Ramps vs. Trailer

[SteveM]

I'll post pics later, but I have an Aluma folding trailer that I've used for several years. But now that I have a proper pickup truck, I'm considering switching to ramps.

With 2 bikes, one in Mass and one in Maine, my transport use has dropped to just a few times a year and I'd prefer to gain the space in my storage unit by not having to store the trailer.

The question is stability and ease of use for ramps.

The ramps I'm looking at would be this type.

https://www.discountramps.com/motorc.../p/BW-9440-HD/

This is the trailer I own.

https://alumaklm.com/products/recrea...trailers/mc1f/

[e30addict]

I detest loading bikes into trucks, especially when I'm tired. At this stage in my life, I think I'd prefer the trailer just because it's so much easier for me and I don't have to worry about dropping anything. I never had a gucci ramp like that though.

[tls25rs]

As a ramp/truck user one thing that sucks about ramp/truck use is when the truck is loaded with the bike/bikes where do you put the ramp and how do you secure it in the truck? I've come up with ways to work with the ramp/step I have that work for me but something to consider when thinking of going this route.

The wider ramp that your link goes to is nice as it is possible to ride the bike up the ramp and be able to have ramp to put your feet down on, or walk the bike up using the ramp, but transporting that ramp could suck. The video shows it tied off to the side of the bed with the bike tie downs through it. How does that work if moving multiple bikes? Can the ramp fall over and hit the single bike? Multiple bikes?

How high is the truck bed? If it is high regardless of having the wide ramp it may be daunting to ride a bike up. I may have gone down a different road with my truck recently to get a lower bed height so getting bikes in and out is "easier".

A few friends with pickups have taken to using the hitch mounted carriers instead of the bed or a trailer. I'm guessing that some of this may be driven by getting the bikes in and out of the bed with ramps is in some ways more difficult than getting a bike on and off of a hitch carrier. Also the hitch carriers usually have a place to secure the ramp used to get the bike onto the carrier built in to the carrier. I don't like the idea of my motorcycle becoming the rear bumper when in a hitch carrier though.

[MattR302]

Trailer pros = Easier to load/unload, can be used for other utility purposes (somewhat irrelevant if you have a pickup truck)
Trailer cons = storing it when not in use, maneuvering/backing it in tight spaces, almost another “vehicle” to maintain (tires, wheel bearings, wiring, registration), more expensive tolls.

And if you’re ever passing through CT/NY/NJ there’s several expressways that you have to be mindful to avoid, and not blindly follow your GPS - trailers not allowed, there’s a hefty fine.

[PurplePackage]

rent a u-haul motorcycle trailer for $19.95

[SteveM]

Good input across y board

The ramps I'm considering are top end and I get to cheat on both ends with hills that decrease the slope of the ramp into and out of the truck.

The tailgate height on the Sierra is pretty high, though.

It would only be one bike in the bed, plenty of room to secure and store the ramps

[FriskyDingo]

pretty much everything covered above, two additional issues I hate with truck transport: How long is your truck bed, how far back on the tailgate does the rear wheel sit? And front wheel stability, but easily solved with one of these... https://www.discountramps.com/motorc...AAABUWl2rWgoOQ

[SteveM]

pretty much everything covered above, two additional issues I hate with truck transport: How long is your truck bed, how far back on the tailgate does the rear wheel sit? And front wheel stability, but easily solved with one of these... https://www.discountramps.com/motorc...AAABUWl2rWgoOQ

It's a 6 1/2 foot bed. I'll measure the bike wheelbase and I plan on using a front wheel chock

[Stoneman]

For two wheels, I definitely prefer a trailer. Although maneuvering a trailer around is a task for some, I just find it easier overall.

[xrocket21]

IVe done a ton of bed loading with shit, didnt have a trailer till recently. Having hills at both destinations helps! That ramp looks HUGE and difficult to handle. I use 2 standard ramps, bike running in 1st gear, walk up the left ramp and push/ play the clutch out to get the bike up and in. It's stressful but has always worked for me.

[SteveM]

IVe done a ton of bed loading with shit, didnt have a trailer till recently. Having hills at both destinations helps! That ramp looks HUGE and difficult to handle. I use 2 standard ramps, bike running in 1st gear, walk up the left ramp and push/ play the clutch out to get the bike up and in. It's stressful but has always worked for me.

That ramp is 3 separate, sections that each fold in half.

video

https://www.discountramps.com/motorc...th/p/MF-10838/

[OneCheekRider]

I like things that can do multiple things so when I had a truck I bought a ready ramp - ramp & bed extender: https://readyramp.com/
I used a large cooler to step onto while walking it up before stepping onto the tailgate. I've seen guys at the track use folding step stools/platforms.

That said, I have both a Kendon trailer and a hitch carrier and prefer those over using a full size (tall) truck. They both can be used with other vehicles and tuck away nicely when not in use. If I had a smaller truck like a Maverick, I'd probably enjoy the loading height better for motorcycles.

