Any dirt bikers in here? Discuss loading & tie downs

shudog · December 21, 2023

I got the new Sierra in large part for the folding tailgate. Looks perfect for dirt biking, loading/unloading and getting boots on/off.

So how long of a ramp/board is needed to walk the bike up in & out of the bed, while using the tailgate step? I'm thinking 6'. I'm just going to buy a 2x10 this weekend and add one of those ramp ends bolted to the end and experiment with the length.

Also, who ties down their bikes by the pegs vs the front forks?

THanks

Silverado4x4 · December 21, 2023

33 minutes ago, shudog said:

I got the new Sierra in large part for the folding tailgate. Looks perfect for dirt biking, loading/unloading and getting boots on/off.

So how long of a ramp/board is needed to walk the bike up in & out of the bed, while using the tailgate step? I'm thinking 6'. I'm just going to buy a 2x10 this weekend and add one of those ramp ends bolted to the end and experiment with the length.

Also, who ties down their bikes by the pegs vs the front forks?

THanks

6 foot would be awful steep, just get a tape measure and have someone hold the end at the tailgate and measure down to the ground to figure your length and angle.

Gangly · December 21, 2023

I attach to the handlebars and the rear tire, and haven't had any issues. I'm 6'7 so I haven't had any issues loading the bikes myself with a ramp, but if you are of a shorter stature, a longer ramp would be highly recommended to keep the angles and forces required at a minimum. I'm pretty stretched out when I do it.

shudog · December 21, 2023

I'm 6' tall. top of bed to ground is 36" Might need to step up on bike stand or bucket or something in between going from ground to truck bed, we'll see. My buddy has a lifted truck and he only has a 7' ramp and makes it work so I'd think a 6' should work for me with stock height and the tailgate step

Gangly · December 21, 2023

Also, there are often times ditches or dirt mounds that I can use to back the truck up to so that the dirt bike can often be rolled right off the back of the truck without the use of the ramp.

Ozark Dually · December 26, 2023

Good information.....

I'm trying to find forums regarding transporting a side x side in the truck bed.

(Model of SxS not decided on, yet)

I've got a 2024 1-ton dually on the way with the intent of putting a 2 seater UTV in the bed.

Hopefully this will be done using minimum "racks" and driving or winching the SxS's front wheels over the wheel wells.

My 8' bed will likely be long enough that the SxS may fit and allow closing of tailgate, if not, I ordered the optional "standard" tailgate to reduce wear & tear that would on the high feature tailgates.

I've watched many UTube videos where guys have extravagant rack systems, many placing the SxS partially or fully over the truck cab. NO WAY!!!

Sharing any input or experiences would be appreciated.

Happy Holidays ......

L87Powered · December 29, 2023

Gangly has the right idea, use a mound or ditch and roll it right in/off. I tie down by the handlebars.

shudog · January 9

I bought a 7' folding ramp. I think it's going to work great. Thanks all!

Dirk13 · January 25

On 1/9/2024 at 1:53 PM, shudog said:

I bought a 7' folding ramp. I think it's going to work great. Thanks all!

I use a 7’ folding ramp. I’m short so I use a dirt bike stand as a step for myself when loading and unloading. The multiflex tailgate step is too close to the truck. I plan to get a second ramp or replace it with one that’s wide enough I can walk up beside the bike.

I have a short bed so I load the bike at an angle and put the rear tire against one of the bed lights. Then tie down corner to corner to the bars. I normally have an Undercover ultra flex cover on and this works with it in the vertical position as well.

gemarsh · January 25

You guys are all too young. Would be nice to be 50 again. Screw that loading into the bed...

Edited January 25 by gemarsh

shudog · January 26

I got a 7' folding ramp. Loaded my kids bike this weekend. Going up into the truck was easier than coming back down. Having so many tie down points is awesome.

I typically load the bike with it running in gear and let it drive it self up. I was able to load my kids' bike without any extra step, just the multiflex tailgate. For my bike I might have to use a bike stand as an extra boost.

shudog · March 4

just FYI, I went riding this weekend. I brought a step but don't need it. I load and unload with basic folding ramp and the tailgate step.

Naughty Donkey Performance · March 7

I am old and have 2 bikes and an ATV...lol I use a trailer for hauling AND storage.

Ben_Drinking_Coffee · March 11

In terms of trying down, I prefer looping around the lower triple clamp with a soft tie down - it saves wear on your grips and avoids the tie downs maybe slipping down the bars and pulling on your controls. If the radiator gats in the way, you can use the bars.

I then to a second set of tie downs on the pegs or rear subframe. Super necessary if you've ever seen the back of a bike jump around in the bed of a truck. : )