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Topic: Hauling ATV in bed and towing TT
Posted By: SouthpawHD on 02/08/17 08:48pm

Looks like I might be getting an ATV, and likely to be a slightly larger one and I don't think the the tailgate will close all the way based on some quick measurements.

So if the tailgate won't close all the way, I can't tow my travel trailer with the tailgate down, what options exist?

I know I can take the tailgate off as one option, but that isn't always the nest option as I need a locking bed when I get to my destination. Is there a way to partially raise/close the tailgate and secure it part way up so its safely out of the way?

An expensive over the rail cargo system isn't an option at this point.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Palomino SolAire 307QBDSK
2016 Chevrolet 2500, CC, 6.0L, 4.10

Posted By: Old-Biscuit on 02/08/17 08:54pm

With TT hooked up you would need real good measurements for how open tailgate can be WITHOUT interference with TT (tongue jack etc)

Then go to junk yard and get another set of tailgate cables that support it when open. Mod/shorten those cables to hold tailgate open just far enough.
Swap mod cables with OEM cables and vice versa as needed


OR

Relocate tongue jack etc so no interference

OR

Stand ATV UP in bed and close tailgate

Is it time for your medication or mine?


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Posted By: boogie_4wheel on 02/08/17 09:25pm

There are shortened cables/arms that you can buy aftermarket to keep the gate partially closed.

https://www.dgmtailgatesupport.com/gallery/tailgate-product-photos/

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Posted By: 1320Fastback on 02/08/17 11:20pm

They make truck bed racks where the atv sits sideways on top of the bed rails per say up against the cab. They also make racks where your drive up and the front wheels sit above the rear window up on top of the truck. Either one would have the atv well in front of the tailgate.

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Posted By: The_real_wild1 on 02/08/17 11:34pm

Tons of options. Some quads will fit with the gate closed. You can take the tail gate off. You can close it partially and run a strap from he rack of the quad down to the hitch to keep the gate closed. You can use a riser in the bed. You can run a sled deck.

Posted By: lawnspecialties on 02/09/17 05:16am

Old Biscuit is explaining something like this. But instead of getting shorter cables, I just wrapped mine over the top of that locking bolt that sticks out of the side. Shorter cables is a safer bet but we did this multiple times, including a 1200 miles round trip to Disneyworld with no problems at all.
[image]

Posted By: pbmazda32 on 02/09/17 05:37am

I know you said expensive rail systems arnt an option, but everyone's "expensive" is different. my 1SG uses a Diamondback HD tonneau cover. works really well and looks good on the truck. good luck




Posted By: SouthpawHD on 02/09/17 06:10am

Hmmm, never thought about shorter cables, so that's a good option.

Love those tailgate supports. I'll be looking more at those.

And that Diamondback tonneau is awesome! But out of my fun-money budget for the moment.

Posted By: patperry2766 on 02/09/17 07:17am

The absolute cheapest option is to take the tailgate off and store in in the camper until you reach your destination where you can put it back on.

Unless you have a lockable tonneau cover, a locking tailgate really won't stop someone from taking something out of the bed anyways.

Courage is the feeling you have right before you fully understand the situation

Posted By: Fordlover on 02/09/17 07:29am

SouthpawHD wrote:

Looks like I might be getting an ATV, and likely to be a slightly larger one and I don't think the the tailgate will close all the way based on some quick measurements.

So if the tailgate won't close all the way, I can't tow my travel trailer with the tailgate down, what options exist?

I know I can take the tailgate off as one option, but that isn't always the nest option as I need a locking bed when I get to my destination. Is there a way to partially raise/close the tailgate and secure it part way up so its safely out of the way?

An expensive over the rail cargo system isn't an option at this point.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.


Mind your rear window. It is not unusual for new ATV owners to immediately find a need for a new rear window in their truck. I've had two friends experience this, one did it multiple times before he built a wood box that sat in the bed to prevent the front rack on the ATV from touching the glass.

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Posted By: hedge on 02/09/17 08:16am

lots of guys use a riser to lift the front end of the ATV in the bed so you can close the tailgate. Just google atv riser and you'll see what I mean. If it's close you may even just be able to use car ramps.

2017 F350 Platinum DRW
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Posted By: Txsurfer on 02/09/17 08:21am

[image]

here you go

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Posted By: Grit dog on 02/09/17 09:31am

If the tailgate will close part way like the golf cart pic above, just cinch it up tight against the back tires of the wheeler. I've used tie wire, bungees or ratchet straps in the past.
Raising the rear of the wheeler on blocks can get you a little more room too.

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Posted By: cbshoestring on 02/09/17 09:55am

When I bought my quad, I brought it home with the tailgate CLOSED.

A month later I load up to go, tailgate won't close [emoticon]

Front bumber is squarely hitting tool box, can't go any further forward. Only thing I can figure is....maintenance on my new/used quad included airing the tires to proper inflation. Are the "puffier" rear tires enough to keep the gate open?

Why am I telling you this? Might be, if it is close, you can just take some air out of the tires for the trip.

Posted By: cbshoestring on 02/09/17 10:01am

Txsurfer wrote:

[image]

here you go



Granted I have a cheap tri-fold ramp I bought at Harbour Freight, BUT backing out of the bed, down those ramps, raises my blood pressure. Backing of the bed rails would put me over the top.

