Loading Woes

[darbsitton]

Any suggestions out there on a "step" to use when loading/unloading bikes?

Right now I use a 5 gallon bucket, but every time I wonder if I am going to make it. I keep remembering Super Hunky tales of the many ways that a person could injure themselves while loading a motorcycle.

In case it matters, I have a Dodge Ram 4x4, not the ideal vehicle to load a dirt bike into.

Please help me, I don't want to become another nameless statistic

[Brian_in_Long_Beach]

Brad,

I use a two step folding step ladder - what you'd expect to see in the kitchen. You can buy them at Home Depot. You may remember from Metcalf last SuperBowl Sunday, I drive a Dodge 2500 4wd so I sympathize. The biggest thing for me is using an 8ft ramp to decrease the angle.

Brian

[Rich_in_Orlando]

Be careful with buckets or stepladders. Last spring (2000) I was loading my bike into my F150 using a ramp and a step stool. During the "step up" I had to push to keep the bike moving. About half way up, the stool kicked out from under me and I and the bike came crashing down. I sprained my ankle big time and at first I thought it was broken. I didn't ride again for almost a month. It gave me trouble for a year. I learned my lesson--now I use a second ramp so I can just walk right up next to it. I use a 2 x 12 with a ramp top and grip tape on the "deck". Makes loading (and unloading) a lot easier and safer.

[aftershock]

I used to use my toolbox until I came across a metal milk crate which is taller and wider. I've seen guys use plastic mike crates, they seem easier to get a hold of.

[This message has been edited by aftershock (edited October 12, 2001).]

[BlueThunder]

Ride up the 10' ramp to load and get help backing it down to unload. 2001 F350 Crew Cab Diesel on 35" tires is definitely not user friendly for the 5'10" rider to load and unload. Finding the occasional high spot to back up to doesn't hurt either .

------------------

Y2K WR400FM,Answer top tree w/Accu-Trax clamp,Pro-Tapers(CR-Hi w/ EE handguards),Devol Rad. & frame guards, Guts tall soft foam w/ ballistic cover, 14/52 w/DID VM X-Ring, Kouba-T,Michelin M-12's ft.& rr.,12 oz. flywheel weight, Zip-Ty Racing Link & Shark Fin(plus everythhing else cool that Ty offers), Cycra front rotor guard and T.M. Designworks Chain guide, buffer & chain wheels. Street legal except for the non-"DOT" tires.

[xr600r]

i have a tri-fold aluminum ramp made by fulton that i use to load my wifes quad

with . i ride the bike right up it and

can walk it right back down . it folds up

to about 15" wide .

very easy , and very SAFE

i bought it for $150 at www.northerntool.com

[buffaman]

I have had the same problem, have fallen before... so i went out and bought a good used three rail trailer for $ 250.00 and my problems are over..

good luck

[Guest Guest]

I use my bike stand, very stable.

[eater_of_dirt]

you could go all out like Yamakaze, get a big ass race trailer! Low to the ground with its own ramp (Yamakazis trailer is HUGE! It even has a small sport quad in it in case he neads a tow!!!).

lol, for the rest of us, you can try this:

Get a decent long ramp, and ride the bike up!

We have a low trailer, so its not a prob, but my friend has an F-150, and when we go riding with him we use a very simple method. He has an expanding 10ft ramp (strong kind, can easily take weight), and a spray-on lined bed, so we just line it up, and drive it right on up. Alot easier than you might think!

[This message has been edited by eater_of_dirt (edited October 13, 2001).]

[Jeff_in_AZ]

I too have a Dodge 2500 4x4 only I've alreay put bigger tires on it. What I do is park the truck in the street for loading which gives about an extra 6"(with the sidewalk, the street's about 6" lower than my driveway). With that, I can crawl up once the front wheel is in the bed. Once I get out to the riding area, I just get one of my riding buddy's to help unload.

[slashman]

i understand these loading thing. i also have a 2500 Ram. i found that useing the ramps i have for the quad is the best way. the bike on one and i walk up the other(very safe) the were pretty cheap @sams club. i get help when avaiable.

------------------

wr42601

yz timed now

some mods