The Best Way to Secure a Dirt Bike on a Carrier

How to secure a dirt bike on a carrier.
Turnbuckle Method for securing a motorcycle to a motorcycle / dirt bike carrier.
Parts Needed:
(Keep in mind the length of the turnbuckle may need to be shorter depending on your bike)
(2) 5/16" Quick Link
(2) 3/8" x 4" Eye / Eye Turnbuckle
(2) 3/4" x 4" Interlock Spring Snap
Red Locktite for the threads to keep the buckle from backing out.
This is the link to the carrier where I got the inspiration:
www.mxstore.com.au/p/Ballards...
They have a top mechanism but it isn't for supporting the bike. Only for anti-theft!

[@stevepeterson9759]

Put one or two nuts on the eye-bolts of each turnbuckle and cinch them tight after adjusting the turnbuckle and it will not loosen up.

[@dannyamado2311]

Just found this video.. Went and bought same setup works great saved my front forks 🤣 appreciate it.

[@mikemstinson]

Great video, thanks for putting this together! I just purchased a Black Widow, however I also so a much more expensive brand that used turnbuckles and like you, I figured I would just add them to the BW system. You saved me time with the parts list, I was thinking longer as well so this saved me time at the hardware store!

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Awesome! Yes, this an amazing system. I use it every weekend and have never had a problem.

[@MrStevec1983]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you so much.

[@internetuser3748]

Thanks for showing this, you're the man!

[@vtrack1963]

I finally tried using turnbuckles. I was foolish for waiting so long! 🤣 Mine loosened several times on a 110 mile trip so I think I will add a lock washer/nut to each one, but overall i was very satisfied with them. Thanks again for making this video.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Yeah, I added red loctite to mine. Works perfect!

[@tsanders23]

Could you not thread a Velcro strap or ratchet strap even through the turnbuckles to lock them from rotating and loosening? Kind of acting like safety wire...

[@ritcheymt]

@vtrach1963 your idea to add a lock washer and nut to the turnbuckles is smart. I think I'd add an aircraft nut if I decide to change from a MotoProHQ 45 degree wheel chock system to this turnbuckle system in my cargo trailer. Thanks for posting!

[@kellyrickgauer2725]

Been doing it like that for 20 years. Funny at a race when guys think you forgot to tie the bike down. Doing e track and turnbuckle on trailers is a great cheap way to tie down.

[@Throttleplays]

Good idea man!! Thanks for sharing!

[@Dont.Tread.On.Me1974]

Brilliant was my thoughts exactly. It's not going to get any more secure than that. Thanks for sharing that idea

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@txwicked1804]

Damn I never even thought of this and we have the exact same hitch carrier lol definitely going to use this method to save the forks ! Much appreciated

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Awesome! Glad you like it. Yeah, the turnbuckle method is killer. I save so much time loading and unloading and I save my forks! Just make sure to put some red locktite on the threads once you find the right tension setting to keep the buckle from backing out. It's been working flawlessly for me.

[@RookieCDLDriver]

This is awesome man , I just used ratchet straps , I’ve got the same rack and bike size so it’s perfect ,

[@mxoudi]

This is GENIUS!! I'm soo loading my bike this way on my carrier. I have a ktm250sx so I think the 4 inch one you got should do fine. For my surron I may have to get an even shorter one (if it exists) since the surron is about the size of an 85cc dirtbike. Thank you for sharing this! Can't wit to try this. Soo sick of straps and using fork savers.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Awesome! So glad I could help.

[@vtrack1963]

Thanks for making the video. I was definitely surprised at how short the turnbuckles were. I would have guessed longer also. I think I’ll continue to use a strap on each wheel to ensure the bike stays attached to the rack in the event a turnbuckle fails.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Yeah, probably a safe bet. Even though I don't think it's possible for the turnbuckle to fail. I could be wrong but it seems really solid. I didn't even tighten them all the way down in the video either. check this link out! They have a top mechanism but it isn't even securing the bike. It's only for anti-theft. www.mxstore.com.au/p/Ballards-Bike-Rack-Carrier/BA-BR01

[@scp8412]

Great tip! And that ballard is so sick

[@Frostbyte911]

