Wanted: Ramps getting a bike into a truck

[schleppy]

Before I go out and blow lots of money on new ramps, I was curious if anyone on here was getting rid of any used truck ramps. I'd really like two ramps so I can walk the bike up easily.

Let me know what you have!

Thanks all,

-Sean

[OreoGaborio]

the cheap way other than used would be to grab a couple 12/2's from home depot & get the ramp ends to bolt onto em.

[schleppy]

Any links to the ramp ends so I can see what you mean?

-S

[OreoGaborio]

Loading Ramps

[TurboRush91]

There are a few sites out there that will help you calculate length of the board based on the height of the tailgate.. yes, I realize its basic geometry, but I'd much rather have a computer spit the answer out.

[Punjistick]

I've got wooden ramps and at 12' long they bend pretty good...enough so that you want to put a bucket or some kind of support in the middle. I'm gonna try cutting them down to 8' but my truck is so high it's hard as it is with the 12' ramps. I think I'm just gona fork up the cash to buy some metal ones that fold in half and have the bend in them. Of course if your truck is not that tall then you might not have the same problem that I have.

[KB]

You can go to any MC dealership and ask them to see the old crate pile. Grab a few 6 foot sections or crate material and then go to home depot and get the ramp ends. Cheap steel and funtional.

KB

[Punjistick]

You can go to any MC dealership and ask them to see the old crate pile. Grab a few 6 foot sections or crate material and then go to home depot and get the ramp ends. Cheap steel and funtional.

KB

I'll have to check that out.

Do they bolt together or do you have to weld the pieces. I have oxy/acet as well as an arc welder (but I don't know how to use it).

[a13x]

I have those ramp ends that I've used for the last 3 years with my 2500HD, I don't think many 'stock' trucks are bigger than mine.

Mine are 10' long and true blue sportbikes drag the lower fairing.

[Punjistick]

EX's are the bitch to load. No ground clearance whatsoever, the exhaust gets caught. You at least can't load them alone. You need one person to lift the back of the ramp to make it more level which is why I want curved ramps. I have a 2500HD as well.

[breakdirt916]

I have 2x12x7 pressure treated ramps w' the ramp kit, and I don't think I'd get them again:

-they're too expensive; my total cost was $80: ~$54 for two 2x12x12 pressure treated pieces of wood (that's the only size you can get a 2x12) and ~$26 for the 2x12 ramp end kit
-2x12x12 is too long, so they don't fit in the bed of the truck, and they bend and bounce as you're loading the bike (unsafe); you can reinforce it with L-shaped sheet metal, but why spend more money on it already?
-I cut mine down to 2x12x7 so they'd fit in the bed of the truck, but while they're strong enough and fit in the bed of the truck, they're a little too short making the angle too steep for my tastes. If I slowly push the bike up or down the ramps, under my own strength, the tires will slide with the brake engaged. Tread tape helps, but doesn't make the difference I'm looking for.
-wood is more pliable then aluminum and can damage easily (via. chips) if you're not careful
-the ramps are straight so it's easy to scrape/crack your lower fairings over the top

I can get by just fine, but if I get another truck, I'm also getting folding aluminum ramps that are arched on the top.

[Punjistick]

I have 2x12x7 pressure treated ramps w' the ramp kit, and I don't think I'd get them again:

-they're too expensive; my total cost was $80: ~$54 for two 2x12x12 pressure treated pieces of wood (that's the only size you can get a 2x12) and ~$26 for the 2x12 ramp end kit
-2x12x12 is too long, so they don't fit in the bed of the truck, and they bend and bounce as you're loading the bike (unsafe); you can reinforce it with L-shaped sheet metal, but why spend more money on it already?
-I cut mine down to 2x12x7 so they'd fit in the bed of the truck, but while they're strong enough and fit in the bed of the truck, they're a little too short making the angle too steep for my tastes. If I slowly push the bike up or down the ramps, under my own strength, the tires will slide with the brake engaged. Tread tape helps, but doesn't make the difference I'm looking for.
-wood is more pliable then aluminum and can damage easily (via. chips) if you're not careful
-the ramps are straight so it's easy to scrape/crack your lower fairings over the top

I can get by just fine, but if I get another truck, I'm also getting folding aluminum ramps that are arched on the top.

Exactly!

[TurboRush91]

I have 2x12x7 pressure treated ramps w' the ramp kit, and I don't think I'd get them again:

-they're too expensive; my total cost was $80: ~$54 for two 2x12x12 pressure treated pieces of wood (that's the only size you can get a 2x12) and ~$26 for the 2x12 ramp end kit
-2x12x12 is too long, so they don't fit in the bed of the truck, and they bend and bounce as you're loading the bike (unsafe); you can reinforce it with L-shaped sheet metal, but why spend more money on it already?
-I cut mine down to 2x12x7 so they'd fit in the bed of the truck, but while they're strong enough and fit in the bed of the truck, they're a little too short making the angle too steep for my tastes. If I slowly push the bike up or down the ramps, under my own strength, the tires will slide with the brake engaged. Tread tape helps, but doesn't make the difference I'm looking for.
-wood is more pliable then aluminum and can damage easily (via. chips) if you're not careful
-the ramps are straight so it's easy to scrape/crack your lower fairings over the top

I can get by just fine, but if I get another truck, I'm also getting folding aluminum ramps that are arched on the top.

That about settles it... haha, I needed ramps last year and thought this was the solution but ended up shying away, now I remeber why.

[Awesome]

The arched ramps make a world of difference for clearance. That thing that doubles as a ramp and a bed cage is really nice too. If i could find a decent price on one of those I'd sell my two arched ramps. If you do the wood thing you might want a little sandpaper/griptape. I never liked that setup personally.

[nt650hawk]

Craftsman 24659 Loading Ramps at Sears.com

Aluminum Folding Ramps — 1500-Lb. Capacity |Ramps | Northern Tool + Equipment

Sears loading ramps. They are arched so you don't have the issue of bottoming out and they fold in half. You get 2 ramps for the cost of one if you compare to other ramp companies. You will need 2 if you plan on doing this by yourself. It is much easier.

[schleppy]

Thoughts on this setup:
Craftsman 24649 Loading Ramps at Sears.com

[nt650hawk]

There are 2 options here.
1. Aluminum= lighter weight / not rust / 750# capacity / cost a tad more
2. Metal=1000# capacity / heavier / rust down the road / cost less

I have the Aluminum version and have never had a problem. I value the light weight of the Alu. There is still a little weight. My tailgate measures around 36'' off the ground and I have no issues getting the bikes up by myself. I’m a big boy now.