Loading Ramp

Raven · Mar 16, 2012

Hey guys....I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on a loading ramp to load the bike into the back of a pick-up. I have a 4x4 Tundra with a 3" lift and the normal arched folding ramps are not long enough (too steep of an angle with such a low bike). I was wondering if anyone has any experience with loading ramps or suggestions for something not too expensive. I have a need for a couple of times a year to take the bike in the truck bed and I know from unloading it that I will need something different than the arched ramps I used when I bought the bike.

Thanks

venjurak · Mar 16, 2012

Do you have a hill that you can back the truck up to?

immortal13 · Mar 16, 2012

Personally i wouldnt do that. Invest in a good trailer and a good strap kit. I recommend the cycle cinch

immortal13 · Mar 16, 2012

I only say that because ive seen a few really nice motorcycles damaged by not being loaded and strapped properly

Natedog · Mar 16, 2012

A hill or ditch of some sort is the easiest trick. Just back the truck up to the hill to even out the height difference For added safety I make a ramp with with sides to create a "channel" to help keep the tires from sliding off. Never do it alone. Always have a spotter. As far as strapping down. make sure the front wheel is butted up against the cab, put it in gear so it doesn't roll around and put a strap to each of the four corners. Thats it. Depending on the length of the box I doubt you'll be able to close the tailgate, but if you can strap it up part way, that'd help hold it in place as well.

ROADKILL · Mar 16, 2012

If you only need it a couple times a year why not just rent a U-haul 5X9 trailer...something like $30 a day.

I use a 10 ft ramp to load my Raider but my truck is not as high as yours...they do make a 12 ft.
http://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-ramps.htm

And since I only have a 6' 6" bed I put down a 3/4 sheet of plywood to keep the tailgate from bending.

Raven · Mar 16, 2012

immortal13 said:
Personally i wouldnt do that. Invest in a good trailer and a good strap kit. I recommend the cycle cinch

I already have a double wide sled trailer so buying another is out to the question, no where to store it and can't justify it for 1-2 trips a year.

Raven · Mar 16, 2012

Natedog said:
A hill or ditch of some sort is the easiest trick. Just back the truck up to the hill to even out the height difference For added safety I make a ramp with with sides to create a "channel" to help keep the tires from sliding off. Never do it alone. Always have a spotter. As far as strapping down. make sure the front wheel is butted up against the cab, put it in gear so it doesn't roll around and put a strap to each of the four corners. Thats it. Depending on the length of the box I doubt you'll be able to close the tailgate, but if you can strap it up part way, that'd help hold it in place as well.

Hey Nate, what are you making the ramps out of? I saw a thread on the internet about a guy loading his bike with a ramp made from plywood and 2x4. Not sure I want trust the loading of my bike to that?

straightjacket · Mar 16, 2012

I use the ditch method myself when loading streetbikes into lifted trucks you can usually get it in with a standard ramp. Definately get a spotter, that knows what their doing. Nothing worse than having someone take the balance away from you!

Some local buisnesses have nice loading docks that you can use(after hours)

strykenshane · Mar 16, 2012

yep, when using the trailer is not an option and i have to use my truck I use my local post office loading dock, perfect height

toby · Mar 16, 2012

Oooouupppsss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bSHKUeotNU

silverridge08 · Mar 16, 2012

Toby said:
Oooouupppsss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bSHKUeotNU

Now there's a guy that shouldn't be riding on the streets......lol

strykenshane · Mar 17, 2012

Just dam!

straightjacket · Mar 17, 2012

Check out his wife she new he was gonna dump it, she's probably been on the back before! If your gonna ride your bike up the ramp, and the first thing you say to your buddies is, " your gonna catch me, right" stop and have them help you push it in.

Natedog · Mar 17, 2012

Raven said:
Natedog said:

A hill or ditch of some sort is the easiest trick. Just back the truck up to the hill to even out the height difference For added safety I make a ramp with with sides to create a "channel" to help keep the tires from sliding off. Never do it alone. Always have a spotter. As far as strapping down. make sure the front wheel is butted up against the cab, put it in gear so it doesn't roll around and put a strap to each of the four corners. Thats it. Depending on the length of the box I doubt you'll be able to close the tailgate, but if you can strap it up part way, that'd help hold it in place as well.

Click to expand...

Hey Nate, what are you making the ramps out of? I saw a thread on the internet about a guy loading his bike with a ramp made from plywood and 2x4. Not sure I want trust the loading of my bike to that?

Plywood would work too as long as its braced and doesn't flex too much. 2x4's on the side too to create a "channel." Oh and make sure the ramp isn't going to move/slide on you when you hit the bottom with the front wheel going up. For added security you can add some sort of anti-slip coating/paint/grip tape (handy in the rain as wood gets quite slippery when wet) but not necessary.

toby · Mar 17, 2012

Natedog said:
Raven said:

Natedog said:

A hill or ditch of some sort is the easiest trick. Just back the truck up to the hill to even out the height difference For added safety I make a ramp with with sides to create a "channel" to help keep the tires from sliding off. Never do it alone. Always have a spotter. As far as strapping down. make sure the front wheel is butted up against the cab, put it in gear so it doesn't roll around and put a strap to each of the four corners. Thats it. Depending on the length of the box I doubt you'll be able to close the tailgate, but if you can strap it up part way, that'd help hold it in place as well.

Click to expand...

Hey Nate, what are you making the ramps out of? I saw a thread on the internet about a guy loading his bike with a ramp made from plywood and 2x4. Not sure I want trust the loading of my bike to that?

Click to expand...

Plywood would work too as long as its braced and doesn't flex too much. 2x4's on the side too to create a "channel." Oh and make sure the ramp isn't going to move/slide on you when you hit the bottom with the front wheel going up. For added security you can add some sort of anti-slip coating/paint/grip tape (handy in the rain as wood gets quite slippery when wet) but not necessary.

Wood is good, I use 2by4s and ply wood and rubber non slip mats. You can also make it disassemble for portability. Here is an example of how to not do it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIj5G5xS2zs&feature=related

Raven · Mar 17, 2012

Heres the link to the ramp I saw online. Would thing be strong enough to old my bike?

http://www.bikercamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/DIY-bike-Ramp.pdf

Zolemite · Mar 17, 2012

That ramp would work Raven

Natedog · Mar 17, 2012

Thats a cool design!

UrbanRage · Mar 17, 2012

Raven said:
Heres the link to the ramp I saw online. Would thing be strong enough to old my bike?

http://www.bikercamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/DIY-bike-Ramp.pdf

I would rather metal, but if I was gonna use wood, that's how I would do it. Another huge benfit is its easy on the wallet.

Loading Ramp

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