Toy Trax lift - load the bike backwards?

[Josh_ST]

Just picked up a "Toy Trax" lift for my pickup truck for the tidy sum of $850 I have an 8 foot bed, and a high top cap, and was entertaining the thought of loading the STeed up tail first so the windshield would be to the rear, and possibly fit under the cap. I haven't measured anything to even see if it's possible yet I'd be willing to remove the windshield if that was the only thing stopping it from fitting.

Watching this video, I could even build my own "track" to mount the bike to, similar to what he did to resolve his fender issues, and pull it on. Making sure it still fits in my bed with the tailgate closed, of course.

 

[SupraSabre]

Interesting. I'm not sure I would like it sticking that far out after I got the bike loaded!

Also, we can remove our saddlebags, so they don't become a problem.

I, have trailered my ST1300s a number of times in a trailer. I bought a three part folding ramp to get the bikes up and down. I had to expand the ramps apart using 6" 1/2" bolts and 3/4" Schedule 40 pipe.

 

[Larry Fine]

I'd be concerned with the back of the windshield catching all of that air.

 

[Josh_ST]

I'd be concerned with the back of the windshield catching all of that air.

It would be under my truck cap, so no wind to worry about

 

[Josh_ST]

Well, a quick trip out with the tape measure shows the bike might JUST squeeze in without the windshield, but that's without including the thickness of the lift. Going to have to loose the cap I guess.

 

[Mellow]

Well, a quick trip out with the tape measure shows the bike might JUST squeeze in without the windshield, but that's without including the thickness of the lift. Going to have to loose the cap I guess.

Just cut a slot in the cap... then post on youtube... lol

 

[Josh_ST]

@Mellow Hold my beer!

 

[Mellow]

@Mellow Hold my beer!

I'm already holding 2... I can't, just down it real fast.

 

[SMSW]

If you are going to remove the cap, load the bike with the front of the bike in first. Backwards, the wind will rip the windshield off and/or damage the mounting when you hit any reasonable speed.

 

[Jethro]

Or rent a bike trailer,buy one ? Don’t wreck yourself.

 

[Josh_ST]

Already have a utiliy/mc trailer. Looking at being able to pull a camping trailer and still have the STeed along, and was trying to avoid the extra expense of buying a "toy hauler" style camper. But that might be the easiest solution, and has added benefits should I need to work on the bike on the road. I'm also looking around at commercial caps, they seem to offer some that are taller at the rear.

 

[schlep1967]

Maybe one of these High truck cap

 

[Josh_ST]

Yeah, mine is already a high rise, but that looks like it might be taller. But I'd definitely be looking for used, as I'm frugal!

 

[Willsmotorcycle]

@Josh_ST I too have been investigating all these solutions for a year or so. I'm trying to get the better half to come along, I just need the bike. The toy hauler has the added bonus of a porch.
What I did solve was man, this is going to be expensive.

This is not considered a trailer, no "tongue"

 

[Josh_ST]

Yeah, and I can steal part of the "garage" as my mobile office, as I'd be working daily from the road. Would be nice to close a door for quiet. The more I think about it, toy hauler will win. Now to decide if I want to install a 5th wheel. I've got an 06 Silverado 2500, it's max towing it 10k. IDK if it's a good candidate for a 5th wheel.