[RandyO]

my trailer is nearly as high as a pickup bed. I use a pair of ladder style, arched non folding 8ft x 15" aluminum ramps, work good for driving my utv on, my K-Pipe not so much, takes 2 people, and especially to unload, I can't imagine loading a Thruxton. I store them on the bed of my trailer, which don't work for a pickup that has a bed shorter than 8ft

used to use a pair of 2"x12"x8ft planks with aluminum ramp ends

[Vovchandr]

I would only use a ramp when there is absolutely no option to use a trailer.

If you don't want to own a trailer and only use it a few times a year find somebody who wants one and sell it to them cheaper with the caveat that you'd use/rent it a few times a year. One of my trailers that I use infrequently is pretty much permanently at my friends house. He uses it and maintains it for free. I use it 3 times a year or so and its a win win for both of us.

Enclosed trailers are superior to open trailers and are easier to justify if you must own a trailer and have it take up space. They cost more but provide many more benefits. Safer, gives you a place to be in at the track, does other transport, extra storage when not in use etc.

I ended up having 3 different trailers for different uses but I also have space to store them. The 18ft is certainly hard to find a location for but I've never been happier than having one for track days.

[SteveM]

I would only use a ramp when there is absolutely no option to use a trailer.

If you don't want to own a trailer and only use it a few times a year find somebody who wants one and sell it to them cheaper with the caveat that you'd use/rent it a few times a year. One of my trailers that I use infrequently is pretty much permanently at my friends house. He uses it and maintains it for free. I use it 3 times a year or so and its a win win for both of us.

Enclosed trailers are superior to open trailers and are easier to justify if you must own a trailer and have it take up space. They cost more but provide many more benefits. Safer, gives you a place to be in at the track, does other transport, extra storage when not in use etc.

I ended up having 3 different trailers for different uses but I also have space to store them. The 18ft is certainly hard to find a location for but I've never been happier than having one for track days.

"get a busa"

[RandyO]

a winch to pull your Thruxton up might not e a bad idea

[ZX-12R]

Add me to the trailer camp for full sized motorcycles, especially when loading from ground level. I'll consider the bed if I know I have a hill or ramp at the other end. I have plenty of space to store trailers though.

[loudbeard]

If you’re comfortable using ramps, ramps are easy. If you’re not, maybe your retirement years aren’t the time to learn.

Hitch carriers are nice if you get a nice hitch carrier. Temu hitch carrier, not so much.

[FriskyDingo]

everybody overlooking the obvious answer....... just get a few guys

[nick5446]

What bike(s) are you loading? Dirt bike vs goldwing would change my answer.

I have a tallish truck (stock height Tundra) and own those same ramps you linked. The wide center one lives in the bed of the truck, so when I break down I can call my wife and she doesn't have to do anything except get in the truck. That said, outside of emergencies, the only bikes I prefer to put in the back of my truck are <300lbs, otherwise I use my small Kendon trailer. It's just not worth the hassle of potentially dropping the bike, scratching the truck, or (most likely) pulling a muscle in my back, especially if you're by yourself. I'll also add that those ramps are wicked heavy, which sucks.

I do agree that storing and towing a trailer sucks though, even small ones. If you live near a u-haul, the $20 trailer whenever you want it is probably the ultimate cheat code. My buddy is a contractor and he rents one probably once a week and swears by it.

Those ramps are decent though...I bought mine over 10 years ago. One of them got a bit flattened by a heavy bike, but no real complaints besides weight and size.

[R7]

everybody overlooking the obvious answer....... just get a few guys

One thing I love about my little S-10, is how low it is. For a dirtbike or ATV, I don’t use or bring ramps to load or unload. All I need is a milk crate, or some type of 12” step.
My F150 work truck, is too high to use the no ramp method.
Sportbike, I use a single 8’ wood ramp for the bike, and the same milk crate/12” step as the dirtbike or ATV.

I’m not a fan of towing a trailer, almost always there’s an issue with lights, tire, bearings, lane restrictions on the highway, etc.

I used a small utility trailer to tow my ice rig to and from the ponds this winter for ice riding, it’s probably the most towing I’ve done in years.. lol

[FriskyDingo]

do you just unhook and whoolie right off the trailer?!?

[SteveM]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think I'm going to stick with the trailer. I just found out it can be tipped up on it's end for storage. It might be too heavy for just me, but if that's the case, then ramps into a tall pickup might also not be a great idea. But I am sure I can get it tipped up if I jest "get a coupla guys"

[MUZ720]

Did the ramp into the truck for years. Once I bought my 6x10 box trailer it was a game changer making going to the race track a breeze. Still use the truck bed and ramp for short hauls or picking something up local but the Trailer is the way to go.

[trider143]

Thanks for this thread. Just started researching ramps earlier today after a recent downsizing (getting rid of trailer, etc.) and getting a pick-up and thinking a ramp was my solution. Nope, at my advanced age this thread has convinced me to see other options - Thank you ;-)