Load motorcycle into the Astro van

[BusyWeb]

Loading a motorcycle into the Astro Van project.

In last couple of weeks, I had to spend time for some efficient way to loading a motorcyle on the car.
First of all, I had to find a vehicle.
Sedan, Pickup Truck, Van, and else...
After weeks of research, I decieded Astro Van.
The reasons for me.
1. Astro cargo space is good enough for the most mid-sized bikes
2. Motorcycle is well hidden by others after loaded
3. Many other stuffs are also loaded into the van, and it has advantage of weather proof.
4. MPG is pretty good ^^;
5. And used one price is very nice for me as poor man... ha ha ha

So, after I got a little reliable used Astro Van (passenger type), I removed all the rear seats.
Tried loading and unloading, successful.
However, loading the bike myself was little hard.
Unloading is easier.

I started a reserch again for a week.
Some useful information from internet has been found during the research.
Started my implementation.
Using 12V electronic winch is pretty simple and cost effective for the Astro Van and for me.

Bought some items.
1. 12V electronic winch with *** Remote Controller *** very nice..
2. Wheel chock for the secure transfort.
3. Portable Jump Power Battery for the winch
4. Couple of more ratchet straps
5. Winch mounting supplier, and build one for my new winch and wheel chock (customize)

Yes, today afternoon, finally finished the project.
Here is the some photos about it to share with you.


[youtube:3569pen3]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQbc4yrI46E[/youtube:3569pen3]


Now, I need to start Fix Astro Van project for a week... ha ha ha
There are some problems for my new/used Astro Van.


Thanks

[Water Warrior 2]

No one will ever accuse you of not being serious with a project. That is quite a set-up. Security, storage and utility are ideal with a van with one exception. You have to bend over and hunch down to load the bike. That is not ideal but the winch will make that aspect much safer overall.
Years ago I would transport 2 bikes in a van and loaded them through the side door with a very short wooden ramp. A lot of work after a day of riding, being fatigued and then having to load up to go home.
Looking forward to the next installment.

[dhgeyer]

Very clever! If you figure out a way to get the GZ250 into a Prius, please let me know!

[alanmcorcoran]

makes more sense than my project:

1) Find a place I want to ride that's 300 miles away.
2) Ride there as fast as possible. Get stiff neck and sore back, burn up tires and gas.
3) Pop a tylenol or two and do Ride.
4) Ride home. See #2. Possibly have heartburn from the tylenol. Rest neck, back, ass, and sometimes fingers, knees and feet.
5) Repeat.

Up until now I've been on a nice bike for doing the 300 miles, but if I get a half street/half dirt, I don't think I'm going to want to be putting the miles on the bike or my ass as much. I may go with an RV/bike setup if I pursue this. But I like the simplicity (and utility) of the cheap van approach.

[BusyWeb]

Looking forward to the next installment.
If you figure out a way to get the GZ250 into a Prius, please let me know!But I like the simplicity (and utility) of the cheap van approach.

Thanks for the comments...
Here is the Part 2, loading and unloading using winch.
I made some comments on the video clip.
Good and Bad parts of the using winch !!! ^^;
I may need some wider and longer ramps for easier and safer loading the bike...

[youtube:3jg8ds2i]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45fDlsZeoyU[/youtube:3jg8ds2i]

Thanks...

PS: I'm very skinny and physically not that strong, so I did this project.... ha ha ha

[Water Warrior 2]

Busy, you have all the right stuff but may I suggest a couple different things that might make loading easier.
1st, attach the winch cable to the front rack on the bike. That way it will pull more evenly and there will be less left/right forces.
2nd, separate your ramps about a foot. You need to get further away from the bike for better balance and better use of your strength. Less chance of running over your own foot too.
3rd, Run the bike a bit to the right side of the van. Give yourself some wiggle room to move around. You need mobility to be successful when loading.
4th, unloading will be easier if you do not use the winch I think. Carefully roll backwards using the front brake and using the clutch with the trans in 1st gear. Letting the clutch out is an effective brake on the rear end.
5th, and this is just a thought that might work well. Space the ramps so you can actually put down the side stand on the left ramp if need be. With the bike in gear and clutch out you have effectively parked on a hill. You may need this one day. Try these ideas out with a safety man handy just in case you run into a snag.

