When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Does anyone here use the built-in tailgate step in combination with a ramp placed right of center while loading a motorcycle? I’ve always used a step stool, and pushing a bike up the ramp (especially alone) means you put extra force on the step. If the step were to break, it would be very ugly indeed, so I’m very interested in experiences of step & mechanism strength or the lack thereof. I suppose the safest plan might be to use both a short stool on the ground and then tailgate step in succession...
Also, does anyone have ideas for attaching some sort of sliding tie-down apparatus to the BoxLink system?
(On my soon-to-be-sold F150, I have a “Traxedo” (no longer made by Truxedo, apparently) tonneau cover with adjustable, sliding cleats built into the frame track at the top of the sidewall. Those are fantastic for securing two motorcycles, which would otherwise require some difficult tie-down gymnastics. Also, the cover rolled up small enough against the back window so that motorcycle tires and fenders could go right up to the front of the bed without being blocked in any way - an extra benefit.)
I do. But I have the bike running so I'm not pushing it up the ramp.
I also load two bikes and really don't have too much trouble with space or tying down. One ratchet strap on each bike.
I know some people get wound up about transporting with the front fork compressed, but I haven't had any issues.
I use my tailgate step for other tasks, but haven't yet when loading bikes. i have one of the tri-fold ramps for loading and unloading bikes, so i just walk up one part of the ladder while pushing the bike up...
One of these days I'll man up and just ride it into the back of the truck
I used to use a ramp and load my bike in bed but SRW 350's have gotten taller each redesign. I got one of these bike hitch carriers. This carrier is rated to 600lbs.
Pros:
Way easier to load, bike closer to ground. Just walk bike up ramp with feet remaining on ground.
Full covered storage under tonneau cover for bike gear, camping gear, and etc......
Improved truck fuel economy vs. bike in bed
When out for ride, I can service bike easier when elevated.
Cons:
Can't fully open tail gate when bike loaded, I just reach over the sides.
I don't add extra lights to carrier but I have seen others that do. My bike does not obstruct tail lights.
I have a set of ramps that I use for ATV loading. When I’m loading my bike, I run the bike up one ramp while walking up the other. As far as manning up and riding up the ramp, I’ve got a great looking 30 or 35 year old scar on my leg from when the ramp slid sideways across the tailgate and off the side. That was my last ramp ride!
I have a '19 now but used to use this 8' x 29"/32" wide ramp that fits into the long bed. Just ride right up or down. With the tethering chains no worries about kicking the ramp off.
I have a '19 now but used to use this 8' x 32" wide ramp that fits into the long bed. Just ride right up or down. With the tethering chains no worries about kicking the ramp off.
Where did you get that ramp from? Looks like something I could get a lot of use out of and not have to tow a small trailer when I’m moving around small but heavy items.
Don't think I would trust that step, i used to use 9' ramps & ride it up into my F150. My wife hated watching me do that. I finally gave in & bought a trailer when I noticed the weight of the bike was slowly bending my tailgate.
Don't think I would trust that step, i used to use 9' ramps & ride it up into my F150. My wife hated watching me do that. I finally gave in & bought a trailer when I noticed the weight of the bike was slowly bending my tailgate.
I don't think anyone is going to try and push a large street bike up a ramp and stand on the step. I assumed if he was pushing it up a ramp, it had to be a dirt bike (200-250lbs) or smaller. But indeed, if you man enough to push a 700 pound cruiser up a ramp, you're probably 375 pounds of muscle yourself, it's probably not a good idea to step on the step. That would be a bad idea.
Don't think I would trust that step, i used to use 9' ramps & ride it up into my F150. My wife hated watching me do that. I finally gave in & bought a trailer when I noticed the weight of the bike was slowly bending my tailgate.
I am not recommending this but...
Years ago... Once a week, I used to ride my FXR up into the back of my Chevy pickup for my weekly trip home from college. I was using a 2x12" with an aluminum ramp adapter. I drilled a hole and placed a bolt in it to keep the ramp from sliding out. I never even thought twice about it... unloading was way scarier.