Older post, but this is the exact setup I have, even looks like the same carrier, Black Widow? One thing that I did was I removed the middle tire bar in the front which makes it act like a wheel chock, but also creates a bit of a hassle getting the bike out of it. I also can’t get my ramp in when I have the back side hook in the carrier, I have to pull my ramp, set it in place, then hook it. I also have a Velcro strap that’s about 2.5 feel long that I run through each of the turnbuckles, basically tying them together so they won’t back out

[@dirtroaddan1462]

I use 4 inch turnbuckle and strap the 2 together. This keeps the turnbuckles from loosening without nuts and loctite. I'm taking mine on a long trip soon and strapping it down also.

[@internetuser3748]

How did it work out for you on your trip?

[@redsquarejay]

Im going to try this! Ive been looking for a fail-safe in case the straps fail

[@pappaclutch3266]

I always use the foot pegs to tie a single bike down. Whether it’s in a truck bed or hitch carrier

[@rxspecta]

wow awesome. I just bought the carrier. while I was tightening the straps on the handle bars I heard a sort of screech noise and at that point decided after this I need to figure out a better way to tie it down. I. think I'm going to try your method only also using those loops to go through the frame below the seat than to the turn buckle so just frame no handle bars no foot pegs. also I think I would like to some how get one of those wheel chucks on the front wheel bolted in or welded. I found a KZbin vid where a guy used those turn buckles for going from the chain holes on the receiver hitch to the carrier to I guess stabilize the carrier which seems like a good idea. great f'n idea bro thanks again for this video. after all the customizations guys do and I would like to do it seems like a waste on a 150$ 1/2 assed welded thin low grade metal carrier a guy might as well have a welder make one from scratch! yea I made it alright going from point a to b but I feel like one of the 3 stooges while trying to strap it down, the hooks where binding up where I placed them & the locking area of the straps also was getting to close to body parts and binding up & I wanted to sit on the bike to bottom it out some for the straps but I didn't want to put my weight on the carrier & bend the whole damn thing man I was f'n driving 25 mph with flashers on stressed out, I couldn't imagine driving 70 mph down i5 to capital forest rock candy with that thing. 👍

[@areess6209]

just picked up the same carrier for 50 bucks in Spanaway. i welded a bunch of the seams. going to do the same method of the turnbuckles to the foot pegs, bungie the tires down, then straps on the bars. i may go through and reinforce the carrier as well once i get some steel. Hoping to go riding presidents day. gotta get an oil change done yet and get ORV tags on the dirt scooter. ktm xcf-w in the 250 flavor. i live in lacey, waiting for waddle creek to open up. never been on that trail. just the fire roads.

[@mannyquin9192]

Make sure you use straps take as much bounce out of the shocks as possible. With those metal connections on the foot pegs are not going to hold it. Soon as he goes over a big bump and the compression bounces the tires liable to bounce out of the track and the bike will be dragging on its side. You can never use too many straps.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Lol I couldn't possibly disagree anymore. I don't use straps and I've been using every weekend since I made this video. I've also hit the occasional big bump and done some rough dirt road driving

[@BlackdogADV]

I welded another attachment point directly under the pegs and use a long bolt that goes through the pegs to the new anchor point. This way it pulled straight down.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

That sounds legit!

[@IndianaWhitetailFanatics]

Any pictures of this set up?

[@stevepadilla9729]

You should still put tiedowns on the bars, because that will put the bike forward a bit even with the bike in gear. It happened to me. Luckily I stopped and had to get stuff after driving for 45- minutes, but with the rack pouncing the bike moves. If those were straight down from the pegs would may be best, but all bikes differ in size. Having the straps for me, helps the bike not to go forward and the locking links like that helps it not to move backwards. Great bike by the way.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

I prefer to live on the wild side. Lol. But noted.

[@stevepadilla9729]

@@ZacharyUlrick haha, at least you have a good bike to do that with. Mine is 10-years old and it would disintegrate if it hit the pavement. I am wanting to buy a new bike this year, some people say to get the ktm 150x because it does have lights and is easy to move around tight trails.