[dannylightning]

definately cool, i would have just built a ramp and jummped the bike in the the van, evil kenevil style.. how ever you spell that hahaha

[BusyWeb]

Busy, you have all the right stuff but may I suggest a couple different things that might make loading easier.
1st, attach the winch cable to the front rack on the bike. That way it will pull more evenly and there will be less left/right forces.
2nd, separate your ramps about a foot. You need to get further away from the bike for better balance and better use of your strength. Less chance of running over your own foot too.
3rd, Run the bike a bit to the right side of the van. Give yourself some wiggle room to move around. You need mobility to be successful when loading.
4th, unloading will be easier if you do not use the winch I think. Carefully roll backwards using the front brake and using the clutch with the trans in 1st gear. Letting the clutch out is an effective brake on the rear end.
5th, and this is just a thought that might work well. Space the ramps so you can actually put down the side stand on the left ramp if need be. With the bike in gear and clutch out you have effectively parked on a hill. You may need this one day. Try these ideas out with a safety man handy just in case you run into a snag.

Thanks, thanks alot.
I also thought some different strategies for this van/winch methods after my first try.
First of all, I may need little wider and longer ramps so that I could solve #2 and #5 you have suggested.
#3, I had to do it from next loading/unloading ^^;
#4, Made a successful unloading with this method before, and I would do it again without using winch >> clutch method would be very helpful and will try it.

About, #1: I thought but there are some problems
a. battery location (or longer wiring is needed)
b. I saw some bad comments about the winch wire fly off to the people when winch is in high tension and suddenly loosed... very scared..
However, I want to try it, and feeling much easier bike handling I might get when loading...
solution of wire fly off was cover the wire with some heavy clothing??? something like that???

Thanks always, Mr. WW

[Water Warrior 2]

Busy it is highly unlikely you will ever have the cable break or come loose. The warning originates from folks winching heavier vehicles out of mud holes and up much steeper grades. They are working with much greater forces than you are. The cable will not break. The amount of weight you are pulling with the winch is really not all that much. As long as everything is attached securely I would say "Just Go For It."
Longer ramps might be more trouble than they are worth. What you need is practice, practice and more practice to get comfy with the set-up and develope confidence in new skills and methods. Proper timing with the winch is paramount to avoid an oops of course. What is the load rating for the winch ? I'll bet it would lift your street bike straight up in the air with little effort.

[dannylightning]

Busy it is highly unlikely you will ever have the cable break or come loose. The warning originates from folks winching heavier vehicles out of mud holes and up much steeper grades. They are working with much greater forces than you are. The cable will not break. The amount of weight you are pulling with the winch is really not all that much. As long as everything is attached securely I would say "Just Go For It."
Longer ramps might be more trouble than they are worth. What you need is practice, practice and more practice to get comfy with the set-up and develope confidence in new skills and methods. Proper timing with the winch is paramount to avoid an oops of course. What is the load rating for the winch ? I'll bet it would lift your street bike straight up in the air with little effort.

+1 dont worry about the cable busting. a motor cycle is like a feather to a good wench...

[music man]

Busyweb, you need to find you a old retired wheelchair modified mini-van, they lower the floor in them which will give you more head room.

[BusyWeb]

I would say "Just Go For It."
Longer ramps might be more trouble than they are worth. What you need is practice, practice and more practice to get comfy with the set-up and develope confidence in new skills and methods.

OK, Sir.
Let me try it, and the installing the winch at the motorcycle is easier than current setup... ha ha ha, the front rack could be very useful for this time.
Another idea popped-up, install winch permanentely at the bike, so when my bike is stuck on the mud, I could use it ???
Thanks

+1 dont worry about the cable busting. a motor cycle is like a feather to a good wench...
Oki Toki, Danny, thanks.
Actually, using elec. winch is the first time for me and was nervours to start using it... ^^;

Busyweb, you need to find you a old retired wheelchair modified mini-van, they lower the floor in them which will give you more head room.
Wow, thanks for the idea.
If they do those modification to the van, my van also could be modified??? (if it costs small... I'll research it)

[Water Warrior 2]

Busy I hope I did not confuse you. I did not suggest mounting the winch on the front rack, just attach the cable end to the rack. As for modding your van similar to a wheel chair van the cost might give you a heart attack. These are fairly complicated because the structural integrity of the van can not be compromised.

[music man]

. As for modding your van similar to a wheel chair van the cost might give you a heart attack. These are fairly complicated because the structural integrity of the van can not be compromised.


