Hi all!
Hope your holidays were as happy as mine! :good2:
I'm looking to put a wheel chock on the flatbed trailer and wondered what you guys have used, liked and can recommend. Under $100 is the target...I've seen the Baxley and I'd typically go for that, but this will probably be used ONCE. I'll need it to pick up a project bike this week and there is a possibility that I would trailer the FJ at some point in the future.
Any "quick and easy" solutions out there that worked great? Any "Totally worth the $90" products you've used? Simple home fab ideas?
Easy and cheap Harbor Freight. 20-30 bucks.
Tip: The front is tapered , put a 2X2 stick in front to prevent the tire from "jamming" into the wedged area.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1651_16_04_14_8_10_07.jpeg)
George
Harbor Freight and use a coupon , or cycle gear has a decent one.
I use the PINGLE removable wheel chock. It fits your budget and is really stable.
http://www.pingelonline.com/prodcat/removable-wheel-chocks.asp (http://www.pingelonline.com/prodcat/removable-wheel-chocks.asp)
I have a free standing "ride-in" chock from Cycle Gear and rarely use it. It is big and bulky. It's almost impossible to ride into unless it's bolted down. And like George says, once I'm in it, it wedges the front tire and I need help to get it back out. I'll be trying the 2x2 trick (thanks!)
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on January 02, 2015, 04:49:05 PM
I use the PINGLE removable wheel chock. It fits your budget and is really stable.
http://www.pingelonline.com/prodcat/removable-wheel-chocks.asp (http://www.pingelonline.com/prodcat/removable-wheel-chocks.asp)
I have a free standing "ride-in" chock from Cycle Gear and rarely use it. It is big and bulky. It's almost impossible to ride into unless it's bolted down. And like George says, once I'm in it, it wedges the front tire and I need help to get it back out. I'll be trying the 2x2 trick (thanks!)
The first time I used it I had the same "wedging" problem. A bitch to get the bike out.
For the last WCR I cut a stick 2X2 or there about to rest in front of the tire. This distributes the load across the thread and prevented the side walls from wedging in. Worked great. Gave one on my sticks to LAMike when I departed for his chock. You might adjust the 2X2 dimension but you get the idea. Next summer I plan on cutting the hoop and welding a re-curved cross tube or bar for the wheel but the wood stick works fine. The back part of the chock has a 3 position up and down adjustment, I am using the middle hole with a 17 inch rim for what ever it is worth.
George
For "search" purposes. "oz.FJ" had a small trailer with 2 FJ's on it and for anyone wanting to build a trailer or mount 2 wheel chocks for FJ's Here is his dimensions
You will have to scroll down 7 posts. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9788.msg110579#msg110579 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9788.msg110579#msg110579)
Scrolling down on this page shows his trailer. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9788.450 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=9788.450)
That's the dimensions I used as a minimums for mine. The 60mm offset is important.
George
Quote from: movenon on January 02, 2015, 04:11:06 PM
Easy and cheap Harbor Freight. 20-30 bucks.
Tip: The front is tapered , put a 2X2 stick in front to prevent the tire from "jamming" into the wedged area.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1651_16_04_14_8_10_07.jpeg)
George
Do you find that the FJ front wheel goes into that without hitting the rotors?
Quote from: Capn Ron on January 02, 2015, 06:04:39 PM
Quote from: movenon on January 02, 2015, 04:11:06 PM
Easy and cheap Harbor Freight. 20-30 bucks.
Tip: The front is tapered , put a 2X2 stick in front to prevent the tire from "jamming" into the wedged area.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1651_16_04_14_8_10_07.jpeg)
George
Do you find that the FJ front wheel goes into that without hitting the rotors?
I have used it 2 times with the FJ. Total of 2000 to 2500 miles of towing distance and the rotors clear fine. Even with the 60 series front tire.
George
Here is a picture in the Gallery that you can blow up. It has more space than it looks like. From memory 3/4 of an inch on each side. Really no problem. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=7308 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=7308)
Even the first time with the tire forward into the wedge it still cleared.
Very cheap and easy.
Two pieces of metal channel about 18 in. long. Use a zip cut or an angle grinder to notch the sides and weld the two together to form the angle you want. 90-110 degrees. For additional strenght weld a piece of 1/8 by 3/4 steel strap to each side low enough to clear the discs. Triangle. Drill two holes and bolt to deck.
Regardless of what you buy or build add 4 threaded eyebolts for your tiedowns and your golden. Build time about 30 min.
Hein.
Quote from: Capn Ron on January 02, 2015, 06:04:39 PM
Quote from: movenon on January 02, 2015, 04:11:06 PM
Easy and cheap Harbor Freight. 20-30 bucks.
