Towing a motorcycle may seem straightforward, but one small mistake can lead to costly damage—or worse, a serious accident. Whether you’re trying to haul your bike across Edmonton or transport it out to Spruce Grove for repairs, it’s essential to understand the risks of DIY motorcycle towing.
At Tuber Towing, we’ve seen every possible towing blunder over the years. Bent forks, dented fuel tanks, snapped fairings, and scratched paint are all too common when bike owners attempt to tow their motorcycles without proper equipment or experience.
This guide highlights the most common mistakes people make when towing a motorcycle themselves—and explains why trusting a professional towing service like Tuber Towing is the safer, smarter move.
Mistake #1: Using a Regular Utility Trailer Without Tie-Down Points
Many riders make the mistake of using a flatbed utility trailer or rented U-Haul without realizing that these trailers often lack the necessary anchor points for safe towing.
Without proper wheel chocks and low-mounted tie-down anchors, your bike can shift during transport, fall over, or even bounce off the trailer.
Better option: Let Tuber Towing handle your motorcycle transport with equipment built for the job. We use wheel chocks, soft straps, and secure tie-down systems made specifically for motorcycles.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Straps
Bungee cords, ratchet straps, or cargo nets might seem like quick fixes, but they can wreak havoc on your bike. Ratchet straps, in particular, are notorious for being over-tightened, which can compress your suspension or damage delicate parts.
Bungee cords, on the other hand, don’t offer enough tension and can snap or come loose.
Mistake #3: Strapping It Down Too Tight—or Too Loose
Finding the perfect balance when securing your bike is crucial. If it’s too tight, you risk compressing the suspension to the point of damaging seals or frame alignment. If it’s too loose, the bike can shift or tip over mid-transport.
This mistake often happens when DIYers try to secure the bike by the handlebars or rear pegs without considering how the load will behave in motion.
Better option: Our team at Tuber Towing knows how to load and secure every type of motorcycle properly, from cruisers and touring bikes to sport bikes and dirt bikes.
Mistake #4: Loading or Unloading Without a Proper Ramp
Improvised ramps—like a 2×6 plank or metal shelf—are one of the most dangerous DIY solutions out there. We’ve seen bikes fall off ramps during loading, injuring riders and damaging machines beyond repair.
Worse still, some riders try to ride the bike onto the trailer, which can lead to serious accidents if balance is lost.
Better option: We use low-angle loading ramps and powered flatbeds designed for motorcycle recovery. No risk, no damage, no guesswork.
Watch Tuber Towing perform real-life motorcycle recoveries on the TuberTaylor YouTube channel.
Mistake #5: Towing With an Improper Vehicle
Thinking about throwing your bike in the back of a pickup truck or hooking it to a car trailer hitch? Think again.
Unless your vehicle is equipped with the proper towing capacity and stabilization features, you could risk damaging both your vehicle and your motorcycle—or worse, causing an accident on the road.
Better option: Trust our flatbeds and trailers that are designed specifically for motorcycles. We handle the load safely, legally, and with full insurance coverage.
Mistake #6: Towing in Bad Weather or Poor Road Conditions
Even experienced riders underestimate the challenge of towing in Alberta’s unpredictable weather. Rain, snow, or strong winds can cause your bike to sway, slip, or slide during transport—especially if you’re towing on your own without experience.
Towing in cold weather? Salt and moisture can corrode metal parts if your bike isn’t protected.
Better option: We offer covered motorcycle transport and winter-ready towing services throughout Spruce Grove, Edmonton, and surrounding areas.
Mistake #7: Not Understanding Local Laws
In Alberta, towing laws can vary by location, especially when towing motorcycles or using certain types of trailers. You may be violating safety laws without even realizing it—resulting in tickets or liability issues if something goes wrong.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Rely on a Friend With a Truck
Your buddy might mean well, but unless they have motorcycle towing experience and the right setup, it’s not worth the risk. Many well-meaning helpers end up doing damage that costs more than a professional tow would have.
Better option: Call the pros at Tuber Towing, who’ve transported hundreds of motorcycles across Alberta without a single scratch.
When to Call for Motorcycle Towing Instead
Here’s when you should skip the DIY route entirely:
- You’ve broken down on a busy road like Whitemud Drive or Yellowhead Trail
- You’re dealing with a flat tire, dead battery, or accident
- You’re unsure how to secure or transport your bike safely
- Weather conditions are dangerous or icy
- You need long-distance transport to another city or province
Book professional motorcycle towing in Edmonton and Spruce Grove today.
Alberta Riders Trust Tuber Towing for a Reason
Our clients come back again and again because we:
- Use motorcycle-specific equipment
- Offer damage-free guarantees
- Provide fast, reliable response times
- Cover all of Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County
- Operate with care, transparency, and professionalism
Final Thoughts: Save Time, Money, and Your Bike
DIY motorcycle towing may seem like a budget-friendly idea, but it often leads to expensive damage, unnecessary stress, or safety risks. Don’t risk your ride—or your life—by cutting corners.
Call Tuber Towing now for motorcycle towing done right
Schedule a pickup online
Watch TuberTaylor on YouTube for behind-the-scenes recovery action
Your bike deserves better than DIY. Trust Tuber Towing — Alberta’s motorcycle transport experts.