Ditto on that one WW, that is why I told him to find a retired wheelchair van, because to have one converted is about half the price of a new mini-van (I have a friend in a wheelchair that just bought a new one), not counting the price of the van.

And if you can get your motorcycle in the side door, they also already have a ramp built in them to boot. :2tup:

[BusyWeb]

Busy I hope I did not confuse you. I did not suggest mounting the winch on the front rack, just attach the cable end to the rack. As for modding your van similar to a wheel chair van the cost might give you a heart attack. These are fairly complicated because the structural integrity of the van can not be compromised.

Ha ha ha,
I got it, I thought that attach winch to the motorcycle side...
My bad...
One of the problems solved.. ^^
Thanks

The van modification >>> just researching it, if IF if.. ...if..

[mrlmd1]

Any reason you just can't slowly power it up into the van with a little throttle and clutch control while you walk up beside it?

[dentheman]

Any reason you just can't slowly power it up into the van with a little throttle and clutch control while you walk up beside it?
That sounds to me like an accident waiting to happen.

[BusyWeb]

Any reason you just can't slowly power it up into the van with a little throttle and clutch control while you walk up beside it?

That sounds to me like an accident waiting to happen.

Yes, before winch implementation, I actually hoped that slowly riding (walk up) up the motorcycle which is in idle mode might be good enough for loading.
I tried couple of different attempts, all felt very dangerous for me and failed all.
And another problem was that motorcycle tires are slippery(spinning itself) during the attempts when the bike is on high angle.
My guess was that my ramps are not well fitted with this dirt tires ??? not sure.
That's the one of the reasons that I started the winch project along with other reasons.

Some great help with an Auto Repair Shop Mechanic(where my van was fixed, and he is doing 4x4 truck adventure himself), the wheel chock location will be moved passenger side little bit, and the winch location would be changed with some winch wire rollers. And he gave me many other advices about it.
And he want and like to do some modification by himself ... what a great guy!! Lucky, I met him. ha ha ha
Today, he gave/help me an idea about two separated ramps which was attached with velcros.
He told me that buy some hinges >> he attached the two ramps with hinges for me... free ha ha ha
That was a great ide, and very convenient...
Hope better loading next time after these updates.

Anyway, thank for the comments ^^

[patrick_777]

Any reason you just can't slowly power it up into the van with a little throttle and clutch control while you walk up beside it?

I've done this many times onto the bed of my truck (Titan) and never once had a problem with it. The only tricky part is using the brake and throttle at the same time while holding the bike up, but do it once or twice and you get the hang of it pretty quickly.

[BusyWeb]

Any reason you just can't slowly power it up into the van with a little throttle and clutch control while you walk up beside it?

I've done this many times onto the bed of my truck (Titan) and never once had a problem with it. The only tricky part is using the brake and throttle at the same time while holding the bike up, but do it once or twice and you get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Hi, Mr. Patrick...
Yes... I hope I could do it myself easily...
Strangely, whenever I am feeling some fear/danger especially on the motorcyle events, I usually give up early and try to find another easier methods.
Not only for these kind of projects, but also when riding against tricky roads like hard cornering, dirts, or breaking/stopping kind of things.

For this loading, my fear was very big when I got some stuck(spinning wheel) top of the ramps.
I may(might) have to try it one day again if the jump power battery is out of juice... ha ha ha
So, I have to practice it and be prepared for it.
Thanks for the advice, let me practice it...

[Water Warrior 2]

Any reason you just can't slowly power it up into the van with a little throttle and clutch control while you walk up beside it?
That is a great idea with a pick up or trailer but a van will likely end in disaster. The problem is having to crouch down to get in the van while trying to control the bike safely and accurately. Tried it once myself and it was not a happy ending. It was really quite a performance that left burn marks and tire marks on my brand new interior of real Mahogany and a nice carpet. Never tried it again and opted to just muscle the bike in the van.
I think Busy will get everything ironed out to his satisfaction shortly.

[BusyWeb]

Here is some update for the winch and wheel chock setup photos.
I really appreciate auto shop mechanic who made idea and built this setup for me.
He even spent his own money for welding, and paid back for him because that's too much ^^;

First of all I added couple of more ramps for much better safety when loading and unloading.
There was alot differences when I tried; felt really safe feeling during the loadin/unloading.
And here are some updates.

* Bought a wire-roller and welded on the top/behind of the wheel chocke.
* Wheel chocke is now little bit passenger side so that I could have more room when handling the bike.
* Wheel chocke is permanently screwed down on the van cargo floor.
* Elec. winch is placed behind wheel chocke, and screwed down well.

