Loading a Spyder in the bed of a truck

[xpeschon]

OK I have not done no homework on this subject however,, I am looking at possible trying to load the spyder in the bed of a pickup truck----- Has anyone tried to do this or any modifications you can share if you have tried this?? The wheel wells will become a concern and also the width of the truck bed I'm sure,, Again, I have done no homework on this but plan to start to see if its even possible... Your thoughts please??

Joe

 

[zzneonzz]

OK I have not done no homework on this subject however,, I am looking at possible trying to load the spyder in the bed of a pickup truck----- Has anyone tried to do this or any modifications you can share if you have tried this?? The wheel wells will become a concern and also the width of the truck bed I'm sure,, Again, I have done no homework on this but plan to start to see if its even possible... Your thoughts please??

Joe

Its not going to fit. Those who have been able to get the spyder onto a pickup have it sitting on the tailgate and i would not trust the tailgate to hold up the spyder. Its best to get a trailer for it if your needing to transport it. If you do a search on the forums this was a hot topic for a while so there is a bunch of info on this subject

 

[xpeschon]

zzneonzz thanks for the info... I will search the forum for some of this information.. I am going to push forward with this a little bit but WILL search the forum for reason's that it won't fit in the bed and I do agree with you,, I would NOT put the front end on the tailgate as well,, I plan on attempting it driving forward... We'll see...

Joe

 

[BillGargan]

This is fairly straightforward . . . The Spyder is 59.3" wide by 105" long.

If your truck bed it at least 60" wide, then the SpYder will technically fit. Clearly the wider the better. You also have the issue of the wheel wells on the truck bed. I doubt that the clearance between wheel wells will be 60".

So, if you really want to try this -- and your truck is at least 60" wide -- you would be best if you brought it on backwards up the ramp. Sounds scary to me . . . Why not rig a come-along so that you can pull it up the ramp backwards. Be careful about clearances underneath at the junction of the ramp and the truck bed.

Also, DO NOT DO THIS if this results in your front wheels on the tongue.

Bill Gargan

 

[DynamoBT]

Having hauled quite a few horse drawn carriages in the back of a pickup, I can tell you that one way is to build a platform over the wheel wells and have the vehicle sit high on top.

Course, even with a winch this was a tricky load and off load. None of the carriages ever weighed as much as the Spyder.

The reality is that no way are you going to get the Spyder up facing forward. Backwards is the only way it will fit. The trick will be how you load and unload it.

Good luck!!

 

[xpeschon]

I agree with you all... Some thought will have to be taken in the planning phase of this.. I do like the idea of a PLATFORM over the wheel wells and such.. I am going to try and draw some plans up and see what I can come up with.. All messages thus far has just gave me things to think about and I really appreiciate it guys,, anything else out there?? I am just picking everyones brains then will formulate some type of plan.. Again, thanks to all..

Joe

 

[BumbleBee]

Good Luck!!!! My spyder will not fit on a 5 X 8 trailer, we have tried. We have a friend who is going to swap with us for a few days, his is a 6 X 10. Let me know if it worked out, post some pics also, am interested in seeing this. :dontknow::spyder:

 

[NancysToy]

I know that at least one Spyder has been loaded into the back of a longbed PU. That would keep the weight off the tailgate. The idea of doing it with a shortbed, even with a substantial platform, makes me uneasy. Please also note that the clearance is super tight, and one person who tried hauling in a pickup bed reported damage to the fenders when the Spyder moved ever so slightly during transit. It is pretty much impossible to tie it down in the fashion BRP recommends when using a pickup...no room for the tie-downs to run fore and aft as they should. Also you need to consider the method and place of loading and unloading. A pickup is too tall to allow the Spyder to load real readily, and there is no good way to put a come-along in the truck or attach to the Spyder. That leaves backing to a hill or loading dock...and you need one at each end of the journey. You'll need some very substantial ramps, too. 700 pounds on a chunk of plywood won't do it. Trailers are easier to load, and oh so much safer for your precious cargo. I would not personally go the pickup route.
-Scotty

 

[spyryder]

I saw a pic of a Spyder on one of these a while back. They had it mounted backwards on the optional trike adapter. It's a bit pricey though at around $3000.
http://www.sportslift.com/cycletoylift2trike.html
edit, found the pic:

 

[xpeschon]

Yah I hear ya scotty and understand your concern, really I do.. We'll see what I can come up, the whole tie down deal you mentioned,, yah you are correct there buddy,, I'm not ruling it out yet but you all are making me do some thinking about the whole operation and thats good,,, We'll see..

Joe

 

[JimAlpha]

I have a 2008 Chevy Avalanche. I haul the Spyder in the back of the Avalanche and have hauled it from Southern Florida to Ohio and back without a problem. My truck has a tailgate weight rating of 1,000 lbs according to GM. You want to check this out before you try this.

The front wheels will sit on the tailgate in an Avalanche or similar sized truck bed. Here is how I do it.

Hire a flat bed tow truck.

​

Have the tow truck back up towards the rear of your pickup and put the Spyder in between both trucks, facing the back of the tow truck. Have the driver tilt the tow truck bed down. Drive the Spyder up the ramp on the tow truck and hold the brake. Have the driver tip the bed up and back up to the tailgate. Back the Spyder in to your pickup. I have had tow truck drivers do it for free or from $20 to $50. each time. It was easier to hire the tow truck than haul ramps for me since I pull the Avalanche behind my 45' motor coach.

