Whether you have an ATV, dirt bike, or street bike, chances are that you have had to transport it from your home to another location at some point. And if you do that by loading it into the back of your pickup or onto a trailer, then you've used a ramp. An aluminum loading ramp can do the job safely and easily, even if you're loading solo.
Aluminum loading ramps are the ramp of choice by most sportsmen. That's because they are lightweight, solid and easy to maneuver. But there is a lot more to these ramps.
You probably have thousands invested in your bike or four-wheeler, not to mention your truck. And if you hunt or ride motocross for instance, you are certainly very conscious of properly maintaining your equipment and using it safely.
Loading and unloading from your truck or trailer is where safety begins. For starters you need a ramp that is capable of holding enough weight. You need to consider the weight of the quad or bike, any accessories that are attached, as well as the weight of the person who will be doing the loading. When you add all that up, you can see why a couple of 2x4's is just not going to be a good option.
Once you have the weight capacity figured out you can choose from many different types of ramps. Choosing a folding ramp makes for easy and secure storage. When you are transporting, you can easily find a spot for a folding ramp beside your recreational vehicle without leaving the tailgate down, so the ramp fits.
When you arrive at the trail head or track, you probably lock up your vehicle while you ride. Aluminum ramps that fold can be locked inside your vehicle so they are still there when you get back.
An arched aluminum loading ramp is a good overall choice. With this type of ramp, you avoid bottoming out when loading. It works great for ATVs or even riding lawn mowers. These are also available as a folding ramp so storage is still easy.
The best ATV loading ramps are bi-fold or tri-fold ramps. They should be wide enough for your four-wheeler to fit comfortably with room for you to walk beside it if necessary. Use a ramp with an extender to make the slope less steep if needed.
Motorcycle loading ramps are often a single ramp. If you are using a bi-fold or tri-fold aluminum loading ramp be sure the ramp can handle the load safely. This is especially a factor if you are loading a heavier street bike.
Ramps with a non skid surface are an important option especially if you are loading or unloading in poor weather conditions. The last thing you want is for your bike or ATV to slide off the ramp because the ramp surface is slippery. A textured surface or rubberized coating is a good choice.
Be sure to get loading ramps that come with safety straps and/or an attaching lip.
The straps allow you to secure the ramp to your tailgate so the ramp doesn't move while you are loading or unloading. They can also be used to secure the ramps in the bed of your pickup while you are in transit, to avoid damaging your load or your pickup.
Another nice feature is an attaching lip. This is designed to fit snugly against the tailgate to keep the ramp in place. It has a rubber pad so there is no damage to your tailgate. You'll really like this feature if you are trying to load or unload without help.
Choosing the right aluminum loading ramp, for your ATV or motorcycle, makes for safe and worry-free loading and unloading.
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