Loading ramps for pick up

[Heatingman 971]

Id like to get a trailer, but thats not in the cards at this time. Space issue, not capital. So usually I rent when needed. 
 

But takes lots of extra time to rent one, and return it, then there is the issue of availability as-well. 

 

So for a stop gap measure, would like opinions on a good quantity set of folding ramps I can use to load onto the truck bed.

 

Could be store bought, or custom built. 

 

 

[wallfish 17,011]

The height of your particular truck is what's going to make the difference for the best ramps. A small S-10 tailgate height is much lower than a lifted Ford 4x4 1 ton. The higher the tailgate - the longer you want the ramps. Arch ramps will help with clearance for the transition from the ramps to the truck bed. Something like this?

https://www.titanramps.com/vehicle-ramps/atv-ramps/10-ft-pair-folding-arch-ramps/311420.html?adpos=&scid=scplp311420&sc_intid=311420&adlclid=51c0835a25121b00dd5fe058185db9fe&msclkid=51c0835a25121b00dd5fe058185db9fe&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SC Shopping - NB - Desktop - Prospecting&utm_term=4580977767649705&utm_content=SC Shopping - NB - Desktop

A small 4x8 trailer which is probably about the same size as a full size truck bed can be stored vertically easier than a big trailer. Like using some block and tackle on a tree or wall if the gate/ramp can fold inside of the trailer bed. 

[squonk 41,144]

You need the arch ramps if you need to transport a tractor with a deck. Walk don't ride the tractor on and off. Strap the ramps to the truck so they don't slide off the tailgate. I had some steel ramps that were great but they weighed a ton. Sold them and got aluminum.

[ri702bill 8,327]

39 minutes ago, squonk said:

Strap the ramps to the truck so they don't slide off the tailgate.

Or, as I do, remove the tailgate and reinstall it when done. DEFINETLY strap the ramps either way.

[tunahead72 2,424]

1 hour ago, ri702bill said:

Or, as I do, remove the tailgate and reinstall it when done. DEFINETLY strap the ramps either way.

 

I highly recommend removing the tailgate.  I have a couple of Ramparts ramp top kits that I bolted onto 2"x12" pressure treated planks, they've worked well for me for many years, heavy but very handy.  When I had a pickup, I would find a gentle slope on my property, sit the ramps on top of the open tailgate, pinned into holes drilled into the tailgate, but not strapped.  And then I would drive my tractor onto the ramp and into the bed of the truck.  Yeah, I know.

 

You haven't lived until you've done something like this and had one of your tailgate cables snap halfway up the ramp and drop you and one side of your tractor down even just a few inches, hoping you don't slide off the ramps, or the other cable breaks, or something you haven't thought of, all in just a couple of seconds.  It could have been much worse.

 

A couple of things about those tailgate cables...  They're probably not rated to handle the weight of one of these tractors.  And even if they are, if they're covered with a protective rubber sheath or tubing of some sort like mine were, there's a good chance you're not going to notice that one or both of your cables is rusted out until it's too late.

 

Just take off the tailgate, and pin or strap the ramps down.

 

[Heatingman 971]

2 hours ago, tunahead72 said:

 

I highly recommend removing the tailgate.  I have a couple of Ramparts ramp top kits that I bolted onto 2"x12" pressure treated planks, they've worked well for me for many years, heavy but very handy.  When I had a pickup, I would find a gentle slope on my property, sit the ramps on top of the open tailgate, pinned into holes drilled into the tailgate, but not strapped.  And then I would drive my tractor onto the ramp and into the bed of the truck.  Yeah, I know.

 

You haven't lived until you've done something like this and had one of your tailgate cables snap halfway up the ramp and drop you and one side of your tractor down even just a few inches, hoping you don't slide off the ramps, or the other cable breaks, or something you haven't thought of, all in just a couple of seconds.  It could have been much worse.

 

A couple of things about those tailgate cables...  They're probably not rated to handle the weight of one of these tractors.  And even if they are, if they're covered with a protective rubber sheath or tubing of some sort like mine were, there's a good chance you're not going to notice that one or both of your cables is rusted out until it's too late.