[@rebeccaszlezynger3444]

Awesome 👊🏻😜

[@elbowsout6301]

Pretty cool. Is that a Jeep Cherokee? It doesn't look like a factory hitch... Can you remember what one it is? I've been thinking of adding a hitch to my Jeep and doing this. Thanks.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

No, I put that on. It's a Curt

[@jimihendrix8535]

It would be better to have a second set from the footpegs back to the tie down bar closer to the rear wheel. That way the are pulling in opposite directions. You can probably get by with what you have but I would not trust it long-term.

[@joshmotox2946]

Stumbled across this video and I appreciate it! One question though, I have the same rack and im curious what the cotter pin is for on the first small metal rung where the tire sits… would you remove this to “lock in the tire more”

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Hmm. I don't believe I had cotter pins. I have bolts with nuts and washers...

[@ZacharyUlrick]

But I did remove one from the front and the rea to help the bike settle in to the rack better

[@joshmotox2946]

Sorry, just realized you have nuts and bolts. Glad you understood what I was explaining anyways. I’ll take one out in the front and rear to help as well. Thanks!

[@AdventureswithQuillen]

Yours is the other style with the cotter pins (better design than nuts and bolts imo) I also have the one with nuts and bolts but plan on switching to all thread/drilling holes for cotter pins for added security. And painting the rods with either flex seal or truck bed liner helps with not damaging your wheels when the bike moves around during travel. As for the turnbuckle either 2 nuts tightened against each other or a lock nut should do the trick. Either way I use Blue locktite to keep em from loosening. Great video btw!!

[@TonyTsai]

Awesome video! Which carrier was this manufacturer? Any lights shed is appreciated

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Thanks! It was just an amazon special at the time and I got lucky. I would go with the black widow. It's a trusted brand for the carrier.

[@TonyTsai]

@@ZacharyUlrick thanks! Seems like black widows has the center tie down location as well. Happy ridding!

[@harmik98]

Sold! Maybe afew trips later give us an update.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Thanks, so I've been using it about once a week since I posted this on April 30th. Not one issue. It works like a dream. I did add red locktite to them to keep the turnbuckle from backing out. It is a huge time saver and totally secure.

[@ritcheymt]

Having broken a footpeg on a Yamaha while riding, I wonder about footpeg tiedown systems whether inertial forces when hitting serious offroad ruts with the trailer might snap off a footpeg and cause a disaster. I wonder, then, whether it would work to attach a turnbuckle or load locker straight to the bike's frame?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Yeah, I wonder about that too.

[@PickledShark]

The buckles are holding the bike down and work week to keep the bike from leaning in or out, and rolling to the right, BUT there is nothing keeping the bike from rolling left (drivers side). If you take a right turn hard enough, the front wheel will jump that left end of the rack. You need to either tie down the wheels, or add a tension element that moves from the bike down to the right to counter forces to the left. Also, locking nuts on the buckles would be wise, or the buckles will loosen on bumpy roads

[@juance123456789]

Do you have the link to find the metal straps? I already have the black widow carrier

[@ZacharyUlrick]

I don't. I bought them at my local hardware store. The parts list is in the description of the video. I think they sell this stuff at most hardware stores.

[@edenvasseur]

My foot pegs are 14 inches from my hitch mounting holes, is that too long for this method to work good?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Hmm. I assume you're talking about the height from the mounting holes? Or are your mounting holes not centered on the rack?

[@lucasarbuckle7205]

even though they are rated at 300lb remember you are not suspending your bike with them. rather pulling down with unknown force. I'm looking to do something similar but i figure why not be daddy overkill and get something with a higher rating

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Yeah, from what I found available in the stores the higher rated ones were just too big and bulky and were too long. Doesn't hurt to overkill it.

[@jhock2781]

Are those hardware store zinc plated turnbuckles? If so, they will fail eventually.

[@internetuser3748]

why will they fail eventually

[@jaysilvers1471]

Brilliant idea! I'm tired of straps and just got a single hitch carrier...Where did you get the hardware? I'm not sure if Home Depot has heavy duty stuff. LOL

[@ZacharyUlrick]

I got mine from ACE

[@jaysilvers1471]

@@ZacharyUlrick I found what I need...Same place, ACE. I hope those turnbuckles hold...Have you had any issues with them loosening up? I'm thinking it's still a good idea to have one strap...for safety!

