Any experience with powered bike ramps?

[OldMojo]

In the interest of ensuring that I never ever need to use it, I'm considering rigging my truck up as a "recovery vehicle" should I ever need to fetch my or my friends' disabled bikes. I have no desire to store, license or maintain a trailer, so I've been browsing these powered loading ramps.

There are several out there that use some combination of chock trolleys, ramps and winches.

So far, the slickest one I've found is this European job..



https://www.porteos.eu/

It's light - only 150 lbs and can be ran from a cordless drill rather than needing a winch mounted. I also like that it appears to be able to be mounted and removed as a single unit, instead of several pieces.

Don't know what availability might be in the states.

Does anyone here have any experience with setups like this? Any deal-breakers?

Seems like something that could prove quite handy once you have the capability.

[Perazzimx14]

I would love to have something like this. While I don't mind towing a trailer I'd rather not and do not like dealing with the trailer the other 360+/- days a year they just sit around in the way. Yes I know Uhaul has inexpensive trailers for rent but that I;d rather not.

Watchin this thread hopefully a viable cost effective option comes out of it thread.

Neverminded at 2220 British Sterling its out of range for me.

[cookiemech]

Well, today a pound sterling is worth about $1.30, so the cost would be $2886. Sounds cheap to me. However, even with this system, you'd need to store it somewhere (though it's smaller than a trailer).

Several years ago I paid $5000 plus about $650 shipping for a Baxley trailer that folds up (these are WAY more substantial and better than the Kendon ones). It takes very little floor space and is easy to load a motorcycle, since its bed cranks down to ground level. Costs me something like $11 per year for a tag, no inspection, no insurance. And I don't have to drill holes in my pickup truck.

But if my choice was to put up with a trailer that took up full floor space, I'd have to give this one serious consideration.

[Perazzimx14]

Well, today a pound sterling is worth about $1.30, so the cost would be $2886. Sounds cheap to me. However, even with this system, you'd need to store it somewhere (though it's smaller than a trailer).

Several years ago I paid $5000 plus about $650 shipping for a Baxley trailer that folds up (these are WAY more substantial and better than the Kendon ones). It takes very little floor space and is easy to load a motorcycle, since its bed cranks down to ground level. Costs me something like $11 per year for a tag, no inspection, no insurance. And I don't have to drill holes in my pickup truck.

But if my choice was to put up with a trailer that took up full floor space, I'd have to give this one serious consideration.

There are less expensive winch powered units avalaible in the states.

[kballowe]

Rampage makes a nice lift like that, to mount in the bed of a pickup truck.  It's more than twice the weight, but comes with a winch assembly. 

We took a hard look at those last year, as they appear to be quite handy.  Better fuel mileage than pulling a trailer around.

 

[OldMojo]

Rampage makes a nice lift like that, to mount in the bed of a pickup truck.  It's more than twice the weight, but comes with a winch assembly. 

We took a hard look at those last year, as they appear to be quite handy.  Better fuel mileage than pulling a trailer around.

I was looking at the Rampage YouTube videos when I saw the Porteos mentioned in the comments. The Rampage is $3k and 300 lbs, which detracts from the 1-man operation aspect.

I'm just curious about potential issues that might not be obvious to one who's never used such a contraption.

[Amboguzzi]

OldMojo
I used a system from LoadAll. It is a ramp system that is stored in the bed of your truck. I didn't want to be bothered with a trailer and wanted the ability to unload and ride anywhere while solo. It, also, still allows use of the bed when  installed. Although you do lose about 6" of depth.
It is not cheap but well built and useful for loading anything into your truck.
Just something to consider.
Scott

[OldMojo]

Scott, thanks for that suggestion. Perhaps not the best choice for the "dead bike" scenario, but definitely a clever alternative to standard ramps.

That setup seems to be aimed more generally at the lack of utility presented by the demise of the 8 foot bed, and folks relying on their tailgates to make up the difference.

I think there are probably dozens of ways to skin this type of cat. It just comes down to what works best for a particular use.

[Amboguzzi]

I agree. I actually bought it when I was riding an 05 Rocket 3. I had to travel for work and was able to bring my bike with me and ride whenever to opportunity arose. No worries of a trailer and could park most any where and unload.
Yes, if the bike is not running, you are still only one helpful person away from a successful loading.
Good Luck
Scott

[Tom H]

If you utube this, you will find a few home made completely removable versions. Basically you need a HF locking wheel chock, a winch, and some steel channel to make guide rails. You turn the chock into a wheeled trolley and the rails guide it in. Worth a bit of time to look at a few vids.

Tom