Archives for July 2022

Tips To Safely Secure a Motorcycle on a Trailer

Tips To Safely Secure a Motorcycle on a TrailerSummer is coming in hot, so it's time to whip out the motorcycle. Ideally, you'll be riding your motorcycle everywhere you go. However, in the event that you need to transport your bike, a trailer will be your best friend. Always follow these tips to safely and adequately secure your motorcycle on a trailer.

Start by Choosing Your Trailer

The trailer you choose to use is a tool in itself. There are many options to consider when looking into a new trailer. For example, open trailers use fewer materials, so they'll be more affordable, but enclosed trailers add an extra level of security. If you don't already have a trailer, we recommend checking out McFarlane's selection of aluminum trailers for sale.

Use a Ramp 

With any luck, you have purchased a trailer with a ramp; most trailers include one that folds down. If your trailer does not have a ramp, try to acquire one that does. If you aren't ready to buy a whole new trailer, we offer a variety of add-on ramps that would make a great addition to your setup. Wrangling a motorcycle can be intimidating enough as is, and a ramp will most definitely help make the process smoother. 

Don't Rely on Brute Strength

Once your trailer is hooked up and the ramp is down, it's time to wheel her up there. Motorcycles typically weigh between 400 and 700 pounds, so you won't be able to push them up the ramp safely without help. Ideally, you'd put your bike into a lower gear and ride it up slowly. If you're genuinely worried about driving off the ramp or, even worse, into the vehicle you're using to tow, it's a wise idea to recruit a friend and have them help you push your bike into place. If they're more comfortable riding it up, have them do that for you. Once the bike is on the trailer, leave it in gear to keep it from rolling around if the ties get dislodged. 

Use Tie-Down Straps

Once your bike is on the trailer, you need to strap it down using tie-downs. Tie-downs are a must-have for securing your motorcycle and should not be replaced with rope or bungee cords. Use ties with thick straps and durable hardware, such as cam buckle straps. While using ratchet straps may be a bit excessive for smaller motorcycles, if that's all you have, they'll work just fine.

Use 4 Tie-Down Points

For the best security, you should use at least four tie-down points: two in the front and two in the back. Attach them higher on the bike rather than lower for added safety. When you begin tying down your straps, use the motorcycle's kickstand to keep it from toppling, and once you've tightened one side, stand your bike up so it's entirely upright before cinching up the other side. Avoid strapping down your handlebars, as doing so has the potential to bend or break them. If your motorcycle's handlebars are rubber-mounted, they may compress during transit and cause your tie-downs to slip. 

Compress the Suspension

Don't forget to compress the suspension to give the bike some resistance against the straps, which reduces wobbling and keeps the motorcycle secure. Do not overdo it because too much additional pressure can ruin your shocks over time. Use roughly half the suspension capacity to avoid injuring your bike. Regardless of the type of motorcycle trailer you use, you can safely transport your vehicle by following these tips. Check out McFarlane Trailer Sales today to get more information on our trailer selection or talk to a professional about other ways to keep your goods safe in transit. 

Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Trailer

Summer Maintenance Tips for Your TrailerAs spring comes to an end, it's time to make sure that the wear and tear from winter's cold and spring's rain will not affect your summer hauls. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, grease, and suspension, as these will be the most likely to break down if not treated with care. You can avoid a large headache and expensive problem by prioritizing trailer service and repair before the summer gets into full swing. 

Brakes

Think back to the last time your brakes were replaced. Has it been more than 12 months? If so, you should definitely consider replacing them, for safety reasons. Also, think about how much wear and tear has gone into your brakes during the last year. Have you been in a lot of traffic, therefore braking more frequently? Have you been descending steep grades? Measure the thickness of your brake pads and determine your next steps. Usually, you can hear the squeal or grind when you apply your brakes, but sometimes the road noise prevents you from getting this warning. As always, don't wait until you know there is a problem. Proactively prevent problems before they become major issues. 

