[FIRE UP]

Something scary (to me) about a GW pointing almost vertically at the sky , no matter what is going on!

Yeah,
The very first time I engaged the Rampage to lift the Wing in to the bed (my '08 which is heavier than the '18) to say the least, I was a bit anxious. But, after about 2 or three times, my anxiety calmed down to basically just nonchalance. You learn to trust your instincts and equipment. If a tie-down is questionable, shi..can it or in my case, I simply sew up brand new ones due to the fact that I have a commercial sewing machine that will sew anything I throw at it.
Scott

If it was me I'd rent the U-Haul 5x9 Utility trailer. Make sure you get the 5x9 Utility w/ramp and a front chock for the front tire (they have them with & without). I have used this type of U-Haul trailer for my 2018 GW several times, two different trips over 700 miles each, no issues at all.

Using a U-haul or any enclosed or non-enclosed trailer is fine, if, IF, the circumstances apply. And by that I mean if maybe you're single, as in NOT MARRIED and this is how you can move the bike from place to place for riding in different areas without riding to them. AND, you don't have a lot of demands surrounding your life. We haul the Wing in the back of our truck using the Rampage because we travel using a motorhome and surely love our conveniences not only when we arrive at a destination but also while in the traveling part. And we love having the Wing for riding at various points in travel without riding it continuously.

And, one more important point. Early on in my retirement, we purchased a United V-nose 7' wide x 16' long enclosed tandem axel trailer to haul our '02 1800 back then. It worked great. That is until the weather went south. We're not foul weather riders, not even close. If we get caught in it, that's a whole different story but, we don't aim to ride in it. So, having ONLY a Wing for transportation while traveling, just didn't work for us.

Excellent idea. Building on that (believe it or not, no pun intended), that would be great in combo with a Condor wheel chock, which is adjustable for wheel size and tension.

"Build a 2 x 4 frame"???? What exactly would that do? You still need to get that 900 lb. machine up and into the bed. Unless you're speaking of building a ramp from 2 x 4's. Good luck on that too. I'll sit back and while eating snacks, watch a 900 lb. Wing AND a 250 lb. rider try and climb some sort of 2 x 4 ramp into the bed. Yeah, that would make for a good youtube.

Not trying to be too condescending here but folks, you HAVE TO REALIZE THE weight and mass of a Wing. And then add the drivers weight. If anyone wants to take a chance loading a very expensive and ultra heavy Goldwing by any means other than a Rampage or a copy of it, be my guest. It's your money. And, it's your back or legs that can easily be broken if things go south which, we've all seen quite a few times on youtube with idiots trying to save a buck by doing dumb stunts.

As for the use of a 5.5' bed (like some pickups have), well, that's approaching a DANGER zone! The new Jeep Gladiator has around a 5' or even shorter bed but, the folks at Rampage say their unit will work in that bed. Yep, the Wing would definitely be sticking out quite a bit. Now, the first thing that folks need to realize is that like I stated way awhile ago was that the geometry and physics of the stress on the bed and Rampage, is all taken into account when that Rampage is FASTENED to the bed. The front of the pickup bed is sandwiched between the mount plate of angle iron and the stationary section of the Rampage. When the load is spred out like I have done, you have a very secure and ultra strong loading system. We have loaded and unloaded two different Wings and also my 548 lb. 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT many, many times and it always attracts onlookers if we're out and about.

One more thing. That yahoo that damn near killed himself by loading that Yellow Wing did just about EVERYTHING WRONG you can do. WHO, IN THEIR RIGHT MIND, would drive or ride up a wet, SLIPPERY ramp made of metal with no traction aid like Non-slip coating or any other aid, in the wet and snowy conditions? And second, he did it at speed which, is also a very stupid thing to do because you have ZERO time to react for any given situation which, happened.

And third, he had to load it at speed because apparently clutching that thing slowly up a SLIPPERY RAMP was not going to work. Fourth, if you understand the simple dynamics of what's going on, you'd realize that as you start going up any ramp, YOUR FEET WON'T TOUCH for a given distance in that short time, NOT GOOD!!!! And, on the other end, at the top of the ramp, the average Wing sits REAL LOW so, the potential for high centering is quite certain, given the angle of the ramp and height of the truck.

And finally Fifth, once you've hopefully accomplished loading it into the bed without killing yourself and damaging your precious baby, YOU HAVE TO OFF LOAD it at some time. Riding forward in a precarious situation is one thing. Backing it down that Rube Goldberg ramp system is a whole 'nother world!

Folks, take whatever chances you feel might be worth it. It's your bike, your legs and back, and your money if things go south. There used to be a fella that would load his full dress Harley in the back of a Ford Ranger, using a Rampage and he did it for several years and many, many thousands of miles. All he did for the truck was install a set of air bags in the rear so he coul bolster the weight carrying capability of the truck. He had ZERO problems with this set up for years.
Scott

Here's a video of the Rampage in use.

Demo of the Rampage Power Lift for Motorcycles - YouTube

 

[FIRE UP]

IIRC, Rampage is the original lift of that type. There are one or 2 copies. I have a Rampage in my RV. Works fine.

You have one IN your RV??? May I ask how that works? Or, did you mean to say you have one ON your RV, across the the back of it. I knew a gent who installed several Rampage lifts on the back of RV's and according to him, they wall worked slick.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Ramps can be scary. Even a beefy one like the OP bought. I remember driving my Harley into the moving van ages ago. It took me years to appreciate how dumb and lucky I was to succeed.

I've seen the Rampage in action. It's a good piece of gear.

When I got towed a few years ago, the guy with the flatbed was a real pro who was ready for motorcycles. He had a proper chock on a wheeled dolly. I put my front wheel in that on the ground. The bike was super stable as he winched it up onto the tilted deck. It was brilliant and wound up working a lot like the Cruiser Ramp thing from post 17.

If I had to McGyver something, I might aim for a chock on wheels, some rails on the ramp for the wheels to ride up, and some way to park and secure the dolly at the front of the bed. Plus a winch or come along to get it there.

Big Bird,
My question to you would be WHY BUILD ANYTHING when it's already built for you. Either the Rampage or one of its copies. You can find them Craigs list and or the cycle trader quite often for very reasonable prices as some folks get out of riding or just don't use the units anymore. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay easier than building anything. I like building and fabricating stuff. Been doing it for decades but, at a mere $1,500, and it's completely dependable and super sturdy, it wasn't worth a minute of my retired time to even think about design, acquiring the materials, purchasing the winch, cable, small steel wheels, the chock system and all that. Handed a gent $1,500 for a used twice Rampage that was basically brand new and costs around $3,800 new and hauled it home.

This is a choice thing. You do what's best for you and your situation.
Scott

 

[Big_Bird]

@FIRE UP , you're preaching to the choir. I didn't feel compelled to rehash the alternatives that had already been presented well. My comment started with the hypothetical "If I had to McGyver something." But let's face it, whether or not you or I would recommend it or choose to go there ourselves, it's not all that hypothetical. Einstein or Darwin, somewhere, someone is going to be holding someone else's beer while they git 'er done, or not! 🍻🍻

 

[Ken Clark]

Ramps can be scary. Even a beefy one like the OP bought. I remember driving my Harley into the moving van ages ago. It took me years to appreciate how dumb and lucky I was to succeed.

I've seen the Rampage in action. It's a good piece of gear.

When I got towed a few years ago, the guy with the flatbed was a real pro who was ready for motorcycles. He had a proper chock on a wheeled dolly. I put my front wheel in that on the ground. The bike was super stable as he winched it up onto the tilted deck. It was brilliant and wound up working a lot like the Cruiser Ramp thing from post 17.

If I had to McGyver something, I might aim for a chock on wheels, some rails on the ramp for the wheels to ride up, and some way to park and secure the dolly at the front of the bed. Plus a winch or come along to get it there.

I recently saw a post where a guy was selling his loading ramp and wheeled chock like you are preposing. He only wanted 500.00 for the whole thing.

 

[Sladep]

Yeah,
The very first time I engaged the Rampage to lift the Wing in to the bed (my '08 which is heavier than the '18) to say the least, I was a bit anxious. But, after about 2 or three times, my anxiety calmed down to basically just nonchalance. You learn to trust your instincts and equipment. If a tie-down is questionable, shi..can it or in my case, I simply sew up brand new ones due to the fact that I have a commercial sewing machine that will sew anything I throw at it.
Scott



Using a U-haul or any enclosed or non-enclosed trailer is fine, if, IF, the circumstances apply. And by that I mean if maybe you're single, as in NOT MARRIED and this is how you can move the bike from place to place for riding in different areas without riding to them. AND, you don't have a lot of demands surrounding your life. We haul the Wing in the back of our truck using the Rampage because we travel using a motorhome and surely love our conveniences not only when we arrive at a destination but also while in the traveling part. And we love having the Wing for riding at various points in travel without riding it continuously.

And, one more important point. Early on in my retirement, we purchased a United V-nose 7' wide x 16' long enclosed tandem axel trailer to haul our '02 1800 back then. It worked great. That is until the weather went south. We're not foul weather riders, not even close. If we get caught in it, that's a whole different story but, we don't aim to ride in it. So, having ONLY a Wing for transportation while traveling, just didn't work for us.



"Build a 2 x 4 frame"???? What exactly would that do? You still need to get that 900 lb. machine up and into the bed. Unless you're speaking of building a ramp from 2 x 4's. Good luck on that too. I'll sit back and while eating snacks, watch a 900 lb. Wing AND a 250 lb. rider try and climb some sort of 2 x 4 ramp into the bed. Yeah, that would make for a good youtube.

Not trying to be too condescending here but folks, you HAVE TO REALIZE THE weight and mass of a Wing. And then add the drivers weight. If anyone wants to take a chance loading a very expensive and ultra heavy Goldwing by any means other than a Rampage or a copy of it, be my guest. It's your money. And, it's your back or legs that can easily be broken if things go south which, we've all seen quite a few times on youtube with idiots trying to save a buck by doing dumb stunts.

As for the use of a 5.5' bed (like some pickups have), well, that's approaching a DANGER zone! The new Jeep Gladiator has around a 5' or even shorter bed but, the folks at Rampage say their unit will work in that bed. Yep, the Wing would definitely be sticking out quite a bit. Now, the first thing that folks need to realize is that like I stated way awhile ago was that the geometry and physics of the stress on the bed and Rampage, is all taken into account when that Rampage is FASTENED to the bed. The front of the pickup bed is sandwiched between the mount plate of angle iron and the stationary section of the Rampage. When the load is spred out like I have done, you have a very secure and ultra strong loading system. We have loaded and unloaded two different Wings and also my 548 lb. 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT many, many times and it always attracts onlookers if we're out and about.

One more thing. That yahoo that damn near killed himself by loading that Yellow Wing did just about EVERYTHING WRONG you can do. WHO, IN THEIR RIGHT MIND, would drive or ride up a wet, SLIPPERY ramp made of metal with no traction aid like Non-slip coating or any other aid, in the wet and snowy conditions? And second, he did it at speed which, is also a very stupid thing to do because you have ZERO time to react for any given situation which, happened.

And third, he had to load it at speed because apparently clutching that thing slowly up a SLIPPERY RAMP was not going to work. Fourth, if you understand the simple dynamics of what's going on, you'd realize that as you start going up any ramp, YOUR FEET WON'T TOUCH for a given distance in that short time, NOT GOOD!!!! And, on the other end, at the top of the ramp, the average Wing sits REAL LOW so, the potential for high centering is quite certain, given the angle of the ramp and height of the truck.

And finally Fifth, once you've hopefully accomplished loading it into the bed without killing yourself and damaging your precious baby, YOU HAVE TO OFF LOAD it at some time. Riding forward in a precarious situation is one thing. Backing it down that Rube Goldberg ramp system is a whole 'nother world!

Folks, take whatever chances you feel might be worth it. It's your bike, your legs and back, and your money if things go south. There used to be a fella that would load his full dress Harley in the back of a Ford Ranger, using a Rampage and he did it for several years and many, many thousands of miles. All he did for the truck was install a set of air bags in the rear so he coul bolster the weight carrying capability of the truck. He had ZERO problems with this set up for years.
Scott

Here's a video of the Rampage in use.

Demo of the Rampage Power Lift for Motorcycles - YouTube

My comment was only in relation to securing the Condor in the bed, which I believe was the question. In fact, the Condor likely wouldn't even need to be secured by any means because once the Goldwing is in place in it, and then the forks are snugged down, that whole package can't go left or right, or forward or backwards. Of course, the front of the Condor would need to be abutted to the front of the bed wall. My comment had nothing to do with whether loading and unloading into and from a pickup is good, or how to go about it. I wouldn't even consider doing that without a hydraulic lift or a loading dock and wide ramp. I have no idea what the weight limit of a pickup tailgate is but it would need to be 450lbs. minimum.

 

[tkenny53]

My first question to myself would be, would my feet lay flat on the ramp with extra bend at the knee, NO. No ramp.

 

[Big_Bird]

My comment was only in relation to securing the Condor in the bed, which I believe was the question. In fact, the Condor likely wouldn't even need to be secured by any means because once the Goldwing is in place in it, and then the forks are snugged down, that whole package can't go left or right, or forward or backwards. Of course, the front of the Condor would need to be abutted to the front of the bed wall. My comment had nothing to do with whether loading and unloading into and from a pickup is good, or how to go about it. I wouldn't even consider doing that without a hydraulic lift or a loading dock and wide ramp. I have no idea what the weight limit of a pickup tailgate is but it would need to be 450lbs. minimum.

Many of the Condor models are perfectly capable of sliding around left, right, and back in the bed if not secured. And once back, they're more than willing to slide forward again.

 

[remoandiris]

You have one IN your RV??? May I ask how that works?

Yes. A factory option.

Works like this. Just picture a 2018 Tour instead of the HD bagger.

Alfa Gold Side Hauler - YouTube

 

[Sladep]

Many of the Condor models are perfectly capable of sliding around left, right, and back in the bed if not secured. And once back, they're more than willing to slide forward again.

I would certainly advocate for bolting it down, needless to say. However, of set up properly, I think it should be immobile. Imagine the back edge of the Comdor pushed up against the front wall of the pickup bed. It can't go any further forward. After the bike rolls over the pivoting cradle that secures the tire and the bike is left in gear, it can't roll back. After the tie downs are pulling on a 45-degree angle to the forward right and left corners, it can't go forward and it can't go left or right, IMHO. Can you see how it would? For example, I can use the Condor on my garage floor, without being secured, to hold bikes vertical while servicing.

 

[FIRE UP]

Many of the Condor models are perfectly capable of sliding around left, right, and back in the bed if not secured. And once back, they're more than willing to slide forward again.

Yep,
That's why they (Condor) puts the Key way slots in the bottom section of them. You can set the mounting bolts up so they are not tight again the floor and then, simply place the Condor over them and then slide it forward or backward, I forgot since it's been a while since I've used my Condor. It's been hanging in the shed for a few years now. But, in any case, yes, if I was to use that Condor, I'd mount it.

Yes. A factory option.

Works like this. Just picture a 2018 Tour instead of the HD bagger.

Alfa Gold Side Hauler - YouTube

Wow,
Been around RVing for years and years and if I wouldn't have seen what you linked, I'd never have believed that a slideout on ANYTHING, much less a 5th wheel trailer, would be able to handle the the weight of both a full dresser (no matter what the brand, they all weigh close to the same) AND the weight of the Rampage too. That's pretty good. About the only thing I would have concerns on is the securing of the bike after it's in its final position. My tie downs have very good angles on them to triangulate the tie down geometry. In other words, the higher and more spread out you can place the tie downs, the better the support and stability. At least that's how I think on the subject. Very nice partner, very nice.

That's a pretty steep loading angle. Is yours that way? Do you scrape the exhaust pipe tips when you're loading or unloading? With my pickup and it's height, the tips of the exhaust come within a couple of inches of the floor but do not hit. You have a nice setup.
Scott

P.S. Here's the way we did it before we got the truck and the Rampage lift. It's called a Hydralift and I did the install of it on back of our present coach, the Itasca Horizon 36GD with the CAT C-7 330HP. I'd load our '08 Wing on that lift, push a button and that Wing would rise about 3.5-4' high. Then it would lock in place and I would then hook up our Jeep to tow it. We'd have the best of both worlds in that scenario. The problem with that way we did it was the fact that we were 2,100 lbs. OVER the GAWR of the rear axle of the coach. NOT GOOD! But we did it that way for 2 years and over 8,000 miles and never had any issues. But, we decided to change our "M.O." as the cops say and went to the truck and Rampage.
Scott

 

[remoandiris]

Been around RVing for years and years and if I wouldn't have seen what you linked, I'd never have believed that a slideout on ANYTHING, much less a 5th wheel trailer, would be able to handle the the weight of both a full dresser (no matter what the brand, they all weigh close to the same) AND the weight of the Rampage too. That's pretty good. About the only thing I would have concerns on is the securing of the bike after it's in its final position. My tie downs have very good angles on them to triangulate the tie down geometry.

That's a pretty steep loading angle. Is yours that way? Do you scrape the exhaust pipe tips when you're loading or unloading? With my pickup and it's height, the tips of the exhaust come within a couple of inches of the floor but do not hit. You have a nice setup.

I've seen one other in the wild. The owner of Rampage told me he sold 50 to the RV maker. The 5er frame is pretty beefy. Since we got it in 2015, we've been coast to coast and top to bottom. Been fulltime since 19 and staying in the western US for a few more years.

Like you, I use the yoke to secure to the chock. I have Goldstrike brackets connected to floor rings and 2 straps around rear wheel spokes to keep the rear end centered on the lift.

Load angle is steeper than a truck. Rampage says to angle the lift when it's installed over a certain height, and that was done at the factory. Never had the pipes hit on the 2018. IIRC, the GL15 did once or twice.

Debating another toy hauler (first one we owned was lousy) or double towing (trailer with the bike behind the 5er) when the time comes to get a new RV.

 

[FIRE UP]

I've seen one other in the wild. The owner of Rampage told me he sold 50 to the RV maker. The 5er frame is pretty beefy. Since we got it in 2015, we've been coast to coast and top to bottom. Been fulltime since 19 and staying in the western US for a few more years.

Like you, I use the yoke to secure to the chock. I have Goldstrike brackets connected to floor rings and 2 straps around rear wheel spokes to keep the rear end centered on the lift.

Load angle is steeper than a truck. Rampage says to angle the lift when it's installed over a certain height, and that was done at the factory. Never had the pipes hit on the 2018. IIRC, the GL15 did once or twice.

Debating another toy hauler (first one we owned was lousy) or double towing (trailer with the bike behind the 5er) when the time comes to get a new RV.

Roger all that Sir. Thanks for the reply and the info. Glad the Rampage is working for you in that set of circumstances. While there are other versions of lifts, to me the Rampage is tops for simplicity, durability and price. One can usually be had for around 1/2 the price of new, if one is willing to maybe travel some to go get it like we did.
Scott

 

[bayrec1]

I decided not to load into the back of the truck despite having excellent ramps. I sat with the new/never used ramps in the middle of my garage floor for months. Following the last presidential election, supply issues and inflation became a problem. I sold the ramps for 10% more than I paid for them without having to ship them. I appreciate all the suggestions, warnings and information. It seemed like a good idea until looking into it further. Thanks for sharing good advice.

 

[FIRE UP]

Well Sir,
I applaud you not going the unsafe way of loading a rather large and heavy machine into a pickup truck. But, as I have shown in a few photos, there are quite safe and alternate ways of loading the Wing into your truck. Yes, they cost a bit more. But, it's the old cliche, "You get what you pay for". Good luck.
Scott

 

[INTHEWIND]

Yep,
That's why they (Condor) puts the Key way slots in the bottom section of them. You can set the mounting bolts up so they are not tight again the floor and then, simply place the Condor over them and then slide it forward or backward, I forgot since it's been a while since I've used my Condor. It's been hanging in the shed for a few years now. But, in any case, yes, if I was to use that Condor, I'd mount it.


Wow,
Been around RVing for years and years and if I wouldn't have seen what you linked, I'd never have believed that a slideout on ANYTHING, much less a 5th wheel trailer, would be able to handle the the weight of both a full dresser (no matter what the brand, they all weigh close to the same) AND the weight of the Rampage too. That's pretty good. About the only thing I would have concerns on is the securing of the bike after it's in its final position. My tie downs have very good angles on them to triangulate the tie down geometry. In other words, the higher and more spread out you can place the tie downs, the better the support and stability. At least that's how I think on the subject. Very nice partner, very nice.

That's a pretty steep loading angle. Is yours that way? Do you scrape the exhaust pipe tips when you're loading or unloading? With my pickup and it's height, the tips of the exhaust come within a couple of inches of the floor but do not hit. You have a nice setup.
Scott

P.S. Here's the way we did it before we got the truck and the Rampage lift. It's called a Hydralift and I did the install of it on back of our present coach, the Itasca Horizon 36GD with the CAT C-7 330HP. I'd load our '08 Wing on that lift, push a button and that Wing would rise about 3.5-4' high. Then it would lock in place and I would then hook up our Jeep to tow it. We'd have the best of both worlds in that scenario. The problem with that way we did it was the fact that we were 2,100 lbs. OVER the GAWR of the rear axle of the coach. NOT GOOD! But we did it that way for 2 years and over 8,000 miles and never had any issues. But, we decided to change our "M.O." as the cops say and went to the truck and Rampage.
Scott

Very nice setup.
Will you adopt me?

 

[FIRE UP]

"Will you adopt me? "
Ha! It's been kind-of a lifes goal for me to adopt ways to make what's left of our lives (the CEO and mine) as pleasant and as fun as possible, within our means. I'm by no means anywhere near Steve Jobs or, Elan Musk or any other rather wealthy person. I, like most on here, really like riding our Wing. And we take enjoyable trips around the U.S. as often as
possible with our RV. We are fair weather riders, no doubt about it. So, while on these trips, we also like to have a vehicle with us too, in case the weather doesn't cooperate as it should.

So, what you see in pictures, is the result of a lifetimes worth of work. A few bazillion hours of overtime and "burning the midnight oil" is what you see. It sure makes for pleasant trips and fun times.
Scott

 

[Deagle10]

My new 2023 DCT Tour is supposed to be here this week. The dealer is 10 miles away but will not deliver. Here in Michigan we have snow on the ground and salt all over the roads. I'm renting a Uhaul motorcycle trailer to get it home. I'm putting a Condor wheel chock in the front. I am not securing it. The bike will go into the chock and when tied down the bike nor chock should not move. I trailered my FJR to North Carolina using this method and it worked great, although I used a Canyon Dancer on the handlebars.....so will try to use the soft strap method above the front wheel. I'm nervous as heck reading all of the scrapping bottom stories, and of course just taking my brand new toy up a ramp at all. But no way I'm riding this home with all the salt on the roads.....although now that I type this not sure how much better an uncovered trailer will be anyway for salt spray?

 

[Markhere]

Yes. A factory option.

Works like this. Just picture a 2018 Tour instead of the HD bagger.

Alfa Gold Side Hauler - YouTube

Want one!

 

[Snowmoer]

My new 2023 DCT Tour is supposed to be here this week. The dealer is 10 miles away but will not deliver. Here in Michigan we have snow on the ground and salt all over the roads. I'm renting a Uhaul motorcycle trailer to get it home. I'm putting a Condor wheel chock in the front. I am not securing it. The bike will go into the chock and when tied down the bike nor chock should not move. I trailered my FJR to North Carolina using this method and it worked great, although I used a Canyon Dancer on the handlebars.....so will try to use the soft strap method above the front wheel. I'm nervous as heck reading all of the scrapping bottom stories, and of course just taking my brand new toy up a ramp at all. But no way I'm riding this home with all the salt on the roads.....although now that I type this not sure how much better an uncovered trailer will be anyway for salt spray?

If the roads are wet, you are going to get salt spray on the upper half of the bike with a U Haul MC trailer. Wait for a day when the snow is not melting, and the roads have dried up. If there is enough salt dust on the dry roads, the bike may get some of this too. The only way to avoid any salt is an enclosed trailer. I went with an enclosed trailer for my snowmobiles. There was just no way to avoid salt with an open trailer. Or, take plastic furniture wrap and wrap the bike. I did that on a cross country trip in the winter on my open trailer. The bike was fine.