I use four good solid straps and put one through the rear wheel (not through the rear gear), one strap through each front wheel (to the anchor point on the same side as each wheel and one strap through both wheels to each anchor point (from one side of the truck bed to the other).

I have hit some rough roads and had some bouncing of the truck but the Spyder has not moved. It is about three inches from the center of the front tires to the end of the truck bed. On the sides of the tailgate it is about two inches from each side so make sure you know how to strap it correctly through the wheels.

Works like a charm. :2thumbs:

 

[FANG]

Would not even think about a PU bed to put my "baby" in. I would drive where it needs to go or trailer it for sure. Back of a PU disaster waiting to happen. JMHO

 

[NancysToy]

Yah I hear ya scotty and understand your concern, really I do.. We'll see what I can come up, the whole tie down deal you mentioned,, yah you are correct there buddy,, I'm not ruling it out yet but you all are making me do some thinking about the whole operation and thats good,,, We'll see..

Joe

I may just be a worrywort. Heck, I am nervous every time I haul bikes on or in a trailer...and that's often. Double tiedowns even inside the enclosed trailer. I'm a belt and suspenders sort of fellow. An informed decision is always better, though, so I thought I'd throw out a few considerations. I know it's been done, but good planning would be essential.
-Scotty

 

[xpeschon]

Still considering

After Jim's comment I may not go through with this, way to much work for me and cost, We'll see but thanks for your input NancysToy, it means alot to me.. I will keep you posted...

Joe

 

[JimAlpha]

Since I drive around the US with a motor coach, I can only tow one vehicle behind it. With the limited options of leaving the Spyder at home, buying a stacker trailer (about 40k) to haul truck and Spyder or taking it along in the back of the truck, I chose the truck option. It works for me. Since I stay in one place for a month or more, the tow truck lifting the Spyder into the back of the pickup is cost effective for me. If I did not have to tow the Avalanche, I would probably go with a small trailer just for the easy factor.

 

[nater1]

I am a ditch man myself

I am a ditch man myself when it comes to loading, and unloading motorcycles. When I used to haul the bike out to sturgis in the back for the s-10 I would have some one follow me down the road from my house , and pull the truck down in the ditch off the road. Then I would ride my bike right off the side of the road into the bed of the pickup. When we would get to the camp grounds we would just pull the truck into the ditch, and ride it off.

Everyone you see hauling their bike to Sturgis does this same thing.

 

[Questions]

I'm gonna give a good Iowa farmer fix that will be relatively safe and workable. Like alot of others said...don't put the weight on the tailgate...INSTEAD build a steel framed platform with expanded metal for the floor (a solid one) that can be braced from the trailer hitch of your pickup AND supported from your bumper and/or bumper brackets. This would extend about 2 feet past your 8' pickup box and would be as wide as the OUTSIDE of your pickup box. The key is to make it SOLID and functional. Paint it to match or pickup or Spyder. This could be custom built for about $100 or so depending on who builds it, and would allow you to slowly and carefully roll your Spyder backward into the pickup bed. Once inside have a 4" end-plate either fold up or be put into position at the rear of this add-on extension to hold the 2 front tires securely. Then strap the Spyder down as well. I use a V nosed enclosed 6X12 aluminum trailer with a fold down ramp from Aluma...(sweeet) but at a much higher cost.

 

[Tom in NM]

I don't get it

OK I have not done no homework on this subject however,, I am looking at possible trying to load the spyder in the bed of a pickup truck----- Has anyone tried to do this or any modifications you can share if you have tried this?? The wheel wells will become a concern and also the width of the truck bed I'm sure,, Again, I have done no homework on this but plan to start to see if its even possible... Your thoughts please??

Joe

Joe, you have gotten tons of great advice and leads, but I don't get it.
I mean, just what in blazes are you trying to do and with what?
You have not even given the "collective brain" the year & model of your pickup.
What kind of Spyder you have and if it has any mods - like luggage, etc.?
How far/long you want to go with the Spyder in the bed?
How long you will be there?
Is this a thing you will be doing alone or will you have help?
What kind of load/unload facilities, if any, you have?
Have you ever trailered a Spyder?
What kind of budget you are setting for this?
. . . and the list goes on and on depending on your answers above.

I know you are just starting and I know I am one of those people that jumps in and helps in a very task oriented analytical manner, but really, I think the community needs a little more to work on than what you have given so far.

As you have seen in the postings, it is possible.
B(ehold the) U(nderlying) T(ruth), it may not work for your given your situation.
So, just what is your situation?

Tom

 

[xpeschon]

Wow you hit me hard..

What kind of Spyder you have and if it has any mods - like luggage, etc.? None effect this however, highway pegs, exhaust--thats it..

How far/long you want to go with the Spyder in the bed?
Vacation, like a 1,500 mile trip, down load and ride the spyder.

How long you will be there?
Vacation time.

Is this a thing you will be doing alone or will you have help?
Good question, I consider this to be a BY MYSELF method.


What kind of load/unload facilities, if any, you have?
I like the ditch method but I do have a set of ramps.

Have you ever trailered a Spyder?
Yes

What kind of budget you are setting for this?
Couple hundred bucks for something that is removable in easy terms

I will be attempting to equip this in a 05 Dodge 1500 Ram Quad Cab and not the doully.

Thanks for all the info all this is good stuff...
Joe

 

[spyder1969]

don't load the truck

When in doubt, ask yourself, "What would Spyder do?":helpsmilie: It's the transporting that will eat the Spyder!:agree: