Ducati Monster Forum

Local Clubs => NMMR => Topic started by: JJ on March 29, 2009, 04:14:59 PM

Title: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on March 29, 2009, 04:14:59 PM
Hey Duc Lovers,

Could use some help/advice as summer approaches!

I need to find an alternative to towing the Duc behind the supercharged Xterra (At 13miles/gal with the Duc behind on a trailer, OH to NM becomes a pain!!!). I explored a bit (ebay/online) and found few suppliers that make sportbike hitches with a ramp that attaches to the 2" tow connection. However, I look under the trcuk and find only 4 steel bolts holding the towing equipment. How would I trust my Ducati (1098s) on a frame (though they claim to hold 600-900lbs) held by cantilever connection on 4 bolts?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260291048785&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.shop.ebay.com%3A80%2F__%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm39%26_nkw%3D%2B260291048785%26_sacat%3D%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260291048785&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.shop.ebay.com%3A80%2F__%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm39%26_nkw%3D%2B260291048785%26_sacat%3D%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VersaHaul-Motorcycle-Hitch-Carrier-SportBike-w-ramp_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQhashZitem380043143144QQitemZ380043143144QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VersaHaul-Motorcycle-Hitch-Carrier-SportBike-w-ramp_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQhashZitem380043143144QQitemZ380043143144QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/600-SPORT-MOTORCYCLE-CARRIER-HITCH-HAULER-RACK-RAMP_W0QQitemZ260384013019QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item260384013019&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/600-SPORT-MOTORCYCLE-CARRIER-HITCH-HAULER-RACK-RAMP_W0QQitemZ260384013019QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item260384013019&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171)|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Am I wrong? Any experience? Changing the truck is one option..:) Yes!

Thanks a ton! This should help bring me back to NM more often... [moto]

Cheers,
JJ
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: DrDesmo on March 29, 2009, 04:21:18 PM
I would get a $500 landscape trailer w/ a ramp style gate and call it a day.  I know tons of fellas up at the track that use them, they're light as heck and work great.  [thumbsup]

Adam
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: The Plumber on March 29, 2009, 05:06:22 PM
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on March 29, 2009, 04:21:18 PM
I would get a $500 landscape trailer w/ a ramp style gate and call it a day.  I know tons of fellas up at the track that use them, they're light as heck and work great.  [thumbsup]

Adam
+1 and get a canyon dancer strap..  Good luck.. :) [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on March 29, 2009, 05:10:15 PM
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on March 29, 2009, 04:21:18 PM
I would get a $500 landscape trailer w/ a ramp style gate and call it a day.  I know tons of fellas up at the track that use them, they're light as heck and work great.  [thumbsup]

Adam

Thanks, guess that is wise, rather than crying later!!!

[beer] JJ
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: DrDesmo on March 29, 2009, 05:38:23 PM
Quote from: JJ on March 29, 2009, 05:10:15 PM
Thanks, guess that is wise, rather than crying later!!!

[beer] JJ

If you want to be " baller status " you may want to get a baxley sport chock (http://www.baxleycompanies.com/Sportchock.html) or even one of the cheap-o ones from harbor freight, (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96349) they make loading considerably easier  [thumbsup]

Adam  [moto]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: kingbaby on March 29, 2009, 05:54:57 PM
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on March 29, 2009, 05:38:23 PM
If you want to be " baller status " you may want to get a baxley sport chock (http://www.baxleycompanies.com/Sportchock.html) or even one of the cheap-o ones from harbor freight, (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96349) they make loading considerably easier  [thumbsup]

Adam  [moto]

DDGM, Zaster, Plumber,  Do you know anything about these?   [laugh]

JJ I'm not so sure that one of these bab boys will let you load your baby in the back of the Nissan. 


Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: TheMav on March 29, 2009, 06:07:32 PM
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on March 29, 2009, 04:21:18 PM
I would get a $500 landscape trailer w/ a ramp style gate and call it a day.  I know tons of fellas up at the track that use them, they're light as heck and work great.  [thumbsup]

Adam

I fully endorse this idea.  Scooter McGee and I have done this several times, as we own just such a trailer.  Put a chock in the front of it (essential), lash with the Canyon Dancer, and off you go.  Easy as eating pancakes, and the ramp makes loading a snap..   [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: Kawboy on March 29, 2009, 10:21:08 PM
Or get a van and put it inside.  It will be out of the weather then too.
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on March 30, 2009, 06:23:19 AM
Quote from: TheMav on March 29, 2009, 06:07:32 PM
I fully endorse this idea.  Scooter McGee and I have done this several times, as we own just such a trailer.  Put a chock in the front of it (essential), lash with the Canyon Dancer, and off you go.  Easy as eating pancakes, and the ramp makes loading a snap..   [thumbsup]

Thanks much guys! I have some experience with a trailer and I use a steering strap to secure the front end. I usually rent the motorcycle trailer at Uhaul, but I'll start looking for a light one around here. The chock might be a good idea!

