REVIEW - Pit Bull Trailer Restraint System

[DaveInDaytona]

Having a new trailer to get ready to transport bikes made my head spin with ideas on all the ways I could set it up. Well the first obvious thing to do was find a way to secure the bikes in the trailer. So after a lot of searching and reading about all the popular solutions I found my best bet to be the Pit Bull Trailer Restraint System.

Everyone is familiar with Pit Bull, they make the best bike stands available so they've set their own bar pretty high already when it came to releasing a system for the trailer. And it doesn't disappoint.

This system is very simple to install and use and requires no tie downs to the bike so it doesn't put any pressure on the suspension components.

Let's walk through the installation and use, and yes so I don't have to type thousands of words there will be plenty of pictures along the way.

First here's what you'll find in the box:
(notice all the parts in the familiar Pit Bull color)

-Frame Assembly
-Base Plate
-Latch Assemblies
-3/8" Button Head Screws
-Mushroom Standoffs
-3/8" Nyloc Nuts
-3/8" Flat Washers
-Pin Kit for Bike

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull1.jpg

The latch assemblies are what attach to the base plate and grab the frame assembly that is connected to the bike. The flip up part is secured with a locking pin after it is closed.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull2.jpg

On the underside of the latch assembly is a spring loaded pin that attaches it to the base place. Note the safety wiring so none of the parts are misplaced when they are not attached.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull3.jpg

The first step to the installation is installing the base plate. All the bolts, nuts, washers, and spacers are supplied. What you will need is a 3/8" drill bit for the holes. I located the plate forward in the trailer and test fit it with the bike before drilling any hole to make sure it was where I wanted it.

Since the system latches as the frame rolls into the base plate it's a good idea to make sure the plate is square with the trailer, and this makes sure the bike sits straight too.

You can mount the plate to have the bike mounted forward, backward, and the frame in front of or in back of the tire. Since space wasn't a huge issue and ease of use was my bigger concern I set it up so the bike faces forward with the frame behind the tire.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull4.jpg

After the plate is located in the proper position just drill the holes. It makes it a bit easier to drop the bolts into place after each hole is done because the tolerances are very close.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull5.jpg

Yes, that is a Kawasaki drill :D

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull6.jpg

After the plate is installed it looks like this. It does allow your trailer to not have anything obtrusive in the way when the bike isn't loaded.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull7.jpg

Now on to the frame that attaches to the bike. The frame is the same for every bike, but the pins used to connect it are different for each one. They are mounted on the ends of the arms. Here is a pin set out of the frame:

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull8.jpg


And here it is installed. Note the thumb push release, cool stuff.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull9.jpg

And here it is mounted to the bike. It's very easy to slip on and lock into place.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull10.jpg

On the bottom of the frame are these hard rollers. They allow the frame to roll behind the bike as it goes into the base.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull11.jpg

If you're going to move the bike around after the frame is attached and don't want it to drag, the included bungee will hold it up to allow you do move it around without an issue.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull12.jpg

If you don't have a kickstand you can still use your rear stand with the frame attached.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull13.jpg

And here's the bike in place on the stand. It doesn't move, no need for any additional straps or anything else for transport.

http://www.daytonasportbikes.com/pics/apitbull14.jpg


Here's a Pit Bull video of the frame being attached to their demo bike.

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And here's the video of the Pit Bull demo bike being loaded into a trailer with this system.

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It's a very impressive setup, 1st class and rugged just like all the Pit Bull products.

Now before you ask..... I bought these from Pit Bull, no discount :cry: so this is a very unbiased review. I even asked them to throw in some large stickers for the trailer and even though they said yes, there were none in the box.

You can find the Pit Bull products at http://www.pit-bull.com/

Any questions or comments?

[bikerbabe05]

Good job! :clap\"

[floridarx7]

sweet, thats the same thing i want when i buy my trailer. and pitbull is up here. maybe i can go to where they're built and get some discounts. probably not though

[UrbanKnight]

Kawasaki drill? Seriously? Was it free :)

Looks good , definitely like the no tie downs...but a real drill would of made the install easier.....

[Tripyn]

Great job Dave, one of the FSB members had this setup in his trailer-it is slick setup and very secure.

[Leader]

Nice write up...I have this system in my trailer and it is fantastic....about the only thing is trying to line the bike up the first time (I always got to do a little back and forth to get it lined up) so that it locks in evenly on both sides. I do use a wheel chalk up front, but that is just to wrap a bungee cord around the tire so it doesn't bounce around.

I also like that all I had to do was buy an extra pin (on the right hand side) and I can use everything else when I change bikes (street/track). 2002 yamaha versus a 2006 yamaha - different axel hole size on the right hand side only.

[Justin]

That is really sweet Dave. Foxrider would love that drill. Hope it all works out for ya.

[CKER]

I had a harley drill, but it's in the shop right now ;)

[Kris]

All the guys at PitBull are really good people and stand behind their product, Id recommend them to anyone also

[Buellbomb]

That's a nice setup Dave. Good writeup, too!

I considered one for my trailer. I have a Pitbull rear stand also, unbeatable.

[FrankieG]

Good Stuff Dave! How come we had no pics of you actually doing the work? Hmmmm! lol

[SilverBandit]

What is the price on this? I have the condor trailer system right now and I love it but if this is cheaper then I might consier getting it for my trailer and using the condor at the house since I will be needing one for a second bike soon.

[Guru]

I had a harley drill, but it's in the shop right now ;)

Leaking oil ??????