Truck Ramps

Truck ramps help you load equipment into a pickup bed so you can tackle chores around the farm, haul gear to a jobsite or head out for a day on the trails. Whether you’re moving an ATV, a riding mower or other wheeled equipment, choosing pickup truck ramps starts with checking the load rating, ramp dimensions and fit for your truck. Compare the manufacturer’s rated capacity with the total load the ramps will support, and check whether that rating applies to a single ramp or a pair. Ramp width and spacing should suit the equipment’s tire width and wheel track, while ramp length needs to work with your truck’s bed height and the recommended loading angle. A longer ramp can reduce the incline at a given bed height, but you’ll still need to confirm clearance so low-hanging mower decks and equipment frames don’t catch at the top. Check both your truck owner’s manual and the ramp instructions for tailgate restrictions and loading limits before settling on a setup. Safe loading takes more than picking truck loading ramps with enough capacity. Park on firm, level ground, set the truck’s parking brake and secure each ramp to the truck with the attachment method specified by the ramp manufacturer. Check that the upper ends sit properly against the loading surface and that the lower ends have solid footing without rocks, mud or other obstacles underneath. Before each trip, inspect your pickup loading ramps for cracks, bent sections, loose hardware and slippery buildup, and follow the equipment manufacturer’s directions for loading and unloading. Don’t assume a ramp is safe to walk on or ride equipment over unless its instructions specifically allow it. Leave plenty of room to approach straight on, keep bystanders clear and avoid sudden acceleration or braking on the incline. Once the equipment is in the truck bed, secure it with properly rated tie-downs at approved attachment points, then stow and secure the ramps so they can’t shift on the road. Matching your truck ramps to the load and following a steady loading routine helps keep the work moving from the barnyard to the next job.