I've got a 2004 Ford F-250 short bed diesel crew cab with a tool box across the back in the bed. I also have a 2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV, which is longer than the available space in the truck bed......do I have to worry about the ATV falling out of the truck on a rough dirt road if only tied down with straps? Is there a better way to secure it? Help!!!!!!

 

I should have also said that it won't fit unless the tailgate is down, and that's what worries me.....

 

2 straps, from the handle bars down to the front of the bed,will hold it fine.

 

If you're really worried about it, you could pick up one of these: Louisiana Guard Dog

I've been thinking of getting one myself.

 

If you are concerned about the straps not holding, and some of the "tie downs" that are sold are marginal at best, then invest in some really good cargo straps and tie to the frame of the bike. I usually use two good straps at the front of a quad and a chain and binder on the rear axle when hauling on a flat bed trailer. If the quad has a winch you can also hook it to a tiedown as added security.

I would avoid hauling anything on a lowered tailgate unless the straps, cables or whatever that hold it in place have been strengthened. I've never seen a tailgate that was really built for hauling a load.

 

That's one of the great things about the LA Guard Dog. By attaching to the trailer ball on the quad from the receiver hitch, it will keep the additional stress off the tailgate when going over bumps, etc. But $150 seems kind of steep.

 

That's one of the great things about the LA Guard Dog. By attaching to the trailer ball on the quad from the receiver hitch, it will keep the additional stress off the tailgate when going over bumps, etc. But $150 seems kind of steep.[/quote]

$150 vs $7000 for a new quad if the old one falls out.....hmmmm

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You're right. Not to mention the lawsuit after it bounces into the car behind you. Plus, it would make it a lot harder to steal the quad off the truck. I think I'm ordering one.

 

Have you seen the video on their website? It's hard to believe, but it looks like it will hold the ATV in the truck even going over some pretty rough, bouncy roads.....

 

I saw the video. It was impressive.

I also just got off the phone with Denny (he's the guy in the video) and Frenchie. Apparently, they have recently upgraded the product. They have added a new feature that snugs the Guard Dog into your receiver hitch. He said it feels like it's welded in and eliminates any wobble. I ordered one and a 7" drop hitch to tow a trailer behind it.