posted May 04, 2008 04:37 AM
Loading into a pick up truck What is the easiest and safest way to load a bike into a pick up? I am gonna load mine into my truck and the aluminum ramps from Harbor Freight tools look like they have too steep of an angle. Any suggestions?
posted May 04, 2008 05:39 AM
the lower you can get the tailgate the better.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE DRAINPLUG.!
Ripped mine off the bottom of my oil pan while loading it on the trailer. Its the lowest part of the bike. On the bright side, it was loaded and ready to go to the shop. :P
posted May 04, 2008 05:59 AM
Edited By: fury on 4 May 2008 07:03
I have a liftgate on the back of my truck.
2x8x10 qty 4. 2x4x8 qty2
cut the 2x4 in 30" pieces approx.
leave the 2x8x10 (do not cut) just place the boards on the ground and secure the 30" 2x4's you cut to 1 side of the 2x8x10. Make sure you have even spacing between the 2x4 for optimun strength.
Use 3" wood screws. Secure 2x4's well...
Lift 1 end up on your trucks tail gate. Drive your bike up the ramp.
Going up will not be a problem... Coming down make sure you brace the ramp so you do not push the ramp pff the truck with your frot tire. (yikes)
Cut the ends of the 2x8x10's on a 45 degree angle so it is easier taking the bike back off.
posted May 04, 2008 08:56 AM
If you have access to a steep driveway or ditch that you can drive out of, use those to get the tailgate as close to the ground as possible. We have a warehouse that has a ramp. I can back customers' trucks right up to the base of the ramp, and use a loading rail to drive the bikes straight onto the trucks with a very minimal slope. Makes life really easy.
posted May 04, 2008 02:47 PM
Edited By: dubious on 4 May 2008 15:49
I have an old 1/2 ton 2wd, and I don't worry about the tailgate.
I take the cables off the gate and let it hang on th hinges resting on the bumper, it made that last little bit of angle and claerance available...
Oh and unless you make a chuck the fron tof the 14 fender get crushed between the box and the tire... I like my zx10 fender much better for other reasons though....
there's always this method:
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natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
posted May 04, 2008 05:21 PM
harbor freight ramps are OK for the price I guess, I looked at 'em.
i bought these - safest way I've found to load my bike is drive it right into the back of the truck. takes me about 15 minutes to set the ramps up and strap them though, three lights pieces.
I think I paid $330 shipping and all. Just the middle ramp alone will load a Harley.
posted May 04, 2008 05:22 PM
last year I towed the bike on a small trailer and killed my gas mileage (over 1000 mile trip). this year with the ramps the truck didn't even realize it had a load and I got the exact same gas mileage as without the bike, which I still can't beleive but checked it over and over
posted May 04, 2008 05:27 PM
Yeah, I saw those ramps before, very nice. As far as fuel mileage goes...I have a diesel that gets 20mpg whether empty or towing 5,000lbs.
posted May 04, 2008 05:55 PM
kewl - good luck with whatever option you choose for loading
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posted May 04, 2008 04:37 AM
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