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Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: annguyen1981 on November 26, 2009, 10:10:28 AM

Title: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 26, 2009, 10:10:28 AM
Motorcycle Trailer Restraint-Pit Bull Motorcycle Trailer Restraints (http://www.pit-bull.com/trailer-restraint.shtml)


Here's a couple videos to show you how it's made.  If anyone can make this item for me, lemme know a general idea of price.  Thankz. :biggthump

YouTube - Pit Bull Trailer Restraint Usage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h7wAKhpul8)

YouTube - pitbullproducts's Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/pitbullproducts#p/u/5/C8TwL1gvkGg)



I already have plans... I'd provide measurements for my R6 to make this.
Thankz. :cheers:
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: ohgood on November 26, 2009, 06:36:21 PM
that's a ton of fabbing for what it does. generally, they're going to be making it as efficiently as possible already. i'd try for 2nd hand pieces instead of re-inventing the wheel.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 26, 2009, 07:26:29 PM
I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel...

I'm trying to duplicate it at a cheaper cost...  those pitbull systems are like $300 IIRC
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 26, 2009, 07:43:19 PM
Bump.  I found a clearer picture of the system....  simple cutting, welding, and drilling.  I'd do it myself, but I don't have the tools or the know-how to use those tools.



(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4453/trailerrestraintsup.jpg)


Again, it doesn't need to be EXACTLY the same...  I just need something that works the same way at a cheaper cost to me. Thankz.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: GeeP on November 27, 2009, 12:27:01 AM
The Space Shuttle is nothing but "simple cutting, welding and drilling" too.  

Actually doing it isn't quite as simple as it looks.

Cheaper than $300?  Sure, if you place an order for a thousand of them.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 27, 2009, 08:21:29 AM
If you actually study the item, it IS simple...

The "hardest" part of it all is making the plate with the two latches...  that's it.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: tt_four on November 27, 2009, 09:05:12 AM
Yeah, I'm all for making things cheaper than you can buy them for, but in this case I feel like you'd do better just to pay the $279 for this one.

First, if you actually save money by making it out of cheaper steel, you're still going to make up for it paying someone to do all the 1 off work on it, plus making all of those quick release latches and the pieces that hold the bike by the axle are gonna kill you.

Second, is the fact that there is going to be a LOT of stress on that in the back of a trailer when you take turns and the bike tries to lean from side to side. Pit bulls are super strong and durable, and that's probably the only brand I would trust on a stand like that. If you don't want to spend the money, I'd stick with the $45 wheel chock and $15 tie down staps.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96349

How are you supposed to move your bike around with that pit bull stand on it if you don't have a passenger peg like a lot of track bikes?? that was poor planning on their part
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: DoD#i on November 27, 2009, 09:31:00 AM
An - people that can make you one of such things don't get $10/hour. Especially if they have the tools and shop to make it in - shop rate has to be higher than labor rate to pay for the shop being there, heated, electrified, stocked with tools, ready to work in.

I might be able to make one in a day. It might take longer. If it takes me a day, your labor bill is $400 before we even get to materials or shop time, unless I raise my rate again. In any case, I don't have time right now, and my shop is a disaster area (related items).

If $279 is too much money, then perhaps you don't really "need" the whole hokey latch setup. 6 ratchet straps have always worked for me (4 at the ends angled down, 2 in the middle angled up, for a typical trailer rail or pickup-truck side pocket arrangement. The middle two keep it from walking sideways.) $27.99 or possibly less should buy that. Compress the suspension about half-way. Check at 10 miles, recheck every 100.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: ineedanap on November 27, 2009, 10:47:26 AM
Quote from: tt_four on November 27, 2009, 09:05:12 AM

How are you supposed to move your bike around with that pit bull stand on it if you don't have a passenger peg like a lot of track bikes?? that was poor planning on their part

I don't understand what you're trying to say.  It's not a stand, it's a trailer mount.  You don't move it around with the stuff attached.  

Push the bike near the floor mount, pop the quick connect U shaped piece on, and click it into the floor mount.  It only takes a couple seconds.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: BaltimoreGS on November 27, 2009, 11:30:35 AM
Quote from: DoD#i on November 27, 2009, 09:31:00 AM

If $279 is too much money, then perhaps you don't really "need" the whole hokey latch setup. 6 ratchet straps have always worked for me (4 at the ends angled down, 2 in the middle angled up, for a typical trailer rail or pickup-truck side pocket arrangement. The middle two keep it from walking sideways.) $27.99 or possibly less should buy that. Compress the suspension about half-way. Check at 10 miles, recheck every 100.


