Additional tie-down points for scooters/small motorcycles

[Den]

I apologize, I posted this under the wrong topic and can't figure out how to remove my old post.

I just bought an XLT Cargo today. I walked onto the lot and drove off with it. They're not moving very fast off the lots here and they still have about 20 sitting there. I lived in Europe so I was familiar with Transit Connects and love the size and concept even if I almost went through a divorce over bringing it home. Thank goodness the dealership had the foresight (this is not a joke) to have roses on site. They gave me a dozen for my wife. It may have saved me. Word to the wise, ask your wife more then one time before you buy. I'm up late and am pretty sure the bed is cold upstairs.

Here's my real point:

I bought the Transit to replace a light pickup truck and to provide covered transport for classic Italian scooters (Vespa/Lambrettas). I can fit two scooters in without any problems but I need more then the two rear floor tiedown loops and I don't trust the loops that are there.

Does anyone know what the factory installed loops are rated at? Everyone at the dealership looked at me like deer caught in the headlights when I asked them.

Are there any brands of loops that just rock your world? Scooters generally weigh between 220 - 350 lbs each and are tied down from the handlebars.

Does anyone have any experience with this specific type of application?

I'm pretty good with my hands (and have some friends that are REALLY good) but kind of cringe cutting up a vehicle with less then 50 miles on the odometer without having a solid game plan.

Thanks all!

Den

Edited January 19, 2010 by Den

[PetrosA]

Hi Den,

From the digging around I did when installing my shelves, I'd say the factory tie downs are strong. I'm pretty sure they're bolted into factory welded anchor points. For strong additional loops, I'd recommend using at least a 5/16" or 3/8" bolt through the floor with a piece of 12 or 10 gauge plate (or large washer) either side. You'll have to study the under side of the floor to find good locations that are accessible from below, since some areas have a pseudo frame that would block access with a wrench. If you need a hinged hook, I'm sure you'll find that as well with the proper working load rating. If the factory tie downs aren't heavy enough for you and are actually threaded into factory welded points, you could try finding eyes similar to the ones I linked to in the proper metric size.

Good luck!

Edited January 19, 2010 by PetrosA

[Den]

Hi Den,

From the digging around I did when installing my shelves, I'd say the factory tie downs are strong. I'm pretty sure they're bolted into factory welded anchor points.

Thanks PetrosA. I really appreciate the insite.

Den

[REC]

The tiedowns in the rear are done the same way seatbelt attachment points are done. Figure seatbelts will hold a 200+ pound person in a crash where G-force is multiplied, I'd say a 250 scooter won't be an issue. I carry antique/classic bicycles that don't weigh quite that much, but they are still hefty (or at least the ones I mess with are - at a minimum or 65 pounds) and use the tiedowns in the C pillars (just rear of the sliding doors) on a regular basis. No problems. I am also planning on putting additional tiedowns in the plywood floor I put in a while back, and again, I'm sure they'll be fine.

I laid a 3/4 plywood floor in over the stock mat with a double layer of jute insulation placed under the rubber mat (Mine's a van). It is WAY more quiet on the road than before. Plus it will give me many more options for location of any type tiedown.

Just my thoughts.....

REC

Happily Transiting