Tip: The front is tapered , put a 2X2 stick in front to prevent the tire from "jamming" into the wedged area.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/1651_16_04_14_8_10_07.jpeg)
George
Do you find that the FJ front wheel goes into that without hitting the rotors?
I have the same wheel chocks that George is using. I have had no issue with the 300mm Arashi rotors contacting the chock bars.
I am wrapping up my vacation and will be headed back to Kansas tomorrow. Having trailered to the WCR and this vacation, I will have over 6300 miles using the Harbor Freight trailer and wheel chocks. Other than a tire gator tearing a running light off, I have had zero negative issues with either.
If it's only for one use or maybe two, I use ratchet tie downs, strategically placed they will have the bike rock solid.
I also only transport a bike occasionally and don't feel it warrants spending any money. It also means I'm not tied down to one vehicle or trailer.
Noel
Quote from: hein on January 02, 2015, 07:18:51 PM
Very cheap and easy.
Two pieces of metal channel about 18 in. long. Use a zip cut or an angle grinder to notch the sides and weld the two together to form the angle you want. 90-110 degrees. For additional strenght weld a piece of 1/8 by 3/4 steel strap to each side low enough to clear the discs. Triangle. Drill two holes and bolt to deck.
Regardless of what you buy or build add 4 threaded eyebolts for your tiedowns and your golden. Build time about 30 min.
Hein.
Hein,
I think I'm liking this idea the best...Not only "Made in America"..."Made in MY GARAGE!" :good2:
Seems as if all we're trying to accomplish is keeping the front wheel in place...tie downs to compress the front suspension down and forward into the front stop. Simple. While I've got the welder out, I could knock out a few to be able to haul friend's bikes around.
Quote from: ribbert on January 02, 2015, 07:57:56 PM
If it's only for one use or maybe two, I use ratchet tie downs, strategically placed they will have the bike rock solid.
I also only transport a bike occasionally and don't feel it warrants spending any money. It also means I'm not tied down to one vehicle or trailer.
Noel
I like it Noel...I think I'll go that route but just add a home-made bit of track with a front stop as Hein suggested. I'm probably riding from the WCR to the Central (Black Hills Rally) in May/June. That's a 1,400 miles of mostly desert freeway and it got me thinking about trailering options.
One detail on the H.F. chock and others of the same design because of the cage flipping up on the rear of the tire is that once it is rolled in you can walk away from it and it will self support while you tie it down. One person operation other than rolling it in.
George :drinks:
I use this one from Harbor Freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/lifts-stands/1800-lb-capacity-motorcycle-standwheel-chock-61670.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/lifts-stands/1800-lb-capacity-motorcycle-standwheel-chock-61670.html)
t
when I do not want to pull out the Condor. Both can hold up my big motorcycles while I have changed the exhausts.
I have Pingle chocks to haul motorcycles. I prefer the Condor and the Harbor Freight since they will hold the motorcycle upright while I am attaching the tie down straps.
Quote from: Capn Ron on January 02, 2015, 08:07:09 PM
Quote from: ribbert on January 02, 2015, 07:57:56 PM
If it's only for one use or maybe two, I use ratchet tie downs, strategically placed they will have the bike rock solid.
I also only transport a bike occasionally and don't feel it warrants spending any money. It also means I'm not tied down to one vehicle or trailer.
Noel
I like it Noel...I think I'll go that route but just add a home-made bit of track with a front stop as Hein suggested. I'm probably riding from the WCR to the Central (Black Hills Rally) in May/June. That's a 1,400 miles of mostly desert freeway and it got me thinking about trailering options.
Think lawn chair, cooler, tools, extra wine in your case :lol:, heck I even brought along a small air compressor.
George
Quote from: Capn Ron on January 02, 2015, 08:07:09 PM
Quote from: ribbert on January 02, 2015, 07:57:56 PM
If it's only for one use or maybe two, I use ratchet tie downs, strategically placed they will have the bike rock solid.
I also only transport a bike occasionally and don't feel it warrants spending any money. It also means I'm not tied down to one vehicle or trailer.
Noel
I like it Noel...I think I'll go that route but just add a home-made bit of track with a front stop as Hein suggested. I'm probably riding from the WCR to the Central (Black Hills Rally) in May/June. That's a 1,400 miles of mostly desert freeway and it got me thinking about trailering options.
I once took the chainsaw to a couple of pallets to drop in either side of the wheels and firm against the sides of the trailer.
I also know what it feels like to look in the side mirror of a flat tray ute and see a brand new VF750 bouncing along the bitumen, banging in and out of the rear wheels before severing the last rope and cartwheeling off into the bush at 100Kph. I was delivering it to it's new owner and there was no around to give me lift back if I rode it there, so I threw it on the back of the ute.
