Anybody ever bend their tailgate doing that? I've heard a story or two.

 

I bought this one a few years ago for a trip that had been planned. It is a nice ramp and it worked fine. I almost bought a shorter one and was very glad that I didn't. I wanted a weight rating that was enough for a loaded bike, myself, a spotter if needed, and leftover. Don't skimp on the ramp. I was surprised at the angle needed to get into the truck. I've only used it to test load the bike at home and have not actually hauled the bike in the truck.

Do a search, you will find stories of tailgates bending. My truck has a 6' bed, so I made a 7/8" plywood floor to reinforce the tailgate and distribute the weight of the bike (I had seen this at a dealership in their delivery truck).

 

Spend a few extra $$ and get a trailer. I have a 5x10 single axle with a ramp and it's a breeze loading the bike. Get a wheel chock and you can load it, tie it down yourself. Small price to pay for piece of mind.

 

You definitely want it wide enough to be able to put both feet down. I've loaded HD's in the back of pickups for years, but it can be scary without the right equipment. Finally bought an enclosed trailer. Wider and longer is better when it comes to ramps.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, i found a bike trailer going to look at it friday hope its what i need.