Triumphrat

jasmail · 01-04-2005

Anyone have experience loading a bike into a Uhaul truck? What's the best way?

TexasTri · 01-04-2005

You could add a trailer behind the truck, much like they do when towing cars. You could also crate it if it has to go in the truck.

parrycm · 01-04-2005

I don't think it's really practicable unless the floor has location points for tie-downs. If it does, the bike needs to be vertical (i.e. not on the sidestand). The tie-downs need to be angled to the front and rear of the bike so that they don't just keep the bike vertical but also prevent fore and aft movement of the bike. And don't forget to leave it in gear.

The only other option I'd possibly consider is having the bike facing sideways and leaning against the front bulkhead (with large amounts of padding between). Then tie the bike securely to the bulkhead so that it can't move sideways or fore and aft.

Note that wherever possible, tie-downs should be tied to the unsprung parts of the bike, so that you are not compressing the suspension when you ratchet them down. That's easy on the front but harder at the back, especially on a monoshock-equipped bike.

Good luck

cafetbird · 01-04-2005

Ride the bike, and have someone else drive the Uhaul :-D

In all cases, riding a bike is much better than driving a Uhell...

bobshields55 · 01-04-2005

I agree with Scot. Who wants to be in a smelly old U-Haul truck when you could be riding on the best bike there is!?!?

Bob

trypcil · 01-04-2005

Have a 'charcuterie' at this:-

http://www.condor-lift.com/they_works.htm

You can make a simple 'chock' quite easily and cheaply from channel stock and screw it into the u-haul bed. Unless of course you don't want to trailer it - either way you'll need some straps. If you are adamant take a look at the 'condor loader' and note how they tie down - picture tell a 1000 words!

Beemie · 01-04-2005

Some UHAUL rental centers have motorcycle trailers. They are very heavy duty, have a swing down ramp tailgate and V in front to catch the front wheel. The best part is they rent for about $15 a day.

I did that once, but due to the hassles in arranging, picking up and dropping off I finally bit the bullet and bought a bike trailer. It will be used for as long as I can ride. You might look around for a used one. Taxes are minimal and no insurance is needed.

Otherwise I'd track down a UHAUL trailer.

I wouldn't risk getting the bike into their trucks because the beds are quite high. That is unless you're related to Evil K.

Beemie · 01-04-2005

Some UHAUL rental centers have motorcycle trailers. They are very heavy duty, have a swing down ramp tailgate and V in front to catch the front wheel. The best part is they rent for about $15 a day.

I did that once, but due to the hassles in arranging, picking up and dropping off I finally bit the bullet and bought a bike trailer. It will be used for as long as I can ride. You might look around for a used one. Taxes are minimal and no insurance is needed.

Otherwise I'd track down a UHAUL trailer.

I wouldn't risk getting the bike into their trucks because the beds are quite high. That is unless you're related to Evil K.

Diego · 01-05-2005

Beemie's approach is the best if you can do it, but it is certain possible to haul a bike in the truck if you and it (combined) don't exceed the ramp weight limit, and even better if the machine is of a size where you can set your boots against the edges of the ramp for guidance.

I've had to do that a few times with the Bonneville, mostly by simply riding it in. (One time, I was recuperating from a leg injury and didn't feel steady enough to attempt it atop the bike, so some helpers and I pushed and pulled.)

After getting it inside, I ease it around to where the front is aimed back at the door for easier exiting, and strap it down. U-Haul really wouldn't appreciate your drilling into the truck bed for tiedowns or chocks(!) but you can do a very good job of strapping to the lower set of rails.

The Rocket and I would easily exceed the ramp limit. The Tiger doesn't allow for using feet for guidance, so one wants to start out from an incline with the ramp itself close to level, so there won't be any false starts up the ramp. An unplanned stop could prove pretty unfortunate!

Thus, I don't recommend this technique for anything bigger than the Bonneville or T-bird families, and then not if a trailer is available.

Diego · 01-05-2005

Beemie's approach is the best if you can do it, but it is certain possible to haul a bike in the truck if you and it (combined) don't exceed the ramp weight limit, and even better if the machine is of a size where you can set your boots against the edges of the ramp for guidance.

I've had to do that a few times with the Bonneville, mostly by simply riding it in. (One time, I was recuperating from a leg injury and didn't feel steady enough to attempt it atop the bike, so some helpers and I pushed and pulled.)

After getting it inside, I ease it around to where the front is aimed back at the door for easier exiting, and strap it down. U-Haul really wouldn't appreciate your drilling into the truck bed for tiedowns or chocks(!) but you can do a very good job of strapping to the lower set of rails.

The Rocket and I would easily exceed the ramp limit. The Tiger doesn't allow for using feet for guidance, so one wants to start out from an incline with the ramp itself close to level, so there won't be any false starts up the ramp. An unplanned stop could prove pretty unfortunate!

Thus, I don't recommend this technique for anything bigger than the Bonneville or T-bird families, and then not if a trailer is available.