Hey all,

I've got a question about hauling an RK in the bed of a Dodge Ram 1500. How strong are the 4 stock tie down points (welded U-bolts??) in the bed of the Ram 1500s?

I recently ordered a Tradesman 1500, regular cab, long-bed, 4x4. I plan to load my 2014 RK in the truck bed to take on trips. I currently do this with my 97 Silverado. In that truck, I drilled through the bed and installed a removable front wheel chock for the bike, and 4 galvanized, heavy-duty overkill gauge D-Rings in the 4 corners of the bed, each secured by a 2-bolt latch holding the D-Ring. The latches are secured on the underside of the bed with 2" diameter washers, and locking nuts.

I secure the bike to the 4 D-Rings with 2" wide ratcheting straps that have "S" hooks on both ends. I typically ratchet down the front of the bike tight enough to compress the bike's front shocks about half way. This amount of tension keeps the bike from bouncing and keeps the "S" hooks from becoming disengaged from the D-Rings. I've hauled my '04 Fat Boy this way several hundred miles on trips with no mishap.

I'm thinking those stock tie-down points in the Ram 1500 are not going to be adequate in the long-run for hauling a RK this way. They're not as heavy duty an anchor point as the aftermarket D-ring mounts I'm currently using, and I don't know how they're secured (welds or bolts??) behind the bed wall of the RAM 1500.

Currently, I'm thinking I'll install the D-Rings in the new Ram and use the stock anchor points as a back-up.

Has anyone used the RAM 1500 stock anchor points to haul an RK or similar weight bike over long distances in this fashion?? If so, do you trust the stock anchor points to hold-up and stay secured to the truck's bed wall in the long run? I'm sure you all can appreciate the cost to fix an RK after a fall-over. I'd rather overkill the 4 mounting points in the truck bed if necessary, than regret not doing so later... And yeah, I know that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link...

Advice/Feedback appreciated...

 

I have a 2001 GMC 6'6" - the 4 anchor points are fine...I have not turned the truck upside down and shaken it but so far so good.

the thing to plan for is panic stops- that is the one thing you can;t control.

1 put a piece of 4x4 in the front of the bed to keep the fender from contacting the bed.

I compress the suspension about 3/4"

the straps are secured to the bike frame- not the bars

important that the straps pull the bike forward, straps at the rear to keep the rear from sliding side to side.

there should not be an huge amount of force on the straps/anchors when going down the road

if your rear tire sits on the tailgate, checks the cables, or look into the solid steel replacements. some riders skin over with 3/4" ply

mike

 

I have 2014 Ram with a 6'4" box I use to haul my 2013 Electra Glide, I am leaving on March 29 for Tenn.
I use the black wheel chock from Harbour Freight, I used two tie downs from the bars to the wheel chock and two tie downs from the crashbars to the D rings in the truck box. Plus two tie down on the back of the bike to the truck d rings.
I am pick up a 6 foot piece of 8"steel channel so the back wheel rest in the channel and not on the tail gate.
I used this set up for 1000 miles trips with no problems.

 

DO NOT TIE TO THE HANDLEBARS.

the handlebars are loose fitted into rubber bushings.

if stressed they can rotate and your straps fall off

you can strap to the crash bar, but the frame is better

mike

 

you considering putting the wheel chock back in? probably wouldn't hurt. trucks are always a pita to load. i have a 1500 sport crew cab with a small box. wouldn't dream of trying to put one there. think i would buy a trailer first. good luck.

 

I have a 5'7" bed in my big horn Crew cab, I doubt I can fit my bagger in it. If it did I wouldn't worry about the strength if the anchor points.

 

I haul my Roadking in my 14 Ram Cummins 2500 4x4 CC Shortbed. I use a Rampage lift. Tailgate down of course. Tie down at trucks anchor points. No problems after thousands of miles

 

How do you get it up there?

 

If you break those anchor points on a new truck you have bigger problems than the bike slipping...

They are stronger than the straps you are going to use.

And PLEASE do not tie to the handlebars.

Triple trees are better, the chrome tie-downs that bolt to the side of the forks are awesome for the '14 and up...

Just sayin'

 

But, if you use the handlebars, be sure and attach the hooks to the bottom, where the handlebars attach to the triple clamp. Not out on/near the grips.

That way the handlebar can't rotate and loosen the straps. That is a mistake some people make.