Silly ? How to load an ATV in the Bed?

Ok, so I'm thinking of getting an ATV. Nice place to transport it of course would be the bed of my Taco. Well, how does a shortie like me at 5'7" load a 200lb(?) ATV without breaking my back. I've always wondered how its done. I see the little ramps but how is it done? Oh and my truck is lifted 3" too.

Please excuse the silly question and help a newbie out. I'm a mountain biker but those are much lighter of course.

Thanks boys.

 

A dedicated bike ramp I got at costco for around $100

 

wow.. I've never considered how you would load it OTHER than with a ramp. I guess it would be quite difficult!

 

Something like this would probably be your best bet. I have a 8ft trailer i use to transport mine, but i often have 2 and obviously 2 won't fit in the bed.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz_Yd2Airrg

 

haha. This is the same ramp I got at costco.

 

wow, quick responses boys. Thanks.

I checked out a few videos on YouTube. Most of them just ride up the ramp and stop just, just before hitting the window. Yikes, I'd hate to smash the window. Going up is one thing, but going down backwards looks downright scary, especially from a lifted truck.

I've also seen some of the winch systems. Safer but slow. Hmm, maybe I'll just get a trailer instead IF IF I get an ATV.

 

WRONG AGAIN!!! Ramps cant walk

 

I don't think I can do this, I like my back the way it is...straight. I'm not a young buck like the guy in the video. Thanks though.

How much does...say a 250-400cc ATV weight anyhow?

That Costco ramp looks good, nice and wide. But yeah, I think a trailer is the way to go. Knowing myself, if its too much hassle for me, I won't do it as much and, hence, may not make good use of the ATV. And then there's bed space still for camping and cargo/gear.

How much would a trailer to hold an ATV go for? Would I also have the licence and register the trailer? Now we're going into more costs for a hobby that I might only do a few times/yr. Dang, maybe better just to rent a dang ATV after all this!!

 

quads are gay, get a dirt bike

 

Haha

 

Easy peezy bro. Just throw your hat sideways and flatten the bill and your good lol. I wanna see homie load it like this after he wrecks it

 

Second the trailer idea..my dad picked up a polaris a couple years ago and a trailer for it..besides using the quad a handful of times, that trailer paid for itself time and time again, the most recent was tonight when a buddy needed his harley taken to the dealer after a wreck.

 

Ah, yes. Excellent. The trailer can be used for other purposes!!

Trailers bring up a whole new set of questions:
License/registration costs and requirements?
Brakes or no brakes?
Brake lights?
Insurance?
Yet another mechanical item to maintain, tires,wheels,bearings,hitch,lights.
Storage

Hmm, I better rethink this whole ATV idea

 

No you should definitely get an ATV. Trailers aren't that big of a deal.. a small utility trailer isn't that expensive, and you can pretty much store it where ever you were planning on storing the ATV, or just park it in the yard somewhere.
As long as you have a drivers license, you can drive it.
Registration is same as registering a vehicle. One fee a year. and its cheaper.
don't need brakes unless its a LARGE trailer.
Yes you need brake lights.. most trailers that are street legal already have them.
Insurance for trailers is cheap.
Very little maintenance besides making sure the tires look ok before you drive away.

 

Bikes and ATV are gay. Get a truck with full LT.

 

I busted my back glass out one day when goin over a speed bump a little too fast

 

Uhh dont you still need to LT your rear?

 

Trailer fees/ maintanence is fairly cheap. I think full coverage on the 2010 bri-mar is 40$ a year lol. As long as you take care of it, it will last you forever

 

Just for hauling an ATV, I'd get a small trailer so you don't need brakes. Other than that, maintenance is minimal, if you buy used then replace the wheel bearings initially and you're done for a long time (besides tires). Check your state regarding trailer insurance and license/registration requirements.