With this updated setup, I don't have to install/uninstall any items/materials during the loading/unloading.
All I need to do is hook-up jump battery to the winch, and start loading.
I'm very happy with this new updated setup.

Here are some photos of new setup.

1. I added more ramps for better safety on loading and unloading.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_DRYwefLR_YE/TIb5OwWNsbI/AAAAAAAAIn0/18tKDJ6l6Aw/s800/IMG_2635.JPG


2. Wire roller photos

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_DRYwefLR_YE/TIb5QAMIrZI/AAAAAAAAIoA/L2Mr6LWOVp4/s800/IMG_2637.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_DRYwefLR_YE/TIb5Qd6y1MI/AAAAAAAAIoE/MXUooG9i7dg/s800/IMG_2638.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_DRYwefLR_YE/TIb5OVBev3I/AAAAAAAAInw/-Tu7hGEM2P8/s800/IMG_2634.JPG


3. After bike is loaded...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_DRYwefLR_YE/TIb5Nw7ssaI/AAAAAAAAIns/Zt1f0vN0N3A/s800/IMG_2633.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_DRYwefLR_YE/TIb5MtRgqHI/AAAAAAAAIno/lgO2gvJ2POA/s800/IMG_2632.JPG


Now, I need some vacume and wash my new van for the coming adventures.... ^^
Thanks

[blaine]

Your new setup looks to be much more stable & safe.Ride safe. :) :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

Wow !! Impressive set up Busy. The ramp is soooooooooooo nice looking and makes the whole affair a lot easier and safer for you. You will surely appreciate the ramp after a long day of off roading and getting back to van with little energy left. Well done. :2tup:

[BusyWeb]

Your new setup looks to be much more stable & safe.Ride safe. :) :2tup:
Wow !! Impressive set up Busy. The ramp is soooooooooooo nice looking and makes the whole affair a lot easier and safer for you. You will surely appreciate the ramp after a long day of off roading and getting back to van with little energy left. Well done. :2tup:

Thanks, and thanks.
I'll do safe riding always.

PS: The riding morotcycle makes/gave me many changes.
I woundn't even think about this kind of projects before riding bike;
and after some good results(yes, there were some failures too ^^;) I'm getting/looking all the surrounds in bright side; positively.
Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good.
And I like that I could share some of my feelings with the internet friends.

[Water Warrior 2]

"Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good."
Absolutely true Busy. I have yet to meet a rider who didn't think riding was good for them. Personally I am going through a lull in my enthusiasm for riding but not enough to give up on 2 wheels as a enjoyable pastime and way to meet new friends. Can't seem to make the time for a ride for some strange reason but that really has to change soon. Now that I have a new and improved windshield for my camera yet again I should give it a test.

[alantf]

"Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good."
Absolutely true Busy. I have yet to meet a rider who didn't think riding was good for them. Personally I am going through a lull in my enthusiasm for riding but not enough to give up on 2 wheels as a enjoyable pastime and way to meet new friends. Can't seem to make the time for a ride for some strange reason but that really has to change soon. Now that I have a new and improved windshield for my camera yet again I should give it a test.[attachment=0:170ffr85]img009.jpg[/attachment:170ffr85]

:2tup: :2tup: :2tup: :2tup:

[alanmcorcoran]

The motorcycle riding gave me many changes.
I woundn't even think about this kind of project before riding bike;
and after some good results(yes, there were some failures too ^^;) I'm looking at the bright side; positively.
Bike riding actually changes my mind and body for good.
And I like that I could share some of my feelings with the internet friends.

Well said sir! The motorcycle riding has improved my outlook as well. Or maybe it's emulating the Resident Evil chick. Either way, I'm venturing out a lot more than I used to. Looking into possibly renting a "Toy Hauler" to see what that's like.

:plus1:

[Water Warrior 2]

I have often joked that my bike is a 2 wheeled rocking chair. Could have bought a stationary home bound rocking chair upon retirement but decided against it. My "retirement chair" make me grin, giggle, smile, whistle and gets the heart in high gear now and again. I am still surprised at the number of retired folks who ride rather than sit home and watch TV. It is good for the body and soul.
I must say though that I was in absolute AWE taking to an older gentlman a few weeks ago. He is retired from UCLA where he taught for years. Now he rides his bicycle where my motorcycle takes me. A 50 mile ride is his warm up for the day. He is 72 years young. YIKES.

