New Project I need help with

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I want to build a ramp to load my bike into the back of my pickup.  The bike goes onto a ramp that will start out on the ground.  The bike will be tied down on the ramp and then the ramp will be pulled up over a roller and onto the truck.  I need to know what size of steel I need so that it will stand up to about 1200lbs of weight.  I know a bike doesn't weigh that much, but I want a bit of a safety factor.Thanks for your attentionJim
Reply:Why not use the ramp to ROLL the bike into the truck, then put the ramp in the truck? The way you want to do it, even with the bike tied to the ramp, once the ramp is in the truck with the bike tied to it you will still need to tie it down in the truck. That makes twice as much tying and un-tying each time. You can't just put the ramp in the truck with the bike tied to it and expect it to stay in place. What kind of bike are you talking about anyway? I have never seen or heard of anyone loading a bike this way. Where did you get this idea? What's wrong with just loading the bike(ROLLING) into the truck with the ramp and tying it down, then put the ramp in the truck? No roller needed for this method, that everybody else uses. Do you have a winch in the back of your truck to pull the loaded ramp in with?Last edited by Bistineau; 04-17-2014 at 08:08 PM.
Reply:Sounds like you're looking to duplicate one of these styles?Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:The bike is a Suzuki Intruder.  It weighs a little over 800lbs. It is a little large for one guy to push into a truck and getting it back off again would be committing suicide.  I have a winch, but it is not yet in the truck.  There are a few lifts on the market, but who wants to buy one when you can build it.  Rampage is one of the brands
Reply:I know it's not the answer you are looking for but I would suggest another route. I have personally bought and sold over 500 motorcycles and know how much of a pain this can be on larger bikes like yours. I have often loaded them by myself and know how challenging it can be especially if your truck is very high off the ground. I actually tore my bicep once doing this. I would reccomend buying or building a small utility or bike trailer that sits low to the ground. It makes it so much easier to do yourself.
Reply:Ahem. Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:That would be a lot easier, but I want the option to pull a camper as well.  Thanks for the suggestion though.Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by moterjamesThat would be a lot easier, but I want the option to pull a camper as well.  Thanks for the suggestion though.Jim
Reply:If my trailer was of the fifth-wheel variety I could do that, but sadly it isn't.