Types of Loading Ramps for Trucks

The two main types of loading ramps for trucks are folding ramps and non-folding ramps. Folding ramps are made to fold for easier transport and storage. When it’s time to load, you can unfold the ramp and get it into the right place. Non-folding ramps may be straight or curved, with one or more pieces that don’t fold.

When you choose a loading ramp, it needs to be able to handle whatever you plan to load. To start with, you’ll need to know the weight of the equipment or vehicle you want to transport, as well as the load capacity of your truck. Refer to the owner’s manual or look up the weight of your equipment and truck online.

Before using a loading ramp, though, figure out the total weight of your load. The total should account for the weight of the driver, fuel and attachments. If there’s any cargo being carried, add the weight of it too. This total should be less than the capacity of the loading ramp. Never try to load anything that weighs more than the loading ramp is rated to hold.

Think about how long the loading ramp will need to be. A longer ramp offers more possibilities, especially if you might use the ramp with more than one vehicle. The more distance there is between your truck bed and the ground, the longer the ramp will need to be. If a ramp is too steep, it can break during the loading process.

A one-piece ramp should be wide enough to accommodate the width of whatever you’re loading. If you get a ramp with two runners, each one should be as wide as a tire of the vehicle you’re putting into the back of your truck.

Consider the ground clearance of the equipment or off-road vehicles you will be loading. An arched ramp works better for equipment and vehicles with only a few inches of clearance.

The material a ramp is made of will affect its weight. Aluminum ramps weigh less and are easier to set up and move. Steel ramps are heavier and stronger than aluminum ones, but can be more difficult to set up and move around.

You’ll also want to consider what the surface of the loading ramp is like. While a textured surface can help stop falls, too much texture can trip you up. Ramps with non-slip flat finishes are recommended. Cut-outs in a loading ramp can also give the surface more traction.

The best truck ramps for riding lawn mowers will depend on the kind of mower that you have.

Riding lawn mowers have low ground clearance, which can make loading them a challenge. A lawn mower ramp with an arch can help keep the mower from getting stuck at the top of the ramp.

On the incline of a loading ramp, a lawn mower can tip over. The gentler slope of a longer ramp can make accidentally turning the mower over less likely.

Zero-turn mowers are typically wider and heavier than traditional riding mowers. They require wider loading ramps with higher weight capacities.

Transporting your ATV allows you to ride off-road in many different places. With an ATV loading ramp, you can haul your ATV more easily. The right ramp needs to fit your ATV and your budget. The load capacity of the ramp should match the weight of your ATV.

The length of the ramp you’ll need will depend on the size of your truck and your ATV. Folding ATV ramps are available, but can sometimes be hard to fold and unfold. Look for a lightweight ramp that will be easy to use when you’re at home or off-road. Aluminum ramps are usually among the lightest.

If you’re heading out to an event or on a long road trip, hauling your motorcycle can be more practical than riding it. It’s also nice to have a ramp on hand if you need to take your motorcycle to a mechanic. A motorcycle loading ramp makes putting your bike in the back of your truck almost effortless.

Look for a ramp that can support the weight of your bike. Bigger bikes will need a ramp with a higher weight capacity. Also, choose a ramp that has been designed for a two-wheeled vehicle. An ATV loading ramp may not be a good fit for a motorcycle, even if it does have an appropriate weight capacity.

Loading ramps labeled as heavy-duty have varying weight capacities. Still, you can expect a heavy-duty steel ramp for a pickup truck to have at least a 1,000-pound capacity. Aluminum ramps with a 750-pound capacity may be listed as heavy duty.

If you aren’t sure about everything you might want to load and haul, opt for a heavy-duty loading ramp. You can load lighter equipment with a heavy-duty ramp, but exceeding the weight limit of a ramp can cause an accident.

Lightweight ramps are easier to put together and transport. However, they may not support the weight of your vehicles and equipment. Folding ramps may have handles to help you carry them. Some tri-fold ramps fold to fit into truck bed toolboxes.

Loading equipment and recreational vehicles can be dangerous. As you use loading ramps for trucks, be safety conscious.

• Use straps to keep the ramp connected to your truck’s tailgate during loading. The straps may be included with a ramp or can be purchased separately.
• LED lights can provide a lit pathway to make the edges of a loading ramp more visible. A ramp with lights can help you see better when you’re loading in low-light conditions and at night.
• Having at least one other person to help you load is helpful. However, some ramps are designed for one-person operation.
• After loading your equipment and vehicles, tie everything down properly so it doesn’t shift or fall during transport.