The only incident with a trailer was when I touched the wrong strap and the bike flew the other way...Broke the mirrors and front fairing..I probably cursed in millions/sec!!!  [bang]

See you all in NM soon! [moto]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: TheMav on March 30, 2009, 07:15:23 AM
Look forward to meeting you!
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: bonfy on April 01, 2009, 08:43:20 AM
I'll be watching the board to see if any of your riding comes up north.  I will meet you if you do so make sure to post it or pm me. 

BTW, I didn't realize my Canyon Dancer strap could double as a tie down!!!  Cool!  I'll have to get it back from Lance.
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on April 01, 2009, 10:11:57 PM
Quote from: bonfy on April 01, 2009, 08:43:20 AM
I'll be watching the board to see if any of your riding comes up north.  I will meet you if you do so make sure to post it or pm me. 

BTW, I didn't realize my Canyon Dancer strap could double as a tie down!!!  Cool!  I'll have to get it back from Lance.

Bonfy [thumbsup] No excuses, if I can drive 22hrs to ride in NM, you can join on a fudge run through red river for sure! :) I may ride up north to check some routes in CO...will pm.

BTW, I found a cool 250lb trailer as you all suggested. It can tow up to 2000lbs and it is perfect! I need to get a chock and I should be all good...Thanks so much for all the help and advice. [beer]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: Kawboy on April 01, 2009, 11:08:52 PM
Quote from: JJ on April 01, 2009, 10:11:57 PM
Bonfy [thumbsup] No excuses, if I can drive 22hrs to ride in NM, you can join on a fudge run through red river for sure! :) I may ride up north to check some routes in CO...will pm.

BTW, I found a cool 250lb trailer as you all suggested. It can tow up to 2000lbs and it is perfect! I need to get a chock and I should be all good...Thanks so much for all the help and advice. [beer]

Don't get her started on fudge, now.  We went through that phase a month or 2 ago.  (http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm203/feckert/Misc/thpeep.gif)
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on April 02, 2009, 08:31:38 AM
Quote from: Kawboy on April 01, 2009, 11:08:52 PM
Don't get her started on fudge, now.  We went through that phase a month or 2 ago.  (http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm203/feckert/Misc/thpeep.gif)
What phase? [roll]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: Kawboy on April 02, 2009, 06:36:29 PM
Quote from: JJ on April 02, 2009, 08:31:38 AM
What phase? [roll]

We were reminiscing about the Red River Fudge run and I was taunting her with fudge.   [evil] :D
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on April 02, 2009, 06:59:58 PM
Quote from: Kawboy on April 02, 2009, 06:36:29 PM
We were reminiscing about the Red River Fudge run and I was taunting her with fudge.   [evil] :D

Aah..Well, we should do the run again...Am considering mid April trip...Should have about 3-4 days. We can make it better...:) Here's some picture stories...Njoy!

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0607.jpg)

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0609.jpg)

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0612.jpg)

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0616.jpg)

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0617.jpg)

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0629.jpg)

& Here's the best of all...SORRY BONFY!  [bow_down]
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0621.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0624.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/CIMG0625.jpg)
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: bonfy on April 02, 2009, 08:34:22 PM
Wow!  I just logged in after a non-online day and laughed my ass off at your pictures.  Man, you can't tell I eat the hell out of the fudge pan, can you?  That's some chunky fudge.  I love it.  I need more.  So mid-April?  I will definitely make a run down to Red River or Taos to meet you all.  Scottish, get that day off, too, so I can bring Drea her curtains.   [laugh]

Good times! Can't wait...
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: Dusty on April 07, 2009, 10:09:05 AM
GREAT pics JJ!!!  Bonfy should do ads for fudge.  She makes it look even yummier than it is.   [clap]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: bonfy on April 07, 2009, 08:24:05 PM
 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Yup, the only thing I like better is  [bacon] !!!    ;D  I waited a long time for that fudge...
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on April 07, 2009, 08:30:46 PM
Quote from: bonfy on April 07, 2009, 08:24:05 PM
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Yup, the only thing I like better is  [bacon] !!!    ;D  I waited a long time for that fudge...

