leveledgreengem

Guys,

I need some input...
2014 F150, supercab, 6.5' box, 5.0L
2009 sportsman 500. Roughly 700 pounds.
I also have a toolbox sitting on my bedsides.

The atv will fit in the bed with the toolbox with the rear tires sitting right in the middle of the tailgate. I don't particularly like the idea of 350 pound bouncing on my tailgate as i drive down the highway and dirt roads.

The way I see it, i have 4 options.

Option 1: I have an old hitchmount dirtbike carrier that i think i can modify to come up above the tailgate, then "bridge" from the carrier to the bed. Takes the load off the tailgate. All the wight is basically behind the truck's rear axle.

Option 2: Take the risk and drive around as it sites now.

Option 3: Build a box under the tool box, build ramps up to the tool box, and rest the front tires on the toolbox. Straps to the bars, like you would for a dirtbike, will keep it centered and a strap pulling it back will keep it from coming into the cab. All the weight is centered in the bed, but high center of gravity.

Option 4: A thick piece of plywood or a "subfloor" that spans from the front of the bed all the way to the edge of the tailgate. I don't know how much load a piece of plywood is going to take, and a 4x8 "subfloor" will be awkward to store. (not pictured, should be easy to understand)

What are your thoughts?

PerryB

You'll crush the toolbox lid long before you break the tailgate cables. Its also a logistic/physical nightmare getting the front end up on the box. I have the same basic truck and haul my Rancher sitting on the tailgate all the time. Granted its lighter than yours, but I wouldn't be worried about the tailgate integrity. Option 2.

- I missed the part about ramps, but you'll still cave the box lid in, unless you put down some 5/8 - 3/4 plywood.

rogerroger

Option # 5 get a trailer, the best and safest way to carry your ATV, a trailer is lower so a lot safer to load your bike and this way you will have some room in your pick-up box.

redranger04g

My buddy uses one of these:
https://www.dgmtailgatesupport.com/p...lgate-support/

McCarthy

A friend of mine hauls his quad with two wheels on the tailgate- a couple years later and his tailgate is DESTROYED. If it doesn't fit in the box, get a cheap trailer. Many can be had brand new for $~1500.

jb526

I have hauled my 2008 Polaris Sportsman 700X2 in the bed of my 2006 and 2015 F150. Both trucks had the 6.5 ft bed and the ATV rode partially on the tailgate all of the time. I hauled the ATV approximately 220 miles each trip and made the trip once or twice a month. I never had any issues with either of the tail gates.

Just a thought, but if the ATV is loaded with the front towards the cab of the truck you are putting more of the weight actually in the bed, not on the tail gate. Most ATV's have a light rear end.

Taylor@DearbornFord

Most ATV's have the engine closer to the rear, do they not?

BAM298

Lowe's sells utility trailers for like $500 with a ramp, I'd go that route.

leveledgreengem

Thanks guys.

I dont really have a place to tow a trailer. Plus, a lot of the areas I ride and hunt, it's tight logging roads and not easy to turn a truck and trailer around.

I'm going to go with the support that goes into the trailer hitch. it should be fairly easy, safe and will protect the tailgate.

I figured this was best because there is a good chance the toolbox won't handle the weight, as pointed out. And even know the weight won't be centered in the bed, I don't think It'll make too much of a difference or make the back sag much.

Ill post a picture when its done

Thanks for the feedback!

Storeman

Put a 4 x 8 sheet of 3/4 plywood down to strengthen tail gate .
I got to say it another reason I prefer a 8 foot bed .