Hey, first post - been lurking for a while. Thanks for all the great info.

I just bought an 04.5 sportsman 500 - it's not even here yet, roadway is shipping it to denver this week.

Anyway, I'm wondering whether this thing will fit in my truck bed with the gate up? It's a 6.5' box (not the 5'5, not the 8') chevy silverado.

If anyone can get their's in and get the gate closed, please let me know. I'm thinking I'll splurge for the foldable loading ramps if I can close the gate, but if not I'll just get the longer arched ones and save a hundred bucks.

Thanks in advance!
--Bill

 

Yes they will fit as long as nothing is on the bed (bed cover). My cover is an access and it takes up a few inches in the front. Without it in the way, the tailgate can close. I haven't had any trouble with the tailgate open either though.

 

Perfect thanks!

 

After years of loading machines in trucks with no problems(I worked at a Polaris dealership when I was younger) I saw that video on youtube of the older gentlman kicking the ramp off and the machine flipping on top of him...when I was younger we didn't even use safety straps. I had been using them for quite awile though when I saw that video, and I know he made some critical mistakes,but I still couldn't get that out of my head..my XP weighs 890 lbs and I'm not as young and agile as I once was! I bought a trailer,lol..
Be careful!

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: HIGHOCTANE

After years of loading machines in trucks with no problems(I worked at a Polaris dealership when I was younger) I saw that video on youtube of the older gentlman kicking the ramp off and the machine flipping on top of him...when I was younger we didn't even use safety straps. I had been using them for quite awile though when I saw that video, and I know he made some critical mistakes,but I still couldn't get that out of my head..my XP weighs 890 lbs and I'm not as young and agile as I once was! I bought a trailer,lol..

Be careful!</end quote></div>



HO....
I agree and bought a trailer a few years ago also...I had one incident where the quad started sliding off the ramps and that was all it took for me to get a trailer.....One of my better decisions....

John

 

Dont you guys like LIving Dangerously? I still use my bed when I haul just one but I do use saftey straps.
A trailer is the best

 

I try to avoid using a trailer. You get better mileage and I don't like taking my 3 place trailer for just one atv. If we are riding together, it is nice to have the truck bed for gear though.

Just to add, I don't think it will fit with a brushguard, and watch the potential of hitting the rear glass on certain atv's.

 

Try backing it in.I have the same problem about a big trailer for one quad.Even if you dont get the tailgate up you can strap it in tight to the tailgate latches

 

That is why I bought a small 5x8. If we are taking 2 I'll bite the bullet and load one in the bed..

I don't mind living dangerously but if I get hurt on an ATV I want it to be because I was doing something cool..not loading it.

 

Thanks for the tips everyone. We have a couple of odd problems:
1) I have a toyhauler, but the garage is full with my race car... so the sportsman has to go into the truck bed if I want to take it to the track (which I do).
2) for simple day rides with the two of us, the 30' toyhauler is a little much... we have been talking about a small trailer, but my $2500 atv purchase has already turned into a $3200 one, plus I need to help her buy one, plus a second trailer... you get the idea[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Anyway thanks again, you guys are great.