Rachet or Pull straps in trailer

Ratchet. I've seen pull types come loose without even getting a chance to start the vehicle. I have used the pull types, however, to secure the rear, just enough to keep it from sliding left/right

Ratchet. I only compress the forks about 50% though.

The type of strap really doesn't matter. You can overcompress the suspension wiht either type.

I use pulls when towing my Blade. I've towed an FZR1000 to Texas and back that way with no problems. I think the biggest argument would be that you don't need to put that much pressure on the bars, seals, etc to safely tow it. It would be easy to over tighten....


Having said that, I use 2 1/2 inch ratchets to tow my VTX 1800, which weighs over 800lbs. I had used the smaller, pull types once and they slipped, creating slack Luckily, nothing let go.

For the pull-type, my personal choice is Anchra. I still have the ones my dad used to tow dirt-bikes with 25yrs ago and they work perfectly. Some of the other brands I tried have scared me. I picked up a brand new set of Anchras...no problems :thumb:

Unfortunatley I have a few miles on a trailer and have to say that ratchets are the way that I would go...we use both and it is a fight for the ratcheters every time...I asked for some new ones for christmas though so maybe that will help?

If you're going to go ratchets:

http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=4997&str=11&ID=325382214

These are the ones I use, and I LOVE them. Built-in soft ties too.

I have seen too many ratchet jobs damage bike. I have only used quality camlock pull types for 15+years and have NEVER had one let go or loosen up and have never had tie down related damage.

CBRBob said:

I have seen too many ratchet jobs damage bike. I have only used quality camlock pull types for 15+years and have NEVER had one let go or loosen up and have never had tie down related damage.

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me too!

CBRBob said:

I have seen too many ratchet jobs damage bike. I have only used quality camlock pull types for 15+years and have NEVER had one let go or loosen up and have never had tie down related damage.

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Me three! Well, ok, I've only been using them for 10 years with no problems.

I just find the ratchet ones to be a PITA to use compared to the camlock ones. I only use Ancra.

HondaGalToo said:

Me three! Well, ok, I've only been using them for 10 years with no problems.

I just find the ratchet ones to be a PITA to use compared to the camlock ones. I only use Ancra.

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Me 4. I ONLY use Ancra pulll type.

G-Force Junkie said:

Me 4. I ONLY use Ancra pulll type.

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Ancras are the only way to go. :thumb: Accept no imitations. :nono:

ancra pull-type are the only ones I use. Some other cheap, and even not so cheap, pull-type slip right out of the box. Ratchets = pain in the ass

Ancra cams are perfect for bikes....I save the ratchets for moving furniture, booming down junk etc....

Baketech said:

Ancra cams are perfect for bikes....I save the ratchets for moving furniture, booming down junk etc....

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Hey stranger! Where've you been hiding?

<oops...sorry for the threadjack >

I've used both "pull" and "ratchet" when trailering my bike to the track. I've found that the "ratcheting" tie downs don't work as well as the "pull" type.

Also been told by a friend (use to race enduro-pro) that pull type ancras are the way to go. He's seen too many bikes get damaged due to the "racheting" type tie downs fail. :idunno:

One more vote for Ancra pull tie-downs! :thumb:

Why? Because they work and have never failed me!

I use Ancra pull straps, then attach ratchet straps (not compressing the forks any farther than I would with just the pull straps).

Red Rider said:

Hey stranger! Where've you been hiding?

<oops...sorry for the threadjack >

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Dammit, don't make that idiot think that we like him!!! :rant: :rant:

Pete said:

Dammit, don't make that idiot think that we like him!!! :rant: :rant:

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We've tried that with you for months now and you're still here. At least he left for a little while.

ND4SPD said:

We've tried that with you for months now and you're still here. At least he left for a little while.

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:rotfl: He just doesnt get the hint :idunno: