"Sales guy used the hook end by creating a loop and wrapping it around each grip."
Maybe the sales guy knows something I don't, but I wouldn't touch the grips to tie-down a GT. I've seen that advice on a couple BMW bike threads. Worse, I had a terrible personal experience with a similar bike.
Couple Thanksgivings ago, I left my inlaws house to ride home only to discover my Burgman 650 had a flat rear tire. Picked up a nasty screw and even though I had a fix-a-flat kit, the tire had de-beaded. Called a tow truck and it shows up three hours later (due to the holiday). I politely explained to the tow truck guy that a lot of Burgman riders say NEVER use the grips to tie-down. Tow guy gets a chip on his shoulder and says, "Who has towed more bikes, you or me?" and, "You can always call another tow truck if you don't like the way I do things."
Not wanting to wait another three hours, I gave it the go-ahead and hoped for the best. But first, to emphasize my point and protect my ass(et), I took cell phone pics of the handlebars. Sure enough, twenty miles later when he unloads the bike at my house, the handlebars are twisted straight down pointing at the ground. To the guy's credit, he owned his mistake immediately, called his supervisor, and was told to order me new handlebars on the spot using his phone.
"Nice trailer BTW."
Thanks. I wish it were enclosed but my Prius isn't exactly a Ford F250. I can pull 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. The bike is 575 lbs. and the trailer is 275 so that works nicely. The trailer folds in half like a taco AND stands up and rolls on casters, so it's very garage-friendly. I've never towed anything but these little Kendons are supposed to be a breeze to load and pull (rolling the front tire into the chock holds the bike up so you can strap it down). For such a long trip, I love having two vehicles as a safety net in case one breaks down.