Well my trip is finalized. I'll be in NM from 17th night to 21st..so loads of time to ride and ride and ride...Bonfy if you are up for another Fudge round, let me know...600 mile service on my bike scheduled for Saturday morning at PJ's...I might do the Crest all Saturday till the body gives up!!! [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: bonfy on April 07, 2009, 08:37:06 PM
Well then, it sounds like Sunday and/or Monday would work.  I am marking it on the calendar right now.  Let's do a fudge run!!!!!!!!!  Can't wait!  Hopefully Kawboy will be back from his excursions.  I know he has some trips planned for April.  Weather gods, be kind.
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: Kawboy on April 09, 2009, 12:35:18 AM
Quote from: bonfy on April 07, 2009, 08:37:06 PM
Well then, it sounds like Sunday and/or Monday would work.  I am marking it on the calendar right now.  Let's do a fudge run!!!!!!!!!  Can't wait!  Hopefully Kawboy will be back from his excursions.  I know he has some trips planned for April.  Weather gods, be kind.

I'll be leaving on the 29th to fly to Buffalo for my daughters' med school graduation.  So, I WILL be here and ready, willing, and able, to do a fudge run on Sunday and/or Monday.  We'll have some fudge lip gloss waiting for you.   If it's Sunday, I'll need to get maybe 2 hours of sleep after I get off work at 7 before I hit the road. 
Wooo Hooo.  Can't wait.   [moto] [moto]
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on April 09, 2009, 08:59:45 AM
Quote from: Kawboy on April 09, 2009, 12:35:18 AM
I'll be leaving on the 29th to fly to Buffalo for my daughters' med school graduation.  So, I WILL be here and ready, willing, and able, to do a fudge run on Sunday and/or Monday.  We'll have some fudge lip gloss waiting for you.   If it's Sunday, I'll need to get maybe 2 hours of sleep after I get off work at 7 before I hit the road. 
Wooo Hooo.  Can't wait.   [moto] [moto]

Awesome! Sunday or Monday, whatever works best for both. I'll PM both my cell phone since I may not have access to net there. Text or call for a meeting place.

JJ
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: bonfy on April 09, 2009, 09:38:20 AM
Great!!  Glad you will be in for the ride, Kawboy.  The SoCO DOGS are having their first general membership meeting for the season on Sunday, and, yes, I did get appointed nterim secretary, so if Monday works for both of you, that would be my preference.  I have already posted on the board though that they may need to get someone else to be the recorder for the day if we decide on Sunday.  Pleasure before duty!!  So I am covered.  We can watch the weather and if one day seems better suited for the ride, that's fine.  Dieting now for fudge splurge later.  Yeah, baby!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: Cloner on April 28, 2009, 09:22:49 PM
Quote from: JJ on March 29, 2009, 04:14:59 PM
I explored a bit (ebay/online) and found few suppliers that make sportbike hitches with a ramp that attaches to the 2" tow connection. However, I look under the trcuk and find only 4 steel bolts holding the towing equipment. How would I trust my Ducati (1098s) on a frame (though they claim to hold 600-900lbs) held by cantilever connection on 4 bolts?

I have one of these that I've used for years.  I didn't trust the lightweight ones I've seen online, so I made my own, but I've never had a moment's unrest in using it.  It's been to some pretty rough areas with no hickups.

My 2 cents,

Cloner
ABQ, NM
Title: Re: Duc towing/hitch ideas?
Post by: JJ on May 05, 2009, 08:49:57 AM
Quote from: Cloner on April 28, 2009, 09:22:49 PM
I have one of these that I've used for years.  I didn't trust the lightweight ones I've seen online, so I made my own, but I've never had a moment's unrest in using it.  It's been to some pretty rough areas with no hickups.

My 2 cents,

Cloner
ABQ, NM

Thanks!  I managed to get a very light trailer (for 350bucks!) and it didn't lower the mileage at all except when it got to 87F in Missouri and I had to hit the AC! Here's some shots:

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/BullRun/CIMG2847.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm38/joel_jacob/BullRun/CIMG2881.jpg)