Speaking of OVER THE TOP...I like having the security of a tool box to run into if I load it too hot and don't stop. The thought of driving OFF the other bed rail is a bit much for me.

Posted By: Scooter86 on 02/09/17 10:46am

cbshoestring wrote:

Txsurfer wrote:

[image]

here you go



Granted I have a cheap tri-fold ramp I bought at Harbour Freight, BUT backing out of the bed, down those ramps, raises my blood pressure. Backing of the bed rails would put me over the top.

Speaking of OVER THE TOP...I like having the security of a tool box to run into if I load it too hot and don't stop. The thought of driving OFF the other bed rail is a bit much for me.


Try doing it with a side by side where you have almost zero visibility behind and below you. Ramps have never really given me the heebie jeebies though. I would back off that truck with no qualms. Getting down off the bed once the quad is secured might be another story though...

Posted By: pfidahospud on 02/09/17 10:51am

My neighbor has a similar "on deck" ramp system. I'm not sure of it makes it less scary or not but the ramps move to the opposite side so one can drive forward down the ramp. It works, but it's got to significantly raise the center of gravity while traveling. But...it works!

Posted By: lc0338 on 02/09/17 12:57pm

You could put a ramp at back of your cab and drive the front part (wheels) of the atv up on the ramp which will shorten the distance and might be able to close the tailgate

Posted By: ~DJ~ on 02/09/17 01:15pm

boogie_4wheel wrote:

There are shortened cables/arms that you can buy aftermarket to keep the gate partially closed.

https://www.dgmtailgatesupport.com/gallery/tailgate-product-photos/


These work very well!! I have a set for when I hauled my Razor but also used a hitch extension (Super Hitch) to clear the open tailgate.

Not all short box trucks are created equal. Fords have a 6-8 short box which will normally close on a standard size ATV. Chev - Ram are 6-4 so the gate won't quite close.

And absolutely YES, load it very carefully the first time. Maybe have some friends help push it in then measure how big of block, if any you will need to save the rear glass.

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Posted By: Txsurfer on 02/09/17 01:34pm

Scooter86 wrote:

cbshoestring wrote:

Txsurfer wrote:

[image]

here you go



Granted I have a cheap tri-fold ramp I bought at Harbour Freight, BUT backing out of the bed, down those ramps, raises my blood pressure. Backing of the bed rails would put me over the top.

Speaking of OVER THE TOP...I like having the security of a tool box to run into if I load it too hot and don't stop. The thought of driving OFF the other bed rail is a bit much for me.


Try doing it with a side by side where you have almost zero visibility behind and below you. Ramps have never really given me the heebie jeebies though. I would back off that truck with no qualms. Getting down off the bed once the quad is secured might be another story though...



Come on guys - evidently you've never ridden a motocross bike up a 6" ramp before.. you don't stop halfway for sure..

Posted By: drmopar on 02/09/17 03:31pm

Depending on the weight, you may find a longer slide in with ball to extend enough to clear. I had to do that with my car trailer so my tailgate would not hit the jack. It was only 3 inches longer. Now I have enough clearance.

Posted By: SouthpawHD on 02/09/17 06:05pm

Good ideas, thanks.

And thanks for the heads-up about then front window! I'll be sure to watch that carefully.

Posted By: justaboutretired on 02/09/17 06:21pm

ATV would be a lot of fun. I remember those days. I myself would make a calculation of your payload of the truck. ATV weight, trailer hitch weight, passenger weights, fuel and any gear and equipment to load the ATV in the bed just to ensure you will not go over the GVWR of your truck. If you are still within limits, go for it and have fun.
Bill

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1DIL, 3 Granddaughters
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2003 Citation 33M TT


Posted By: MeandMyLabs on 02/09/17 07:03pm

A buddy of mine uses car ramps to raise his front wheels of the ATV right behind the cab of his truck. This allows him to close the tailgate but he is on his second rear cab glass. The bumper on the front of the ATV made contact with the glass when he was loading. Pretty funny now but not at the time.

I use straps to hold my tailgate about 2-3 inches from being closed and tight against the rear atv tires (6.5 ft truck bed). I have done this for years on 3 different trucks without problems.

2017 Salem Hemisphere
2009 Chevrolet 2500 HD 6.0 L


Posted By: GWolfe on 02/09/17 09:50pm

I did the ratchet strap thing as well when I had my old truck with the 5'6" bed. ATV just barely fits in this one but I can shut the tailgate.

Like justaboutretired mentioned, watch your weights although I think you will be fine. I'm about 100 lbs under on my truck and its a 1500, looks like you have a 2500 but a much bigger trailer as well.

2005 Sun-Lite Eagle
2011 Silverado

Posted By: Cad3dc on 02/09/17 10:44pm

As some have suggested, throw some ramps behind the cab. Worked flawlessly for me for years while towing my TT with shortbed truck.

Posted By: nevadanick on 02/11/17 05:38am

Hook the tailgate cables over the posts that the gate latches to. Forgot to add thats its the lowest cost option.

Posted By: 2012Coleman on 02/13/17 05:57am

Take the tailgate off - put it in the TT.

Experience without good judgment is worthless; good judgment without experience is still good judgment!

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Posted By: STANG23L on 02/13/17 09:26am

One solution I may be putting on my camper for next season. Just so I can open my tailgate with out putting a bigger dent in it.

An adjustable trailer jack seems like a slick way to do it.

* This post was edited 02/13/17 09:37am by STANG23L *

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