dcbrewer wrote:
I would consider something like a Ford ranger to pull. Than put the bike in the back of truck. You can get a lift that will slide the bike right up in the back of truck, and it will work in a 6 ft bed. And a Ford Ranger 2 wheel drive, standard shift only weighs about 3000 lb.
Well Sir,
Make sure you do your homework on the thought of using a Ranger for a toad. Rangers, in some cases, don't have the best reputation in the stick trans department. I've known a few friends that have had to have those trannies gone through after what seemed not all that many miles.
Now, with that being said, yes, you can install a "Rampage" lift/carrier (just like mine) in the back of a Ranger truck. There was a gent on here that used to show his Blue 4x4 Ranger carrying his Harley. If I recall, he had to add some air bags to the back suspension of the Ranger to level out the load of the Harley while toting it around. It as no big deal. Bleed out the air when not being used for a Harley transport.
I set my Rampage lift up so that it could be rapidly removed. That means in roughly, about 1-2 minutes, it's completely out of the truck. And, that goes for re-installing it too. Here's how. I simply welded two 1/2" x 13 nuts on the bottom side of some 2"x2"x1/4" angle iron that is 30" long. Then, I mounted it to the bottom of the truck bed in the appropriate place.
There were four holes drilled in the truck bed. Two were for the 1/2"x13 nuts and, two tiny ones were drilled for two screws that hold that angle iron to the bottom of the truck, when the lift is not in the bed.
Then, there are three, 3/8x16 nutserts, at the other end of the bed, to be used for stabilizing the rear section of the Rampage.
Now, I've got two, 6GA wires, one red, one black, that emanate from the battery, down under the cab, across to the bottom side of the driver side of the bed and, poke through two grommets, in the front left corner of the bed. From there, they're about 20" long and, are attached to what's called a "J-50" connector.
Now, I also built, a cart for that Rampage. I designed that cart to be about 1/2" higher than the bed level is. So, when it comes time to remove that Rampage from the truck bed, I take a speed wrench and, within about, 1 minute, have removed the two 3"x1/2"x 13 bolts that hold down the front of the Rampage. Then, I remove the three, 3/8"x 2" x 16 bolts that hold the rear section of the Rampage to the bed.
Then, I un-plug the J-50 connector from the lifts Winch plug and, I'm ready to remove the lift. Now, all do is, since the lift has plastic blocks mounted to it's under side, I lift slightly, and pull that Rampage out, about 2/3 of the bed. At that point, the wife scoots that cart under it. I have marks on the lift and, on the cart to line up so the lift is put onto the cart, in the exact same spot, each time.
Then, I lower the lift onto the cart which, as stated, is about 1/2" above the height of the bed. Now, the cart has all the weight of the lift. I then, simply roll that 275 lb. lift over to its parking place in the corner of the gargage. Done.
When it comes time to install it, all is done in the opposite. The time taken to install it, is the same, about 1-2 minutes. As for my tail gate, it simply is removed. I remove it because, it's useless anyways while the lift is on there. Why take a chance in damaging it when it's not needed anyways?
Now, my bed, is a 6.5' bed and that system works flawless. The Ranger bed, if you get the 6' one, well, is only 6" less. The lift is bolted to the bed and, therefore, is taking all the stress. When it comes time to load the bike on the lift, here's how it's done.
1. The truck is put on to a level surface, i.e. street, your level drive way etc.
2. The trolley is lowered to the street level.
3. The bike is ridden up to the point it touches the trolley.
4. Two straps are then tied to the bike and, the trolley.
5. You push the button for the winch control to "Raise" the bike.
6. The bike travels up the ramp, all on it's own and stops at the top.
7. You remove and install, certain pins in certain positions.
8. You then push the button again on the Winch control to further advance the bike into and on, the remaining part of the carrier.
9. Once the bike has come to rest against the stops, you pin it in place and, add what ever additional tie-downs you desire. DONE.
Now, first off, if you're thinking of something like this, go google "Rampage Motorcycle lift" and, watch the videos of how it's done. I've been doing it this way now for a couple of years and, it's a very stout and reliable system. And, unlike some cheap, lazy, dangerous people out there that refuse to purchase a simply lift like this, and load their bikes with boards, loading docks, dirt hills, and any other dangerous way, I simply push a button and, like a tow truck driver retrieving a car, watch my bike travel up that ramp, all by itself until it's loaded.
Those lifts are normally around $3,000 brand new. But, if you're patient and diligent, and or willing to travel some, (like we did to purchase ours) you can get a great deal on a used one. I forked out $1,500 for one that was brand new and had been used twice. It cost me 600 miles of driving and, about $60.00 in fuel to go get it. I still saved a ton of money.
Below are some pics of the cart. Good luck and, if you're leaning towards this system, be sure and PM me if you've got any questions on any part of anything, mounting, using, dismounting, whatever. Good luck.
Scott
