Outrageous Harbor Freight Surcharge and Back Roads [VLGC]

[Bill Hagan]

Kathi and I combined a trip to (the nearest to us) Harbor Freight vic. Cumberland, Md., to buy a m/c ramp for the Guzzis [there's most of the Guzzi content], with a recon of the great riding roads up that way that I might have missed this past "short" (for me) riding season.

I know.  I know.  HF, PRC, etc.  Still, you gotta love the place, and Kathi humored me by uncomplainingly going up and down every aisle.  Naturally, I bought more than I came for, but even Kathi appreciates those 25%-off coupons.   ;)

Ah, but the surcharge?  Well, in truth, there "almost" was one, which would have made that ramp pretty darn expensive, but HF didn't impose it.

Let's start with the proposition that a 1993 base Toyota pickup is a questionable vehicle even in the best of weather.  Today's sucked, and was considerably worse than predicted  Let's just say that the Toy is no snowmobile.

Still, to my astonishment, even though I thought I was driving prudently, I managed to get bluelighted for speeding (!) in Paw Paw, W.V.  

:+=copcar

Yes, there is one; 508 souls were counted in the last census.  And I was nabbed by the Chief of Police.  Possibly the entire force, too.  Nice guy, actually.   P:)

Kathi and I were both surprised he didn't go nuts and just cuff me when I turned into the cemetery['s wrong] uphill and icy road where I thought he'd directed me.  For a horrible moment, thought I was going to slide back into him, making an already awkward encounter much worse.  No ticket, but I probably scared him so badly he just wanted me out of the jurisdiction!   ;D

The road got even dicier before we got home, so his caution might very well have kept us from a serious accident.  Love that little truck, but it's about as bad a vehicle as is on the road in inclement winter weather.

Anyway, even though the usual back road (SR 51 from Paw Paw) is just fine, I found another road I did not know about that manages to provide some serious excitement (Slanesville, W.V., to Springfield, W.V.) -- http://goo.gl/maps/48Uof  14 miles of "Yee ha!"  Go out of your way for it.  

Can't wait to get the batteries back into those sweet machines, sitting sadly out in the (20F) garage [final Guzzi content].

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.  For my part, I am going to have a sip (or three) of bourbon ... on ice ... to mark my undeserved escape from a ticket, on ice.

Bill

[Arizona Wayne]

What does your purchase of a HF motorcycle ramp set have to do with the rest of your truck trip ?  ~;   P:)  In your title you suggest you got screwed by HF!   :D

[Bill Hagan]

What does your purchase of a HF motorcycle ramp set have to do with the rest of your truck trip ?  ~;   P:)

Well, hmmmmmm.

Kathi is indulgent and the ramp is light aluminum, but I didn't think she'd be game -- especially in this weather -- to tote it 50+ miles.  And, I recently had hernia surgery and didn't feel like testing the mesh just yet.

So, I guess the truck just seemed a better choice.   :D

Bill

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

That is a very interesting road, one of many in the area. Next time you go to Paw Paw (pronounced Pow Pow by the locals), turn off WV9 onto Detour Rd. just west of Great Cacapon, follow that to Magnolia Rd. and back onto WV9 just outside of Paw Paw. I wouldn't recommend it anytime there's a chance of slippery conditions - it's tight, twisty, bumpy and only a lane-and-a-half wide at most. Very entertaining though.

[pyoungbl]

Bill, I still do not understand the 'surcharge' part of your post.  What would the surcharge have been for?    Certainly not shipping since you picked it up.

Peter Y.

[Wayne Orwig]

Bill, I still do not understand the 'surcharge' part of your post.  What would the surcharge have been for?    Certainly not shipping since you picked it up.

He speaks in lawyer.  ~;

I think he is referring to his near speeding ticket as an extra charge to his visit to HF.

[Bill Hagan]

He speaks in lawyer.  ~;

I think he is referring to his near speeding ticket as an extra charge to his visit to HF.

Yes, and thanks, Wayne.  Nice job as my attorney-in-fact and spokesman.    ;)

As for the "connection," it was a bit obscure, wasn't it?  As was already a finger(nail) into my Knob Creek when I posted, maybe I was driving on a suspended literary license!   ;D

And, did not mean to impugn Harbor Freight; I very much like it despite all my guilt feelings about shopping there.  Great fun.

