Cargo Loops Bending Because Of New Toy

Steveman · April 29, 2009

I have carried my Sportsman in the back of my truck about 5 times now and I am noticing that my cargo loops are bending inward toward the center of the bed. Instead of being perpendicular to the bed side, they at more or less of an 80 degree angle from the bed sides. I have been looking into buying a trailer, but for the mean time do you think I should try to limit the amount of times I carry my ATV in the back of my truck, or should I try not worry so much. Anyways here are some pictures of me on my new Sportsman, its a beast.

ss502gmc · April 29, 2009

I have a Polaris Magnum that ive carried around in the bed for about 5 years now and ive never had a problem with my tiedowns bending. Are you setting the parking brake while you are transporting so it doesnt slam back n fourth in the bed? Also in the winter i have a 4000 lb salt spreader that i use the same tie downs for and mine are still fine. Or are you talking about the eye hooks that go in the bed rail stake pockets?

Steveman · April 29, 2009

I am talking about the 4 loops, near the bottom of the bed, that are welded onto the bed sides. I set the parking brake to the strongest setting and I also put the transmission in park. I also use four 1500 pound rating straps that are strapped directly to the frame. If you were to look at the straps form a birds eye view they would form an x. So, two are pulling the atv forward and two are pulling it back, balancing it out.

ss502gmc · April 29, 2009

Thats what i thought you were talking about i would say maybe your going a little too tight on the straps but even still they shouldnt bend that easily, Is your tailgate open while transporting? if so i would use a strap from the rear axel of the quad to the trailer hitch or bumper on the truck and only use the front tie downs on the truck and maybe drive around a little bit slower with the toy in the back. LOL

Steveman · April 29, 2009

I guess I will try to keep it under a hundred. Anyways, I strap up my tailgate so it does not flap around while I am transporting my atv, but I might try your suggestion of putting a strap to the trailer hitch. Thanks

ss502gmc · April 29, 2009

No problem and GOOD LUCK

J-man67 · April 29, 2009

I would just ease up on the straps a little. If its in park and the straps are snug, then it'll be fine. I snapped a strap loop on my last truck b/c I kept cranking on the rachet straps. Too tight could also bend something on the quad. Just snug them up and it'll be fine....as long as you arent driving like a maniac haha.

Steveman · April 29, 2009

Yeah I think I will just ease up on the straps a little bit. Thanks everybody for your input.

MS3DALE · April 29, 2009

HEY......Thats the limited "NUCLEAR SUNSET" edition one I'm looking at buying!!!!

How do you like it?

LawmanSS · April 29, 2009

HEY......Thats the limited "NUCLEAR SUNSET" edition one I'm looking at buying!!

Just say NO, Rich. You're saving up for a cam change!

MS3DALE · April 29, 2009

HEY......Thats the limited "NUCLEAR SUNSET" edition one I'm looking at buying!!

Just say NO, Rich. You're saving up for a cam change!

Wingnut · April 29, 2009

Dang man, how tight are you strapping that guy down?

I usually didn't even strap mine in at all. Just used my $1.99 Home Depot "parking brake" and took off like a drunk monkey. Never even came close to having my quad fall out of the back of the truck, and I'd beat the crap out of the truck on the way down to some of my riding spots. Of course...My tailgate shut with it in there, so I didn't worry about that much. If the ATV didn't fit with the gate shut, I'd have strapped it down more often.