Moving days might be tough, especially if you’re looking to take your sweet ride with you. There’s just a lot of planning that goes into it.
To answer the main question of “Will a motorcycle fit in a short bed truck?” Well, yes, it could, but you need to consider several factors. You should think of the dimensions and type of motorcycle you own.
Stick around to get a better idea of whether your motorcycle can fit in a short bed truck and, if so, how you can haul it in.
How to Know if Your Motorcycle Will Fit in a Short Bed Truck
If you want to make sure anything fits anywhere, you should first get the measuring tape. You’ll want to measure your motorcycle and truck’s bed.
Your average short bed truck should be about 5.8 feet in length.
Now, there are numerous kinds of motorcycles. It would be wrong to assume that every motorcycle can fit in a short bed truck.
Nevertheless, since an average motorcycle is around six feet or so, you might be faced with a tight situation. Luckily, there’s always the option to put down your tailgate to maximize your space.
We also recommend placing your motorcycle diagonally in the truck bed to make it fit.
How Do You Load a Motorcycle into a Short Bed Truck?
Before getting any hauling done, you need to plan it out. You don’t want to end up damaging the truck bed or the motorcycle.
Without further ado, let’s get down to business.
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Unless you’re the Hulk, we’re sure you’re going to need some tools to put your motorcycle in your pick-up truck. Here’s a quick rundown of all the items you’ll need.
First things first, make sure you have a ramp. This will help you move up your motorcycle into the truck. We recommend finding longer and more arched ramps to avoid breakover angle issues.
Wider ramps will also give you better control since you can walk beside your motorcycle and hold it. You should also take into consideration the weight capacity of your ramp.
You’ll need some plywood, too. You can use it as a protective layer underneath the motorcycle.
Since most motorcycles have a hard time fitting in a short bed truck, you’ll need to keep the tailgate open.
Therefore, you’ll want to buy vinyl-covered cable to strengthen and secure the tailgate’s side cables.
A wheel chock can be used on your truck’s wheels to keep it in place. Ratchet straps will also help belt down the motorcycle for the long ride ahead.
One of the most crucial tools you’ll need is measuring tape. This will assist in getting your dimensions right, whether it’s for your plywood placement or truck measurements.
Other tools you’ll need, which you might already find in your toolbox include a hammer, nails, and a saw. They’ll be used to prepare your plywood.
Step 2: Prepare Your Truck’s Bed
After getting your tools ready, you’ll need to set up your space. First, measure out the width and length of the truck’s bed. Then, cut out the plywood to accommodate your measurements. It’ll act as the flooring underneath the motorcycle.
If you don’t have a wheel chock at hand, you can opt to DIY one with your plywood. Simply, measure out your front tire and add two smaller pieces of plywood on each side of your tire. Afterward, nail them together with another piece placed on top of them.
You’ll also need another piece of plywood (around 10” x 10”) to position under the motorcycle’s kickstand for added security.
Step 3: Haul Your Motorcycle into the Truck’s Bed
Now’s the time to move your motorcycle into the truck. You should try to keep your truck level and place a wheel chock to hold it steady.
Next, you’re going to need to get your ramp and position it on the truck’s edge. If you’re looking for an easier haul, you can try to back your truck up near a hill, so that your ramp is parallel to the floor.
Then, you’ll just have to move your motorcycle straight ahead into your short bed truck. Remember to prop the motorcycle diagonally if it needs more space.
Step 4: Fasten Your Motorcycle
It’s time to buckle up for a bumpy ride. That’s where your ratchet straps will come in handy. Strap in your motorcycle to the front corners of the truck. You’ll want to secure the front area, right below the handlebars.
After the front is fixed into place, anchor your straps to the middle area of the truck bed and use them to secure the motorcycle’s seat. As for the back, you can tie your straps around the motorcycle’s chassis and fasten it to the back corners of the truck.
Once you’re locked and loaded, you can finally hit the road.
Hauling Tips for a Motorcycle
Here are some tips for loading your motorcycle into a short bed truck.
- Try to reinforce your tailgate, if you keep it open, with some vinyl-covered cables
- Take a good look at your tailgate cables before moving to make sure they’re not rusting
- If your tailgate is open, you can extend your plywood piece above it to even out your motorcycle’s weight
- Once on the road, check on how your straps are holding up at 30-minute intervals
To Conclude
Moving a motorcycle in a short bed truck shouldn’t be rushed. Taking your time and figuring out your measurements can go a long way to easing the process.
Will a motorcycle fit in a short bed truck? The answer depends on your motorcycle’s size. If it doesn’t fit in a parallel position, we recommend putting it in diagonally or with the tailgate open.
Hopefully, our step-by-step guide has broken down most things you need to know about moving your motorcycle, from the tools you need all the way to the strap-in process. Have a safe trip ahead!