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@jaysilvers1471 Once you find the sweet spot where you can clip them on without loosening them and the bike is secure. Make marks on the threads with a marker and then back them out and put red locktite on the thread and tighten it back into place. No strap needed if you do it right.

[@jaysilvers1471]

@@ZacharyUlrick Thanks brah! Strapping the bike has caused me much grief throughout the years...I'm thinking this is the answer.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

For sure, no problem! Yeah, I'm never going back. I've used this method every weekend since I made this video with zero issues. No straps. I've even travelled a little too fast over rough dirt roads. It also takes me about 30 seconds to load the bike and 15 seconds to unload. Can't argue with saving time.

[@bryangale26]

Can you post the links please where you bought those parts? Thank you

[@ZacharyUlrick]

I bought the parts listed in the description of the video at my local hardware store. I suggest you do the same. Online is probably not the best unless you live super remote and don't have a good local hardware store.

[@bryangale26]

@@ZacharyUlrick May I ask what's the name of your bike carrier and where you bought it? Thanks

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@bryangale26 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E2WQE4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@joanzito3791]

Such a good video, I wanted to see if this kind of receiver mount would work with my Jeep Grand Cherokee and you happen to have the same car so thanks soo much ❤

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Awesome! So glad I could help

[@jbean114]

Do you remember how much your snap rings are rated for?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

No, they're way way over the weight of the bike though

[@internetuser3748]

For the turnbuckle that was too big, what size was that one?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

I can't remember for sure. Maybe 8"

[@adv_addict]

Any updates? Did you bike survive? 😆 I wouldn't rely on this as the only securing device. Sounds good as a redundant securing method though.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Working perfectly. Been using it every weekend since I made this video. Never an issue. No extra security methods. Just the turnbuckles.

[@czrider3999]

Does anybody see a problem with using the carabiner on both ends. Would make reaching under the bike to secure the vehicle side eisier.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

That would make it easier to load. Sometimes after a long ride when I’m tired I struggled to get it clipped and loaded. Because I never adjust the turnbuckles. I have them in place with red locktite. It might present a little bit of a less secure method with a carabiner on both ends. Try using a locking one at least.

[@paulgooder6349]

I’m just made a pair for my bike and they are great. Get yourself a hitch quieter , it will stop the rocking back and forth

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Sweet! Glad to hear it

[@MrFlynn-bt6mt]

Is there a reason you choose to not let your wheels sink into the carrier?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

No, they do. Just not that much.

[@davidaustin9638]

But without more straps you’re putting all the stress on the foot pegs ….I like the simplicity though just a little worried about loosening the pegs

[@CaptainCurt07]

It’s not on right, front or rear tire needs be below bar How many times it fall off?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

LOL. I use this every weekend since this video was made and on rough roads. Never had an issue.

[@bradholmes6818]

Is that turnbuckle 4” closed or open?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

So in the hardware store it will be labelled as 4". I'll just go measure it...It's 4" without the eye bolt's. So the center part is 4"

[@jasonbackus7844]

Where can I buy the thing to attach it

[@ZacharyUlrick]

If you read my description in the video it gives a parts list. These part are typically available at your local hardware store, ACE, Home Depot, etc.

[@AngelHernandez-lv7xy]

Have you had any problems using this method

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Not one

[@annabanna666]

how did it last would u recommend thanks

[@ZacharyUlrick]

It’s been great! Highly recommend

[@annabanna666]

@@ZacharyUlrick thank you

[@algee8228]

Double up...put straps to the bars also.

[@tennyis28]

How was it driving with it?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

It's been great! I have used this method three times now. Super secure. No extra supports used...

[@tennyis28]

@@ZacharyUlrick awesome! my hitch carrier has front and rear tie down points nothing in the middle so probably wouldn't work for my application, although I could go from the pegs to both with a long turnbucke, not sure they make them that long though lol

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@tennyis28 yeah, maybe not a good idea. 🤔

[@arudd60]

Question… is there a reason you couldn’t just use chains instead of the turnbuckle?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Chains would be great if you could make the exact length you need. I never adjust the turnbuckle. I set the length on the first day and then used red locktite on the threads.

