Ever dreamed of hitting the open road with your beloved motorcycle, only to realize getting it there is a whole adventure in itself? Hauling a motorcycle isn’t just about finding any truck; it’s about finding the *right* truck. Many riders face the headache of not having enough space, worrying about damaging their bike, or simply picking a truck that’s too small or too powerful for the job.
Choosing the perfect truck to transport your two-wheeled pride and joy can feel overwhelming. You want something reliable, safe, and capable, but where do you even start? This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll explore the key things to consider so you can stop stressing and start planning your next ride.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a truck a great motorcycle hauler. We’ll dive into the essential features and considerations that will help you find the perfect match for your needs, ensuring your bike arrives safely and soundly, ready for adventure.
Our Top 5 Truck To Haul Motorcycles Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Truck To Haul Motorcycles Detailed Reviews
1. KROAK KROAK Aluminum Loading Ramps 1700 Lbs
Rating: 9.0/10
The KROAK KROAK Aluminum Loading Ramps are your reliable solution for safely loading and unloading heavy equipment onto your truck bed or trailer. These ramps are built tough, yet surprisingly light, making them a breeze to use for a variety of tasks.
What We Like:
- Strong and Durable: Made from high-quality aluminum, these ramps can handle up to 1700 lbs, perfect for ATVs, lawnmowers, tractors, and even small pickup trucks.
- Quick and Easy Setup: They fold up and unfold in just one second, saving you time and effort. Their compact folded size makes storage simple.
- Safe and Secure: The non-slip rubber grips and included safety straps keep the ramps firmly in place, preventing accidents. The welded construction and smooth surface add extra safety.
- Versatile Use: With a maximum height of 34.5 inches, they work for many different vehicles and situations.
- Helpful Included Straps: The load straps are a nice bonus for added security during transport.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight Limit: While 1700 lbs is good, some users might need ramps with an even higher weight capacity for very heavy machinery.
- Included Instructions: Clearer instructions on using the safety straps could be helpful for first-time users.
These KROAK loading ramps offer a great combination of strength, ease of use, and safety. They are a smart investment for anyone who needs to load and unload equipment regularly.
2. Black Widow Adjustable Steel Motorcycle Tie-Down Rack for Pickup Trucks – Fits 2 Motorcycles or Dirt Bikes
Rating: 8.9/10
The Black Widow Adjustable Steel Motorcycle Tie-Down Rack is a game-changer for hauling your bikes. This rack easily fits two motorcycles or dirt bikes in your pickup truck bed. It’s built tough and designed to keep your bikes secure during transport.
What We Like:
- It’s made of strong, powder-coated steel, so it lasts a long time.
- The rack is surprisingly light at only 10 lbs, making it easy to put in and take out of your truck.
- It comes with two wheel chocks to hold your bikes steady.
- There are three places to attach tie-down straps for extra security.
- The width adjusts from 54 to 73 inches, fitting most truck beds.
- Assembly is straightforward with the included hardware and manual.
- Using the rack can actually help make your truck bed stronger by reducing flex.
What Could Be Improved:
- A center extension to fit a third bike is sold separately.
- While it fits most trucks, always double-check the dimensions for your specific model.
This rack offers a safe and secure way to transport your motorcycles. It’s a solid investment for any rider who needs to haul their bikes regularly.
3. Draw 50 Cars
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your inner artist with “Draw 50 Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles: The Step-by-Step Way to Draw Dragsters, Vintage Cars, Dune Buggies, Mini Choppers, and Many More…” This book guides you through drawing all sorts of cool vehicles. You’ll learn how to create everything from speedy dragsters to classic cars. It’s packed with easy-to-follow instructions. Anyone can learn to draw these amazing machines.
What We Like:
- The instructions are super clear.
- It covers a wide variety of vehicles.
- You can draw many different types of cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
- The step-by-step method makes drawing simple.
- It helps build drawing skills.
What Could Be Improved:
- More advanced techniques could be included for older artists.
- A few more motorcycle styles would be great.
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone who loves vehicles and wants to learn to draw them. It makes the drawing process fun and achievable for beginners.
4. How to Draw Awesome Vehicles: Land
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to unleash your inner artist with “How to Draw Awesome Vehicles: Land, Sea, and Air: 100+ Fun Projects for Aspiring Young Artists.” This book is your ticket to creating amazing drawings of everything that moves. You’ll find tons of cool projects that make learning fun. No experience? No problem! This guide breaks down drawing into simple steps. It’s designed for young artists who dream of bringing cars, boats, planes, and more to life on paper.
What We Like:
- Huge Variety: It covers land, sea, and air vehicles, so you’ll never run out of things to draw.
- Lots of Projects: With over 100 fun projects, you get plenty of practice and creativity.
- Easy to Follow: The instructions are clear and simple, perfect for beginners.
- Engaging Content: The projects are exciting and keep young artists interested.
- Builds Skills: You learn fundamental drawing techniques that can be used for other subjects too.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A: This book is packed with value and doesn’t have any obvious drawbacks for its target audience.
This book is an excellent resource for any young artist looking to explore the world of vehicle drawing. It’s sure to spark creativity and build confidence with every page.
5. Tow Tuff 62-Inch Steel Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for adventure with the Tow Tuff 62-Inch Steel Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack! This tough carrier is built to handle all your gear and bikes. It easily attaches to your car, truck, or SUV, giving you more space for your trips. Whether you’re camping or hitting the trails, this carrier makes hauling easy.
