An open trailer will be much easier on the gas bill than an enclosed.
If you get a one way rental heading back, it's only 1500 miles. Getting the bike into the truck and tied down is only half the problem. Getting it back out is an entirely different one.
I used some ratchet straps in parallel to the tailgate cables to reduce the risk of breakage. I did bend the metal under the plastic tailgate liner a little. If I do this again, I’ll use a 1/2”piece of plywood.
Wheel chock in the front. A scissors-type m/c jack lifting the frame just ahead of the rear tire to keep the rear tire off the tailgate during transport.
I've done it a bunch. I made my own tailgate cables and put a 2x6 under the rear wheel cross ways. I cut one to fit tight indside the bed, and put two eye bolts in it. Keeps the rear from scooting around, distributes the weight of the rear tire, and keeps it from hurting the tailgate. Zero damage to the truck or bike. The front is a cheap wheel chock and some 2" ratchet straps. I don't trust those small ones. I've had them break. I go from the front bottom anchor points, to soft straps around the lowers at the fender. Let's the bike ride on its own suspension, and the straps can't loosen on bumps. I also use a full width ramp and being an extra one of the smaller straps and pull it against the tailgate when loading and unloading. I've seen a bike spit those things off the truck and end up with a mess on your hands. Bent truck and bike, and possibly a bike on top of somebody all at the same time.
I use my open trailer if im fairly local (within a couple hours) and can't ride for whatever reason but if I'm going on a long trip I still prefer to put the bike in the truck. Truck rides better, and gets way better MPG.
I have a Ford F150 with the 6 1/2 foot box. I use a chock (non anchored) in the front. I also use tailgate supports so I don't have to trust the small cables that hold the gate up. My bike rides right on the gap between the tailgate and the bed. One time I left it back on the tailgate and it did bend the gate a small amount. I now use a 1'X3' piece if 1/4" diamond plate aluminum that runs from the back edge of the tailgate about a foot into the bed for a little added reinforcement. Seems to work.
How do you get that up there, do you ride it up there or walk it.
I wouldn't do it unless your really going for it and buying a super long/wide super heavy duty ramp. Nothing like being cheap with one of those skinny ramps and thinking you can just ride your way up there and not making it, putting your feet down and oops theres nothing but air and you and your bike go crashing down, ask me how i know. Dont go cheap man, rent an actual bike trailer.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; 05-24-2018 at 06:53 PM.
How do you get that up there, do you ride it up there or walk it.
I ride it. That's one of the reasons I got such a wide ramp so I can put a foot down if I need too. I might add, as was stated earlier, make sure to use straps to attach the ramp to the truck. I forgot once and i was 1/4" from disaster.
Last edited by FXDXTSport; 04-05-2018 at 10:43 PM.
04-05-2018, 04:39 PM
