what atv will fit in a truck bed

Most standard short beds are about 5.5 feet long. A lot of 450s like the Honda 450R or Yamaha YFZ450 are around 72-74 inches, so they barely fit with the tailgate down. You might need to angle it or get a small bed extender.

I have a 2019 Can-Am Outlander 450 and it fits in my F-150 short bed, but I have to leave the tailgate down. It's not ideal, but it works. Just make sure to strap it down well so it doesn't shift.

Check the specs before buying. Some ATVs like the Suzuki KingQuad are longer due to the racks. I had to get a hitch carrier for mine because it was too long for my Tacoma. It's worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

You could look into a folding tailgate extender. They're cheap and make a huge difference. I use one for my Polaris Sportsman 450 and it fits great without the tailgate down.

I disagree with the bed extender idea. I've seen those fail on rough trails. Better to just leave the tailgate down or get a proper hitch carrier. Safety first.

If you're on a budget, older 2-stroke 250s are shorter and fit easily. But if you want a modern 450, measure your bed length and compare to the ATV's overall length. Most manufacturers list that online.

I run a Honda 400EX and it fits in my Nissan Frontier short bed with the tailgate down. It's 72 inches long. Anything over 75 inches will be tight. You might need to remove the rear grab bar.

Don't forget about width. Some ATVs are wide and won't fit between wheel wells. My buddy's Grizzly 700 barely squeezes in. Check the bed width at the narrowest point.

I use a truck bed extender that hooks into the hitch. It gives me an extra 2 feet. Works perfect for my Kodiak 450. No issues on highway trips.

You could also consider a smaller ATV like a 250 or 300. They're lighter and fit easier. But if you need the power, a 450 with a tailgate down is fine as long as you strap it properly.

I've seen people damage their tailgates by leaving them down with a heavy ATV on the ramp. Make sure your tailgate is rated for the weight. Some trucks have plastic tailgates that can crack.

Measure twice, buy once. I learned the hard way with a Can-Am Renegade that was too long. Now I have a hitch carrier and it's solid. Just make sure your hitch can handle the tongue weight.

For a standard short bed, 72 inches is the magic number. Anything longer will hang out. My Yamaha Raptor 700 fits but sticks out about 6 inches. No big deal if you tie it down right.

I've had success with a bed mat and ratchet straps. No need for fancy equipment. Just make sure the ATV is centered and the straps are tight. Check them every time you stop.

Consider the weight of the ATV too. Some trucks have payload limits that get maxed out with a full-size quad plus gear. My F-150 handles it fine, but a smaller truck might struggle.

I use a ramp that folds up and stores in the bed. It helps with loading and unloading. But the ATV still sticks out. I've been doing it for years with no issues.

If you're worried about fit, look into a trailer. It's more convenient and safer than cramming it in a truck bed. Plus you can haul more gear. But it's an extra expense.

I've seen people modify their beds by removing the tailgate or adding a drop-in liner. That can give you a few extra inches. But it's not for everyone.

Don't forget to check the wheelbase. Some ATVs have a long wheelbase that makes them hard to center in the bed. My Polaris Scrambler 500 is 50 inches wheelbase and fits fine.

I agree with the guy who said to use a hitch carrier. It's the safest option for longer ATVs. I got a aluminum one from Harbor Freight for under 200 bucks and it works great.