First time towing bike: Pics

So I finally got act together and did what I had intended my Tacoma to do since I bought it...haul my bike around.

I'd been reading up around this forum about many aspects involved with the process and it's been a real help!

For my set up, I got a three piece ramp and am currently (ONLY this time) using the tie downs via bed cleats I have some D-rings coming in the mail currently. I know its probably not the best idea, but its only for this one time and they didn't look too bad...

And of course, some pictures...




they don't look too bent...?

other side


And one quick question for all you knowledgeable folks out there, I took some pics of my rear suspension loaded down...and wanted to see if you all think I need to upgrade it????





Thanks for looking guys!
-Steven

 

I love your bike!

 

Most stock suspension is garbage for towing or hauling any weight. See how close your frame comes to the bumpstops when your truck is loaded. If they look to be very close or your truck bottoms out, then you are carrying too much weight for the stock setup.

 

holy hell batman...get some D-Rings if you plan on going any distance with that bike tied down on the rails.

 

this x2. . . My right tie down came loose on me one day while hauling my motocross bike. I stained my boxers a lil.

 

yeah
i had a gokart fall out because damn thing broke

good thing nobody was around me
that thing bounced and flipped everywhere

 

Get the d-rings in up front using the bed bolts
I wouldnt trust the side rails with something that good looking

 

The bed cleats were for sure a one-time deal, I plan on putting in the front D rings when they come in later this week. Although the metal corner brackets don't look like a bad idea either...

thanks trg for the headsup

 

Looks like you have the cam-buckle type straps on the front. Swap them out for the ratchet type if you want to be safe. I've had those cam buckle ones loosen up more than once.

 

Good lookin' haul you got there!

I haul a 250# motocross bike and won't use those cleats. When I tried it, they bent and looked like they were going to pull out. I have since added D-rings on all 6 bed bolts. I now have options.

When I haul 2 bikes, I still lack a good place to strap down. There is a spot under the wheel well that looks pretty strong - I'm adding a D-ring on each well. I need it to be as far out as possible. The cleats would work well but I just don't trust them.

 

Please show/explain how you got it in there. How long of ramps? Did you ride it in or have help from friends?

I'd like to try this with my bike.

 

PLease do not trust the bed rails to haul your bike, get some d-rings for the bed. Vidman almost lost his 4 wheeler using the rails.

 

I hear ya'll about those bed rails...I just needed to move my bike to my apartment so it was a relatively short (and very straight) drive...but I'm definitely not gonna be using them any more

Inlinejohn, I have a three piece ramp that I use. I ride the bike in (very carefully) and strap it down myself. As for unloading, its basically the steps in reverse. One thing I do notice is that my height allows me to comfortably maneuver the bike while I ride up, and especially when I back down. But of course, having friends to help is always a big plus! Nice duc by the way!

 

Yup, get the Rear Spring Harsh Ride TSB. It did wonders for my '09 when hauling and towing.

 

Thanks. I will be very careful when I try, or just get a trailer???

Thanks too....I do love my Duc

 

A trailer would be awesome, I was thinking about it but I have no where to put it at school

Here were a couple I was looking at

http://www.discount-trailers.com/kendon-trailers.htm

http://www.sportutilitytrailers.com/

If you are thinking about going down the truck-bed route, lemme know and I can post some pics of my ramp and/or a video

 

I had to get some maintenance for mine this spring and had to hual it into the shop in the back of the truck since my trailer had a flat, I ended up doing the "D" ring mod for the front of the bed, since I did not feel comfortable with the bed cleats.

Inline John as you can see if I hual it in the truck I use two ramps, One for me, one for the bike, I start her up and walk her right up the ramp into the bed. Piece of cake. Plus one on having good looking Duc.

 

Another way of loadin up bikes is to get one of them big ramps for loadin quads up on and just riding the bike into the back of the truck so long as the ramp is strapped to the hitch of course.

 

man im glad u guys dont mind letting ur bikes sit on ur tailgates like that. thats how i bent the shit out of my first tailgate on my old truck. but before i put the d-rings up front on my truck i just all four cleats to hold that bitch down. only did that once tho then the d-rings went in. as my ramps i use two 2x12x8 a full 20 bucks at lowes. i always ended up draggin the plastic on the tailgate if i used the metal ramps i had bought. the 8 ft 2x12 give me plently of ground clearance

 

I'm actually more worried about the rear strap just sitting on the tire than I am about using the cleats...