ATV Loading Ramps – Choosing The Right One
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?
When you have finished answering these questions, you next need to make a decision on the style of ramp that will suit your needs best. There are some advantages and disadvantages to each of the four basic kinds of ATV loading ramps.
* 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.
* A tri-fold ramp will fold in thirds widthwise. A tri-fold may come with an open center track. They are easy to store under your ATV while you 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.
* Last are hitch mounted ramps. These attach to a trailer hitch. They can also be folded to store while traveling.
No matter which ramp style you go with, straight ramps will need extra length in order to avoid bottoming out the four-wheeler while loading it. One way to avoid this problem is to choose an arched ramp instead of a straight ramp.
When choosing a ramp, you also need to take into consideration the total overall weight that the ramp needs to support. Overall weight includes the actual weight of the ATV, any accessories attached to it, fuel, weight of the operator, and the weight of any cargo. It's a good idea to buy a ramp system with a weight capacity that exceeds what you need.
One other thing to consider is the ramp's width. You can get by using a ramp that just fits the width of your ATV, but having a wider than necessary ramp makes loading and unloading not only easier but safer too.
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 or track, 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.









