Hauling a Motorcycle in your Box

Hey everyone,

In May I'll be driving roughly 3500kms each way for a road trip to go back home.
I was wanting to put my Harley (650lbs wet) in the box of the truck so I have something to rip around with once I get there.
It's my understanding that the Tacoma long box has a payload capacity of 1,370 pounds on the long bed.

Do you think that'll be pushing it for that long of a distance? I can't see my dad's and my luggage and ect weighing all that much

 

The weight shouldn't be a problem. Might be concerned about the weight on the tailgate when loading/unloading though.

 

It’ll work. Try loading your bike up and see how bad it squats driving locally and see if it bottoms the rear out over bumps. Seen guys with street bikes without issue. But that’s like 4-500lbs.

 

Even though the payload isn't close to Max, my experience is that I have hit the bump stops when hauling like that, especially on a long road trip when a surprise dip happens. Might want to install some sumos or other bump stop protector, just in case.

 

I've never been a fan of hauling a street bike in the bed of a truck. I like to use a trailer with a motorcycle wheel chock mounted to it. Safer to load and unload, bike is more secure due to being held upright and less chance of slipping, and still gives you the bed space to haul other stuff.

 

I've hauled my Aprilia Shiver 750 (~500# wet) in the bed with no issues while hauling. Like daddy_o said I'd much rather just rent a uhaul motorcycle hauler. All around easier and safer, but not necessary

 

Sounds like you're fine, weight wise. But keep in mind, the weight of you and your passenger counts against the total. Like, wolf said though, keep an eye on that tailgate while loading and unloading. I'd just take it (the tailgate) off for loading/unloading.

 

F that! He has no need for a trailer and the bed of the truck will work just fine. Securing a bike in a truck bed is easy, you don’t need a wheel chock.

 

I don't think he's calling it a requirement so much as a personal preference and extra safety precaution/assist.
Has anyone tried using the rear wheel stand in lieu of using a front wheel chock?

 

I’ve done it before. I now only use a trailer.

better ride in the truck. Easier loading and unloading.

 

Keep in mind the length of the ramp you'll need. If your bike is low, it'll be pretty long. Unless you have a convenient hill at both ends.

My dual sport has no issues, but loading my ex's cruiser got hairy once or twice when it hung up going in. Edit:. Using a 6 ft ramp

 

Add me to the use a trailer camp. Especially in the short bed trucks.

 

I regularly haul 2 dirt bikes in the bed which are a little over 200lbs each in addition to towing my teardrop trailer that has around 180lb tongue weight. I have stock suspension and it does just fine even on forest roads. You’ll be alright in my opinion.

 

Go for it. The only problem you might find is the breakover at the edge of the tailgate since most H-D don't have much ground clearence. So, I would find a nice knob and put the end of the ramps at the top of it. That will lessen the angle and make loading / unloading a lot easier.

With the plastic TG cap, I did buy a piece of angle iron to put between the ramp ends and TG edge to distribute the loads a bit.

 

I didn't say he had to have a trailer, I was just giving an option and telling what I prefer. I have loaded my Shadow 600 in the back of a pick up truck and the next time I towed it I used a trailer. From then on, a trailer was the first choice for me. I wouldn't even attempt to load my Roadstar 1700 in the back of a truck.

 

And if this is a one time thing, renting a trailer is always an option.

 

No problem hauling that pig. Do not put the bike on the kickstand in the composite bed. Using the front brake while unloading, especially if you have a bed mat will be terrifying. Either get help or back up to a slope or ditch.

Since you will also be on the tailgate, you should think about beefing it up or resting the back tire on a 2x8. It will handle the static load but the bumps could bend it.

 

If a trailer is out of the question, maybe try to load it rear tire first to keep weight off tail gate . Weight would be equal to a 1 fat guy at most instead of a couple .

 

Loaded forward and strapped down up front will put almost all of the weight up front. In fact when I strap my dirt bikes down the rear tire bounces around while driving because it’s so light. There is no issues with the tailgate, he has a long bed.

 

Do it and take a video please