I have hauled my Ultra in my 2002 Chevy extended cab Silverado. It is a short bed. The rear axel of the bike is just inside of the bed, so the weight of the bike is supported by the bed not the tailgate. Even if it were on the tailgate, no more than one tire could be on it. That would not weigh anymore than two 200lb guys sitting on the tailgate. It will hold it just fine.

 

03 short box chevy have had many bikes including ultras in the back with zero issues, I would be leary of a Ford tail gate though, sorry Ford guys!

 

even a 1x12 piece of pine. will work. tailgate will bow. my big dog chopper bowed my last truck. now I have two tailgates one for haulin and one for not.

 

I have hauled my Ultra in the bed of my shortbox Chevy. I mounted my front wheel chock on a 8 ft. 2"x 12", so the bike sits on the 2x12, not just on the tailgate. I blocked the sides of the 2x12 at the rear so it could not move sideways, and screwed short pieces of 2x4 to the 2x12 on either side of the rear wheel to prevent the bike from moving sideways. worked good for me!

 

3/4" plywood would be the minimum I would go on a bagger. It will spread the weight of the bike out nicely. Block the frame of the bike before you tie it down.

 

6ft beds? I figured all you bad *** Harley owners would have a REAL truck....like I do! 2003 F350 Powerstroke diesel with an EIGHT FOOT BED. I can put the RG in there and even close the tail gate! ;-)

 

Having seen a few bikes get loaded and unloaded into a truck bed, I'd go with a trailer. JMHO.

 

I agree! Except you left out dumped off a truck bed!

 

Wow, the envy of all bad *** Harley owners. Congratulations on your successes dude. I've been wonderin' for a long time who got the "REAL" truck. Now we all know.........you are the MAN.

 

1988 FLHTC.........