Bagger in a Ford Ranger
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,883
Likes: 32,994
From: King George, VA
Bagger in a Ford Ranger
I'm considering beefing up the suspension on my 2002 Ford Ranger so I can carry my Road Glide in it on a trip to AZ next month.
I've seen F150s hauling baggers, but never a Ranger.
Has anyone done this before and can pass on any tips? Does anyone have know of a reason not to load the Road Glide in the Ranger?
I have other equipment that I need to take along, otherwise, I would have just made it a scooter trip.
I've seen F150s hauling baggers, but never a Ranger.
Has anyone done this before and can pass on any tips? Does anyone have know of a reason not to load the Road Glide in the Ranger?
I have other equipment that I need to take along, otherwise, I would have just made it a scooter trip.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
the only constraint I see is the length of the bed, and having the rear tire sitting on the tailgate. I'm guessing your truck has the 6ft bed??
if it were me, I'd seriously consider putting 3/4" plywood on the floor - extending back over the tailgate. this would help distribute the weight.
I carried my FatBoy in an F-150 from San Antonio to San Diego - no problems. I bolted two 1/2" eyebolts through the bed (using a 5" square 1/8" thick plate as a backer plate). I didn't trust the bed stake tie downs.
also, use heavy duty straps.
if it were me, I'd seriously consider putting 3/4" plywood on the floor - extending back over the tailgate. this would help distribute the weight.
I carried my FatBoy in an F-150 from San Antonio to San Diego - no problems. I bolted two 1/2" eyebolts through the bed (using a 5" square 1/8" thick plate as a backer plate). I didn't trust the bed stake tie downs.
also, use heavy duty straps.
Last edited by aviator; Mar 26, 2010 at 01:33 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 282
Likes: 42
From: Pennsylvania
Does your truck have a hitch? I would think it would be safer towing a trailer with the bike than trying to secure that size load in the bed out your truck. Once the bike is in the bed will there be enough room for the additional gear you have to bring with you.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I agree with aviator. That's a lot of weight to be on that tailgate! One good bump to really bounce that bike (even with the rear tied down) and your tailgate is trashed, possibly causing an issue for the bike.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
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I have a '94 Toyota pickup that has no trouble hauling my Road King, surely a Ranger can haul a Glide.
My rear tire sits right on the gap between the bed and the tailgate. I put a piece of diamond plate under the rear tire to spread the weight.
My rear tire sits right on the gap between the bed and the tailgate. I put a piece of diamond plate under the rear tire to spread the weight.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Streetsboro, Oh
The truck can haul it, but make sure the bike it tied down good. also many a bike has been damaged loading it into a truck bed. A trailer would be a better option IMO.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: King George, VA
Ok, here a picture of the bike in the truck. I have a plank running from the front to the rear of the bed for the bike to sit on, thus relieving load on the tailgate. The front wheel fits into a wheel chock to keep the bike in place and assist in holding the bike until I can tie it down.
A tie strap through the back wheel keeps the bike and plank centered in the bed. There are tie down holes in the frame under the bed that the forward tie downs can link into for added hold instead of the bed tie points.
A tie strap through the back wheel keeps the bike and plank centered in the bed. There are tie down holes in the frame under the bed that the forward tie downs can link into for added hold instead of the bed tie points.
Last edited by EasternSP; Mar 27, 2010 at 10:57 AM.