Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Erling Foshaugen, Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Erling Foshaugen,
Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Like Tree5Likes
  • 1 Post By Gipper
  • 1 Post By RogerM
  • 2 Post By Chris Scott
  • 1 Post By sam surplus

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Sep 2017
sam surplus's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: on the road
Posts: 6
Talking Using my tail lift as a bike rack - anyone done it?

Hey everyone I'm new to the forum but seems like a wealth of knowledge here
So me and my partner have a MAN TGL that we've converted to a motorhome after years of being cramped into vans! We now have a Yamaha XTZ660 and although did build a garage in the back of the lorry it is not high enough for the motorbike. We have a Dhollandia 1ton fold away tail lift on the back of the lorry and are thinking we could make a bike rack out of it. We would halve the width of the tail lift so as it doesn't stick out too far and to loose some weight. Seems a fairly simple job to either put some cut outs in the floor of the lift or bolt on some steel channel to hold the wheels. Then bolt on some fixing points for ratchet straps and attach a trailer board if needed (need to look into the laws on this, does anyone know?) Lorry has rear under run and I don't think we will need to add another as I believe that law doesn't apply to motorhomes. Dhollandia say the tail lift should not be used to carry goods while in transit but a 180kg bike? Will it really be a problem?

I guess I'm looking for anyone who has done this or similar, anyone who knows a bit more than us and realises maybe this isn't the best idea. Any helpful suggestions or just some support to say we are doing the right thing!

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: christchurch uk
Posts: 299
I think you will just have to make some sort of pin arrangement that you can put in to fix the tail lift in the raised position. Otherwise you would be relying on the chain of the mechanism to take the weight. Cutting in half would help. I have seen it done and it works. As for underun protection as far as I know it in not required for motorhomes.

Graeme
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Sep 2017
sam surplus's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: on the road
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by graysworld View Post
I think you will just have to make some sort of pin arrangement that you can put in to fix the tail lift in the raised position. Otherwise you would be relying on the chain of the mechanism to take the weight. Cutting in half would help. I have seen it done and it works. As for underun protection as far as I know it in not required for motorhomes.

Graeme
Thanks Graeme, I don't think there is a chain mechanism like some lifts, it is a hydraulic lift. Do you think the same still applies?
__________________
My website - Positive Evolution
Hubby's website - R6j6ct Tattoo
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Sep 2017
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Hi Sam, as Graeme says, a sturdy pin/latch system should be made on both sides so that the hydraulics are not holding the weight during transit, over a time the rams are likely to lose some pressure and the tail lift will drop, especially if you drive with it loaded. I would also consider adding a length of round or box section tube to the edge of the cut off part of the tail lift as a 'bumper' just so you just don't have a fairly sharp edge left sticking out the back of the truck.

I did see a Mercedes truck with a similar arrangement somewhere, it had an open bottom aluminium box mounted on the back of the truck, so when the bike was raised on the tail lift it disappeared into the box and was completely covered - quite a clever idea, as anything on the back end of a truck will get completely covered in dirt/mud/sand/dust.
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
You'd need to ensure that the tail lift in the horizontal position did not exceed the legal limits for rear overhang - different rules for different countries.
The other safety issue would be how far from the rear under run is the end of the tail lift platform, too far out and you could face civil liability if you get rear ended. Maybe a set of chevrons on the rear would suffice.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Sep 2017
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,925
Definitely chock it out solidly to take the weight off whatever mechanism. Corrugations/potholes will multiply the loads and an XTZ660 is pretty heavy.

I had one put on an MAN, but only for offloading and as a dinner table. Great solution.
Did a lot of off-road and worried it might break off, but never budged.
Attached Thumbnails
Using my tail lift as a bike rack - anyone done it?-img_4357.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Oct 2017
sam surplus's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: on the road
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerM View Post
You'd need to ensure that the tail lift in the horizontal position did not exceed the legal limits for rear overhang - different rules for different countries.
The other safety issue would be how far from the rear under run is the end of the tail lift platform, too far out and you could face civil liability if you get rear ended. Maybe a set of chevrons on the rear would suffice.
No it won't be longer than the legal limit and there are under run bars on the back which legally we don't need as it's registered as a motor home. Thanks
__________________
My website - Positive Evolution
Hubby's website - R6j6ct Tattoo
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Oct 2017
sam surplus's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: on the road
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gipper View Post
Hi Sam, as Graeme says, a sturdy pin/latch system should be made on both sides so that the hydraulics are not holding the weight during transit, over a time the rams are likely to lose some pressure and the tail lift will drop, especially if you drive with it loaded. I would also consider adding a length of round or box section tube to the edge of the cut off part of the tail lift as a 'bumper' just so you just don't have a fairly sharp edge left sticking out the back of the truck.
Yes thanks, have got some aluminum channel to put round the cut edge and we are working on the pin/latch type of system. We are going to do it all next week so hopefully all will go to plan and I will be back with some pictures
__________________
My website - Positive Evolution
Hubby's website - R6j6ct Tattoo
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
You may need to check rear overhang re wheelbase as limited to 60% .
Other thing would be lighting , also in certain countries need hazard board on overhangs . I have a hydraulic lift that carries a Burgman 400 on the rear of my RV . If its legal in home country then you are OK in others, generally speaking . I would make sure that you have a strong enough secondary support , don't just rely on primary eg chain or hydraulics..
__________________
Current : 2007 Mowag Bucher Duro 6x6 Motorhome , 2006 Sedici 4x4, 2007 Range Rover supercharged
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Feb 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 1
Dholandia tail lift convert to bike rack

Hi
I haver just bought a DAFF LF45 with what sound like the same tail lift did you convert yours and was ok and do you have any photos and any advice, did you set up a lock pin ???

Kerry

new to this group

hi all
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Feb 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Iceland
Posts: 95
Quote:
Originally Posted by sam surplus View Post
No it won't be longer than the legal limit and there are under run bars on the back which legally we don't need as it's registered as a motor home. Thanks
Hi,

One thing that came to my mind: It is not only about what is legal or not, it should also be about the moral aspect. Depending on how far it will reach out and at what height, I would ask myself the question ¨what would happen if someone crash into it? ¨ or ¨would I want to drive my car into that kind of rear end ?¨

Another thing as mentioned by others is don´t rely just on the lifts mechanism. I worked with such a lift and suddenly it went a bit down while driving. It turned out to be a failure in the electrics.

Best regards,

Rögnvaldur
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Winging my way across the USA backofbeyond Ride Tales 7 20 May 2016 23:12
BIKE Security:Parking, Bike Covers & General Paranoia mollydog Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 23 24 Jun 2014 18:35
BIKE FOR SALE ! - Buenos Aries, ARGENTINA / or Punta Arenas Chile – 2005 KTM 640 max.t.jewell South America 0 17 Feb 2012 15:06
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:14.