How does the SportLoader mount to the bed of the pickup?
To install the SportLoader there is no drilling or bolting to the pickup required. The tailgate is removed and the pivot tube is installed in the tailgate mounts. The SportLoader is then simply mounted to the pivot tube with three bolts.
Where do you draw power from to operate the SportLoader?
The SportLoader is self contained so there is no wiring or need to draw power from the pickup. There is a tray for a 12-volt battery that powers the electric motor that operates the loader. The 12-volt battery needs to be purchased separately.
Does the tailgate have to stay off the pickup?
Yes, the tailgate needs to be removed and left off while the SportLoader is installed. A pivot tube, which the SportLoader mounts to, is installed on the tailgate mounts. Since there is no modification to the pickup box the tailgate can easily be reinstalled when the SportLoader is removed.
How does the loader pivot?
The SportLoader pivots on the pivot tube that is installed on the tailgate mounts of the pickup box. When loading the motorcycle the weight of the motorcycle pivots the SportLoader down to the bed of the pickup box. When unloading the motorcycle the weight of the motorcycle will pivot the SportLoader to the ground.
Do I need to tie the loader down to the pickup?
The SportLoader is mounted to the pickup by the pivot tube. There is no need to tie the SportLoader down. There are two cargo buckle tie down straps that are included with the SportLoader to stabilize the motorcycle during loading. Once the motorcycle is loaded, a minimum of four additional straps are needed to secure the motorcycle to the box of the pickup. Two straps on the front of the motorcycle and two straps on the back of the motorcycle are required to stabilize the motorcycle once it is loaded and for traveling down the road.
What is the capacity it can load and unload?
The SportLoader's loading capacity is 1,000 pounds.
What is the over all length of the loader?
There are two models of the SportLoader. The (SC3001) is designed to accommodate short bed pickups and it measures 86 inches long. The (SC3000) is designed for long bed pickups and it measures 104 inches long. This allows you to tow a trailer when using a SportLoader with either a short or long box pickup.
Can I use a short box loader on a long box pickup?
Yes, the SportLoaders are interchangeable and the long bed version (SC3000) will work in a short box pickup and the short box unit (SC3001) will work in a long box pickup. However, if you put a long box unit (SC3000) in a short box pickup the back of the SportLoader will stick out past the end of the box far enough that it may interfere with towing a trailer. If you put a short box unit (SC3001) in a long box pickup the SportLoader is shorter so it will not store the motorcycle all the way to the front of the box. However the long bed version (SC3000) requires a minimum bed length of 73 ½".
How heavy are the parts that disconnect?
During loading and unloading two rail extensions need to be installed and removed and they weigh 65 lbs. each.
Is it hard to install?
Since there is no drilling or permanently mounted parts and the SportLoader comes fully assembled it is very simple to install. Just remove the tailgate and install the pivot tube then simply install three bolts from the pivot tube to the main ramp and the SportLoader is installed. A 12-volt lawn & garden battery must be purchased separately.
Will the SportLoader work with my chopper?
There are two models of the SportLoader. The (SC3001) short bed unit measures 86 inches long. The (SC3000) long bed version measures 104 inches long. Either of these units will accommodate most factory production motorcycles however there is a (SC9026) mid-ramp extension that is an 18" long to accommodate stretched and or custom bikes that are longer or "chopper" style motorcycles.
Does it affect my bed liner?
Since the SportLoader does not bolt or mount to the pickup bed you do not need to drill through your bed liner. In fact, the way the SportLoader mounts to the pivot tube, it allows the SportLoader to accommodate all types of bed liners or bed mats. The adjustment on the pivot tube allows you to accommodate for thinner spray-in bed liners or even the ticker plastic bed liner inserts.
Is the loader adjustable if I have a lift kit on my pickup?
The SportLoader's unique design allows it to accommodate varying bed heights. Stock pickups to moderately lifted trucks will work without any problems. For pickups with lift kits or oversized tires that raise the pickup bed height to over 50 inches, an optional ramp extension (SC9010) can be purchased. This allows the SportLoader to be used in a wide variety of applications.
Is the battery included with the SportLoader?
A separate 12-volt lawn & garden tractor battery is required and must be purchased separately. A tray is designed into the SportLoader to store and protect the battery once it is installed.
Can you charge/run from the pickup's battery?
The SportLoader operates from a 12-volt battery so the battery that operates the SportLoader can be charged from the pickup. A separate charging wire will need to be added as it is not included with the SportLoader.
What is the minimum bed length required to mount the SportLoader?
To use the short bed model (SC3001) a minimum of 61 ½" is required while a minimum of 73 ½" is required for the long box model (SC3000).
Can I still use my tailgate?
No, to install the SportLoader a pivot tube is utilized and is installed to the tailgate mounts on the box of the pickup so the tailgate must be removed when installing the SportLoader. The tailgate can easily be re-installed when the SportLoader is removed.
What additional items are needed with the SportLoader?
The SportLoader mounts to a pivot tube that is ordered separately. This tube is different depending on year, make and model of pickup. There are pivot tubes available for most pickup models. If you do not see your truck listed, please contact Blue Ox's fit department and they will assist you in finding the proper pivot tube. Also a separate 12-volt lawn & garden tractor battery is required and must be purchased separately. A tray is designed into the SportLoader to store and protect the battery once it is installed.
Can one person load the bike?
Loading and unloading the bike is easily done by one-person.
Can you put the loader in and take out so you can use the pickup for other things?
In a matter of minutes you can have your motorcycle unloaded out of the back of your pickup and the SportLoader removed also. Since the SportLoader is not bolted to the box or bed of the pickup but instead bolted to the pivot tube that is installed on the tailgate mounts the SportLoader could not be easier to be removed. Just take the three bolts that hold the main ramp to the pivot tube and remove and store it. Then rotate the pivot tube about a ¼ of a turn and remove and store it and reinstall your tailgate and you are ready to go.
