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I would suggest that you purchase a motorcycle trailer and eliminate all the risk of "high center" while loading into a truck. Motorcycle trailers are much lower to the ground and the ramps that come with the trailers are specifically made to load the bike without risk of dumping the bike on the ground.
I would suggest that you purchase a motorcycle trailer and eliminate all the risk of "high center" while loading into a truck. Motorcycle trailers are much lower to the ground and the ramps that come with the trailers are specifically made to load the bike without risk of dumping the bike on the ground.
I have 3 nice motorcycle trailers and one is even enclosed, used that one once.
I would just rather have a very long nice folding ramp type to avoid pulling a trailer across country, when I don't have to, and can just drive without worrying about a trailer.
Many years ago when on vacation I walked across to help a fella unload a Goldwing from his tall F250, but he truly didn't need any help with his 12 ft setup and it opened my eyes to a much better plan. Just never went thru with it and couldn't remember what his setup was.
A good enough system that is tied off with a backup tie off to the truck, to me, less accident prone than trailering.
I did find a what I wanted by calling Black Widow direct and even got $250 off of internet prices including ebay and Walmart pricing on same exact setup.
This is what I ordered today, but I only paid 1287.74 with free shipping straight from Black Widow.
As someone mentioned if long enough to kill the angle it is VERY easy and nice. No worries about what you are towing AND better fuel mileage.👍
This was my setup going to Daytona this year from LI. 1,100 miles each way, did it in 16 hours solo. Had the cruise control set at 78 MPH in all the lower states and got 18.1 MPG. Yes a trailer is lower and the bikes would have been clean, but more money, gas, tolls, more tires/axles to worry about and the need to drive slower. I would like to have one when I wanted it, but this works just fine. Did not bring the ramp with me on this trip, my buddy has a loading dock at his place with a small ramp perfect for loading. First time with two bikes in this truck, they could have been a little closer to each other, hard to see in the picture but they are staggered. Zero concern about handle bars hitting each other, at least 7" between hard points. I think I could get my Shovelhead on the left and bring the Flathead as well. Not sure, she has a fat *** but looks like it might work. Good luck.
Did you consider the Load All unit? It looks easier to manage that the ramp segments.
I didn't know about "Load All Unit' and I googled many variations of searches.
The Black Widow system I pictured is 3 ramps that fold up to 6ft and each one is under 50lbs, with the clips to pin it together, can't see much easier. And you can use the ramps individually as they each have a high capacity.
OK, Iooked that up and that would be very nice but much more complicated when it comes to installing it in you truck unless you leave it in your truck, not to mention very pricey.
I personally have 3 trucks I drive and have 4 sons with Harleys and trucks, so it just wouldn't be practical for what we need.
Thanks though, and that looks like a great system for someone that travels a lot with their bike or whatever else they may want.
I haven't pulled my bike in over 18 years unless purchasing from far off in the winter time (2 years ago).
But this ramp system will have me taking my bike when wife and I do go on trips to visit the children.
I would need a hell of a trailer to pull behind my bike if wife and I went on a bike.😂
And that does cross my mind.... but afraid 1 trip and she woild be like NO!
Last edited by Bayou FLHR-M8-128"; Apr 3, 2024 at 05:28 AM.
This was my setup going to Daytona this year from LI. 1,100 miles each way, did it in 16 hours solo. Had the cruise control set at 78 MPH in all the lower states and got 18.1 MPG. Yes a trailer is lower and the bikes would have been clean, but more money, gas, tolls, more tires/axles to worry about and the need to drive slower. I would like to have one when I wanted it, but this works just fine. Did not bring the ramp with me on this trip, my buddy has a loading dock at his place with a small ramp perfect for loading. First time with two bikes in this truck, they could have been a little closer to each other, hard to see in the picture but they are staggered. Zero concern about handle bars hitting each other, at least 7" between hard points. I think I could get my Shovelhead on the left and bring the Flathead as well. Not sure, she has a fat *** but looks like it might work. Good luck.
Exactly my thoughts! Just drive like you don't have anything! Hauled my 900 Ninja around like that in the 80s everywhere and would just find a good ditch for rear wheels to fall into for load and unload with a short board.
And I have them same kind of tailgate support bars.👍
I have a single axle, single bike open aluminum trailer and a tandem axle, 2 bike, small box trailer. Both tow well but are a hassle to park and handle in traffic. My lack of trailer backing skills provides amusement to many people.
We usually tour tow up on the bike. The last two summers that has been 8,000 plus miles each. But this year I plan to tow to CO and Yellowstone to have more time on site to tour.
i have considered ramp options and just putting the bike in the truck bed - 2018 Silverado w/6.5’ bed. I like the completeness of the Load All kit, how it keeps the weight off the tailgate, and how it allows the tailgate to close when not in use. It connects to the truck bed via two mounting bars which I assume could be installed in different trucks and then move the ramp between but that’s not a use case for me. I’ve found several used on Facebook but have not moved on any of them. I also have a topper on the truck which would have to be removed and stored when hauling the bike. All first world problems I know.
i have a friend in TX that put a 3/4 sheet of plywood in the bed to the weight wouldn’t be on the tailgate and then uses ramps to load the bike. The bike is secured with straps and the plywood stays in place from the weight.
All of the "Ramp Fail" videos seem to have one or more of the following errors:
Ramps were too narrow &/or too short
Ramps weren't secured to the truck
Ramps weren't arched to prevent high-centering
Rider didn't have the clutch & throttle skills to walk the bike up the ramp
Rider tried to "ride" the bike up the ramp instead of "walking" it up
The rider at 0:25 in the video above seemed to have the right set up but something in the bed flipped up and caught the underside of the bike.
I know loading a bike in a truck with ramps is a controversial topic, but most of the risk (not all) can be minimized if it's done right and with the right equipment.
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