I'm bored at the moment so I'll add my unwanted 2 cents   ;)

I hauled motocross bikes in the back of pick ups down some rough roads/trails for years with only 3 straps and never had a mishap.  I haul street bikes the same way with no problems so far...

First I center the bike in one of the bed grooves, then I run a motorcycle strap (I believe "cam buckle" is the proper name) from the hook in the front corners of the pick up bed to the handle bar being careful not to snag any of the control wires

(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/strap1.jpg)

Then I run a ratchet strap from the hooks in the back of the truck bed through the rear peg mounts and over the rear tire to keep it from jumping over bumps

(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/strap2.jpg)

On my bikes with clip ons I wrap these loops around the upper triple clamp as an anchor point for the cam buckle straps

(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/strap4.jpg)
(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/strap3.jpg)

If I'm hauling for a long distance or have 2 bikes I add a 4th ratchet strap from the bedrails across the seat of the bikes in case a strap brakes.  I haven't had a strap break on me yet.  I do replace my straps when they start to show where.

-Jessie
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 27, 2009, 11:50:26 AM
Thankz for the pics Jessie.

That little orange strap you've got for the clip-on bikes... that's something I don't have.  So I can't do anything "safe" to the front without the hooks of the ratchet straps digging into the grips or the straps rubbing against the fairing.

Also, I'm very protected of my bike...  I'd rather have as little contact as possible.  Once I'm able to get this system made (by someone WILLING to actually give me a $@*&^% price and not advice), I can use this on my Ranger and use something to secure the front wheel down.  Easy cheesy.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: tt_four on November 27, 2009, 12:36:12 PM
Quote from: ineedanap on November 27, 2009, 10:47:26 AM
Quote from: tt_four on November 27, 2009, 09:05:12 AM

How are you supposed to move your bike around with that pit bull stand on it if you don't have a passenger peg like a lot of track bikes?? that was poor planning on their part

I don't understand what you're trying to say.  It's not a stand, it's a trailer mount.  You don't move it around with the stuff attached.  

Push the bike near the floor mount, pop the quick connect U shaped piece on, and click it into the floor mount.  It only takes a couple seconds.

If you watch the one video on youtube you'll see what I'm talking about. He mounted the top half to the bike and then pushed the bike into the trailer. It you only have 1 bike in the trailer you could put the stand on the bike right in the trailer, but if it's crowded in there you might not have space. If you don't have a passenger peg to hook the bungie strap on to hold the stand up while it's attached to the axle, it's just going to drag on the ground behind you.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 27, 2009, 12:51:34 PM
it's just hooked up there with a bungee cord...  I'm sure you'd be able to hook it to something else if it's a race bike without passenger pegs.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: ineedanap on November 27, 2009, 02:49:49 PM
Quote from: tt_four on November 27, 2009, 12:36:12 PM

If you watch the one video on youtube you'll see what I'm talking about.

Guess I should have watched the video before I commented.   :D  Makes more sence now. 

Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: jserio on November 27, 2009, 10:55:52 PM
I don't see an individual being able to produce one of those(or similar) for cheaper than what you'd pay for the pitbull. Nobody's time is really free anymore. Something like this would be fairly labor intensive and that's what would eat up your budget, labor costs. If you plan on using it quite a bit, I don't think $300 is really that bad of a price if it's something that will be used alot. Just my thoughts though.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 28, 2009, 12:21:39 AM
Yes... I realize there may be a chance it's better to BUY the FUQQING thing...  that's why I asked for a price from someone that can actually MAKE this and not from people that can speculate on feasibility.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: pave_spectre on November 28, 2009, 12:39:56 AM
what about something more like this

(http://www.kenma.com.au/graphics/ven_bs_big.jpg)

Have also seen a home made job doing the same thing made from U-Channel.

Used in conjunction with a couple of straps it would hold the bike pretty secure.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: jserio on November 28, 2009, 01:35:13 AM
When I worked as a cnc machinist, I made $18 an hour. Of course, that was in a production environment. I don't have the tools or shop set up at home to do any of my own fabrication however. But I thought the following post answered your question pretty well.

