Ford Ranger for motorcycle transport?

[mac_135]

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With the ridiculously cheap prices Ford is giving the ranger away for I'm thinking of grabbing one soon. Does anyone have any experience with transporting motorcycles in a ranger? I know it's doable, just looking for some insight (for example, the best ramp to use and where to get it/how much). I don't plan to haul the bike often, but the thought of a track day here and there now becoming possible is pretty sweet!

 

[Juggs]

A friend of mine has a Ranger that he uses to tow around his Ducati and his sled in the winter. As for ramps, tons to choose from and they'll all do the job.

 

[mmmnaked]

Excellent little truck for hauling bikes around. Some of the models sit a bit higher (4x4s I guess) which makes loading a tad harder but it's no big deal.

Best to use a curved aluminum ramp.

 

[N3WMAN]

Me and a friend have both used rangers to haul plenty of bikes. Only problem I have found is that the box is not long enough to have the tailgate go up for most bikes.

I used a curved steel ramp but anything will work. I have one for sale if you're looking for one.

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?147519-7-Folding-Steel-Ramp-60

 

[fastar1]

With the ridiculously cheap prices Ford is giving the ranger away for I'm thinking of grabbing one soon. Does anyone have any experience with transporting motorcycles in a ranger? I know it's doable, just looking for some insight (for example, the best ramp to use and where to get it/how much). I don't plan to haul the bike often, but the thought of a track day here and there now becoming possible is pretty sweet!

I've seen guys use it to haul their SS, even the flare side (narrower box) is suitable. Just strap the bike down on a diagonal and leave the tailgate down. I think the rear tire sat in the hollow between the bed and the tailgate so very little weight was actually on the gate.

Having said that, I have a much better option for you. Get a used minivan. That's what I did and there are quite a few people using this method at track days. They are cheaper to buy and run, more versatile, easier to load, keeps things dry, more comfortable/easier/cheaper than a tent to camp out in. I can fit my bike and two extra people inside if I want to. Plus use it to take a boatload of friends skiing, or haul 4x8 sheets of whatever. Try that with a pickup and you'll be looking at a $40 000+ V8 monster.

If you insist on buying new, Dodge Caravans are listed in the $20 000 range. There are some things to consider like hatch opening height, and strap down points but nothing insurmountable. I just don't see the sense in pickups unless you're driving through trails a lot.

 

[N3WMAN]

I've seen guys use it to haul their SS, even the flare side (narrower box) is suitable. Just strap the bike down on a diagonal and leave the tailgate down. I think the rear tire sat in the hollow between the bed and the tailgate so very little weight was actually on the gate.

Having said that, I have a much better option for you. Get a used minivan. That's what I did and there are quite a few people using this method at track days. They are cheaper to buy and run, more versatile, easier to load, keeps things dry, more comfortable/easier/cheaper than a tent to camp out in. I can fit my bike and two extra people inside if I want to. Plus use it to take a boatload of friends skiing, or haul 4x8 sheets of whatever. Try that with a pickup and you'll be looking at a $40 000+ V8 monster.

If you insist on buying new, Dodge Caravans are listed in the $20 000 range. There are some things to consider like hatch opening height, and strap down points but nothing insurmountable. I just don't see the sense in pickups unless you're driving through trails a lot.

You don't need to strap it down on a diagonal. Just strap it down straight in the middle (wheels between the raised bed panels) and it will be fine. Wheel rests in the bed itself but sticks out not allowing tailgate to close, you could take the tailgate right off if you wanted.

I agree with the minivan though. I use a minivan now because of the increased weatherproof storage. A much bigger pain in the *** to load mind you (take off windscreen, rear seat, oil pan bottoms out on back door lip), but easy to strap down.

 

[GP_RZ]

my Dakota would haul my 929rr with tail gate up...just full turn forks left or right and strap down, close tail gate

 

[mac_135]

Thanks for the responses. Whatever I end up buying will be my daily driver and I just can't see that being a mini van. I've never even done a track day, just something I've wanted to do for a while.

One question about the ramps though: Can you ride the bike right on to the truck or do you need a few people to help push it up? N3WMAN, I may be interested in that ramp if I do end up getting a truck, just really curious about how tough it will be to actually get the bike up there.

