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sseibert3 · 03-08-2009, 07:10 PM

Hi Folks-

Looks like my wife and I are seriously considering a 28 or 30' airstream.

Just found this site a short time ago and think the forum is great.

We will probobly use a GMC 2500 HD extended cab with a duramax / allison set-up and full bed.

After conducting a search on a few threads I thought I would post here and introduce myself and ask a question.

What do you folks do with your motorcycles - I have a small Honda VTX 1300 that I would like to take with me. The only option I can come up with is putting it in the bed of the tow vehicle.

We have looked at a 5er but like the Airstream for obvious reasons - looks, balance, interior functionality - we just like them.

I would appreciate an input you might give.

Thank you,

Scott

Inland RV Center, In · 03-08-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseibert3

Hi Folks-

Looks like my wife and I are seriously considering a 28 or 30' airstream.

Just found this site a short time ago and think the forum is great.

We will probobly use a GMC 2500 HD extended cab with a duramax / allison set-up and full bed.

After conducting a search on a few threads I thought I would post here and introduce myself and ask a question.

What do you folks do with your motorcycles - I have a small Honda VTX 1300 that I would like to take with me. The only option I can come up with is putting it in the bed of the tow vehicle.

We have looked at a 5er but like the Airstream for obvious reasons - looks, balance, interior functionality - we just like them.

I would appreciate an input you might give.

Thank you,

Scott

Hi Scott.

Welcome.

Your motorcycle and a bunch more weight, belongs in your truck.

You have a super heavy duty truck, that provides a rough ride for the trailer, which it doesn't like. As a result, many damages can quickly surface.

When you select your hitch rating, you want the lightest rating bar for that brand. Anything heavier, because of your truck adding to it, will cause more problems.

Airstream trailers love a "soft" ride. When that ride becomes rough, damages happen.

Additionally, you must make sure the axles are ok, too.

If not, the damages can accelerate.

The following will help you.

There are many other posts here in this Forums, about other things to look for, before you make the purchase.

Andy

Condoluminum · 03-08-2009, 07:48 PM

Several folks travel with Harley's in beds of their trucks.. Easiest combo is wide commercial-style ramp for loading and unloading, coupled with hig-rise shell camper cover (made of aluminum of fiberglass..) for security..

JackMac · 03-08-2009, 08:01 PM

Hello there,

My motorcycle rides in the bed of the truck when I tow my 25' Safari. I use three light-weight aluminum ramps; one for the bike and one for each leg to stabilize the bike when loading/unloading. I ride up and let it roll down, using the front brake to keep it slow. Works great.

Be aware of combined truck/motorcycle/trailer weight. With a 1/2 ton truck, 500 lb bike,and the trailer, my combined weight is right at the max., although still under the max towing weight.

Good luck

SweetStream · 03-08-2009, 08:02 PM

We have a cargo van that holds the motorcycle nicely. We use a motorcycle lift to put the bike in/out of the van. The generator runs the lift just fine and the lift slides in next to the bike.

Silvertwinkie · 03-08-2009, 08:03 PM

I think the choices are keeping it in the pickup bed, or reconsidering the model. Airstream does make a toy hauler...a bit pricey, but a toy hauler nonetheless.

Here is an example of one:

Colonial Airstream NJ - 2009 Airstream Pan America 34'

toastie · 03-08-2009, 08:14 PM

When I take the Harley the wife tows and I ride the bike, and if you ever see my bike on a trailer or in back of a truck please call 911, somebody just stoled my bike...........toastie

Tin Can · 03-08-2009, 11:22 PM

ssiebert3, I haul my vtx1800 in the bed of our dodge 2500 when towing the trailer. My wife bought some heavy duty alum. ramps for my birthday a couple of years ago and they do the job of loading up real well. I use four point ratcheted straps to secure the bike and these seem to do a pretty good job but will occasionally require that you keep them adjusted correctly. Do not adjust so that the forks on the bike are bottomed out as some damage can occur to the seals in the forks. Other than that, your good to go. Be careful when fully loaded with the bike as your gross weight will be pretty close to max. Take care and enjoy. Tom.

millvalleyca · 03-08-2009, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Hi Scott.