[mrlmd1]

For those of you thinking of carrying a bike in a pickup truck, check out this site with the motorized ramp and look at the video at the bottom of the page.

http://jettrax.com/Motorcycle-Lifts.htm

[Water Warrior 2]

That is one nice rig for transporting a big bike but certainly overkill for a smaller bike. For our own uses a trailer would be best for both bikes and a lot cheaper. I would probably have a trailer now if there was room to park it when not in use. Oh well, we can always dream and scheme about the future. My Ranger will carry either bike nicely and with Busy's super wide ramp it would be pretty slick to load.

[mrlmd1]

One of the things to watch out for when loading a bike or heavy riding mower or anything on a trailer, is that if the front trailer tongue is not attached to the car, the trailer tends to dip down in the back, down to the road, with the tongue pointing up in the air as the load is transferred to the rear of the trailer as it is going up the ramp, because of all the weight behind the axle, Be sure to attach the trailer to the car or have someone sit on the trailer tongue as a counterweight to prevent this. It can ruin your whole day if you are not aware of it and you can dump your bike. It happens either going up or down. :shocked:

[Water Warrior 2]

I always loaded my trailer after hooking up. One day I got lazy and fingered why not just pull the pin for the tilting deck. This was while unloading a riding lawn mower. First and last time I did that. I almost wore that mower when it tried to flip over backwards on top of me.

[alanmcorcoran]

My wife is putting $675 into my ten plus year old Suburban (for hitch, brake stuff and electrical connections) so I can play around with towing - maybe as early as next week. I will take this advice to heart. I'm a little nervous about maneuvering The Beast in tight spaces. Plus it weighs a (half) ton.

[Easy Rider]

or have someone sit on the trailer tongue as a counterweight to prevent this. It can ruin your whole day if you are not aware of it and you can dump your bike. :shocked:

And if someone is trying to counter-weight the tongue with their own body mass, it might ruin THEIR whole day too.

[mrlmd1]

FYI - my GF's 110-120 lbs. is enough sitting on the hitch of my 10' trailer to keep it flat on the tongue stand/wheel thingy when loading or unloading my S50 with me on it, or my John Deere mower with me on it, driving up the ramp. It's all related to the lever arm. I couldn't do either of those, I couldn't even stand on the tailgate without that weight up there or with the trailer attached to the car.
AC - does your Suburban have a tailgate or the panel truck doors? If you have a tailgate, open it up so you can see the trailer better when you turn your head and look out the back. Steer with the bottom of the steering wheel when you back up - ie., if you want the trailer to go to the right, turn the BOTTOM of the steering wheel to the right. You are steering the front wheels of the car in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go. It takes a little practice, just go slow and you'll figure it out and eventually get good at it. Or, like with the bike, take it to an empty parking lot and practice.

And I think the Suburban weighs 3 tons (6000 lbs), the 1/2 ton designation is related to the payload or weight carrying capacity of the vehicle itself. The 1/2 ton 2010 model is rated to tow over 8000lbs - that's a lot of motorcycles you can take with you.

[alanmcorcoran]

I have the tailgate. When I mentioned the half ton I was referring to the weight of my Stratoliner. Apparently the hitch is on the chevy as of this afternoon and ready to go as soon as I get back to California. As far as the Suburban goes, there are lots of different models and engine combos - mine is one of the wimpier ones. It's 8 cylinders but its got a towing capacity of about 8500. I do recall paying a little extra for some sort of tow package, anti scraping of the bottom and, of course, the 4 wheel drive, but that was in '98 and I'm not sure I even know what I was getting (besides the 4x4 capability) even back then. Sure as hell don't know now. The toy hauler I was looking to rent is about 7500 or so, so when you add in the Strat (assuming it will fit in the thing...) I'm gonna be close to capacity.

If a recall correctly from my boat launching days, you have to make sure you don't try to get too cute (or acute) with your steering angles when backing up. There is a certain point of "No Return" where your only option is to put it back in forward, and straighten the rig back up. Of course, if you reach that point in a situation where going forward is no longer an option, you have really effed yourself. Not saying I know this from experience or anything, just sayin'...

My plan is to never go backwards with the thing connected. Can't see how I can possibly go wrong! :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Alan is the toy hauler rated for 7500 or does it weight 7500 ?? Oh, in my experience backing up a loaded trailer is easier than one that is unloaded. And you really should practice reversing with a trailer. One day some one will box you in someplace where you can't go forward.

