New Truck & Ramp?

[dgm]

Found a truck tonight that I'm strongly considering.  2010 Tacoma with 6ft bed, 5spd manual, 4X4.   I'd like to use it for taking my monster to track days, but have to admit that I've never owned a truck and a motorcycle at the same time, so I've never loaded a bike into a truck bed.  Looking for any advice on this in general, advice on ramps to purchase and/or advice specific to this particular truck.

thanks!

[herm]

truck should be fine. make sure whatever ramps you choose don't have too steep an incline to them, or you will bottom out the bike..

[xcaptainxbloodx]

the ramp doesn't matter so much as long as its designed to be a motorcycle ramp (the 50$ harbor freight ones are just fine). just back up so that your rear wheels are in a valley (edge of the driveway is my favorite) so you don't have to step up so high.

I HIGHLY recommend a sport chock (http://www.baxleycompanies.com/Sportchock.html) even if you don't want to bolt it down it makes securing the bike much easier. I use it, some good tie downs (not ratcheting ones) and a canyon dancer and I can load and unload in under 5 minutes.

[Kopfjäger]

Two "Arched" ramps. One to walk up, one for the bike. I use short tie down straps and fasten the ramps to a point
under the rear bumper. Some type of wheel chock in the bed for the front wheel. (Baxley, or similar)

[derby]

Two "Arched" ramps. One to walk up, one for the bike. I use short tie down straps and fasten the ramps to a point
under the rear bumper. Some type of wheel chock in the bed for the front wheel. (Baxley, or similar)

[muskrat]

here ya go http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_ramp_page.htm
oh and once you're going to load the bike keep going and don't stop.  I personally like the three piece ramps because you can take them down to two or just one for a dirt bike. 
DON'T DO THIS
Motorcycle loading fail / Black cafe cz

[The Bacon Junkie]

here ya go http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_ramp_page.htm
oh and once you're going to load the bike keep going and don't stop.  I personally like the three piece ramps because you can take them down to two or just one for a dirt bike. 
DON'T DO THIS
Motorcycle loading fail / Black cafe cz

that never gets old... 

This guys does it wrong too... 
Motorcycle load FAIL!

While it's not a good idea to have the bike running and feather the clutch to get the bike on the truck if you're not experienced, this guy does okay...
How To Load A Motorcycle Alone

[ducpainter]

I'd avoid the ramps at Lowes etc. They're more geared to atv's and lawn equipment and are more like ladders than ramps, It's easy for a foot to go through.

You want ramps you can actually walk on.

[rockaduc]

I use my ATV folding ramp which is wide enough for me to walk along side as I load.

[Enzoman]

I have the same truck 2011, haven't had to load a bike in it yet but they come with the adjustable locking tie downs which are nice and can be moved pretty much anywhere on the rails, and they have a couple hooks in the back mounted to the bed. Theres also storage compartments for your straps and stuff. Only thing I recommend for the truck is that make sure it's the SR5 model with the upgrades, the base model doesn't have intermittent wipers and other convenience stuff that you will regret later not having... they are great trucks though, no complaints so far! 

[Monsterlover]

While it's not a good idea to have the bike running and feather the clutch to get the bike on the truck if you're not experienced, this guy does okay...
How To Load A Motorcycle Alone

This is how I do it. I have a second ramp to walk up alongside the bike though.

Works well.

[bikepilot]

I usually ride the bike up or worst-case let the bike's motor do the work.  A street bike is too heavy (for me) to push into my pickups (4x4s and sorta tall).  Mostly I use an enclosed trailer with a ramp door though.

[justinrhenry]

i have a little 5'x8' open trailer that i use for hauling my bikes or whatever else.  it only cost me about 700 bucks.  cheaper than buying a whole new truck.  

[dgm]

thanks for all the tips!  A trailer would be cheaper, but I want the little truck for other things as well.  Hauling the bike is just one.  I actually have a perfect spot just outside my garage that would almost put the bed of the truck level with my driveway... would be easy to load I think.  My concern then would be unloading/reloading once I got to the track.  I suppose I just need some practice doing it.  I happen to have a bunch of brand new ratcheting straps from my last truck, but someone mentioned not using the ratchet-type.  Why?

[Ddan]

  I happen to have a bunch of brand new ratcheting straps from my last truck, but someone mentioned not using the ratchet-type.  Why?

Dunno, I use them all the time and they work way better that the cam-lock straps I've tried