6 Easy Steps to Tie Down a Dirt Bike in a Truck Bed
One of the most common ways to get your dirt bike to the track is by hauling it in the bed of your truck. To do this safely, you need to properly and securely tie down the bike. It sounds simple enough, and it is—but knowing the exact steps can help you avoid any damage or safety risks.
You’ll need a few things: soft loops, tie-down straps, a loading ramp, a wheel chock, and maybe a fork saver or support brace. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on tying down your dirt bike with retractable ratchet straps—one of the quickest and most reliable methods out there. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know to get it done right.
Read more: 5 Steps to Tie Down a Jet Ski on a Trailer
6 Steps to Tie Down a Dirt Bike
It’s generally recommended that you tie down your bike diagonally in the truck bed, with the front and rear tires on opposite sides. This approach helps reduce the amount of pressure on the suspension. When you tie the bike down straight, the front forks get more compressed, but tying it down diagonally spreads out that pressure more evenly. Also you could use wheel chocks or blocks to keep your dirt bike from shifting around during transport.
Step 1: Wrap the soft loops
Rather than locking a hook directly onto the handlebar, we recommend looping the soft straps around the handlebar and then hooking the strap onto itself. Simply wrap the soft loop around the handlebar, pass one end through the opposite side, and tighten it. Repeat the process for the other side of the handlebar.
Step 2: Hook the straps on the truck bed
Hook one strap to an anchor point at the end of the truck bed and the other to the opposite corner at the front of the truck bed. Be sure to select anchor points capable of handling the weight and tension.
Step 3: Pull the strap
Open the handle and pull the strap out for tying down the dirt bike later, and close the handle.
Step 4: Load the bike
Park the bike diagonally with the front wheel at the front left corner and the rear wheel at the back right corner. Make sure both wheels are leaning against the truck bed to prevent the bike from moving back and forth.
Step 5: Hook and tighten the straps on the soft loops
Hook the straps on the soft loops. Pull up and down with the ratchet handle until it feels tight, and push the handle down to the lock position. You could try flicking the strap and enjoy the resilience!
Step 6: How to release the strap?
If you want to release the straps, just start by unhooking the straps from the soft loops. What you want to do next is to open the ratchet handle, give the strap a gentle pull outward, and the strap will automatically retract.
How to tie down TWO dirt bikes
Say that you are going on a dirt bike trip with your family or friends, and you are bringing along two dirt bikes. Now, the question is — what about tying down two dirt bikes in a truck? We’ve got you. To save your time figuring it out on your own, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to tie down TWO dirt bikes in a truck!
Step 1: Hook four straps
Hook two straps at the front left corner and another two at the front right corner.
Step 2: Load the first bike and hook the straps
Take one of the straps at the front left corner, and hook it on the soft loop on the left handlebar. Then, repeat the same process with the right handlebar.
Step 3: Load the second bike
Load the second bike and lean it against the side of the truck. Make sure that the two front wheels are leaning against each other.
Step 6: Tighten the strap
Pull up and down with the ratchet handle until it feels tight, and push the handle down to the lock position.
Step 7: Lock the hook on the second bike
Take another hook from the left corner and lock it on the left handlebar.
Why retractable ratchet straps?
While traditional ratchet straps have their merits, auto-retractable ratchet straps with the advanced technology and added safety benefits make them a better choice as dirt bike tie downs. Below are the two features of auto-retractable ratchet straps that you don’t want to miss!
Auto retract
Just like the name, auto-retractable ratchet straps retract automatically! Compared to other ratchet straps on the shelf, auto-retractable ratchet straps (also known as Retractable Ratchet Straps) are more efficient, convenient, and safer. They are designed with a built-in mechanism that automatically retracts the webbing without needing to worry about the extended leftovers. This feature not only saves valuable time during the loading and unloading process but also minimizes the risk of human error in tying down any items.
Lock and unlock
Auto-retractable ratchet straps has a lock feature which prevents accidental release when moving. Their user-friendly design makes them an ideal choice for various applications, especially in situations where quick and reliable cargo tie-down is crucial.
The essential gear for safe transport
Transporting your dirt bike requires more than just loading it onto a truck or trailer. You need the right tools to keep your bike secure throughout the journey. Among the essential gear, retractable ratchet straps shine as the ultimate choice. These versatile and reliable straps provide the strength and stability your bike needs, giving you peace of mind while you hit the road to your next off-road destination.
Read more: What Is Easier Than Ratchet Straps? The Retractable Straps
Dirt Bike Tie Downs
If you want to invest in one of the auto-retractable ratchet straps, you can consider the “retractable ratchet straps 1 in x 6 ft” or “retractable ratchet straps 1 in x 10 ft“, optionally paired with “soft loop straps”. These retractable straps are slightly heavier than the normal ratchet straps but they do make storing easier and the process smoother! With the features these straps have, I promise you that they are worth every penny you spend!
Type | Retractable Ratchet Strap | Retractable Ratchet Strap | Soft loop tie down straps |
Features | 1. Working Load Limit: 500LBS/227KG 2. Breaking Strength: 1,500LBS/680KG 3. Rubber-coated steel handles, sturdy polyester webbings, and locks | 1. Working Load Limit: 3,500lbs/1588 KG 2. Breaking Strength: 10,500lbs/4762 KG | |
Read more: Breaking Strength vs. Working Load Limit: Which One Matters Most?
Tips and Tricks
To provide an extra layer of protection for your dirt bike during transport, consider these helpful tips:
- Protect Vulnerable Areas: Wrap soft loop straps or towels around fragile areas of your bike, like the fairings, fenders, or exhaust pipes, to prevent scratches and damage.
- Inspect Regularly: During long journeys, make it a habit to stop and inspect the straps and bike at regular intervals. Check for any signs of loosening or shifting, and retighten the straps if necessary.
- Communicate with Your Riding Buddies: If you’re traveling with friends, establish a communication system to ensure everyone’s bikes remain secure. Regularly check on each other’s straps and offer assistance if needed.
- Ensuring Even Tension: Apply consistent tension on all straps to stabilize the bike. Uneven tension can lead to tilting or shifting.
- Choosing the Right Anchor Points: Identify strong, stable points on your vehicle and bike to attach the straps. Proper anchor points reduce the risk of slippage or detachment.
The Best Brand of Retractable Tie-Downs
When choosing the best retractable ratchet straps for your dirt bike, Strapinno rises above the competition. The company’s line of retractable tie-downs is specifically designed to withstand the demands of outdoor adventures, ensuring your dirt bike stays securely fastened throughout the journey.
Strapinno’s straps boast advanced features such as a smooth ratcheting mechanism, an easy-to-use design, and superior load-bearing capacity. For instance, the Outdoor 1in x 10 ft Retractable Ratchet Straps has a breaking strength of 1,500 pounds and a working load limit of 500 pounds.
Whether you are a seasoned biker or a newcomer to the dirt biking scene, you can trust Strapinno to provide you with the ultimate peace of mind during transportation.
Read more: Different Types of Retractable Ratchet Straps
Let’s Sum It Up!
Securing your dirt bike or bikes for transport doesn’t have to be a daunting task with frustration. With the advent and innovative retractable ratchet straps, the process becomes not only efficient but also safer and a lot more reliable than you would expect. These straps, designed with the auto-retracting mechanism, streamline your tie-down process to reduce the time and effort required. By following the steps above, from wrapping soft loops to securing your load(s) with Strapinno’s retractable ratchet straps, you can rest assured your dirt bike is worry-free and ready for transport, whether you’re loading one or two bikes.
Remember, investing in the right equipment pays off in the long run in terms of convenience and a peace of mind. So, next time you’re gearing up for an off road adventure, make sure you’ve picked up your own retractable ratchet straps from Strapinno.
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Shop retractable ratchet straps for your next dirt biking adventure this summer at Strapinno.com!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How tight should the ratchet straps be when securing loads?
The straps should be tight enough to hold the bike firmly without movement, but not too tight to a point where it causes damage to your bike or parts. A good test we often run is to flick the straps with your finger slightly. You should feel a bit taut and resilient!
2. Are soft loops necessary?
While soft loops are not absolutely necessary, they are highly recommended. They provide an additional layer of protection for your dirt bike by preventing the hooks of the straps from scratching or damaging the handlebars, but mainly solves the problem if let’s say your handlebars are too thick for the hooks to clip on, or ones the hook clips on, it still slides to the end of the handlebar on your bike, therefore, soft loops are what we would recommend from the get go.
3. Can the above methods be used for bikes of all sizes?
Yes, the methods described are versatile and can be used for most dirt bike sizes. However, always ensure the straps and loops are compatible with your bike’s dimensions and weight.
4. How many straps are required to securely tie down a dirt bike?
Generally, two straps works well for one dirt bike from our experience. If transporting more than one bike, ensure you have enough straps to secure each bike individually and make sure your bike doesn’t exceed the working load limit (WLL) depending on the retractable ratchet straps that you get! We offer varieties of ratchet straps (only retractables) with different WLL and breaking strength, just make sure you don’t go over it for security reasons!
5. How to tie down a dirt bike on a trailer without a chock?
- Select a Sturdy Trailer: Use a reliable trailer that provides a stable and flat surface for transportation. Ensure it has adequate tie-down points that are well anchored and positioned.
- Position the Dirt Bike: Roll your dirt bike onto the trailer and place it in the center or slightly forward to distribute weight evenly. Use the side or center stand to keep it upright temporarily.
- Use High-Quality Straps: Choose durable ratchet straps or tie-downs designed to handle the weight and stress of securing a dirt bike. Verify that the straps are in good condition without any signs of wear or damage.
- Identify Secure Attachment Points: On your dirt bike, locate strong points such as the handlebars, frame, or triple clamps. Avoid using fragile components like plastic body parts or controls as anchor points.
- Attach the Straps to the Bike: Fasten one end of each strap to the bike’s attachment points. Ensure the straps are placed to avoid contact with any heat-producing parts or sharp edges that could cause wear or damage.
- Secure the Straps to the Trailer: Hook the other end of each strap to the trailer’s tie-down points. Ideally, these points should be slightly wider than the bike’s width to create a stable base.
- Apply Tension Evenly: Tighten the straps by ratcheting them down evenly. This action should compress the bike’s suspension slightly, making the bike more stable. The goal is to make the bike secure without over-compressing the suspension or causing damage.
- Check Stability: Once all straps are tightened, give the bike a gentle shake to ensure it’s stable. The bike should not move significantly, and the straps should hold it firmly in place.
- Balance the Load: Ensure that the bike’s weight is balanced on the trailer to prevent any tilting or uneven load distribution during transport.
- Monitor During Transport: Regularly check the bike and straps during your journey to ensure everything remains secure. Adjust the straps as needed if they loosen.
