Quad and camper set up

One of the draw backs of the 5.5' bed is I can not haul my quad without the tail gate being down. So I had to rig up an extension for my camper to achieve the clearance. I drilled an extra hole and pinned it twice to remove the pivot point where the weight distribution was. It worked like a charm. I did a test run over the weekend. If I had a bigger quad, I would likely need air bags on the back. I have the tongue weight up there...


Next month I head to Copper Harbor to chase black bear.

 

I could be wrong but an extension and how that looks (sagging) seems sketchy to me. I wonder if the weight distribution isn't working correctly because of the extension? If it was me, I'd probably stand the quad up and take the wind drag before going any decent distance with that setup.

 

I tweaked the load hitch a bit more after I took this pic. It helped out a bunch on the sag. I took it on the highway for a bit and ran at 75mph on cruise with no sway at all.

 

Do a search for a member @Sundog Look for one of his posts and if using a phone, rotate your device to horizontal and look at his signature line. He was kind enough to provide an illustration and formula that explains the additional stresses when the hitch is extended.

Thank you Sundog!

 

Have you tried removing your tonneau cover, pulling the quad forward and just removing the tailgate?

You have an older model quad and they tend to be pretty short. It could probably fit in the bed.
You could even install risers for the front wheels so that it fully fits in your bed.

I would not want to tow with an extension that long.


You could also go with a cover like the diamondback and load your quand on the cover itself, or a sled deck and do the same thing.

 

I will try it without the cover tonight. I wanted to avoid that so I could use the bed if I dump the quad in camp.

 

Are you carrying a lot of gear that can’t get wet or dusty/dirty when at the camp?

 

Not really. Nothing that can't go in the cab or camper. Now that I think about it, maybe my oil change ramps will get me high enough to close the tailgate. Its close.

 

I'm curious what your payload will be with all your gear, any passengers, and tongue weight.

 

Camper is 3500# loaded with 350#TW
Quad is 500#
Me and dad 500#
I figure 250# gear split between camper and cab

 

So, you'll be pushing the payload capacity, but should be OK.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

I vote lose the bed cover, pull the quad up, lose the tailgate as needed, or maybe just strap it up if it won't close all of the way. Lose the hitch extension. You don't really need the WDH at that trailers weight, but I am a fan of running them.

 

Let us know how it goes!

 

I'm not doing it much differently, Kawasaki H2 is 583 lbs, no weight distributing hitch, camper is a toy hauler that also contains another motorcycle inside (458 lbs), hitch extension and tool box (200#) on front of the trailer, (tongue weight about 210#). I've done this sort of thing with an ATV also, even the Ridgeline had no problem with it except the sag was not controllable. This Tundra has the auto leveling pneumatic rear springs. The only tips I would offer is to take out the bak flip tonneau, and back the ATV up the ramp into the bed, you can get more clearance that way, maybe even enough to close the tail gate. The Tundra throws a lot of rocks at the trailer, doesn't seem to be pockmarking the tailgate but mud flaps are advisable. GVWR on the trailer is 3,500#, fully loaded (2,300# empty) with motorcycle inside (KTM 890 Adventure R) and 36 gals water and gear it's right up at the limit of the toy hauler and nicely manageable by the Tundra. Hwy mpg 12.5-14.0 approx. Trailer has the Toyota Tow Tech wireless camera for vision to the rear.

 

Went without saying if you can get the tailgate closed you can lose the hitch extension, chain extensions, 7 pin power cord extender but otherwise, I haven't run into any problems with the hitch extender or the tailgate down. I have at various times where possible loaded a bike diagonally corner to corner but this can be tight as well, and kludges such as dropping tire pressures to squeeze it in there, but taking off the tailgate I prefer not to do that; having it around is easier to load and unload bikes and ATVs, (better ramp angle, electrical disconnects etc.)

 

I would just stand the quad up, strap it down and close the tailgate.

 

This is before my lift and wheels and tires. But this is the exact reason I went with the long bed. My 2018 TRD Tundra had that short bed and I was tired of always having it down. especially when towing.

 

Mine is still too long and need the tailgate down even with a 6.5 foot bed.

But I’m working on a platform to put it up top and have all my stuff below.