Just wanted to get some input on what kind of loading ramps some of you are using and where you got them from. Its time to get something other than the old 2x8s. If you have a URL for the company please include that. Thanks!

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http://homepages.go.com/~mrdci/

 

I use the 2x8's with metal ramp ends screwed on. I also put sticky tape on the ramps. Altogether they cost me about $45 bucks and work great. The ramp ends can be purchased at home depot or walmart.

 

"Search" should uncover previous discussions in the archives.

I've graduated from salvaged galvanized steel automobile convoy ("portable parking lot") ramps, cut to length, to a Gered Marketing ((715) 434-4434) folding tailgate ramp, permanently mounted to my pickup.

Now I can safely, quickly and conveniently roll-on/roll-off any load my F-150 can carry; the tailgate itself (unfolded) becomes the loading ramp.

Whatever ramps you use, make sure some mechanism (chain, cable, ropes, slots, pins, bolts, etc.) holds the ramps securely in position on the truck bed. Loading/unloading remains a major activity when serious ATV accidents occur.

Tree Farmer

[This message has been edited by Tree Farmer (edited 01-23-2000).]

 

I bought 6' steel ramps when I got my Quadmaster. I went with steel because they were less expensive. I paid $89 for mine, you can find them in a Mouse catalog.

Great advice from Tree Farmer, make sure you secure them. They can and will kickout if you don't. I've seen ramps kickout and it can be pretty damn scary and painful for whoever is on the quad.

 

I have never seen the folding tailgate ramp that Tree Farmer is refering to,but I sure like the concept of them staying with the truck.Myself,I paid 189 dollars for folding aluminum ramps from my dealership at the time of my quad purchase.I have seen the same ramps on the internet for 139 dollars.The weight capacity is 1250 lbs.The advice the folks in here give you on securing a safty cable to the bumper is also very sound advice.One good feature I like about the folding ramps is you can seperate the two ramps,allowing for much easier access into your pick-up if your hauling it with the plow attached.The lower plow tubes will hang-up on the ramps if you dont have that open space between the ramps for the plow tubes to travel.Best of luck===BILL

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I recently bought some 6' aluminum ramps from a guy in Arkansas that makes them.

They cost me $59 and were about $75 after shipping. They only weigh about 22lbs and are separate ramps so I can slide them both between the wheels of my 400EX.

I found him on eBay, but I am sure he sells them outright as well.

I am very happy with them.

Here is a picture of them from his ad:

codycodyco@aol.com

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Gabe

'86ATC250R
'86ATC350X
'00TRX400EX

 

A lot of people make their own ramps. What to look for in a good ramp is will it fit in your pickup box? Another thing is the amount of material on top of the tailgate, less is better otherwise as you back off the rear tires will try to push the ramps off the tail gate sending you and you machine for a ride! Weight is another consideation, you dont need ramps that will hold up a tractor, you want something that is easy to handle and you can carry around without a lot of problems.

 

If you use safety cables on your ramps hooked to your bumper,you'll not need to worry about ramp slippage.==BILL

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86atc250r,

Gee, I feel ripped off. I just purchased a set of 6ft x 14in for $69.00 with s/h it came to $88.58.

I thought about the 7.5ft but did not want to pay the extra $30. Besides the King should have no problem climbing up them.

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Eric Baatz

1996 Suzuki KING QUAD Remember the KING Lives!!



[This message has been edited by ecbaatz (edited 01-25-2000).]

 

I made my own. Bought 4 6 1/2 foot lengths of 1.5" square tubing, and then lengths of thinwall 1" square tubing. Cut the 1" thinwall to 1 foot lengths, and they were the inside "steps" of the ramps. They are so short that the lighweight thinwall could hold up no problem. Then bent some like 3/8" flatbar, then welded it to the end as fingers to sit on the tailgate. They work really well. Takes the weight of the Sportsman 500 no problem, with me on of course. They are also very lightweight, each weighs less than 25 pounds. Altogether, they only cost $45, and the labor was free and the welding, because I made them in school.