Very seriously considering purchasing a 500 for the wife and I and have a question on securing it in the pickup bed. Have a 2006 Silverado HD with 8 foot bed. Only tie down points I have are on the side (4 front and rear each side) but it appears that the wheels will block them. It also appears that I will have to leave the tailgate down due to the 102.5 inch length. Would like to know where the best tie down points on the 500 are and where you attach them to the pickup bed.
Hondasxs
Club Founder
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Smitty42, welcome to the community.
Tough the wheels block the hooks they still can be used. Hook the long end up before pulling the Pioneer on. Once you pull the straps tight they will conform to the tires. Same for the rear. You could also use the tail gate latches on each side if it works better.
As for the tail gate. I too think it will need to be left open. Wheels should clear the gap, it just want go shut.
When I get home I will look at what Honda recommends as tie down points and let u see. You can also use the ROPS as points.
Tough the wheels block the hooks they still can be used. Hook the long end up before pulling the Pioneer on. Once you pull the straps tight they will conform to the tires. Same for the rear. You could also use the tail gate latches on each side if it works better.
As for the tail gate. I too think it will need to be left open. Wheels should clear the gap, it just want go shut.
When I get home I will look at what Honda recommends as tie down points and let u see. You can also use the ROPS as points.
One item I used for years when transporting my Rubicon in the truck bed was a device known as a "Louisiana Guard Dog". Essentially it connects to your class 3 receiver, tube runs vertically up, then forward with a boat trailer style coupler to attach to the ball mounted on the SxS's receiver. Rear tires ride on the tail gate. Mount it up, lock it down and go about your business.
BigRiver said:
Yes, I have looked at the "Guard Dog" and it is a good option. However, I have a 8ft bed and would like to keep the 500 as far into the bed as possible. The horizontal section that attaches to the rig is only 9" long plus approx 2" for tailgate clearance for vertical section. I really do not want the 500 that far out on the tailgate. I think I have come up with my own solution. My brother can weld and we think we can design a "modified" Guard Dog that will do away with the extra receiver and lengthen the horizontal arm to the desired length. Will use 2x2 inch square tubing and 4X4 inch square tubing to make the adjustable part of the device. We also have access to material at dealer cost so pretty sure cost will be less that the original.
Thanks for suggestion though.
The Guard Dog Series does have a device to be applied to trailers, such as the method you described. Here's the link and check out the atv/trailer tie down model.
http://www.laguarddog.com/content.asp?CatId=222
http://www.laguarddog.com/content.asp?CatId=222
BigRiver said:
Yes it is a excellent device for use on trailers. However, I am going to be using my pickup and the trailer tie-down system would not work.
JACKAL
Ancient Honda fanboi
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I have one of these I used for my Rincon, had not gotten it out in years (since using a trailer), I'm going to have to dust it off and start using it. The biggest benefits, 1. it can take some weight and strain off of the tailgate, 2, absolutely no side to side or fore and aft moving of your machine, 3. you can lock it and it isn't going anywhere. Now where did I put those three sets of lock keys that fit it, hmmm.....
K
JACKAL
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I know the FORD Superduty beds are 98.2" inside tailgate closed the Pioneer 500 is 102" long, add front bumper and winch get longer depending on type of bumper / winch mount.
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You could also do the dirtbikers trick and hook the tailgate cable around the strike bolt so it is held up about 3/4 of the way shut.
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Old Ironsides
Vendor
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That was my thought as well, or get those shorter DG tailgate supports.
Mudder
NTC Ambassador of Walls
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Those shorter DG supports are also great for hauling long lumber home at an incline to keep from sliding out. So quick and simple.
i took the bumper off today. mine was held on by only 4 bolts, i read on here that its six normally? anyways it fits in. i had to put the rear tires up on a couple scrap 2x10s to raise the muffler safely over the gate but it fits in with the gate closed. i tied it off on each side in my rail pockets and was good to go. road tested and all is good. for me it beats towing a trailer around.
Remington
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Your right, when I load mine on my 8’ Super Duty, I also have a brush guard and winch. The tires are about 3/4 to the end of the bed. I can close the tail gate about 3/4 shut
I just tie it down to the front mount points in the truck bed. Even with the 30" tires I can nearly close it. I back it in because my tailgate closes a bit more like that, and the bumper will not hit the glass. My Rear tires contact before anything else when I back in, also better weight distribution by 100 lbs.
You can get it into the bed a little further if you back it in rather than forward, as the front bumper sticks out so far on them. Also less weight hanging on the gate with the front wheels.
H
Why does everyone feel the need to have a tailgate on, I just removed mine. Finally designed my own tailgate that the rear tires can sit on as I put a 35 gal fuel in the bed up front. I'll take a pic of how I secure my 500 in my 8' foot dodge pickup bed in the next day or so when I make it back home. I can load it, secure it and be on my way in 10 minutes. Oh yeah, and I can pull my 25' trailer at the same time, been working great so far.
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