I'm planning on road tripping across the US for about a year and I don't want to be away from my motorcycle/baby so I'm bringing it with me. I don't want to tow it on a trailer, I want to haul it in the actual bed of the truck, so I need to know which kind of pick up truck can handle this for the entirety of a year of roadtripping without breaking down on me and that can actually withstand the weight safely and then some. Here's the weight that I plan to haul for the length of my trip -My bike weighs about 570 lbs and is 8ft long. -I'm going to install a Loadall motorcycle ramp permanently into the bed which weighs about 300 lbs. -There's also going to be the additional weight of luggage, a Thule multiheight rack, Thule cargo box (with whatever stuff I can fit in it), passenger, etc. I'm thinking about about 400lbs. -This all totals to about 1270 lbs that will be hauled for the majority of the trip.

I'm not sure if I should buy a 1/2 ton pickup or a 3/4 ton pickup that can handle this weight for long period of driving day in and day out. I've read fuel economy is a big difference between the two but I'd be willing to sacrifice the 1/2 ton if it means the 3/4 can handle all that I throw at it safely. In addition I'd like for the truck to be 4 wheel drive as I'd like for it to be ready for all situations including snow. Pros and cons to each kind of truck would be awesome and suggestions on makes and models would also be a really big help. Alsowhatspecs am I looking for in my potential truck, GCWR, GVWR, payload, etc?

I've never owned a pickup truck in my life so this is a totally new categoryofcars to me. I live in NYC where a pickup truck is overkill and I currently drive a Scion XA. I've always wanted a pickup and I'm now really excited that I'm going to be purchasing one, but definitely need help inchoosing theright one.This question is for the man (or amazing woman) who knows their trucks and can guide a fresh young gun into buying a kickass truck for a badass trip.

 

Get yourself a van for this trip . . .

Your bike will be safe ?

Out of the rain !

Red, *<(:{)-

 

I looked into what you suggested and the van is actually the better route. Not only will it get over 25mpg but will also protect my bike like you said. Thanks for the help!

 

That's why we're all over here Chino . . .

They're great for camping too ?

Vans are the bomb !

Red, *<(:{)-

 

A Chevy Express 3500 will handle anything you can throw at it. Or a Ford E350 super duty.

I personally like the Express 3500 vans better, because I'm a GM fan, but really, either of those vans will handle what you want, 24/7 for 365 days out of the year without any problems unless you put massive miles on. Then you get the usual suspension wear and tear. E350s are harder on tires than the Express vans, only because of Ford's twin I-beam front suspension mainly.

But for that weight, I'd think a 1500 van or truck will do just fine. Just make sure to do your typical maintenance on it, oil changes, fluid flushes etc. and it will be alright. If you're worried about it, a 2500 will be overkill, so not "working as hard" as a 1500 would be. So it depends on what you're comfortable with.