It was, however, somewhat depressing to have the guy behind me in line -- in his 40's -- carry the ramp out to the truck for me.  Sigh.  Yet another unsolicited "senior discount."  What a great bubba he was, tho; he was pleased to help out an "old guy."  Loved his sweat shirt: "Keep Calm ... and Roll Coal."   :D

Bill

[trippah]

Bill - I hate to day it but perhaps you have OBVIOUSLY arrived at the senior "I need help" state - or did Kathi bat the eyelashes??  ;D ;D

So the trip was western Virginia to West Virginia to Maryland for a ramp??  You just gotta  buy Kathi a special thank you something for Valleytimes day.

[cmgies]

Bill,

That road you linked to looks awesome. How will you use the ramp?  To put said Guzzi's in the little pickup?

[Bill Hagan]

Bill,

That road you linked to looks awesome. How will you use the ramp?  To put said Guzzi's in the little pickup?

Bought this ramp: http://www.harborfreight.com/1200-lb-capacity-convertible-aluminum-loading-ramp-94057.html

Yes, for Guzzis, but the immediate need is to get the Cub Cadet to get some work done.  Kathi said the cappucino maker on it doesn't froth the milk to her standards.   ;D

Seriously, I want to see if it's worth buying some accessories, especially a blade.  The snow in our drive up to our little hill soon melts or is packed into impassable ice unless cleared when fresh.  In fact, I could not move the truck this a.m.  Have to go out in awhile and shovel around it to break it loose.  Colder out there on the Moline tundra, but more snow here.

With 3200+ hours on the Cadet, I worry about putting too much into equipment that won't work on other brands.  Besides, it's all about getting said spousal unit psychologically ready for that old 8N.  ;)

In the meantime, with that ramp, I can back the truck to a rise and have the angle relatively low so that loading the tractor or a Guzzi or whatever doesn't turn into an overly exciting event.  BTDT.  Not again.   ::)

Yes, roads.  Come visit again sometime.

Bill

[LowRyter]

Harbor Freight West Virginia sucks    :+=copcar




 :D

[CalVin2007]

   Bill, a real Cub Cadet will do a pretty decent job with a front-mounted blade and TIRE CHAINS. Yep, the chains are an absolute must if you want to push snow. I have an old Cadet (1980 vintage 782 series 17HP) that has front hydraulics with a 54" blade on the front. It will push a foot of fluffy snow or 6" of wetter stuff just fine and added (ahem) rear weight is a plus for extra traction. I've used it a LOT this winter and it works well...maybe not as well as a big snow blower but then again I can use the tractor year 'round.

   Terry

[Vagrant]

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SORRY BILL I COULDN'T RESIST! Green Valley Az is the place to be this year and I do have an extra room for you and Kathi!
.http://local.msn.com/weather.aspx?q=Green%20Valley-AZ&zip=85614

FYI, 3200 hours is a lot, but if well maintained it might go another 1-2000.
see how much a new engine will be before you buy a lot of accessories. with your drive way a beater truck with a plow that you never license might be a better buy. or a house here.

[kidsmoke]

this is such an odd thread, I'm not at all sure if this constitutes thread veer or not, but here goes!

I used the search function to find mention of pickup truck ramps for loading a Guzzi, and it was this particular ramp that I had in mind, and, wouldn't you know it, a Tacoma is the mule in this scenario.

I recently helped load a Jackal into a pickup and was STUNNED at the ease. Two caveat's however, it was a tired old 2 wheel drive chevy with what I'd consider low gate height, and it was a VERY experienced dude loading it in.

The Taco in question is a newer 4x4, and as stated, I've not done this much.

the questions:

1)Bill....to this particular ramp...how is it? Good quality? Does it "secure" it self enough, with chains and or a lip of some sort and remain pretty anchored? Is 72" enough length if you're working on level ground?

2) To all ya'll....thoughts on Ramping bikes into pickups? Other specific product recommendations?

[rboe]

I went this route. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AXVJKM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mainly because I have a F150 that sits rather high so any bike I load is going up on its' own power while I duck walk while sitting on it. This bad boy is wide enough to do so.

It also breaks down into thirds (an al. T pole ties them together - provided, and straps - provided; keep it pulled up to the truck). The weight rating seems to be more than enough for me and the bike.

