Going to try and haul my ATV in the bed; tailgate solution?

I've never tried to haul my 2024 Yamaha Kodiak 450 in the bed of my Tundra. I bought the truck used with a nice Leer canopy installed and have always used my utility trailer.

So, I acquired a used pop-up camper and modified it to go into the Idaho woods (just lifted it and added bigger wheels/tires) and want to bring my ATV with me. I guess I didn't realize the size constraints of the bed with the Crewmax cab.

I measured my ATV from the front of the bumper to the rear axle/middle of back tires and it is 5.5'. Same length as my bed.

But here is an additional thing; I have a Decked system installed which raises the ATV a foot or so.



That should allow the tailgate to come up a bit further than normal. I'm wondering if there is a specific tailgate bracket or homemade solution to keep the tailgate at a 45-degree angle while hauling the ATV that is beefy enough to withstand rough Idaho dirt roads.

 

I just double-checked the ATV measurements and the front edge of the front tire, which will rest against the front of the bed, to the middle of the rear tire is only 5', so the ATV will be on solid footing, so I have the option of just removing the tailgate completely if there isn't a simple solution to hold up the tailgate at a about a 70 degree angle.

 

You could run ratchet straps from the tow hitch safety chain slots up and over the tailgate and to the front bed tie down hooks (assuming those sit above the decked drawer system?).

 

These are perfect, although seem to be out of production since the website is no longer working...



https://chriskaneracing.com/vehicle-systems-tailgate-latch-bar/

Similar design from DG Manufacturing is $100+ and the Tundra is not listed.

 

But if 5' gets you from the front of the front ATV tires to the middle of the rear tires, won't the tailgate just close fully perhaps with the ATV loaded up?

 

I'm going to have to just load it tomorrow and see where everything ends up.

 

Get a diamondback hd cover and ramp kit. Pull the atv on the cover, tie it down, hook up the camper and send it.

 

Keep in mind the front bumper area on that atv probably sticks out a little from front tires and with that decked system it may allow that bumper to contact the rear window.

 

x2 on the Diamondback with ramps. Costly but it's a good solution especially if you plan to haul your ATV often.


Not my truck btw

 

I measured it and the winch only sticks out about 3" past the front tire, while the rear window angles forward. There is about 6" of room, so I should be good.

 

This would be my fears. I'd experiment with blocking against a wall just to make sure or roll that expensive window down for your first real test.

 

What about the style pop up with the cargo tray in the front?



I know you said picked up a cheap one to pull around, but maybe a buy once, cry once situation could save you loads of frustration or even broken glass.


plus, then you reinstall your bed shell for additional dry storage.

 

I didn't think they even made those anymore.

 

Be warned the tundra tailgate is exremey week and easily dented. I made a post about this years ago on a new 2021. Solution is to get some 1/4 plywood to line tailgate or you will deform it.

 

I’m not even sure. I was in the pop up game in my late teens/early 20s but haven’t looked at anything for almost two decades.

I’d be surprised if this style stopped. I always thought it was functionally to the most.

 

Seen this about a year ago on the road and had to snap a picture, when there’s a will there’s a way!

 

Yikes!!!
Think I'd buy a trailer.
But if you're hauling a camper thats a no go.
Some states will let you haul two trailers at once.
Wouldnt want to backup a rig like that though.
You'd have to plan ahead just to stop for gas.

 

Well, I tried to get the ATV to fit, and it was a no-go.

I couldn't find any ramps at Walmart that would work with the tailgate (35" long while space between drawers and edge of tailgate is 28"), so I bought some rubber chocks to help. I backed the truck up to a steep slope in my yard so minimal angle. I pulled it in nose first, after lowering the rear window (thank you Retired_Finally!). The ATV went in far enough to get the rear tires on the deck. But, when I got off and went to check out the front, the winch protruded too much...






Then it started raining and getting stormy. I was crunched for time before I had to leave to meet my daughter for dinner, so I figured I would try backing up the ramps and into the bed. I backed out, then made sure the ramps were strapped to the rear hitch. The rain got heavy and soaked everything. Backing up the ramps was fine, until I got to the Decked system. Even with the chocks, and both axles locked, when I gave it some gas to get over the deck, the strap on the left ramp loosened and the ramp fell, with the ATV and me on it.

I was suddenly nearly vertical and hanging off the tailgate and one ramp. I was literally teetering on the edge of the ATV flipping forward and landing on me. I slowly reached forward and was barely able to reach the shifter and put it into low. With the right front tire on a ramp, and the two rear tires on the tailgate, I was able to lean back and hit the throttle and basically launch the ATV forward and have it land pretty square on the ground. No damage other than to my Wrangler jeans, lol. I drove the ATV straight into the garage and said to hell with it.

I had dinner with my daughter and then played cards with my folks and their friends. When I relayed my near death experience, my dad said that we should just convert my little pop-up camper to a toy hauler by adding 5' of frame rail to the front and building a deck.

He had a gooseneck flatbed trailer that he converted to a regular hitch trailer. We both have welders, and degrees in Redneck Engineering, so we have decided to take on the challenge.

This is our starting point...

 

I might be missing something, bit the answer seems pretty simple. Keep the rear on your tailgate, and front on the deck. Get the rear tires right up agaisnt the deck sys and then wratchet strap through your rims and to all 4 tie down points on your bed.

Why can you do that?

 

Because I can't tow a trailer with my tailgate down.

 

If its a light trailer you could do a reciever extension. But personally, i like the idea of welding on a flatbed part to your trailer. Make it bigger than what you think you need.

 

Edited. See proposed solution below.

 

Personally I think id secure my quad via all 4 tires to the tie down points, then install these

$26 Car Tailgate Tie Down Anchor Bed Cleat Compatible with Toyota Tundra 2014-2021 Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Bed Tie Down Anchors Rings Trailers Hook Cargo Bolt Pickups Load Anchor Replacement Accessories

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D94DLPPT?ie=UTF8&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams

And just wratchet up the tailgate latch to these aftermarket tie downs enough to tow the trailer.

For your winch, change out the fairlead. That's a cheap fix. One of the first things I did on my atv. Synthetic rope and flat flush fairlead. My quad sits right up against the rear just like your configuration.

 

Put a set of automotive ramps in the bed at the front. It'll lift the front of the ATV and suck the back in enough to close the tailgate, I think. It'd also get you a little more space up front to the window.

A bigger concern is going to be your payload. With whatever is in the drawers, the ATV, plus anything in the truck... you probably don't have much payload left for tongue weight.

 

Sell that monstrosity of a quad and get a YFZ 450

 

Not sure why buying a small and slow ATV is the solution...

 

Great ideas! I run synthetic rope on my Jeep and Tundra, with flush fairleads, so will change the Kodiak's out.

 

Due to the toolbox and propane tank?
Would relocating both to the rear of the camper give you clearance (even if you only had them in this location for travel)?

 

Usually the jack.