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Whether you have a street bike, a dirt bike or an ATV, you have probably had to transport it to another location before riding. When you did, you most likely used a ramp to get it onto a trailer or pickup. An aluminum loading ramp does the job safely and easily, even when you are doing the loading or unloading alone.

Aluminum loading ramps are the ramp of choice by most sportsmen. That’s because they are lightweight, solid and easy to maneuver. But there is a lot more to these ramps.

You probably have thousands invested in your bike or four-wheeler, not to mention your truck. And if you hunt or ride motocross for instance, you are certainly very conscious of properly maintaining your equipment and using it safely.

Safety begins with how you load and unload from your truck or trailer. The ramp you use needs to be capable of holding enough weight. That means that it has to support the weight of the machine, any accessories mounted on it, and the weight of the person who is doing the loading. When you add it all up, it’s pretty evident that a couple of two by fours won’t work.

Once the weight capacity has been calculated, you can choose from the different types of ramps available. A folding ramp can be stored easily and securely. While you are driving, you can place the ramp beside your ATV or motorcycle in the truck bed without having to leave the tailgate down so the ramp will fit.

After you get to the track or trail head, you probably lock up your vehicle while you ride. Folding aluminum ramps will fit in the cab of your truck so there is no danger of them disappearing while you’re not around.

A good overall choice for a ramp is an arched aluminum loading ramp. These ramps are really handy for loading larger quads as well as lawn tractors. Since they can also be folded, they are easy to store.

The preferred kinds of ATV loading ramps are either bi-fold or tri-fold. Be sure the ramp you choose is wide enough for your quad to fit with enough room to spare for you to walk beside it. It’s a good idea to use a ramp with an extender to make the slope less steep if it’s necessary.

The majority of motorcycle loading ramps are a single narrow ramp. But if you decide to opt for a bi-fold or tri-fold aluminum loading ramp, it’s important to be sure that the ramp is able to handle the load safely. This is especially the case when you are loading a heavier motorcycle.

An important consideration, if you are going to be loading or unloading in bad weather, is to choose a ramp with a non skid surface. You don’t want your quad sliding off the edge of the ramp because the surface is slippery. A good choice is a ramp with a textured surface or rubberized coating.

Try to narrow your choices down to ramps that have safety straps and/or an attaching lip.

The safety straps let you secure the ramp to your tailgate so it doesn’t move during loading or unloading. Safety straps can also be used in securing the ramps themselves while you are going from one place to another. Ramps that aren’t secured can cause damage.

Another nice feature is an attaching lip. This is designed to fit snugly against the tailgate to keep the ramp in place. It has a rubber pad so there is no damage to your tailgate. You’ll really like this feature if you are trying to load or unload without help.

When you choose the right aluminum loading ramp, you can load or unload your ATV or motorcycle worry-free and safely.

Folding wheelchair ramps are not the same as a regular aluminum loading ramp. Find out why it’s crucial to choose a ramp that has been specifically built for wheelchairs.

Aug142010

Tags: aluminum loading ramps, ATV loading ramps, automotive, consumer products, dirt bike and ATV racing, loading ramps, motorcycle loading ramps, Motorcycles, quads, ramps, recreation vehicles, recreational activities, sports, transportation

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