[librarian]

I'm seriously considering a Zforce.  It will either be a 2022 950 sport (60 inch wide) or a 2023 950 trail (50 inch wide).  I have a utility trailer which I can easily load and haul either machine in.  However, I will sometimes want to take my camper along.  My tow vehicle is a 2015 Chevy Silverado 3500 with a 6.0 gas engine.  It is a crew cab model with a long bed (97.4 inches).  My current side by side is a RZR 900 trail eps.  It will fit in the bed and I can raise the tail gate partially up and secure it with a couple of straps.  That leaves ample space to hitch up my camper and bring everything with me.  The truck has an almost 4K payload capacity and a 13K towing capacity.  My 39.6 foot camper weighs in at about 8500 - 9000 lbs ready to camp.  My problem is that the RZR is an 80 inch wheelbase whereas either of the two cfmotos I'm looking at have a 90 inch wheelbase.  I won't be able to raise the tail gate at all.  It will have to stay flat.  I can get a 7 inch hitch extender and tailgate supports to strengthen the tail gate and also extend my hitch enough to still hitch up my camper and leave the tailgate down without it touching the tongue jack even in a turning situation.  I'm just wondering if any of you have tried this type of setup.  I would appreciate any advice you all can give me about this.  I also have a pretty decent set of ramps and they handle my RZR just fine.  Also, do any of you winch your side by side up into the bed of your truck or do you just drive it into the bed.  I've always driven my RZR into the bed, but have been thinking about setting up a way to use the winch.  Any advice I can get on this issue will also be greatly appreciated.

[smitty42]

Before I went to a trailer I did haul my 2013 500 RZR in my 2006 Silverado 3/4 ton HD long bed.  I left the tailgate down and used  steel support bars on the tailgate, a must.  I also pulled my 20ft travel trailer using a hitch extender, just had to lengthen the safety chains and trailer wiring. Never had a problem other than real slow speed going up hill.
So, with you rig I don't see any major problems.  Have a friend who tows a 5th wheel and pulls his trailer for the sidexside and quad  behind the 5th wheel without a problem.

[NMKawierider]

I too had the same situation with my 3/4 ton Dodge with the long bed. I had to use a 16" hitch extender (bought an 18" and cut it down) to pull my 25' camper but with all hitch extenders, the weight capacity drops very quickly so know your tung weight and hitch capacity before and after the extender. Nine dropped off too close for comfort so I made a second support that ran from the outer hitch pin to the high side of the bumper giving me back around 200lbs of..."insurance". And yes, the gate bars are a must and yes I always drove mine in but I do have 10' ramps. Still use them with my flatbed. 

[NMtrailRDR]

I have two different ways I carry mine in the back of my truck. Around town I use Mad-Ramps, they connect to my hitch and are super easy and secure. It takes me about 10 minutes to get my machine loaded and it takes up almost no space in my garage. When I am going camping and pulling my camper I use an UTV deck. Much bulkier to deal with, but works well.

(Not my pictures, but showing the products I am using)

[librarian]

Thanks to all of you for your timely replies filled with great advice and information.  The hitch extensions I've been looking at say that they have a 3500 lb. capacity.  That is more than twice the tongue weight I will have using my camper.  I should be ok with that.  I just need it back enough to keep my tailgate from contacting the tongue jack or anything else on the camper.  I'll have to do some measuring to make sure I have enough clearance.  I won't use any longer extension that I really need to.  Again, thanks to all of you for the wonderful advice.
Don Williams a.k.a. librarian

[Pnw zforce rider]

i haul my Zforce 800 trail in bed and haul trailer without hitch extension, this is what i built, give me that little extra extension to the end of bumper, ramps store in center, 4 bolts hold the whole setup to truck, and makes it easy to remove,did not want to store with a rack that goes above cab becaue of the height and places we go

[librarian]

That's a really nice setup.  I wish I had the skills to build it, but I don't.  I also am not interested in a cab over rack.  I would rather keep my side by side in the bed of the truck if I can.  If I had good metal working skills, I would try something like your setup.  Congrats on a very nice and thoughtful fabrication.
Don Williams a.k.a. librarian

[NMKawierider]

You could have something like that made. I like that setup too and would consider it if I still has a regular pickup.


 

[Ulfthednar]

well . . back in the day real pickup beds were eight foot . .
just being a smart @$$ I know . . but . . .

[Pnw zforce rider]

well . . back in the day real pickup beds were eight foot . .
just being a smart @$$ I know . . but . . .

thats a 96 F350 crew cab with 8 ft bed, and its still to short LOL