Tires 

Tires are expensive, but a necessary expense to keep your fleet operating efficiently. Walk around your trailer and check the depth of each tire tread to ensure the tires are not going bald. Also, check the pressure. A visual inspection of rocks, thorns, nails, screws, and other punctures may prove wise here as well. Having a blowout on a highway in the heat of summer is no one's idea of a successful haul.Keep in mind that some small punctures can be patched, while others may require the tire to be replaced. If you need to replace a tire, consider also replacing the other tire on the same axle, to ensure that the two tires wear evenly. If the expenses catch you off-guard or worry you, just imagine how much more worried and stressed you will be if your entire rig breaks down due to something that you could have prevented. Remember the old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Grease 

Gears and hydraulics simply have to operate smoothly if you are to stay in business. If the gears grind together, you will be facing a major mechanical malfunction. Remember which type of grease you originally used, and apply the same. New applications of the same grease type will wash out the old, dirty residue and keep your trailer operating efficiently and safely. 

Suspension

In order to keep your ride moving along smoothly, and to ensure the stability of your load, all high-impact elements of your suspension system should be inspected. Visually assess any fasteners, welds, and overall levelness of the trailer. Ensure that all bolts are secured where they should be and that there is no component interference with the pivot connection. Air springs, axle connections, and shock absorbers should all be without bend or rust. If any fasteners are loose, tighten them to the correct torque specifications. 

Visit MacFarlane for Expert Trailer Service and Repair

Many aspects of trailer maintenance can be attempted on your own, but if you find yourself out of your element, give us a call or schedule an appointment on our website. We will be happy to diagnose any problems we see, offer you a good deal on the parts we have in stock and provide potential solutions if a new trailer is what you need. We have at least 10 different types of high-quality trailers, including flatbeds, single-axle, tandem-axle, and tilt-beds. 

Load a Utility Trailer Like a Pro With These Tips

Load a Utility Trailer Like a Pro With These TipsProfessional movers have a lot of experience loading trailers. Use these tips to load just like a pro. Pros think ahead to consider trailer weight, payload capacity, and the different approaches when loading a single axle utility trailer versus a tandem axle utility trailer

Calculate Your Trailer Weight

Start by measuring the empty weight of the trailer (also known as curb weight). Conventional steel trailers are heavier, while innovative aluminum trailers weigh less. It may be helpful to run a quick search of truck stops or weigh stations within driving distance of your location. Make sure that they are using certified scales so that you know their readings are accurate. Then follow these steps:
  1. Hitch your empty trailer to the vehicle you'll use to tow the trailer.
  2. Haul the trailer to a truck stop or inspection station.
  3. Drive onto the scale.
  4. Record the weight reading.

Identify Your Trailer's Payload Capacity 

Once you get back to your original location, note the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer. This can be found in the owner's manual, product description, or other literature. It may also be found on a sticker affixed to the trailer itself. The GVWR is the maximum legal amount that this trailer can safely weigh, when full. Using what you already determined as the curb weight of the trailer, subtract the curb weight from the overall GVWR. This gives you the amount of cargo payload that the trailer can handle. Keep this number at the forefront of your mind when loading your trailer. If the items you are planning to haul exceed the payload capacity, you'll have to use a different trailer to ensure the safety of all drivers and vehicles on the road, the security of the load itself, and the structural integrity of the trailer. 

Verify Your Tongue Weight

This step is often overlooked, but it is very important. A trailer's tongue should take up approximately 10% - 15% of the total weight once the trailer is loaded. A tongue that is too heavy could make it difficult for your towing vehicle to make turns successfully. A tongue that is too light could cause swaying of the load when the driver takes a curve. The hitch you use should also measure tongue weight. If your GVWR is 10,000 lb, then your tongue should be 1,000 - 1,500 lb. If the hitch does not measure the tongue, you can use a portable scale and place it underneath, rest the tongue on the platform, and record the weight manually. 