[@arudd60]

Got it. I’ve been using this method for a bit now. I’m still having a difficult time trusting it, so I’m a ball of nerves every time. 😂 So far though, it’s been freaking awesome. I have noticed that because the pegs are slightly rear of the carrier mounting point, they are on the limit of an arc, which allows the bike to potentially roll forward until the front limit of the arc is reached. Putting the bike in gear obviously helps with this, but I’ll use strap around the base of the front wheel just to be safe. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@arudd60]

To be clear, I’ve been using this method since I saw your video. Totally copied you thanks again.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

No problem! Glad it is working out for you in the way you are comfortable with.@@arudd60

[@distilledfreedom1840]

Hey man. Yes, it does look solid, however just as you wouldn't use a chain to tow a car, I wouldn't use a turnbuckle to secure my bike. It has a set tensile strength, it will probably hold, but any impact, say a sudden stop or impact and it will exceed and just break off. Definitely dangerous. Traditional cam straps are far safer and allow for flex. Wouldn't want it to launch off and hurt anyone.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

For sure, I have thought of that. The tensile strength of each turnbuckle far exceed the weight of the bike. So with both attached, I probably am looking at a 4x tensile strength vs weight of the bike. With the added force of a sudden stop or bump in the road I would say the hardware will hold. In the event of an accident the added force may break the turnbuckles but the same result would occur with straps. I've seen bikes going flying out of truck beds in the event of an accident.

[@distilledfreedom1840]

​@@ZacharyUlrick I'm going to try your method. One of my straps failed today and my bike fell off and was dragged behind my truck. The worst sound. Luckily my handle bar guards took the brunt.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@distilledfreedom1840 dang, that’s unfortunate. Well, at least it didn’t disconnect and get run over. Yeah, I’ve had a lot of people doubting this method I use over the years. It has worked for me without any issues. I hope it works out for you.

[@EPT915G]

​@distilledfreedom1840 What straps did you have? I just bought Ancras original tiedowns and it makes me nervous a bit. They held in severe wind this weekend but still.

[@austintaylor7117]

i honestly would still put ratchet straps on it but thats just my opinion

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Yeah, a few people feel that way. It really defeats the purpose for me. It's supposed to be fast and easy and it is secure. I've been doing it every weekend since I published this video.

[@mogeking56]

It’s faster than straps and less complicated

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Totally!

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@simontello3087 Of Course!

[@EPT915G]

Are you sure that's not a 3/8" x 8??? I can't find a 4 inch ANYWHERE

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Yes, it's a 3/8" x 4"

[@FrankJCone]

Interesting to be sure. Time to stick a camera back there and see what it looks like traveling.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

Right? I'll let you guys in the discord know how it goes tomorrow!

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@Brad D totally! I love this method. I would ride half as much I do if I still used ratchets. And for me it's really fast because I don't support the bike in any other way

[@christopher_navoni]

Until that goes sideways and your bars go thru you back glass.

[@ZacharyUlrick]

After 2 years of use every weekend it still works perfectly.

[@christopher_navoni]

@ZacharyUlrick all it takes is that ONE time. I don't use four straps cause I need them. I use four straps on my receiver carrier in case one fails on the back (or front for that matter) and gravity does what it has done since it was invented. Any fancy ideas of securing a bike on one of these carriers against theft?

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@christopher_navoni Totally. I get that. Straps are very prone to failure. I haven't though of anything fancy yet but I like the Kryptonite lock. But you also need to make sure you have a lock on the hitch receiver.

[@eastcoastlife3547]

@@ZacharyUlrick I just seen this and I think this is a great idea in combination with a ratchet strap on each side first this just adds that extra layer of protection also two nuts on each turnbuckle that you can screw down to stop the turnbuckle from turning once it’s firmed up 👌 beautiful idea thanks for sharing

[@ZacharyUlrick]

@@eastcoastlife3547 Thanks. Yeah, no straps for me. If you want to secure the turnbuckle, I would drill a hole through the bolt and put a cotter pin. Nuts could back out too maybe. I just have red locktite on the turnbuckle and it has never backed out.

[@jimatchison3344]

I would not trust my bike to 2 foot pegs like that. not a chance nor should you