Welcome.

Your motorcycle and a bunch more weight, belongs in your truck.

You have a super heavy duty truck, that provides a rough ride for the trailer, which it doesn't like. As a result, many damages can quickly surface.

When you select your hitch rating, you want the lightest rating bar for that brand. Anything heavier, because of your truck adding to it, will cause more problems.

Airstream trailers love a "soft" ride. When that ride becomes rough, damages happen.

Additionally, you must make sure the axles are ok, too.

If not, the damages can accelerate.

The following will help you.

Dura Torque Axle

There are many other posts here in this Forums, about other things to look for, before you make the purchase.

Andy

Hi Andy
First of all I value your expertise.
I've seen many posts by you on this subject.
I have a 2008 F250 and tow a 27FB with a Hensley hitch (1,000 lb bars)
Does the HAHA offer a softer ride than other hitch brands or will I end up with problems in the future?
Thanks
Dennis

Inland RV Center, In · 03-09-2009, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millvalleyca

Hi Andy
First of all I value your expertise.
I've seen many posts by you on this subject.
I have a 2008 F250 and tow a 27FB with a Hensley hitch (1,000 lb bars)
Does the HAHA offer a softer ride than other hitch brands or will I end up with problems in the future?
Thanks
Dennis

Hi Dennis.

Two things.

Your truck is heavy duty and punishes the trailer.

Ditto for the HAHA

The best you can do is to install a load equalizing hitch that offers a softer ride for the trailer and you.

A Reese 600 dual cam would work great.

Andy

eubank · 03-09-2009, 10:53 AM

At the yearly motorcycle frenzy that happens during Memorial Day in these parts, we get guests with motorcycles. One couple always brings their Harley in the truck bed. The trick was to figure out a way to load and unload it. The first couple of times around, we had to back the truck up to a steep slope and grunt a lot. Since then, they've come up with a nice ramp, and that has made the process a lot easier, even though using at least a gengle slope is still quite helpful.

A question for Andy: With their heavy truck, do you think that carrying the motorcycle in the bed actually helps to prevent undue roughness on the Airstream?

Lynn

sseibert3 · 03-09-2009, 03:48 PM

Great input guys-

I'm going to stop by the truck dealer today and see about a top and a hydraulic lift.

sseibert3 · 03-12-2009, 08:18 PM

Found this link on the internet. Looks encouraging. Says it should fit into my long be with the gate up so I can use the rear camera.

motorcycletrailer.com/rampage

Has anyone seen this?

**jcanavera** · 03-12-2009, 10:14 PM

We plan on carrying one or two scooters in the rear of our 3/4 ton van. Combined weight of the scooters is about 650 lbs. I probably will also need a ramp.

Jack

WK57ABF · 03-13-2009, 02:16 PM

sseibert3,

Motorcycle (Harley Fatboy) goes in 8' truck bed. Have tried rack on back
of 32' A class, have tried box trailer towed by B class. Truck bed the best.
Blue Ox 8' x 3' folding ramp and always push bike up ramp. Bike 1.1/4" clear
of tailgate.

eubank,

Yes - we have found a 694lb bike in the bed + genset + fulltiming
accessories does soften the ride.

John

roberth · 03-18-2009, 11:10 PM

I have a 1500 C90T Suzuki and I haul it in the back of my long bed 2007 Dodge Diesel. After researching for months, I decided to go with a sport-loader. This power ramp that pulls the bike up into the bed and supports the bike. It's made by Blue Ox. You can visit their website and check out the video. The only draw back is it's not something you can easily take in and out and also you may have to run around with no tail gate. It has come in handy for helping a few buddies of mine transporting their bikes and most important it's got me out of helping people move. LOL

Yhottys · 03-19-2009, 12:25 AM

We tow Murray's 100th anniversary Harley Road King in the back of our Dodge Ram 2500's bed and strap it down. Ride the hog up the ramp and roll it down. The ride seems fine.

We're hauling a golf cart in the back of the bed for Burning Man this year-ya, we've got to figure out the logistics for that one!

Live to ride, Ride to live!