 

[GP_RZ]

well for myself now if i have to move my bike i drive a 08 sierra and i like the Aluminum folding ramps as they are light....just center your ramp for the bike and put the other ramp on the left side of it for you to walk on and start your bike and walk beside it up the ramp........but yes you could ride up the ramp it would hold you....but would i recommend it......NO doing the way i described takes les hen a few minutes to get the bike in the back of the truck.

 

[Bigevildoer]

Have a Ranger, put my bike in the back many times already.
I use a tri-sectional fold up ramp. Short enough to fit in the bed so transporting it is easy.
Put some extra rubber (used some black stair edging, with the ridged side cut off) across the back of the tail gate, and use some ratchet straps to keep the gate almost shut during transport (bike is just barely too long). Could leave it down, but I don't like the gate bouncing around over bumps.
If you get one, make sure it's the automatic version - the towing capacity of even the 4 cylinder is just silly good.

 

[kneedragger88]

I had one 2wd it worked fine once had two SV in it. Tight but worked well. Great little truck still see the new owner driving it around once in a while. Crappy in snow though.

 

[KJM]

no danger in a ranger

 

[stormcat]

No problem with a Ranger and an SS. Here are some pics of a friend of mine helping me out the day I bought my bike.

 

[Prince]

Thinking of heading south for the winter, and need the cover and theft protection of a mini-van. Out of sight, out of mind. Which mini-vans do you guys find the best suited to hauling SS? I'm thinking the least embarrassing mini-van is the older GMC M vans?

 

[caboose56]

Thinking of heading south for the winter, and need the cover and theft protection of a mini-van. Out of sight, out of mind. Which mini-vans do you guys find the best suited to hauling SS? I'm thinking the least embarrassing mini-van is the older GMC M vans?

If you're looking for something very basic.. look at the older Safari/Astro work vans.

 

[Prince]

If you're looking for something very basic.. look at the older Safari/Astro work vans.

That's my thinking. Safari/Astro = M Van. They all blow head gaskets tho, as well as valve seals go (oil burner). Can they hold two bikes and a mechanic's tool box and two passengers? I might need a full size Econoline.

 

[Jayv]

That's my thinking. Safari/Astro = M Van. They all blow head gaskets tho, as well as valve seals go (oil burner). Can they hold two bikes and a mechanic's tool box and two passengers? I might need a full size Econoline.

For that load you would be probably better with a trailer enclosed/non enclosed.

Astro van are a lot more roomy than most fwd minivans, down size is they burn more gas and are a GM product lol.

I use an 01 chrysler minivan, it also doubles as my cheap motel, warmer and drier than a tent when at the track.

 

[Prince]

Ya, I'm thinking more long-term. If I have to suffer one more winter here in this god-for-saken province that's either too hot or too cold to ride in, I'll jump out of my window sometime in January. I only have a one story tho, so I might just sprain a wrist lol My cage is a sports car, so towing a trailer is out. I'm going to go look at new Ford Econlines (150 should do). I want to carry two bikes, full mechanics tool box (six feet high), gear, and (hopefully) a very sexy passenger who rides and disappear into no-where US from November to March. Just ride the open roads.

For that load you would be probably better with a trailer enclosed/non enclosed.

Astro van are a lot more roomy than most fwd minivans, down size is they burn more gas and are a GM product lol.

I use an 01 chrysler minivan, it also doubles as my cheap motel, warmer and drier than a tent when at the track.

 

[fastar1]

I agree with the minivan though. I use a minivan now because of the increased weatherproof storage. A much bigger pain in the *** to load mind you (take off windscreen, rear seat, oil pan bottoms out on back door lip), but easy to strap down.

I use a plank of wood to fill the gap from the hatch sill to the floor. No more bottoming out and it makes a nice flat surface to roll the bike on/off of, instead of the bumps and dips of the floor.

 

[CruisnGrrl]

ranger will do it no problem but i wouldn't recommend trying to load it your self. it can be done but it can get away from you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPDJG4fSvwk

it is much easier to find a spot where the ground and tail gate become level (i've used a ramp to "bridge the gap"). then you can do it with out throttle.

now i have a trailer that has the floor about a foot or so off the ground, much easier to load, no climbing into the truck and it leaves more room in the vehicle for cargo.

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