Pondering a new Ford Ranger 4x4 which can be flat towed behind the motorhome. But....I want to take it all with me so if I tow that I cannot bring the Ultra Limited with me. The Supercrew only has a 5' bed with the tailgate up. So, I am pondering if the bike would fit tailgate down with the bike straight in the bed (5' bed tailgate up).
Specs say the bike is 103" long but that is front of the tire to the back of the tour pack. Measuring it in a photo online 'assuming' the overall length is 103" the rear tire contact patch looks to be 66-68" from the edge of the front tire. That should fit tailgate down with the rear tire on the tailgate. It would look like a whale on a smart car though...but who cares about looks!
My concern would be having the rear tire on the tailgate would the tailgate hold 500 lbs bouncing down the road?
LOL..yes, I probably am insane. I may hold off for the dimensions of the Pan America first. Right now the plans are either to bring the bike or the car (on a dolly). My imagination ran wild when I read the truck can be towed in N (with the 4x4 system). Would be fun exploring Utah with a critter like this!
If you must put it in the Ranger 1/2" Plywood extended to the end of the tailgate, bolted down, or some other way so that it cannot shift during on and off loading.
Originally Posted by LJLKRL05
Loading and unloading it would give me a heart attack.
Woe Nelly...this is looking good. The pucker factor of trying to ride up a ramp barely wide enough for the bike (without the ability to put a foot down) and ride into a box just barely long enough for the wheelbase may benegated with this. I need to read up on this one. Thanks a bunch!
Then yes 3/4" plywood will help prevent denting of the inside of the tail gate from the weight of the rear tire. I have a 2005 GMC Canyon with a 6.5' bed with the tail gate closed, it works just fine. I would be concerned that a 5' bed may not still have the back wheel on the tail gate. I also recommend a Condor for one man loading. Here is my pic, yeh lot of bike in a little truck, but she gets it done. I also have a 40" wide Black Widow ramp so I can ride the bike into the truck. True one man bike loading.
They did not make those tail gate supports for my older truck so I made my own from flat steel, much stronger then the cables. Note how far back the tire is on the tail gate, then think about your bed being 18" shorter!?!?! If I removed the Condor and put the bike all the way up to the back of the bed, maybe I could pick up 6", but that is it. I would go to the dealership and measure that truck carefully.
Excellent stuff and advice....thanks.
The Supercab has a 6' bed which is better but not as much usable space inside for stuff when using the truck for things like family visits and grand kids.
The load ratings on these little trucks is decent enough to handle the bike+. I just wish there was an extended bed version like 6 or 6.5' on the Supercrew. But then again, there is such a critter....it is called an F150. I just don't want to have to take the driveshaft off to tow it.
There is a reason youtube is full of videos of people riding motorcycles up into pickup trucks.... and none of the ones I've seen, end well...... I won't even consider putting any of my bikes into the bed of my pickup.... I know I would end up on youtube
In my opinion, that combo motorcycle/car dolly would be the perfect answer for you..... that is, unless you want to get a trailer big enough for both a car & the bike, but that will have space/storage issues...
I am currently upgrading to a motorhome from my travel trailer..... I will only buy a toyhauler..... it makes it too easy to bring one, or two, of my bikes, AND I can tow my jeep.....
Oh yeah, I also have two Great Danes, the garage also serves as their room....
08-26-2019 | 01:41 PM
