What's a good ramp to purchase?

["Dangerous" Dan K]

How long is the bed of your truck? With a shorter bed, I like folding ramps so I can have max length and still fit it in the bed with the gate up when I don't have a bike in there.

I've never had a truck that would fit a bike with the gate up. Only 8' bed truck I have had, had a toolbox. I never worried about it, just strap it down good and never had an issue.

Of course, with all that said my current ramp is a 2x12 and a cheapie "ramp kit" that's no more than a bracket to bolt to the end of the 2x12 that rests on the tailgate. Cost like $20 and works just fine.

[Stoneman]

Is this what you are talking about?

I think I would prefer this as well since it provides a lot more width to walk alongside your bike but the length is under 6' which is not preferred right?



This is going for $129 plus tax and shipping.

Is it safe to just keep the rear gate open like that as long as the bike is securely strapped down?

This bifold one is nice too and only $150 shipped.

The tri-fold is the one I use. I went with the shorty, so yeah - SOMETIMES it helps to find a curb or just the right incline to help a 2-wheeler up. I've got the extra-short bed on my truck. I can get the TLR in and close the gate if I kitty-corner it. I can get the gate up with the Rappy if I let the air outta the rears, but the Arctic Cat sits firmly on the tailgate. I try to 'spread out' that weight by parking it on 2x6's that extend from the front of the bed to under the rear wheels...

[Garandman]

Harbor Freight has this tri-fold ramp for $99.99 plus shipping but it is under 6' long which is scary. The only good thing is that it is so wide that I could probably easily ride up the ramp with no issues. Hopefully Tractor Supply has something like this for a similar price.

TS has one that is 70" long for $129.99. The stuff they sell is higher quality, and costs more.

I bought two of the singles.

[Pittenger5]

Bear in mind with the wide ones, I dont know if they break down width wise, but it might be tougher to keep them in the back of the truck during transport, especially if you have 2 bikes back there.

[virtualbong]

TS has one that is 70" long for $129.99. The stuff they sell is higher quality, and costs more.

I bought two of the singles.

That is the one I am going to look at this weekend if I get a chance to drive up there.

Bear in mind with the wide ones, I dont know if they break down width wise, but it might be tougher to keep them in the back of the truck during transport, especially if you have 2 bikes back there.

I don't think that will be an issue because the wide ones are foldable so it should be fine especially since I would only be hauling up my own bike.

[nt650hawk]

Sears Ramp

[sdog30]

I bought one from Tractor Supply, but it felt like it was going to snap under my wieght, so found one at Autozone of all places. It's aluminum, so real light and folds in half to fit in a short bed. I love it. When it opens, it's arched, but the mechanism works really well. Even has a strap to attach to the bumper. It was like $80ish if I remember right.

Harbour Freight makes a nice wheel chaulk set-up that has a base plate that mounts to the truck and then you can unbolt the chaulk from the plate, so you can still use the bed when you aren't transporting the bike.

[sdog30]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=86843_0_0_

Looks like 89.99, but it's rated for 700lbs. Have used it for my dirt bikes and track bike, no issues.

[virtualbong]

So I am going to be pulling the trigger on a ramp(s) and tie downs soon but I want to make sure I am purchasing the right stuff for my truck. Here is what I am thinking so far:

Two (2) Highland/12 x 85 in. 700 lbs. aluminum center fold loading ramp


and

One (1) Highland/2 pcs. 12 ft. x 1 1/4 in. 3300 lbs. ratchet tie down


I believe the tie down above comes in pairs so I should be all set with just two tie downs right? I do have one question...in my truck bed, I have this T looking hook. I am trying to find a pic of it but I can't seem to find it online. I can take a picture of it later but I just wanted to know if the tie down would go on the T hook?

And do people tie the rear down as well? How does that work? Sorry for all the newb questions but want to make sure I purchase everything I need. Thanks guys!

btw. I am going to be picking up the Canyon Dancer IIs...

[sdog30]

I have that ramp, I really like it. I just use one ramp, though. But I'm tall and cheap. I don't ever strap the rear of the bike down. I have a rack with tie down anchors on the edge of the bed, but I'm pretty sure that's what those things in your bed are made for. Maybe check with Ford to find out what they are rated at, though.

[korndogg]

With my Ram 1500 and 6' ramps, street bikes would scrape their fairings on the tailgate.

I built some 8' ramps and they're great. No clearance issues.

[Kitt]

I just bought 2 heavy steel folding ramps from lowes on the cheap... best weight capacity for the price, and have full mesh, not the rungs. My truck is a bit taller, and I am not a fan of walking up the type with rungs.

[keeena]

Suggest taking a look at straps w/ keepers on the hooks...that way they don't have a possibility of falling off of whatever they are hooked onto. Example. Also - 12 foot is longer than what you probably need. 6' should be fine...a lot less extra strap to deal with. Use soft-tie extensions on the bike

For the rear of the bike I used to use 1 long strap anchored on both sides of the bed and looped around the wheel. Just prevents potential hopping side/side. You could strap the rear down w/ a pair similar to front too. Is it necessary? All depends on how cautious you want to be.

[obsolete]

How long is the bed of your truck? With a shorter bed, I like folding ramps so I can have max length and still fit it in the bed with the gate up when I don't have a bike in there.