The bad news: I have not used it yet.  :P  I really should test it before I must use it. I did take out one ramp, lay it on the tailgate and walked up it. I liked the angle (even less would be better) and I can pick up the whole thing by myself - so far. But since it comes in thirds my wife can haul one at a time to the truck if I call her up to rescue me. Or if I get old and weak and can't carry it whole anymore.

[Bill Hagan]

this is such an odd thread, I'm not at all sure if this constitutes thread veer or not, but here goes!

I used the search function to find mention of pickup truck ramps for loading a Guzzi, and it was this particular ramp that I had in mind, and, wouldn't you know it, a Tacoma is the mule in this scenario.

I recently helped load a Jackal into a pickup and was STUNNED at the ease. Two caveat's however, it was a tired old 2 wheel drive chevy with what I'd consider low gate height, and it was a VERY experienced dude loading it in.

The Taco in question is a newer 4x4, and as stated, I've not done this much.

the questions:

1)Bill....to this particular ramp...how is it? Good quality? Does it "secure" it self enough, with chains and or a lip of some sort and remain pretty anchored? Is 72" enough length if you're working on level ground?

2) To all ya'll....thoughts on Ramping bikes into pickups? Other specific product recommendations?

Think you meant "such an old thread," but I no longer take offense at "odd."   :D

I'll take your first question(s), tho I had to sit a bit before responding just to relive that day in Paw Paw.   :o

Anyway, I have used the ramp several times, but not yet for a motorcycle.  ???

I have put my large Cub Cadet in the back of our (tee tiny) '93 base Toyota p/u.  Done that twice.  Also had a rented ditch-digger in there, using the ramp.  GVWR of the truck and balance of cargo -- not as significant, I suspect, for your Tacoma -- are greater concerns for me than the ramp

* this particular ramp...how is it? Overall, mighty fine.

* Good quality? Hmmmmm.  Harder.  Not premium, but nothing's broken or failed to perform. 

*  Does it "secure" it self enough, with chains and or a lip of some sort and remain pretty anchored?  The lip seemed to me at first to be a bit short, but when one snugs up the chains, it is seriously secure. 

*  Is 72" enough length if you're working on level ground?  Hmmmmm, again.  With youthful talent and strength and a similarly equipped companion, probably fine.  I have been lucky to find a cooperating slope or low berm to help with that.

I'll also say that I have loaded/unloaded motorcycles on/from pickups on several occasions.  Always "interesting."  The challenge, tho not difficult if you are careful, is to ensure the m/c's front wheel is secure, the front end is properly (i.e., enough but not overly) cinched down.

There are several good vids on the web of how (and NOT) to do this.   ;)

Best,
Bill

[cruzziguzzi]

Prior to his passing, it was quite impossible to get my Pop to even look at another vehicle other than any given base-model Toyota pick up or a Chrysler mini-van.

Keep in mind, this is Minnesota... rural Minnesota.

Another item of note: It was my Father's own personal joy to - for no particular reason - come up with excuses to lay down the first tracks in fresh snow in Anoka.

Now, while the Ol' Man sung the praises of the Chrysler MV's front wheel drive as a concession to snot-slick Minnesota winter gription.... They were really for the family gals as any self respectin' Minnesootan scoffed at 4WD/FWD as a crutch to limited virility - same derision reserved for say, chemical enhancers such as Viagra, "cheater bars" in leverage augmentation and power steering on... well, anything. I won't even get started on his perspective regarding such luxuries as air-conditioning and garage door openers.

Anyhow, to point: Pop, along about the time one contemplates prepping the sno'masheens and ice houses, would find himself down to the feed store (gone now, alas) and grab up two bags of 40 (50?) pounds of cat litter. He'd plant one at each rear corner of the bed of the "Tye-oh-tah", check the tread on his judiciously selected tires and face winter with a dread-naught sense of self reliance. To make matters worse for other hapless drivers and family members, he'd ensure that his jumper cables (and later those cool compressor/jumper contraptions), come-along, tow strap, chains, shovel and "choppers" were in place. Also, a store of folksy admonishments regarding injudicious behavior in selecting/operating vehicle's in Minnesota.

Anoka, Minnesota's one man, Toyota borne, Hodr/Höðr mocking, recovery crew was locked and loaded.

