your Dk toy hauler for about a month or so? I've got the Tri glide, we will also need something to pull it with. I promise to take good care of it, Thanks

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you liked it. I doubt you can get your hands on the truck. It is Mary's daily driver. :) The trailer...man, my obsession with modding HD's have carried over to the trailer, it has a ton of mods too. lol

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

Thank you!

[@DKCustomProducts]

👍😎👍

[@jamesmandra8695]

What is the height of your Trike Windshield?

[@DKCustomProducts]

14 inches, and it is a recurve from LRS.

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

Good stuff guy's 💯👊🏽😎

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks!!!

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

@@DKCustomProducts anytime guy's

[@garynelson9538]

FYI. I also put tape around all hook-points as a final touch. I’ve had Road-Gremlins unhook straps while in route to Daytona. So please, tape the hooks, so that they do not “Uncatch” themselves.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Great tip! Thank you for the add and for watching!

[@NoahDeSmit]

Is putting the bike in gear a good or bad thing?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good catch! There are very strong opinions each way...I personally use the parking brake on the Trike AND put it in gear. Neither is necessary if proper strapping was done...but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Some Trikes don't have parking brakes, 2 wheelers don't have them. Some folks don't like putting it in gear because of the stress to the compensator, etc. But if it is strapped down well, that should be irrelevant.

[@talkingrock7011]

I didn’t know about the hooks

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep, I believe HD puts them there for when they transport to the dealerships.

[@LonesomeNomad137]

Hey guys I know I’m in the wrong video but I need the most efficient air cleaner for my 93 FLHS. Help me out Brother

[@DKCustomProducts]

We may have some air cleaners that will match up with the bolt pattern on your Evo. Send a photo of the mouth of your carb to Dwayne's attention at the address below. He will be able to let you know if we have one that will match. [e-mail] OR, you can text the photo to 662-420-4891 with a note of what you are looking for.

[@lynnenns1659]

Great info! Are those hooks in back there from factory or do you have to buy and install. Also any need with trike to use wheel chock? or just 4 straps good? Great channel, have your trike lift and soon to install.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, the loops for the straps are OEM on all Harley Trikes. A wheel chock is not going to hurt, and we use one with the 2 wheelers, but never have with the Trike and never needed to. We did use 6 straps the first time. After that we've only used the 4 straps and never had an issue. Thanks for the comment, and your business, we appreciate it. I believe you will enjoy the lift kit...it will give you some extra clearance, ride nicer and steer easier.

[@rmpressurewashing8473]

Hit th Tony'snh Ivyg hi by yoghurt be the

[@robertalexander5224]

In gear or not ?

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is a good question. There are pros and cons of both. I personally set the parking brake AND leave it in gear. If the straps fail and the parking brake fails, there will still be some resistance to rolling. I understand it is not the greatest on the bike if it is rocking back and forth in gear...but if it is strapped well, and/or chocked well, And has the parking brake on, it should not be rocking at all.

[@bajarvcouple]

I feel like I’ve done this with you before 😉😉

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep, you have! Thanks! Drop me an email at [e-mail]

[@darrenlingerfelt5879]

👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! 👍