Recommended truck and how to?

[Banglee9]

I realize there will be a lot of preferences here ... but I'm looking at getting my own first truck to pull my camper (2007 Jayco Jayflight 23FB) and figuring out a way to pull/load my motorcycle by myself. Full time RVing now X 4 months and the plan is to continue. So two totally different questions:

1) Recommend a vechicle please. Chevy 2500 seems to be used a lot. What is combatiable in the Ford or Toyota lines? (Love the look of the Tundra, of course.) I'll be trading in my car.


2) Suggestions on where and how to load my Harley sportster? When there was two of us, we loaded my motorcycle into the pickup bed. I'm not sure I can do this by myself. Do you recommend I ask/hire someone to assist everywhere I go or other suggestions?

I'll appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

[Crabman]

The Chevy 2500`s counter parts are the Ford F250 and Dodge 2500, of course tow ratings, payload and Combined Gross Vehicle Weight rating vary greatly with engines and models. I`m not familiar with the capabilities of the new Tundra`s so no comment there. Perhaps someone will chime in about the Harley load, never done that one either. BTW, welcome to the forum!

[Banglee9]

Thank you Lee. I should say that my bike weighs just under 1,000 lbs but more if I'm on it. :hihi:

[Nighthawk 96]

As much as I love my Tundra, ain't no way, a Tundra will carry the load of 1000# motorcycle plus the hitch weight of the trailer.

[Rustic Eagle]

The most logical place for the Harley would be in the pick-up box, so a HD 3/4 ton TV would be my recommendation, thus providing adequate "payload capacity" (including TT tongue weight, cargo, etc.).

A couple years ago I looked into loading my HD Road King into my 2500HD, plus tow my TT at the same time. I did confirm that with "my" TV/TT combination I would max out my TV's payload and GCWR..., but in my case I have a heavy TT, heavy TT tongue, heavy Harley (900lbs), and I also had to consider the auto/ramp weight.

This is the auto/ramp I was considering: http://www.blueox.us/p-51-overbilt-sportloader.aspx

I nixed the Harley idea..., and now looking into a Kawasaki KLR 650 to take along (half the weight, easier to load manually).

Bob

[robo59097]

Perfect timing, sounds like time for a new truck and an upgrade to a toyhauler!!!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

How long is the Harley? If more than 6.5', look at trucks with 8' beds. That Blue Ox loader look slick as snot for loading a bike. One drop of the bike would cost more than that! If you are doing long distance towing, I would recommend switching to a diesel truck just for ease of towing and fuel economy. Stay away from the Tundra only because of them being a 1/2 ton truck. They definitely have the drivetrain for towing the load but not the suspension.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by LiftedAWDAstro

snip..... That Blue Ox loader look slick as snot for loading a bike. One drop of the bike would cost more than that!.....

I seen the Blue Ox in operation and the bike is securely fastened to the ramp cradle system (not going anywhere), then an electric wench brings the bike cradle up the ramp. Nice heavy duty product.

Bob

[Banglee9]

I like that Blue Ox bike ramp. It looks very smooth.

Looks like I'm down to the Ford F250 or Chevy 2500, 4X4's with towing packages. And diesel for the every 3-4 month long drives from place A to B. Thanks!

Any other suggestions?

[hausknwa]

We use a Power Ramp to load our Harley Road King in the bed of our Dodge 3500. One person operation, no chance of droping your bike, and easy to install in the truck. This unit also works well for snow machines and other heavy items. They can be purchased for about $2200 if you search around a little. Here is a link to one source although a little pricey.
http://www.rampagelift.com/