ATV Loading Ramps – Which One Is Right For You
With such a selection of ATV loading ramps out there, it can be hard to choose just the right one. But on the other hand, because there are so many ramps out there, you’ll be able to find a ramp system that will work best for your situation and set-up.
The first thing you need to do is think about how and where you will be using an ATV loading ramp. Are you loading your four- wheeler onto a trailer or a pickup? What are the weather and ground conditions like? Will you be loading your ATV by yourself or with help?
Once you have answered these questions, you can then decide on the ramp style that will best suit your needs. There are four basic types of ATV loading ramps. Each has some advantages and disadvantages.
* A bi-fold ramp folds in half along its width. This type of ramp is compact which is good but it can be more difficult to fit under the ATV and store it during travel.
* The tri-fold ramp folds in thirds widthwise. Some of these come with open center tracks. These ramps are easy to fit under your ATV when you want to store it for travel.
* Dual runner ramps are really two separate ramps. They are available in folding and non folding styles. These ramps are made for easy storage under the ATV as long as the ATV has a higher ground clearance.
* Finally, there are hitch mounted ramps that attach to a trailer hitch. These can be folded for storage during travel.
Whichever ramp style you decide on, be sure that any straight ramp is long enough to prevent bottoming out your four- wheeler during loading. This problem can be avoided if you go with an arched ramp.
When you are choosing a ramp, be sure to take into consideration the complete overall weight it has to support. The overall weight includes the weight of the ATV itself, accessories that are attached, the weight of the driver, fuel, along with the weight of any cargo you are carrying. Be sure to buy a ramp system that exceeds the required weight capacity.
One more thing to consider is the width of the ramp. Although you can probably get by using a ramp that is just wide enough for your ATV, it’s going to be a lot easier, not to mention safer, if you are using a ramp with more than enough width.
For instance, if you’ve been doing some mud riding, it’s possible that your tires won’t get as much traction and may slide around a bit during loading. You won’t have to worry about this if your ramp is extra wide.
With so many ATV loading ramps available, you’ll want to take your time exploring all the options before deciding. You only want to do this once so be sure to do it right.
To get your bike or ATV to the trail, you’ll need to load it up in the back of your pickup. This is another place where it pays to be safe. Don’t trust your expensive motorcycle or 4 wheeler to a cheap ramp. Check out the solid motorcycle loading ramps at aluminumloadingramp.org as well as the huge selection of ATV loading ramps.
