ramps: can I use a wood board?

[SwiftTone]

I'm looking for a RC51 and having a hard time finding one in MA. So my search has widened to places that are hundreds of miles away. I don't think it's a good idea to ride a bike back that far so I am thinking of renting a pickup to pick the bikes up. Now I need a ramp if I were to use a pickup truck.

I was looking at ramps and they cost $100+ for something that I will probably use once, and will have trouble storing. So I am thinking of just buying a plank of wood to substitute. Is this a bad idea? If not, what type of wood should I be looking for at Home Depot and what length should it be cut down to?

Or is there anywhere I can rent ramps for cheap.

Thanks in advance.

[close2reality]

2x12...done.

[OreoGaborio]

Yup. 8 foot pressure treated 2"x10" or 12" and somethin like this
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1
or
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1


If you really need a write up I just stumbled upon this
http://www.lowes.com/cd_Build+a+Lawn...amp_494455800_

[jasnmar]

I'd be much happier with something like http://www.discountramps.com/bike-ramp.htm than a piece of dimensional lumber.

Dimensional lumber might work, but length will be your enemy here. The longer the span you need to deal with the worse off you will be.

Manufacturers don't generally even list strength data for the "short" dimension, as it isn't intended to be used that way.

If you're picking it up in NH come borrow my 6' aluminum ramp.

[jasnmar]

Yup. Pressure treated 2"x10 or 12"x8' and somethin like this
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1
or
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1


If you really need a write up I just stumbled upon this
http://www.lowes.com/cd_Build+a+Lawn...amp_494455800_

Why spend the money on PT? It's no stronger. If you're going to use it as your forever ramp, OK, but for a 1 time deal just use the regular. In many cases the non PT will actually be a bit stronger, as most of the PT is Southern yellow. At least with the non PT you have a chance of getting Doug fir.

[Evadd]

You could also ask to borrow a ramp from someone local to you; I'm sure there will be volunteers. I'd loan you mine, but they're too short for a pickup's bed height. Another option is to rent a truck/trailer from UHaul. It'll come with everything needed to get the bike on the trailer.

[#1 masshole]

yeah man I was just gonna say I'm in Burlington so you can't be too far from me. I have two aluminum bike ramps about 12"s wide that'd work even if you go alone. Any idea when you need them?

[Garandman]

For a long time I used some 2x8's with aluminum ramp ends.

Bought a pair of folding aluminum ramps at Tractor Supply and they get used a lot more than you'd expect - moving snowthrowers, bikes, others borrow them, etc.

Think they were $80. HF has something similar.

[AVI8_636]

Do you have anything with a tow hitch? I use Uhaul trailers when I go to the track. $14.95/day and it has a built in chock and a ramp, can't beat it especially if it's just a one time thing.

[stoinkythepig]

If you opt for wood, get douglas fir, it's much stronger than spruce.

[gregp]

If you do end up using lumber, be very careful if it gets wet. Also, do not attempt to ride the bike up the ramp. The rear tire can spin and kick the ramp out just enough that it falls. Use 2 people to load/unload the bike. Have the tie downs already in place, one end attached to the truck hold down points and ready to attach to the bike (with soft-ties if possible). One person holds the bars, and pushes/walks along side the bike, and is responsible for side to side stability (this person should always keep the bike leaning slightly toward him. The bike should *never* lean away from him). The other person should turn the rear tire by hand, and is responsible for forward/backward motion. Each can/should help with the other's responsibilities, if possible.
If the truck is tall, it is sometimes good to have 2 ramps, to enable you to walk up along side the bike. At the very least, a well positioned step stool (bucket, milk crate, etc.) may be required. That one big step can be difficult when you are trying to balance 400 lbs.
Many of us here have seen this simple process go horribly wrong. I know I have.

[dontpanic]

I've always used 2x8 lumber, with jack stands at the one-third and two-thirds points. I'd place them to be about 1/4 inch from touching the underside of the plank, so they'd provide support as it sagged while still allowing the end points to bear weight (and not slip out of place - oops - boom - crash).

[Garandman]

I've always used 2x8 lumber, with jack stands at the one-third and two-thirds points. I'd place them to be about 1/4 inch from touching the underside of the plank, so they'd provide support as it sagged while still allowing the end points to bear weight (and not slip out of place - oops - boom - crash).

When I used a 2x8, I attached a 2x3 underneath it with some long drywall screws. This stiffened it enough there was no deflection.

I don't regret buying better ramps, loading your $n,nnn bike with poor ramps is heart-stopping.

[jeantarrou]

Do you have anything with a tow hitch? I use Uhaul trailers when I go to the track. $14.95/day and it has a built in chock and a ramp, can't beat it especially if it's just a one time thing.

+1

Unlimited mileage too, which I guess shouldn't be too surprising...

[SwiftTone]

yeah man I was just gonna say I'm in Burlington so you can't be too far from me. I have two aluminum bike ramps about 12"s wide that'd work even if you go alone. Any idea when you need them?

Thanks man. I might take up that offer when the time comes. I'm looking to try to pick up a bike the week of 8/12. Is this something that would work for you?


I wish I had a tow hitch or I'd rent a trailer from uhaul definitly

[#1 masshole]

yeah man just pm me when the time comes. I have them now.

[Rosco61]

see here


http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...inum-ramp.html

That solves one part of the puzzle maybe.

[Point37]

When I used a 2x8, I attached a 2x3 underneath it with some long drywall screws. This stiffened it enough there was no deflection.

i've done the same with 2-2x12s and nailed small treads on it...didn't flex

[SwiftTone]

Thanks for the input guys. Ended up buying a bike in RI so I'm just going to ride it back! Hoping to get it Wednesday !

[maxim_X]

For 15$ a day for the trailer, it's probably cheaper than buying wood for a ramp. If your going to rent a truck anyway why not get the trailer? Or you could rent a small moving van with a ramp built in for a similar price of the truck.