I have a full size truck and need to get the tailgate up to be able to pull my trailer when I move next month. If I load my bike diagonally I should be able to get the tailgate up but I'm not sure I'll be able to use a front and rear tie down hook in my truck bed without the fairings being in the way. When I load it straight in the straps go out and down from the forks to the hooks in my truck bed. Diagonally, they will go back and down and I'm positive the fairings will suffer if I even try to strap it down.

I'm hoping some of you have done this and can offer pics and advice of how you've done it. I don't want to be a jerk, but please don't offer suggestions if you haven't actually done it, because odds are I've already thought of it or tried it. I have no desire to mount a tire mount through my bedliner and truck bed for one move.

 

I can't imagine having the bike sit anything other than straight. If I were you, I'd leave the tailgate down. It shouldn't be an issue as most trailers tongues are long enough that it won't hit. If it is in fact an issue, just remove the tailgate once the bike is loaded up and strapped in. You can place the tailgate in the bed of the truck, or on the trailer.

having said this. I have seen bikes loaded the way your speaking of, but I would never do it.

what kind of trailer is it? can the bike go in the trailer instead of the truck?

 

The issue isn't the trailer, it's the trailer jack. I could possibly take the tailgate off but I'd have to do it prior to loading the bike because it needs to flip most of the way up to come off, and it would be a disaster loading it without the tailgate.

Ironically it's a motorcycle trailer but if I load the bike in the trailer, I won't have room for all of my household items. I'm thinking that something like this is my best option...http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/produc...fCatId=&mmyId=

 

Damnit, now I'm trying to remember if my rear tire sits on the tailgate or not... It's a 2010 Crew Cab Denali if anyone has the same style GMC or Chevy.

 

canyon dancers are the best way to go for sure. I've used them for many years now whenever a bike is trailered. However, the handlbars still should be square to what ever your tied to. Meaning equal length straps on each side. I'm sure you can get away without it, but its a bit risky for me. I like making sure my bike is as secure as it can be, not just "that should work".

You may be able to put the bike in straight so the front and handlebars are sqaure to the back of the bed, tie it down, then pull the rear of the bike to the side. Its kinda of like what you were asking, but the front wheel is still against the back of the truck, and you will still be able to strap it evenly. Then tie off the rear of the bike. It probably wouldn't have to be pulled to the side very far. This would probably be better for securing the bike than having it side completely sideways.

As for fit. I would measure the bike and then measure the bed. Im not sure how long your box is, but my 1000RR fits in the back of my silverado shortbox, which is a 6 foot box, and the rear wheel sticks out so the tailgate cannot close. However, the rear wheel center is on the bed with about 5 or so inches to spare, so the wheel does not rest on the tailgate. I don't know of the crew cabs have a shorter box than a standard shortbox. But a tape measure should be able to determine that.

How far are you moving? Have any friends that could ride the bike or pick you up after you ride it to your new location?

 

I used to load my dirt bike cross-ways in my pickup bed quite regularly. In that one particular pickup, the tailgate would just barely, barely close and 'wedge' the bike in really tight. In another pickup, the fuel tank and tool box wouldn't let me mount the bike fore-and-aft, but it also wouldn't wedge the tire in place. I just strapped it down, though it was crossways, and everything was completely fine.

 

If you do use those canyon dancer,I have done it just like justasquid said.Strap the front straight and then slide the rear to one side so the tailgate closes,then tie down the rear.

 

Hmm had this issue last May , had an unexpected bike in the bed of the truck I had
.....we loaded the bike straight into the truck with back wheel almost on the tailgate and
strapped it down normally.

We hooked up the trailer I had my bike in by taking off the trailer jack and used
a regular jack to raise it up enough to back in under and hitch up the trailer.

Only thing you have to watch is not cutting too tight when backing up or turning
or the trailer could crush the corners of the truck tailgate.

Worked for us from TN to PA ....... right Trout ?? (note thumbs up sign of approval )

Would not recommend diagonal loading unless you go pulling the plastics off first

 

I think Canyon Dancers would be my only option if I go fully diagonal. The only other way to hook it to the forks and hit a front and rear hook in my truck bed would be to use the frame and that won't provide the stability to keep the bike upright and the front end straight. I'd probably use those and still strap the frame though. I'm not sure if I'll have the clearance to strap the front in straight and then **** the rear end over. As mentioned above, I've thought about loading the bike straight and seeing if I can take the jack off of the trailer, I'm not sure it simply unbolts. I'd prefer to take the trailer hitch off vs removing the tailgate. If I dinged my tailgate moving it when it wasn't installed I'd be pretty pissed with myself. The Ford shown above has a little bit longer box than my truck, but bike length may be different too. I only have a 5'5" box or something ridiculous like that.

 

5.5 box your bike prally will not fit with the tailgate at all. thats only 66 inches of space to put something closer to 80 inches long in.