Quote from: DoD#i on November 27, 2009, 09:31:00 AM
An - people that can make you one of such things don't get $10/hour. Especially if they have the tools and shop to make it in - shop rate has to be higher than labor rate to pay for the shop being there, heated, electrified, stocked with tools, ready to work in.

I might be able to make one in a day. It might take longer. If it takes me a day, your labor bill is $400 before we even get to materials or shop time, unless I raise my rate again. In any case, I don't have time right now, and my shop is a disaster area (related items).

If $279 is too much money, then perhaps you don't really "need" the whole hokey latch setup. 6 ratchet straps have always worked for me (4 at the ends angled down, 2 in the middle angled up, for a typical trailer rail or pickup-truck side pocket arrangement. The middle two keep it from walking sideways.) $27.99 or possibly less should buy that. Compress the suspension about half-way. Check at 10 miles, recheck every 100.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 28, 2009, 12:42:51 PM
And the following quote was a response to that... sums it up pretty well.

Quote from: annguyen1981 on November 28, 2009, 12:21:39 AM
Yes... I realize there may be a chance it's better to BUY the FUQQING thing...  that's why I asked for a price from someone that can actually MAKE this and not from people that can speculate on feasibility.





Quote from: pave_spectre on November 28, 2009, 12:39:56 AM
what about something more like this

(http://www.kenma.com.au/graphics/ven_bs_big.jpg)

Have also seen a home made job doing the same thing made from U-Channel.

Used in conjunction with a couple of straps it would hold the bike pretty secure.

Pave_s... those wheel chocks ARE nice, but I wouldn't trust my bike in one while riding down the road with that in the truck...  I'd use straps to secure the front AND back if using a wheel chock.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: makenzie71 on November 28, 2009, 08:31:03 PM
I can build the pitbull thing...but it'll still cost around that $300 mark.  That's a rather complicated little gadget.  I can tell you, though, that it'll be a lot easier to just go and get $50 wheel chock from Harbor Freight and bolt it to your trailer.  Same results.  Better results, actually, because you'll still need to secure both ends of the bike.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on November 28, 2009, 08:40:13 PM
Quote from: makenzie71 on November 28, 2009, 08:31:03 PM
I can build the pitbull thing...but it'll still cost around that $300 mark.  That's a rather complicated little gadget.  I can tell you, though, that it'll be a lot easier to just go and get $50 wheel chock from Harbor Freight and bolt it to your trailer.  Same results.  Better results, actually, because you'll still need to secure both ends of the bike.
Thankz for the reply Mak. :cheers:
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on December 02, 2009, 06:06:58 PM
Just an update... someone from another forum is telling me that his friend who owns a fabrication shop is estimating from $150-$200.

I just finished my AutoCAD plans and have submitted them to a couple fab shops around me. I'll update this thread with a price and pics when I get them.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: ineedanap on December 02, 2009, 09:29:36 PM
If it doesn't pan out with the fabricators, I've seen a few used ones go for $200.  I'm tempted to get one myself. 
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: annguyen1981 on December 02, 2009, 09:50:26 PM
WHERE?!?!?!?!?

I've had my eye glued to ebay for those... I've NEVER seen them on there, not even brand new.
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: ohgood on December 05, 2009, 06:28:45 PM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on November 26, 2009, 07:26:29 PM
I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel...

I'm trying to duplicate it at a cheaper cost...  those pitbull systems are like $300 IIRC

remember when walmart started selling mongoose and gt bicycles ? just a thought ;)

ok, simple, dirty, un painted, no stickers, no fancy clamps, no rubber hand grips, no hardware for attaching to the traiiler, no stress relieving post-weld, no fancy machined pieces, and no warrantee = $300-400 for a set. I can make pretty things (that work) from steel, but I'm not cheap.


folks aren't giving you a hard time about it, fabrication is EXPENSIVE, and one offs with little to no profit waste a ton of effort.

good luck if you find a builder :)
Title: Re: I need help from a fabricator in building something like this.
Post by: ineedanap on December 05, 2009, 06:54:00 PM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on December 02, 2009, 09:50:26 PM
WHERE?!?!?!?!?


Not ebay.  Try forums.13x.com (WERA)  or r6 specific forums.  I just watched two that fit my bike go for $200 this month.  Just waiting for a third.