Quad Bike mounted to ladder?

[TBammer]

We purchased a Vier Bike as something DW and I can do together. The bike cannot go into the back of the truck. I am thinking of rigging a block and tackle to raise it up and strap it to the ladder spiderman style (4 wheels against trailer back wall). The ladder is rated to 300# and I think the weight of the bike is 125. Any CONSTRUCTIVE ideas out there, pro and con?

[CA_Traveler]

If the trailer frame will support a receiver then that is the best solution and it will only extend a few inches beyond the bumper. Two short simple ramps, several straps and you are good to go.

[TBammer]

Thank you all for the input. Vier is thinking about a selling hitch mount, like a bike carrier but sized for the 4 wheels (think 2 inch tube steel from receiver and two aluminum channels bolted to the 2 inch tube for the wheels, running parallel to back bumper). My biggest issues with that is having to have a receiver added to the trailer and how far out it will stick behind the trailer. So, 2d idea. Same orientation, same pulley set up to raise the quad, but then make two wheel scoops that mount on the back bumper to set back wheels into and to take the weight, secured to the ladder to hold in vertical position. PS -the 2 seater, no motor, around 125 lbs

[thomasmnile]

I found Vier Bike's website. Don't know what model the OP has, but the dimensions of some I looked at are like 87" long by 47" wide. Small wonder it can't fit in the truck bed, and would have to say the idea he's floating to haul it would be ill advised.

[mr_andyj]

I'm not sure what a quad bike/Vier Bike is.
125 lbs is not going to destroy the ladder.
Your camper has springs and shocks, so the "bouncing" will not be so harsh, no more than you climbing on the ladder and bouncing a little.
Is this a battery bike? Take the battery out to lower the weight.
Can you secure the bike such that the tires are touching the bumper so there is another point of contact?
You will find that forum people panic quite easily. Ask and they will tell you to never even climb on the ladder as it could break.
I have seen many ladders with multiple bikes and other junk on them.
Always a potential that the ladder breaks, but Im doubtful that the ladder will fall off on a trip all at once.
You should be fine.

[CA_Traveler]

How about a small trailer or swivel wheel dolly?

[TurnThePage]

I watch RV reviews on youtube. That ladder flexes every time someone climbs up/down. I think you'd be asking for trouble. At the least, water proof seals could break down where the ladder is attached to the RV. Don't those things come with pretty hefty rear cargo hitches? I think I'd rather fab something to that.

[CA_Traveler]

And if it comes off resulting in property damage or injury will your insurance cover it?

[CA_Traveler]

Ladders are not designed for dynamic weight bouncing and vibrating down the road. In addition you have a 4' high bike that will increase torque applied to the ladder.

Leave the bike at home.

[FWC]

The 300lb rating for the ladder is most likely a 'static' rating - ie a big fat guy can climb the ladder with the camper parked. Although I would be doubtful that the manufacturer did any sort of calculations and just had Bubba go climb it to test it. What you are suggesting would be a dynamic load - a load that is there while the camper is in motion. With it hanging way off the back, if you hit a dip or speed bump a little too fast, the effective load could easily exceed 300lbs due to the g-forces and leave your ladder and bike lying in the road.

I wouldn't do it.

[enblethen]

I would think about a front hitch and no use the ladder.

[DarkSkySeeker]

A while back a contributor here wrote, "never use the ladder for anything other than climbing to the roof". I've used that as gospel since then.

[schlep1967]

I probably wouldn't do it without calling Arctic Fox and asking their opinion. If I were going to try it, I would make sure it is strapped so there will be no movement/bouncing around. And better would be if you could get a hitch type of carrier attached to the frame under it to support most of the weight.