I have my Raptor and 250ex in my garage on their new trailer. I have set up how my ratchet tie downs will be on the trailer and was going to just leave them. However this trailer has the 250ex up on ramps over the tongue and the way I have it tied down in the front it is pulling down on the front shocks maybe 1-2 inches.

Can I just leave it this way or will it hurt my shocks over time? I was thinking this may be no big deal but I thought I better ask to get second opinions.

 

It may not hurt them, but it definitely won't help them. It would take a lot of constant tension to fatigue the springs, but the shock seals might deflect and begin to loose their grip. Leaky shocks and loosy-goosy performance would follow.

When I tie mine down, I roll it up to the front of the trailer and loop the hooks to the a-arms and pull them forward into the front of the trailer. This keeps everything in place and puts no load on the suspension. You can do the same if you side load and have a trailer with sides or side planks.

 

IMO, it depends how long it will be strapped. If left for a long period of time,then, I think the constant pressure on the shocks being pulled down, will effect the seals and and the springs. You are placing a constant load on them. If possible, do not leave the tie downs tight. Loosen them up. But, just remember to tighten them before hitting the road again. Or, strap the quad down by using the frame or underbody to secure it, to the trailer.

 

the guy who sets up my suspension on the race bikes doesn't like them to be pulled down at all. we try to tie off so the wheels are strapped but shocks will still give. didn't really ask why, figured if he's been doing it for 30+ yrs there must be some reason.

 

Cool, thanks for your input. I just went out and released it and strapped it to the bottom of the a-arm and does not pull on the shock so much as before. There really is not much you can do to avoid pulling it down since the front quad on the trailer sits with the front up in the air and not level. It is a pretty cool set up.

 

A few years ago, one of the magazines had an article on this. You can leave your shocks half compressed for months, and it is no big deal. Still, I wouldn't do it!

 

I chain the rear hitch to the trailer and use a ratchet strap to attach the front of the fram to the trailer. So we tie the frames to the trailer and don't compress the suspension at all.

Like reconranger said, wont hurt them but I don't like doing it either.

 

I don't haul mine on a trailer but i put in the back of my pickup and put one strap on the back and I make it so it compresses the suspension on purpose so it aint bouncing around back there.

 

just dont tighten it so much