Opinions Please - Trailer Winch

[rmrc51]

I know some of you might think I'm being a bit too much of a wimp here. How-ever,, I've never felt comfortable trying to ride my Valk Trike up onto a trailer. Between gritting my teeth because of what I'm possibly doing to the clutch along with the fear that once I'm up I won't stop in time, I'm considering putting a power winch on my trailer.

Have any of you done this, or am I the only Mary in the group?? lol 

Also, where would be the best location to place the straps to pull the trike?

[Bob E.]

I've never done it, but I would probably attach the straps to the forks at the lower triple-tree, if I could.  Otherwise, you could probably connect to the crash bar near a frame-attachment point.  It really just depends on how steep of a ramp you need to pull up.  If it's not too steep, the force is pretty low and it really doesn't matter much.  If it is steep, you'll really need to tug on it and then the connection points are a little more critical.

[rmrc51]

The trailer I have is the typical utility type. The ramp isn't too steep, maybe a 25 or 30 degree angle and I'm guessing. But it's still steep enough that you have to be well versed in the control of your bike/trike to be able to negotiate the ramp and apply the brakes once you completely on the trailer.

I'd still prefer to have the trike pulled up onto the trailer if possible.

[Master Blaster]

The way we do it is walk the bike up under power.  No riding up unless its a full width ramp.  walking up you can use 2 ramps, one  for the bike and one for you, or with one ramp if its not too high just step up on the rear of the trailer.  My big trailer I use portable ramps, and my small trailer has a full width tailgate that hinges in the middle and forms a ramp  when its down.  Its much easier, and you can just ride up.  Dont worry about slipping the clutch to come on slow, wont hurt a thing.

[R J]

Vell, if you are really a Mary, which we all doubt, there is another way to get it up there.

Back the trailer wheels into a ditch,or against a curb, one where the ramp will reach the bank.  Lower the ramp, this way it will be almost flat and just ride it on...

If you really think you need a winch, get one with a long cable with the power buttons.   Hook onto the crash guards, a strap on each one with a ring loop that will be in front of the front wheel.    It is really a 'Y' piece.  Jump up on the Trike, grab your control in one hand and the other hand get ahold of the bars.   Start easing it up the ramp, if ya hit a sang, bars swing on ya, release the button, back up a little to get straight again, and go again.

The hardest part of loading a Trike on a trailer is getting the front end to come up the ramp, after that it is a piece of cake.  YA DON'T have ta put your feet down to hold it up......

Go out and practice somewhere till you get comfortable doing it.

[rmrc51]

Back the trailer wheels into a ditch,or against a curb, one where the ramp will reach the bank.  Lower the ramp, this way it will be almost flat and just ride it on...

Ya know,,,, There is a place on my property that just might work.

But as you also mentioned, It's just a matter of getting use to bringing her up the ramp.

Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions.