Will most large 4x4 utility quads (AC 500, Ruby, Grizz, SP500, etc) fit into the bed of a full size 1/2 ton shortbox pickup? I'm going to be purchasing a pickup this weekend and I want to make sure I will be able to load a quad in the back (not sure which quad yet).

I'm looking at 1/2 ton shortbox's from the big three (Ford F250, GMC 1500, Dodge RAM 1500). I'm hoping these will be able to load a big quad between the wheel wells and close the gate.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Cheers,

My lease is up in a month on my truck and I just happen to have the Ford F series book in front of me.
I have an F150 short box and a Honda Rubicon. Rubi will fit in the back only with the sliding rear window open. (bumper less than an inch from the rear window otherwise)**too close**
According to the book the super duty F250 (supercab or crew cab) is three inches longer for the short box than the f150. Distance from the wheelwells is .9 inches longer too than the f150.
Wheelwells isnt an issue or me. With an extra three inches though you should be ok. Add a winch and the bets are off. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I have a 500 AC and have had it in a Chevy short box. You definately can't close the tailgate pulling the quad in forwards (the roller fairlead and bumper would go through the window). You may be able to back it in and squeeze it in there, but I didn't try it. I personally haul mine in a long bed and have lots of extra cargo room.

The Louisiana Guard Dog works well, holding a long quad securely and safely, on a short bed (long bed, also).

With tailgate down, the quad hitch ball is latched to a bracket held by the pickup's receiver hitch.

The ATV weight is borne by the receiver hitch (not the tailgate); locks (hitch pin and coupler latch) deter theft. Check out www.laguarddog.com

Diogenes