Hey guys..I do a lot of motorcycle track days and being that I have a single cab (3.0 V6) ranger, theres not too much room for the bike and all the gear in the truck bed. I was wondering if anything has seen something like this used on the ranger? Would there be any problems? Maybe bottoming out suspension?

What do you think?



Thanks!

 

If your not lowered you should have no problems

 

If your concerned about sagging suspension u can always put an add a leaf spring kit on your truck.

 

wouldn't that raise the back end tho?

 

Also have to remember the rangers are limited on tongue load which with a trailer a lot of the weight is on the trailer wheels but with that setup its all hanging on the frame which not sure how heavy your bike is but may want to make sure its not overloaded.

 

X2 to this.

The weight is nothing for the truck to move around but you have to check the weight limitations

 

Another load leveling option is a set of airbags. No extra height but it would level out the truck when you need it.

 

Trailer.


That's a butt ton of weight leveraged way out there for such a small truck. Sure an AAL or load helper bags will help, but in all honesty, trailer it unless it's a light dirt bike.

 

Get the weight of the motor cycle and the weight of the carrier, add them up.

Look up your currently installed hitch tongue weight(it will have a label), change to higher rated hitch if needed.

Also check local laws about blocking rear license plate and brake light/tail light obstructions, some states require 'trailer' lights on bumper carriers if one or both sides are blocked.

Example here, carrier weights 49lbs
http://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-...l#.Uxy9FoXqq6o

 

I'd definitely put the bike in the bed or get a small utility trailer. That's a lot of weight off the rear of the truck which will affect the handling of the truck more than you realize.

I suspect the cost of the carrier would go a long way towards the cost of a Harbor Freight trailer and then you'd have a nice little utility trailer for other uses and you'd have much more peace of mind when you haul your bike.

Think about using the bed and taking less junk...

 

I agree with the trailer comments, harbor frieght has a folding one for a couple hundred. I know someone who has one and its great. Tows great.

 

I've put thousands of miles on my Ranger with a Yamaha xt250 (about 290lbs) on the hitch. Including offroad, with a shell, bed setup, and camping/climbing gear in the back. Plus wife and dog. After the first trip I installed a Roadmaster Active Suspension system in back.

Rides fine, you just have to remember to drive accordingly. Big fan of the RAS, doesn't significantly increase ride height, but keeps the truck level and handling reasonably well with a load.

 

BTW, weighed it once on the way home going over Teton Pass from a trip loaded for bear after a stop at Costco to stock up. Rig was 200lbs under the GVWR, no problem.

 

Either put it in your bed or buy a trailer, those hitch mounted things are for dirtbikes.

You can look on Craigslist for a trailer or buy the Harbor Freight one like most people. I reccomend buying a Baxley sportchock or using the Pitbull restraint system for the rear.