Well I finally got my hauler/back porch finished enough to put to work. I had my diesel mechanic/fabricator build it and he struggled with it. I think the biggest challenge is getting the two receiver hitches and tubes just right so it can slide in an out reasonably easily. Right now getting it out is a little stiff so I have loaded a bike on it and will drive around a bit to help it "break in". He used heavy square material/tubes. I have two receivers attached/welded to the back of the F250 (in addition to the middle one). We placed the bike holder far enough back so that I can open the door almost 90 degrees with the bike loaded, but not so far back to overload things. I can jump on the porch and nothing really moves or flexes. So far my dogs approve, nice platform for them. I had this built in large part for peace of mind, knowing that the bike is solid and I don't have to think about it. I also got the porch/platform for easy in and out for dogs and people, and finally more space to haul and store crap, I figure I can carry several large noisy generators. It even has a receiver tube on the back so if I want to haul my small trailer with the porch installed I can do that. The neat LED light set up fits right into that rear receiver, plugs into my trailer connector and gives me tail, brake, and turn lights on the back of the carrier where they can't be obstructed by the bike (a closeout at Sierra Trading Post). Still need to paint and use may dictate a few changes, already thinking maybe add some E-Track for tying stuff down.
Bike loaded, plenty of room for me to get in and out. Welded tie down loops on the corners.
Here it is empty, sorry about the light, you get get an idea of the size, mesh desk is strong without being too heavy, no water to collect, not slippery.
Here you can see the two receivers
From below
Rear lights, slides into the receiver, plugs into an extension from the trailer connector
Couldn't put the bike all the way to the end, too much weight out too far plus you need to have a place to tie it down and that can't be straight down.
Nicely welded
I have a front receiver hitch as well where I can carry my daughters Segway
So an extended cab, 8' bed, front rack, rear porch... the not so nimble F250 turns as well as
That last picture shows my little/high clearance trailer that I can tow behind the porch if I ever needed to. I now have multiple configurations
I think I'll like this new addition, of course normal parking spots are probably out of the equation but I can haul a bike, a big bike, securely, and have good camper access, without the need for the trailer. I guess I could haul the bike and the boat behind that
Making me it for a trip...