Can I load a Harley in Tacoma bed?

[HardCase]

I think that a Coke machine or even a quad are going to distribute the weight over a larger area when loading, as opposed to an 800# motorcycle which will be pressing down on the tailgate the width of one wheel. That's what is likely to cause it to bend. I would personally not want to load a heavy bike without removing the tailgate first.

As far as the plastic bed is concerned, no issues with it so far, seems durable and rugged and scratch-resistant. I have a friend with a '03 F150 that he's used extensively, steel bed, no liner, and it looks like rusty crap.

[joedirt]

Back when I had my truck I used to load my VFR in the bed quite regularly. The VFR weighs just south of 500# and I never did have any problems with it and my fat ass on the tailgate at the same time.

I would do the d-ring mod in the front as the rails are too high and not strong enough to hold the weight of any bike.

[Matt_C]

Thanks Dcrooks84... Am I right in assuming you loaded it diagonally, and then put the gate back on and closed it? I've measured and it seems like it will fit diagonally but will be fairly tight.
Was just curious if you had a little more info (or even a pic), since our bikes are very close in both length and weight (you're probably a little heavier).
I'm OK with the idea of removing the tailgate. Did you get the TSB for the (4) rear leaf springs, or are you still running the stock 3 leaf setup?

Originally Posted by Dcrooks84

I have hauled a 01 Road King fully dressed in the back of mine with no problems. Took the tail gate off due to the fact I have bent it already and the King is just ridiculous in weight, plus I've already bent the tailgate. It's really simple to take the tailgate off so no biggy anymore.

[red06toy]

Originally Posted by HardCase

I think that a Coke machine or even a quad are going to distribute the weight over a larger area when loading, as opposed to an 800# motorcycle which will be pressing down on the tailgate the width of one wheel. That's what is likely to cause it to bend. I would personally not want to load a heavy bike without removing the tailgate first.

As far as the plastic bed is concerned, no issues with it so far, seems durable and rugged and scratch-resistant. I have a friend with a '03 F150 that he's used extensively, steel bed, no liner, and it looks like rusty crap.

Thats true...If I were you Id put a piece of steel diamond plate or 3/4 plywood on the gate, the weight of the bike will hold it

[Dcrooks84]

Originally Posted by Matt_C

Thanks Dcrooks84... Am I right in assuming you loaded it diagonally, and then put the gate back on and closed it? I've measured and it seems like it will fit diagonally but will be fairly tight.
Was just curious if you had a little more info (or even a pic), since our bikes are very close in both length and weight (you're probably a little heavier).
I'm OK with the idea of removing the tailgate. Did you get the TSB for the (4) rear leaf springs, or are you still running the stock 3 leaf setup?

Yeah, it was loaded diagonally, wasn't able to get the gate to close. Just a little bit of the tire was beyond where the gate was. We were only transporting it for a short distance so it wasn't that big of a deal. I would honestly suggest getting a trailer for it, just because it is a pain to load and unload a cruiser with that much weight. You could get a nice one for around $1000 brand new. Or you could look at the rampage lifts pricey but they are nice.

[natrlyst]

I haul my quad wit hmine regularly and it weights close to 700lbs, I load it on the tailgate with ramps and I still havent had a problem, except that one time I got lazy and didnt tie the ramps down and they slid out on me, of course I was alone too.

[squad314]

Originally Posted by natrlyst

except that one time I got lazy and didnt tie the ramps down and they slid out on me, of course I was alone too.

Happened to me backing a ride on mower off my dodge......Not fun.