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cavalryman · 02-03-2019, 06:31 PM

Here are a few pics of my new to me toad set up with my Can AM Spyder in the back. I used an Amerideck loading system which allows ground level loading then hydraulically lifted into the bed of the truck.

I found a used Amerideck on Craigslist which I had to extend since it was only 6 1/2 feet.

2015 F150 with 6 1/2 foot bed.

Air Force One braking system

Blue Ox 10,000lb tow bar system.

I did add airbag helpers to the truck to help with the weight.

I added separate taillights in the rear stake pocket of the bed.

I drove over 1000 miles to Florida this week with no issues. Handles well.

FIRE UP · 02-03-2019, 10:25 PM

Mike,
Not bad Partner, not bad at all. I've not seen a Can-Am loaded in a truck before and that's cool. It's close to the same system we use for our '08 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing. We use a Rampage lift. It's a bit smaller but, the logistics don't need to provide the width like what you need. May I ask,

1. Do you carry that lift system in the truck all the time, when you're not traveling? If not
2. How long does it take to load it, and what's involved?
3. How long does it take to load the Spyder onto the lift, then lift it into the bed of the truck, start to finish?

I ask these things because we may, at some day in the future, change to a different style of riding. I'm considering "Triking" my Wing but, also considering just purchasing a Trike and selling my Wing, not sure just yet. Even at a ripe old age of 66, I still have a bit of fun LEANING through the corners every now and then. I'm no Ricky-Racer, not by any means.

At present, the Rampage system works just great for us. It takes me about 4-5 minutes, start to finish, to load that Rampage system into the bed of the truck. And, about 10-15 minutes, start to finish, to load the Wing onto the Rampage, and secure it all down, with 8 tiedowns in the back of the truck. But, it's good to know there's alternate operations out there.
Scott

On edit:
May I ask, what the Can-Am weighs? It appears, from comparing the photos, that the truck doesn't dip too much when the Spyder's loaded, as opposed to it (the Spyder) is on the ground.

On second edit: I need to learn how to READ. I just read you added air bags to cope with the additional weight. Do you inflate them AFTER the Spyder is loaded or, before or, what? I'd sure like to see a video of that thing being loaded.

cavalryman · 02-04-2019, 07:51 AM

Fire Up

The Can AM weighs around 1000 lbs. The lift system is around 700 lbs in two pieces, the removable deck and the hydraulic arm with frame. The deck comes off easily with two pins. I put wheels on the front of it so I can roll it around when I'm not using it. The hydraulic frame is a little more difficult. It is mounted in the bed with only two bolts. I used a quick disconnect (similar to jumper cables) for the electrical cables. Getting the hydraulic out of the bed is the hard part. I have a vehicle lift in my garage so I just strap it on the lift and pick it up. Without that it would take a couple guys to remove.

My plan is to leave it in during travel season and take it out when I'm home for a while.

It takes less than a minute to load the Spyder onto the deck and strap down the front wheels. Maybe 30 seconds to load it into the truck and then one strap for the rear wheel.

After seeing so many Spyders on a trip out west last year I decided I had to try one. I've had bikes all my life but I really enjoy the Spyder. The stability of the three wheels is great. ABS and stability control are nice to have. The wife really enjoys much more than the bikes. She actually drives the Spyder!

cavalryman · 02-04-2019, 08:21 AM

I'm not sure I can post a good video here but if you go to You Tube and type in Amerideck you'll see a bunch of videos of different set ups.

FIRE UP · 02-04-2019, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavalryman

I'm not sure I can post a good video here but if you go to You Tube and type in Amerideck you'll see a bunch of videos of different set ups.

Hey Sir,
Thanks so much for answering me on my queries. One of these days, I'm gonna try a Spyder and see for myself. 'Till then, it's two wheels on the Wing. Happy trails Partner and do look out for other drivers as, many of them are clueless when it comes to us.
Scott