No assistance was offered or proffered without a subtle though scathing lecture on the merits of cautious and careful driving. The same sentiments also being applied to "advice" on the selection of one's mode of transport.

Joy upon joy... first tracks and later helping someone stuck with a 4WD/AWD vehicle. Once - and witnessed this I did - he went to help one of my brothers in his showroom fresh F250. Of course by brother wouldn't listen to the Ol' Man and got the stylish 250 based upon the 150 (not the Super-Duty as two very different 250s were offered that year) and some off-the-shelf AWD mess thrown underneath. Turns out, with this non-truck system, one must travel forward a significant amount to engage the front axle lock. Already stuck? Too late.

Enter Pops. Shows up in his rear driver, asks Mark "what's the haps?" and when Mark says there's nothing wrong with the truck... merely stuck, Pop laughs and asks him 'bout his mighty 4WD. Now Mark gets his back up - likely knew derision by the Toyota full would be heaped upon him - and says to the Ol' Man, it's all well for him, HE had driven up in Mark's tracks.

Dad does a signature grunt, undecipherable to the uninitiated but with as many permutations as Donny Broscoe's "Fuggitaboutit!" in the movie. He hops in the Toyota and commences to literally drive circles around the Ford making a point now and again to stop, look around and motor on again. This, though it appears it, is not so much ribbing as a lesson to Mark... and of course me. Well, OK, mockery fueled instruction anyway.

So, what the hell's all this amount to? get some cat litter and - as with the O'l Man - you'll have a short "hunneredweight" of floor dry for next year's garage spills.

[Sasquatch Jim]

  What does all this have to do with paw paws?

[Arizona Wayne]

 What does all this have to do with paw paws?

I had a `75 Toyota Chinook small motorhome w/a pop up fiberglass roof.   With 4 ply street tires that bugger would laugh at anyone who needed to chain up to drive thru snow.  It had so much weight on the rear wheels it would go thru 6" snow like it wasn't even there!   8)

As for MC ramps, I just ordered an aluminum 3 wide fold up 1 from HF for $79 (reg. $150) that I think is 6' long to accommodate my MCs & MP3s to get on/off my utility trailer.  It's supposed to handle 1,500#.  :)

[normzone]

As for the "connection," it was a bit obscure, wasn't it?  As was already a finger(nail) into my Knob Creek when I posted, maybe I was driving on a suspended literary license!   ;D

Bill

I think you're supposed to measure with the finger held out, not pointed down.

[kidsmoke]

By god this is a stellar thread. Does this forum support a post of the month nomination? CUZ if cruzziguzzi didn't put Paul Harvey and Keillor out to pasture with a single post, I'll eat my hat 

And I bought the tacoma tonight, specifically with shouldering my Guzzi in mind, so some rampin' and strappin' is in my immediate future.

The Replies are much appreciated as are anecdotes about a century of snowy motoring with sense as your primary asset

I should add im on my 5th consecutive 4wd vehicle. (4wd. Not AWD.) and a New Englander by heritage. I respect ingenuity and resolve, as well as Mother Nature (and count gravity among her attributes to be admired and studied, hence my inquiry)

I'll likely be buying a chock, straps and a ramp in the next 72 hours, so don't stop now....tell me what's up!

[Bill Havins]

Now when Judy and I lived in West 'by Dawg' Virginia the last thing I wanted to do was ride a motorcycle around the curves of some of what the locals called roads.  You never knew when you'd meet a coal truck coming around the curve from the other direction.  The trucks were huge and the drivers got paid "by the load."  They would run you over in a heartbeat and never know they had.  :o

Yes sir!  Motorcycle and West Virginia mountain road...  Can't make that "cipher" very good at all.  ;D

(Note:  some of the above is true.  And the rest of it is pure fiction.  The fiction?  I didn't have a motorcycle at the time.  ;) )

[cruzziguzzi]

 What does all this have to do with paw paws?

With the fruit? Not too much, though, I guess I could have included a photo of a hootchie-mama eating one astride a motorcycle in a voyeuristic/exhibitionistic (must be a single word out there to encompass the two traits in a single individual) display of barely concealed electro-letch and as a self congratulating affect.

With the town of Paw Paw? I should think that's clear... Must be a feed store somewhere between "Just above Pott's Camp along Braddock's route, Virginia" and Paw Paw for Bill to get a couple of bags of magic traction.

Todd.