(That was probably the only VF750 that never chewed up its camshafts :lol:)
This was pre tie down days and I was never a boy scout or a truckie and my knots left a lot to be desired.
Of course Ron, this is all just small talk, the real point of interest is, WHAT IS THE PROJECT BIKE?
Noel
I use the same Harbor Freight one as George.......................And yes, it clears the rotors no problem, and yes the wheel gets wedged in there to the point that you need help getting it back out..........
Next time I use it, I am going to try what George did with the piece of wood.
That project bike.......................Did it cost somewhere around $600.00? :sarcastic:
Quote from: spsmith_fj1200 on January 02, 2015, 08:34:28 PM
I use this one from Harbor Freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/lifts-stands/1800-lb-capacity-motorcycle-standwheel-chock-61670.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/lifts-stands/1800-lb-capacity-motorcycle-standwheel-chock-61670.html)
t
when I do not want to pull out the Condor. Both can hold up my big motorcycles while I have changed the exhausts.
I have Pingle chocks to haul motorcycles. I prefer the Condor and the Harbor Freight since they will hold the motorcycle upright while I am attaching the tie down straps.
I have 2 of these from harbor freight and they work perfect for hauling 2 fjs in my f250 spacing is perfect. I got them on sale and a 20% off coupon. Two different visits.for $37 each. I'm going to copy them in aluminum for a super light trailer I'm making out of aluminum semi load locks.
Quote from: movenon on January 02, 2015, 08:37:03 PM
Think lawn chair, cooler, tools, extra wine in your case :lol:, heck I even brought along a small air compressor.
George
Yeah, that's how I roll out to Moab every year with the rock crawler. A STUPID amount of tools and spares to get teh rig running again after various amounts of carnage. Oh...and yes, plenty of wine! :good2:
Quote from: ribbert on January 02, 2015, 08:54:58 PM
I also know what it feels like to look in the side mirror of a flat tray ute and see a brand new VF750 bouncing along the bitumen, banging in and out of the rear wheels before severing the last rope and cartwheeling off into the bush at 100Kph. I was delivering it to it's new owner and there was no around to give me lift back if I rode it there, so I threw it on the back of the ute.
(That was probably the only VF750 that never chewed up its camshafts :lol:)
This was pre tie down days and I was never a boy scout or a truckie and my knots left a lot to be desired.
I think the entire group just had a collective *cringe* reading the above. I can't imagine the heartbreak! I rode with a Harley guy for a few days and in the mornings as I was strapping down my tent with two load straps and a bungee cord for a backup, he would lay into me for being OCD about things. I said, "Well, you must not have ever had something fall off the back of your bike!" He said, "Oh, yeah...I had a softbag slide off the back last year...lost all my camping gear." WTF?? When I'm riding, driving or towing...I don't want to be thinking about whether the load is secure.
Quote from: ribbert on January 02, 2015, 08:54:58 PM
Of course Ron, this is all just small talk, the real point of interest is, WHAT IS THE PROJECT BIKE?
Noel
Oh...nothing too exciting. It's not even something I was seeking out, it just popped up in conversation with some new friends.... "An '89 Suzuki GS500E with low miles and some electrical issue...want it for free?" :shok: Call it a crime of opportunity if you like...not exactly sure what it will be used for. A loaner for guests? A grocery getter? A starter bike for the next girlfriend that comes along? :pardon: Operative word in this not-so-grand scheme is: FREE.
Here are some close up shots of the brake rotors.
Quote from: Capn Ron on January 02, 2015, 03:53:19 PM
Hi all!
Hope your holidays were as happy as mine! :good2:
I'm looking to put a wheel chock on the flatbed trailer and wondered what you guys have used, liked and can recommend. Under $100 is the target...I've seen the Baxley and I'd typically go for that, but this will probably be used ONCE. I'll need it to pick up a project bike this week and there is a possibility that I would trailer the FJ at some point in the future.
Any "quick and easy" solutions out there that worked great? Any "Totally worth the $90" products you've used? Simple home fab ideas?7
Easy - get the Baxley sport chock. Use it once, and I'll give you a hundred for it. Done and done for under $90! :drinks:
Seriously though the Baxley is by far the best wheel chock I've used or seen. Had two in the trailer that was stolen. Very stable in the trailer and extremely handy and easy to use in the pits or garage. I'd say they are worth double the list price!
Also no need to drill into the truck or trailer. Only takes a couple straps to keep forward pressure on the bike to keep it all secure (a lot of people run the tiedowns forward from the foot pegs)