drmarsha
Florida
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Joined: 11/14/2007
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Yes. The key is leverage. I confess to strategically parking so that the ramp is as low to the ground as possible. Of course, some places are better than others for this. The lower the slope of the ramp, the easier the pushing. My driveway has a good "dip" in it by the sidewalk so that works nicely. I have parked next to a slope for reloading when camping. I have experienced campsites that are "high in the back" rather than level and that is great. And on rare occasions, I will ask for a power assist from a camping neighbor -- just some pressure on the back rack so that I maintain the forward momentum.
Using power to assist has been a negative experience. If you are not steering straight, off it goes. I do much better just taking a run at it. The other key to success is lining up the scooter so that it is straight -- the front wheel is easy but check that back wheel to make sure it is aligned for the ramp. I have used the stick that cranks out my RV awning to visually extend the end of the ramp so I can make sure I have the right trojectory.
The other good news about loading the Vespa is that once it is in place, it leans very nicely on the spare tire so that I can work on the tie down process. I use 4 straps that ratchet tight. I have a harness for the front that goes over each handhold and has strapping that configures it as an X . The straps connect to the bottom of the X so that I am not applying tension directly to the handlebars. I do a bungee cord to keep the front tire drawn up to the end of the rack "toe stop" and extra length in a front strap tightens one hand brake. The scoot travels fully upright on the rack. That baby isn't going anyplace 'cept where I take it. And for good measure, I run a cable lock around the bottom and thru the rack so no one is going to get away with taking the scooter. Keys go on a rack inside my vehicle. And a final comforting fact: I can see one of the rear view mirrors on the scoot in the RV rear view mirror. It lets me see that it is still with me and also how it does after a bump or some rough RR tracks.
It is all that old geometry stuff from school long ago. And it finally was useful! I am a widow and my husband and I rode the Vespas prior to his passing in 2005. I got the RV after his death and I think he would get a real kick out of how I am enjoying the scooter in my travels. You can't beat it for a way to get to the store without the RV when it is set up for camping.
I hope that you find this helpful!
--Marsha
Dr. Marsha
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AsheGuy
Raleigh, North Carolina
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Joined: 11/15/2004
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drmarsha wrote:I hope that you find this helpful! Margaret and I are looking forward to seeing your setup at B5. We drool a little bit when looking at the photo of yours.  Supposedly your model can carry two. Any comment on the practicality of that, other than maybe needing foot pegs that I've seen reference to in the Vespa web page forums?
David & Margaret - 2005 LTV 210B 3S
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drmarsha
Florida
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Joined: 11/14/2007
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Because of a breakin at my home and my decision to move, it appears I might not make it to B5. It is decision time!
Yes, the Vespa will carry two persons. The "running boards" extend a bit so I don't know about foot pegs. My husband and I each had our own Vespa (and so I still have two!). He had very few final directives but did tell me to keep both Vespas. He believed I would either find a new friend someday or need one for parts. Meanwhile, I just take turns riding 'em. I have learned about battery management -- I have a "battery tender" that I use periodically on each.
--Marsha
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Tor2ga
Sanibel Island, Fla
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Joined: 07/28/2006
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We have a RT 190P which we have burdened with a Tilt-A-Rack scooter carrier and a Vespa LX150. The scoot is about 250 lbs and the rack itself is galvanized steel at about 100 lbs. They now make a much lighter aluminum one. The rig runs fine on the RT and it is very easy for the two of us to load. We mainly need two to feel safe handling it, one person could probably do it. We have also used the rack on a Lexus LX 470, a very heavy and capable SUV with good results. We have made the run between Sanibel and Annapolis several times with no trouble (1150 miles).
Go to a dirt bike store and ask for the "Canyon Dancer" straps to tie the handle bars down. Reduces the stresses and protects the bars.
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drmarsha
Florida
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Joined: 11/14/2007
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I do feel safe when loading the scooter myself. In fact, it is a real emotional rush to be able to accomplish this. And, of course, if I had my husband still, we'd work together on this. But life "is what it is" and so it goes. We do what we have to do.
Yes, the idea of these hitch-receiver racks is that it can be used on multiple vehicles. My Versa Haul is heavy and so I have regarded it as a permanent installation.
--Marsha
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Lynne Jayzee
Asheville NC
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Joined: 04/01/2003
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All this scooter chat...I miss my little Yamaha Razz (and my long hair, too)!
- LJZ
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jspringator
Versailles, KY 40383
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Joined: 01/07/2003
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Has anyone mounted a scooter on the front of a tow vehicle while towing?
Jim & Sherri
05 Jayco Eagle 308 FBS, Dual Cam
2001 Ford Excursion LTD 3.73 LSD, V-10, 2WD
Yamaha EF2800i genset;
2000 watt Tripp-Lite inverter/charger APS 2012
12' Porta-Bote 75 6 hp Johnson
1989 Bayliner Ciera 2150
Saturn SD365 inflatable, 75 Rude 25HP
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Wildcants
Maurepas, Louisiana
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Joined: 03/31/2008
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I have a versahaul and carry a Yamaha 'moped'. Works great. I load and unload my scooter alone. The hauler would drag when going up driveways etc. So I purchased an adapter from Cabela that adjusted the height, up. So now it is somewhat harder to load and unload. Lots of time I try to prosition the back of the van so the ramp lands, say on a curb, and is not at such a high angle.
I leave the straps attached to the front handle bars of the moped and when I get the scooter up on the rack, I just reach over and tilt the scooter towards the van and latch the S hook. Then tilt the scooter up and towards my body and attach the outside S hook and pulled the strap to tighten some. All the time I have one hand holding the brake on. This works, slick as can be.
I also have a basket on the front of scooter and carry my dog. Love having the scooter with me. If the van goes the scooter goes.
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pshubird
Daphne, Alabama, USA
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Joined: 03/13/2002
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I carry my Vespa GTS on the back of my Chevy RT 170P. I use the Tilt-a-Rack hitch mounted carrier. The carrier is aluminum and weighs about 50 pounds. The Vespa weighs about 325 pounds. The receiver on my RT is rated for 1000 pounds tongue weight, so I am well within the limit. I can't even tell the scooter is back there while driving. I can easily load and unload the scooter by myself. Woo Hoo!
-Pat
Patrick
Daphne, Alabama
2005 RT 170P
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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Joined: 09/15/2003
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drmarsha - Here is a link to the VersaHaul . And you are so correct about the geometry. Finding the right slope of the land so the scooter does not have as steep of a climb and then will comfortably rest against the stop without trying to back away.
Lynne Jayzee - weak and fragile - and if you were not so short, you could walk besides it while it pulled itself up the ramp.
Here is a link to the Tilt-A-Rack that was also mentioned. Actually, it is sometimes more scarry taking it off than putting it on. If it starts to move off the carrier, it is tough stopping it.
2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy
Gene
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