 

Just take off the tailgate, and pin or strap the ramps down.

 

Being a cheap skate, 

Id like to see about making a folding version of wood ramps, for easy storage in the tool box

 

Thinking a steel plate maybe 12” long 6” on either side opposite the hinge would add sufficient reinforcement at that point.

I’ll draw something up - and look into the hardware and lumber cost to see if its worth the effort vs just buying something.

 

Probably have most materials on hand. 

[rjg854 11,378]

The one drawback with wood ramps are if they get wet you have no traction.

[ebinmaine 67,568]

I've been using these:

 

https://www.reesetowpower.com/product/7452700_loading-ramp-arched

 

For several years. 

Well Under $200 shipped to my door. 

Lightweight. Good traction. Comes with a movable fastening strap.  

 

Highly recommend.  

 

 

[ri702bill 8,327]

18 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

I've been using these:

Too bad their ad shows some kind of greenish tractor wannabee on their nice ramps...!!

[D_Mac 8,619]

I have hauled my fair share or tractors in the back of pick up trucks. Right or wrong I have never removed the tail gate. I have tried both folding ramps and wooden ramps. I prefer using wooden ramps. Reasons are you always seem to pinch your fingers when folding or unfolding the ramps. Second they are short, so if you are not working on a hill it's harder to push them up the ramps as the incline is steeper. Same coming down, harder to control. The hump in the ramps I find makes no difference.  Decks get hung up. Also depending on the metal ramps, some are like ladders. The smaller wheels and tires get hung up between the slots. I use my wooden ramps. They are 8 ft. Next time I'll get 10 ft boards. Yes you do have to be careful when wet. Yes make sure your tailgate can hold it. You have to be very very careful when using either metal or wood ramps. I never ever drive them up or down. If you have any kind of incline you could use to your favor by backing the truck to it... use it. 2 people also makes things safer. 1 can hold the brake pedal by hand while the other is lowering it down the ramps.  Again being very careful when loading and unloading is the key.  My buddy has folding ramps I have wooden . Every time I bring one to his house I use my wooden ramps because I find it easier. As far as storage I don't keep the ramps in my truck. I store them in the garage. Standing them up in a corner when not in use I can argue takes less room the a set of folding ones. You can argue either way on what set wooden or metal are better. Going to boil down to what you are going to be more comfortable using. Be careful and wear shoes... not flip flops !!

[ebinmaine 67,568]

1 hour ago, D_Mac said:

2 people also makes things safer. 1 can hold the brake pedal by hand while the other is lowering it down the ramps.  Again being very careful when loading and unloading is the key. 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, D_Mac said:

. Be careful and wear shoes... not flip flops !!

 

 

 

Not even safety toed flip flops???

[TJ5208 1,824]

I have these for my shop which is a horse trailer they work perfect. They are heavy but they won't break. 

[953 nut 55,290]

Always back the garden tractor up your ramps. If you are going forward and traction is lost and the tires are spinning as the tractor slips down the ramp it will do a backflip once traction is regained. If I am loading into a pick-up bed I try to find a hill I can back up to to reduce the angle of the ramps.

[Thompson1276 256]

Make sure you run ratchet straps to each ramp to the chain hookup on the hitch on the truck sure they don’t slip hook it up near the top of the ramp man stay safe 👍 

[kpinnc 12,082]

I'm not a fan of folding ramps, but that seems to be the most common on the market these days. I have an aluminum set that don't fold, and they are rated for 750lbs. They are very light, and work well. The pic below isn't on a truck bed of course, but they are useful in alot of places. 

 

I drove 200 miles one way to get them several years ago. Now that I know how well they work, I'd drive 1000 miles for a set of these!

 

And I agree wholeheartedly with previous comments: whatever ramp you use, do NOT drive your tractor onto the bed. Walk beside it. Very few of us can bench press 500lbs. A tractor can flip off the ramps faster than you can get off the tractor. 

 

 

Edited August 22, 2022 by kpinnc