What We Like:
- It can hold up to 500 pounds of stuff.
- You can use it as a cargo carrier or a bike rack for up to 4 bikes.
- It keeps your bikes safe and steady with adjustable holders.
- It fits any 2-inch hitch receiver on most vehicles.
- A strong tie-down strap is included to keep everything secure.
What Could Be Improved:
- The steel construction, while durable, adds some weight to the vehicle.
- Switching between cargo carrier and bike rack modes requires a bit of effort with the pins.
This versatile carrier is a fantastic option for anyone who needs extra hauling space. It’s built tough and offers great flexibility for all your travel needs.
Choosing the Right Truck to Haul Motorcycles
Hauling your motorcycle safely and securely is important. Whether you’re heading to a track day, a new riding destination, or just moving it, you need the right truck. This guide helps you pick the best truck for your motorcycle hauling needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Payload Capacity
This is how much weight your truck can carry. Motorcycles are heavy! Check the payload capacity of any truck you consider. Make sure it can handle your bike plus any gear you plan to bring.
2. Bed Size and Length
You need enough space in the truck bed for your motorcycle. Measure your bike and compare it to the bed dimensions. A longer bed gives you more options and makes loading easier.
3. Tie-Down Points
Strong tie-down points are crucial. These are the loops or hooks where you attach straps to secure your motorcycle. Look for multiple, sturdy tie-down points in the truck bed.
4. Ramp Compatibility
You’ll likely need a ramp to load your motorcycle. Some trucks have built-in ramps, while others require you to buy one separately. Make sure the truck bed is designed to work with common ramp types.
5. Towing Capacity (If Applicable)
If you plan to tow a trailer with more bikes or gear, your truck’s towing capacity matters. This is different from payload capacity. It’s about how much weight the truck can pull.
Important Materials
The materials used in a truck affect its durability and ability to haul heavy loads.
- Steel Bed: Most truck beds are made of steel. High-strength steel offers better durability and can withstand the weight and wear of motorcycle hauling.
- Aluminum Bed: Some newer trucks use aluminum beds. These are lighter, which can improve fuel efficiency, but they might be less resistant to dents and scratches.
- Reinforced Frame: A strong, reinforced frame is essential for carrying heavy loads. This supports the entire truck and its cargo.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a truck better or worse for hauling motorcycles.
Improving Quality:
- Heavy-Duty Suspension: This helps the truck handle the weight of a motorcycle without sagging too much.
- Powerful Engine: A more powerful engine makes it easier to accelerate and maintain speed when carrying a heavy load.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): 4WD can be helpful for loading and unloading on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Bed Liner: A good bed liner protects the truck bed from scratches and damage caused by your motorcycle and its tires.
Reducing Quality:
- Overloading: Putting too much weight in the truck bed stresses the suspension and frame. This can cause damage and is unsafe.
- Poor Tie-Down Strategy: Not using enough tie-downs or using weak ones can lead to your motorcycle shifting or falling during transport.
- Inadequate Ramps: Using flimsy or too-short ramps makes loading dangerous.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your truck affects your experience.
Daily Driver:
If you use your truck for everyday tasks and occasionally haul a bike, you might want a truck that’s comfortable to drive and easy to maneuver in the city. A mid-size truck might be a good balance.
Dedicated Hauler:
If your main purpose for the truck is hauling motorcycles, you’ll want a more robust option. A full-size or heavy-duty truck offers more payload and towing capacity. These trucks are built for tough jobs.
Weekend Warrior:
For those who hit the trails or track on weekends, a truck that can handle rougher terrain and still haul your bike is ideal. 4WD and a strong suspension are key here.
Choosing the right truck makes transporting your motorcycle stress-free and safe. Consider these factors to find the perfect match for your riding adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is payload capacity?
A: Payload capacity is the maximum weight a truck can carry in its bed and cab. It includes the weight of passengers and any cargo.
Q: How do I measure my motorcycle for a truck bed?
A: Measure the length from the front tire to the rear tire (wheelbase) and the overall length including any accessories. Also, measure the width.
Q: Are all tie-down points the same strength?
A: No, tie-down points vary in strength. Always check the rating of the tie-down points to ensure they can handle the weight.
Q: Can I use a regular car ramp to load a motorcycle?
A: No, motorcycle ramps are specifically designed to be strong enough for the weight and width of motorcycles. Car ramps are often too narrow and not strong enough.
Q: How many tie-downs do I need for one motorcycle?
A: You typically need at least four tie-downs: two for the front and two for the rear of the motorcycle.
Q: What is the difference between payload and towing capacity?
A: Payload is the weight the truck carries *in* it. Towing capacity is the weight the truck can pull *behind* it (like a trailer).
Q: Should I get a truck with a manual or automatic transmission for hauling?
A: Both can work. Automatic transmissions are often easier for everyday driving, while some prefer manual for better control when hauling heavy loads.
Q: How can I protect my truck bed when hauling a motorcycle?
A: Use a good quality bed liner, a tailgate protector, and consider adding extra tie-down points if needed.
Q: Is a longer truck bed always better?
A: A longer bed generally makes loading easier and provides more space for your motorcycle and gear, but it can make the truck harder to park.
Q: What if my motorcycle doesn’t fit perfectly in the bed?
A: You might need to consider a trailer, or ensure the motorcycle is positioned so it doesn’t overhang the tailgate unsafely. Proper securing is always the top priority.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.