I've never had a truck that would fit a bike with the gate up. Only 8' bed truck I have had, had a toolbox. I never worried about it, just strap it down good and never had an issue.

Of course, with all that said my current ramp is a 2x12 and a cheapie "ramp kit" that's no more than a bracket to bolt to the end of the 2x12 that rests on the tailgate. Cost like $20 and works just fine.

Going this route since I'm gonna need it to get the bikes in the basement next winter. They'll just double as truck ramps.

[The Snowman]

I just picked these up:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_817wt_1167

Paid $140, shipped by using the "make an offer".

I also use a Harbor Freight portable chock (Condor style) that I picked up for under $60 with a 20% off coupon. (It's even cheaper now at $59.99 before the coupon: http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcy...ock-97841.html) I also use the Canyon Dancers, which are definitely worth it!

[Stoneman]

I've never strapped the rear of my bikes and I also use Canyon Dancers. I use the tie-downs that have a loop built into one end near wunna the hooks that helps to keep the hooks away from either what you're strapping down or the tow-vehicle...

["Dangerous" Dan K]

I've never strapped the rear of my bikes and I also use Canyon Dancers. I use the tie-downs that have a loop built into one end near wunna the hooks that helps to keep the hooks away from either what you're strapping down or the tow-vehicle...

Anyone have a pic of canyon dancers in action? I just wrap around the triple, but it's less than ideal. They seem very fairly priced but I'd like to see how they work before pulling the trigger.

[virtualbong]

Man, there is a lot to think about with these tie downs. I did not show this before, but this is what the hooks look like in my truck bed.



Seeing this...what do people recommend I get and how would I go about strapping it down?

btw. I just received brand new Michelin Pilot Pures for $200 shipped today! Just came in! WOOT!

Derek, hit me up when you guys can take in my bike to work on.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

Man, there is a lot to think about with these tie downs. I did not show this before, but this is what the hooks look like in my truck bed.



Seeing this...what do people recommend I get and how would I go about strapping it down?

btw. I just received brand new Michelin Pilot Pures for $200 shipped today! Just came in! WOOT!

Derek, hit me up when you guys can take in my bike to work on.

Those are boat cleats. Definitely aftermarket. VERY useful for tying with rope. For tie downs, hook through the center. Make sure they're anchored properly. Let me know if you need a walk through in how to tie to them. Very fast, very easy, and will hold a yacht through a hurricane.

[korndogg]

Anyone have a pic of canyon dancers in action? I just wrap around the triple, but it's less than ideal. They seem very fairly priced but I'd like to see how they work before pulling the trigger.

They work really well. I use mine pretty often.

There's a couple of tricks to using them, but it's hard to understand until you play with them..

But, pull them really tight by hand and work them tight before strapping down, otherwise they'll move your grips around and shit.
And make sure to run them around towards the bottom of the grips rather than up over the top. Up over the top forces the throttle in the wrong direction and stretches cables, etc.

[DocCola]

I had a slightly taller than your average 2008 F-150 King Ranch and easily loaded a 2001 fat ass ZX-6R using 6ft long but nice wide tri-fold ramps in the rain. Wasn't aware I would have faced such a dire issue doing that with such short ramps on level ground. The ramp was something I got off a NESR member and never failed me, didn't matter if I used them on a truck (a few times) or with the trailer (most of the time).

As for tie-downs, you do not need something so over rated like that, 3300lb tie downs? That looks like they are for a car and probably not going to be easy to work with. Find a couple straps that are rated for a few hundred lbs. Think mine were for 400 or 500 picked up at a hardware store for 20.00 for a 4 pack. Meant I had an extra for when one broke.

Good luck man.

[CBR929RE]

I have the readyramp that you showed in the first pic. its awesome. comes with a bunch of different hardware to mount it to the tailgate as a bed extender. then I just use a wood ramp with the metal ramp piece bolted on top and grip tape stapled along the board every few inches to walk up.

I highly recommend a chock. I have a Baxley. makes loading so much easier. Ride the front wheel right in then you don't have to mess with holding the bike upright while you try to get the straps on.

on my 929 I never strapped the rear down because the straps hooked around the lower subframe bolt at the main frame behind the engine so it wasn't necessary. With the 600RR there's no good place back there to put the strap hook so I go over the lower triple then through the swingarm because the back end up bounce and move if its not strapped down. doesn't need much tension on the straps in the back.

[FAST GSXR750]

Anyone have a pic of canyon dancers in action? I just wrap around the triple, but it's less than ideal. They seem very fairly priced but I'd like to see how they work before pulling the trigger.

I have a Canyon Dancer you can have. Hate using it-twists the grips, crushes the switches. Just plain don't like it. If you want it, price is a six-pack of Bud light "lime" lol

["Dangerous" Dan K]

I have a Canyon Dancer you can have. Hate using it-twists the grips, crushes the switches. Just plain don't like it. If you want it, price is a six-pack of Bud light "lime" lol

Sweet! There's a price worth giving them a shot! Do you make it up to the race weekends often?

[virtualbong]

I have a Canyon Dancer you can have. Hate using it-twists the grips, crushes the switches. Just plain don't like it. If you want it, price is a six-pack of Bud light "lime" lol

That's the first version of the Canyon Dancers right? I got the Canyon Dancer IIs which is supposed to alleviate that issue because they use this cup feature.