How to Load a Single Axle Utility Trailer

Always load the heaviest items toward the front of the axle (nearest to the hitch). The weight distribution within the trailer should be 60% in front of the axle and 40% behind it. An unbalanced trailer can lead to dangerous driving conditions. 
  1. Park on a level surface. 
  2. Chock the wheels. 
  3. Ensure the weight is distributed 60/40.
  4. Load the heaviest items first.
  5. Use straps to tie down large items.
  6. Place lightweight cargo on top. 
  7. Engage your hitch and test your lights. 

How to Load a Tandem Axle Utility Trailer 

Tandem axle trailers can usually hold more weight than a single axle trailer. The process is the same as above, however. If the trailer load is small enough, it may be possible to center what you have between the two axles. Make sure you verify, again, that the tongue weight is 10%-15% of the gross towing weight, for safety and efficiency. Contact McFarlane Trailers at our website to learn about the different types of trailers that can accommodate your next move or haul.

Benefits of the WhereSafe GPS System for Trailers

Benefits of the WhereSafe GPS System for TrailersAnywhere there are aluminum trailers for sale, there is a risk that they will be stolen. Aluminum trailers are in especially high demand among thieves because of their high resale value and durability. When you install a WhereSafe GPS for your trailer, you can be assured that, in the unhappy event that someone steals your trailer, you'll be able to track its location and recover it quickly. 

What Can the WhereSafe GPS System Do for Me?

One reliable way to prevent theft is to install a WhereSafe GPS system. Hard-wired GPS trackers attach to your trailer with a magnet. They are easy to install, requiring only power, ground, and ignition. OBDII trackers are installed inside the cab of your vehicle. Simply insert them into the OBDII port, usually located underneath the steering column. Another GPS option is a fully battery-powered option for more flexibility. 

Receive Alerts to an App on Your Phone 

This takes away the need for you to manually check on the status of your trailer. Any time the trailer moves after-hours, or if it leaves your geographical zone, you will get an alert in the app and an email. 

Create a Geofence Boundary Around Your City 

You can use the WhereSafe app to draw an invisible geographical line around the perimeter of your service area. If your trailer crosses that line, you'll be notified immediately. 

Know When Your Device Has Been Tampered With

You'll also receive an alert anytime the device has been disabled, or if the battery dies. This is often the first sign that your trailer has been stolen. 

Why Are People Stealing Aluminum Trailers? 

The cost of living is going up in Ontario, and people are becoming desperate. The CBC has reported that since this time last year, carjackings are already on pace to exceed last year's numbers. Some folks are looking for any way to make money by selling someone else's assets. Car thefts, especially, are on the rise.In some cases, trailers are easier to steal than cars and trucks. If there is no hitch lock and you are parked in a remote area, it may be just the right conditions for your trailer to be stolen. In March, Waterloo regional police reported that 17 trailers had been stolen. Thieves are especially interested in stealing covered trailers that may contain other valuable assets such as heavy equipment, snowmobiles, tools, and ATVs. 

What Can I Do To Prevent Theft? 

Several common-sense strategies may help your trailer from being stolen. Thieves want to quickly get in and out undetected, so anything that slows or frustrates their process may encourage them to look elsewhere. Theft prevention strategies include: 
  • Set up Video Surveillance
  • Install Motion-activated Flood Lights 
  • Use Hitch Locks and Tongue Locks
  • Park in Crowded Areas
  • Add an Alarm System
  • Hide GPS Devices 

High-quality Aluminum Trailers for Sale by McFarlane

Once you have considered how to keep your aluminum trailer safe, peruse our website for a variety of aluminum trailers and trailer parts. We have a large selection that covers everything you need for hauling, household, and business needs. Consider popular models such as:Aluminum trailers are lighter than traditional steel, increasing your payload capacity and your fuel efficiency. They are also resistant to weather corrosion and rust, reducing the cost of repair and increasing their longevity. Many aluminum trailers outlive the towing vehicle they're attached to.Contact us today by phone or use this page of our website. Our #1 goal is your satisfaction.