[alanmcorcoran]

I was kidding about my plan. Although I will be avoiding going in reverse.

I'll be taking an inaugural run next thursday through Monday to get familiar with the ins and outs. As it happens, I only needed about half of what I thought on the Suburban. T srung for a fancier trailer brake control - apparently I'll be able to adjust it on the fly with some sort of visual readout in the cab. Kind of wondering if the Strat will fit in the one we are renting. I'll have to get up to speed on the tie downs, hooking the thing up to the hitch, loading a bike into it without crashing, unloading it without crashing, etc. Better remember not to park it facing downhill.

I don't know what the hauler weighs or is rated at for sure - the wife did all the talking and research, but the hitch guy, who seems to have a lot of experience in these sorts of things, did not seem to think we'd have any issues. (Weight wise, anyway.)

[mrlmd1]

There's no way the hauler WEIGHS 7500 lbs, it may be rated to CARRY that kind of load. Most 26'-30' complete travel trailers don't weigh that much fully loaded.
If you have to maneuver a trailer into tight spaces, you could always put a hitch, just to be used for that, on the FRONT bumper. It makes that job much easier.

What else are you planning to take inside the toy hauler that you can't fit into the Suburban? Won't a regular 4' or 5" x 8' flat bed trailer with ramp/gate suffice?
Those big trailers are a bitch to hook up because you can't back up just near it and lift the receiver on to the hitch, you have to maneuver the tow vehicle exactly under it and let the trailer jack down over the hitch ball.
Look for this neat little gadget to help you get the hitch ball and trailer tongue lined up - it's a rod on a magnetic base you place over the trailer tongue and another one with V-shaped little wings on the top that you put by the tow vehicle hitch ball. Then you back up getting the first rod into the V of the second one, and you're all lined up to drop the trailer onto the hitch ball, you don't have to get out of the truck 5 times and keep adjusting your position or rely on someone else to guide you.

Don't forget to take your turns wider too, looking into the rear view mirror to make sure you don't ride over curbs or hit things with the trailer. And you may need to get some wider mirrors to attach to the Suburban if you're pulling a really wide trailer with reduced visibility out around it. Just like a motorcycle, bicycle, boat, skis - it never ends, the money you can spend on these little things needed to keep you happy.

[Easy Rider]

It's all related to the lever arm.

Indeed it is.....and all trailers are not identical in their design and construction.

All I am saying is that if you intend to have a human hold down the tongue, you need to be REAL careful because in some cases it CAN be dangerous, not only from "flipping" but from rolling too if the wheels aren't chocked or the brakes locked.

There is a video on America's Funniest or America's Dumbest of two guys trying to get a lawn mower into a trailer that illustrates the point perfectly.

[blaine]

If you have to maneuver a trailer into tight spaces, you could always put a hitch, just to be used for that, on the FRONT bumper. It makes that job much easier.

:plus1: That is so simple yet ingenuous. :haha2: :yes:

[alanmcorcoran]

The toy hauler also has a queen and two sofa beds, a shower, kitchen and a bathroom. But you are correct re weight. We think the rental company is estimating some sort of gross weight - we've seen bigger ones at other places coming in at 5300 or so.

[mrlmd1]

Another way to prevent the ass end of the trailer from tilting down from the loaded-on weight going up the ramp is to block it up at the rear just where the gate/ramp attaches. If the trailer is not attached to the tow vehicle or if there's no one to sit on the tongue, this works too. The best way is to attach the tongue to the car, and usually this is pretty easy, as you can (if it's not a gigantic heavy trailer) just pick up the tongue and walk it over to the hitch ball and drop it on and hook it up. AC's toy hauler is obviously too big top do this with, but for a 5x10 or 6x12 trailer, it's no problem.

[mrlmd1]

And if you don't have a trailer, you could always try something like this. And how do you do that anyway?

[Water Warrior 2]

Now I see the light. That kind of toy hauler. Can't accuse Alan of doing things in half measures. Sleeping quaters and a shower are a lot more than I was thinking.

[dannylightning]

And if you don't have a trailer, you could always try something like this. And how do you do that anyway?

you find a big hill and build a ram at the bottom, u fly donw the hill and jump it and hope you land on the trunk of the car,

i do it all the time..

[alanmcorcoran]

Tractor was already on there when he bought the car.